French helicopter pilot training provider Héli-Union Training Center (HUTC) is introducing a new training programme, the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL(H)), which will commence in April 2019. It will be performed entirely in English and is aimed at opening the door to a broader and larger international audience.

The training programme is a part of a business strategy of internationalisation implemented by HUTC director Hervé Maugis. He believes that in an age of globalisation, it is necessary to offer a CPL(H) training programme in English not only to attract pilots from outside France, but also to give the opportunity for young native pilots to go abroad after taking the programme.

It sits alongside other English training programmes that HUTC has already offered over the last few years, such as type ratings and performance based navigation (PBN). HUTC currently offers training in English and French, and regularly consults with the French civil aviation authority so as to ensure consistency of content.

HUTC's instructors can train both professional pilots who are looking for refresher training programmes to maintain their qualifications, and people with no piloting background but who want to become professional pilots.

The Angouleme-based company has three Cabri Guimbal G2 single engine helicopter types, an AS365N3 FFS/FTD and a H135 T2+ FTD, and benefits from the low levels of local aeronautical traffic and a fully IR-equipped airport with 2D and 3D approaches, including NDB, ILS and GNSS.