CHC Helicopter today announced it has successfully completed a trial collaboration with Priority 1 Air Rescue to deliver ground-breaking Virtual Reality (‘VR’) training for its Search and Rescue (‘SAR’) technical crew members. The trial involved winch operators from CHC’s operations in Ireland.

With the trial successfully completed, CHC will roll out Priority 1’s VR training for all new Winch Operators – starting in Ireland, with a view to it being adopted in other markets worldwide. The investment demonstrates CHC’s dedication to delivering industry-leading safety standards.

(Above and below) Advanced Aircrew Mission Simulators (AAMS) are perfect for realistic Search and Rescue training, particularly for events that can't be practised in reality

Adopting next-generation VR simulations for training enables CHC’s technical crew members to prepare and practice emergency procedures for a variety of challenging SAR events in a safe, controlled and realistic environment, including procedures that couldn’t be practised in a live aircraft. This innovative method is the first to be accepted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (‘EASA’) and Irish Aviation Authority (‘IAA’), representing a unique development in the provision of safe, effective and reliable helicopter services globally.

Guided by third-party experts at Priority 1’s state-of-the-art training facility, CHC’s technical crews can perform and redo winch operation procedures in mock cabins and a range of weather conditions until perfected. They can also practice for emerging sectors in a realistic way, such as supporting Offshore Wind platforms.