Marianna, FL - February 28, 2025 - Crew Training International (CTI) in partnership with Helicopter Institute, collectively known as Team CTI, has been awarded the U.S. Army FAA Part 141 Helicopter Flight School Pilot Program, marking a historic first for U.S. Army aviation training. This groundbreaking initiative, led by the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), represents a transformative shift in the way the Army trains rotary-wing aviators.
The program, based in Marianna, Florida, will utilize the TH-66 Sage helicopter, a military training variant of the highly successful Robinson R-66 Turbine. Training will follow a Civilian FAA Part 141 curriculum, providing students with Private Pilot, Rotorcraft Helicopter, and Instrument Helicopter certifications before advancing to formal military helicopter training. By integrating civilian flight training into the Army’s aviation pipeline, the program aims to increase efficiency, enhance foundational skills, and optimize training resources.
Helicopter Institute brings proven expertise and operational excellence to this program, having successfully executed a similar training model for the U.S. Navy’s Contractor Operated Pilot Training - Rotary (COPT-R) program. This Navy initiative has set a new benchmark for quality and efficiency in military aviation training, and Helicopter Institute is poised to deliver the same superior results for the U.S. Army.
“We are honored to team with CTI and be part of this historic effort to modernize Army aviation training,” said Randy Rowles, President of Helicopter Institute. “Our success with the Navy’s COPT-R program has proven the value of integrating civilian FAA-certified training into military flight education. This program will not only enhance the quality of Army rotary-wing pilot training but also optimize resources and ensure a seamless transition into military helicopter operations.”
CTI is synonymous with flight training, delivering exceptional, cutting-edge academic, simulator, and live flight training to the DoD and civilians for over 30 years. “Team CTI is committed to supporting the Army’s vision for the future of rotary-wing training,” said Matthew Black, President and CEO of Crew Training International. “Our combined experience, innovative training methodologies, and commitment to excellence will provide the next generation of Army aviators with the skills and foundation they need to succeed.”
“Robinson Helicopter Company, designed and manufactured in America, is honored to provide the U.S. Army with the R66. Our record of training the most civilian helicopter pilots in history reflects our commitment to American ingenuity," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. "Working together with TeamCTI, we're committed to delivering high operational availability, low operating costs, and the absolute safest training performance for our nation's most critical missions.
As the Army embarks on this pioneering training initiative, Helicopter Institute remains dedicated to delivering exceptional instruction, operational excellence, and mission success. This program represents a historic milestone in military aviation training, ensuring that tomorrow’s Army aviators are trained with cutting-edge methods and world-class expertise.
About Helicopter Institute: Helicopter Institute is a premier provider of advanced helicopter training, offering industry-leading pilot education programs for military, government, and civilian sectors. With a strong focus on safety, innovation, and operational excellence, Helicopter Institute has become a trusted partner in aviation training solutions.
About Crew Training International: Crew Training International is a recognized leader in training solutions for military and commercial aviation. Specializing in customized training programs that enhance operational effectiveness, CTI leverages cutting-edge technology and human performance research to prepare pilots and crews for mission success.
About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel-cell tanks, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.
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