The Eurocopter España training center has already held its first classes. While awaiting the TRTO(1) certification to be issued by the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority, Eurocopter España has organized several different training courses in order to widen the range of services it offers its customers.

The first training that was organized exclusively by Eurocopter España was held at its facilities in Cuatro Vientos, near Madrid, from 5 September to 7 October 2005. The courses were attended by a group of mechanics from the Spanish Air Forces (the VIP squadron).

The mechanics received training on the AS332 Super Puma and the AS532 Cougar. The comprehensive courses mainly covered the aircraft systems. Last November, two pilots and flight engineers from the same squadron also received training to perform flight tests. What's more, Eurocopter España also created an instruction manual for the flight tests, which was approved by the Eurocopter unit responsible for customer training.

The manual is to be used for the next training sessions. In 2006, Eurocopter España will be holding training sessions for the certification of pilots and mechanics on the EC135. This initiative is based on the selection of the EC135 by the Spanish Interior Ministry.