29 November 2016
Helicopter students working towards qualification as Search and Rescue (SAR) pilots will start training for their night flying qualification this week at Old Sarum Airfield.
Night flying is a crucial part of their three-year long training. Night landing aids and obstacle lighting will be used. Work is underway to enable night flying by fixed-wing pilots in 2017.
Airfield manager, Angus Beal, said, “We are delighted to be able to facilitate night flying at Old Sarum. We are keen to ensure the future of the Airfield and this is a major step forward. We are working tirelessly to achieve the volume of flying that will ensure the viability of the Airfield into our next 100 years.”
The helicopter students are on an internship programme with Vantage Aviation, based at the Airfield. Vantage Aviation provides training for EASA and FAA private and commercial licences, and also offers specialist helicopter training. The company’s instructors are all experienced ex-military.
Director of Vantage Aviation, James Newton DFC, said, “Our overseas partners recognise the unique skill sets that Vantage Aviation has in the delivery of a complex and demanding contract like this – and that the EASA qualifications are the best in the world. We are pleased to be working with the managers and staff at Old Sarum to help provide this training.”
