“After obtaining a permit to purchase four helicopters for training purposes, Iranian Helicopter Company [IHC] has launched its first pilot training program in the country,” Director Alireza Jahangirian was quoted as saying by the Mehr News Agency.
Jahangirian added that the pilots will first have to go through aviation training courses abroad, while the Iranian pilot training center will issue certificates approved by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO).
About 20 applicants have enrolled for the first training program after going through various examinations to determine their suitability.
The director said he hoped for further projects aimed at expanding the country’s air fleet including aircraft, helicopters and high technology parts, as reported by Mehr.
Iran’s Aerospatiale Industries Organization (AIO) announced earlier this week that heavy and semi-heavy helicopters, drones and a general aviation overhaul were among the objectives of the country’s aviation industry. This came after Iran's recent 6-day military exercise in the southern part of the country where various unmanned aircraft were tested.