New Facility Includes Two FTDs, Classrooms

Era Training Center LLC announced Monday the grand opening of its new 7,694 square-foot facility located in Lake Charles, LA, near Era Helicopters' headquarters.

The Training Center features two new state-of-the-art flight-training devices (AS350B2 and EC135 CPDS P2+), cutting-edge classrooms, custom briefing areas and administrative offices. The Era Training Center will be used by several hundred professionals from Louisiana and around the world annually and will offer a diverse array of training programs for corporate aircraft owners, medical flight services, airborne law enforcement personnel and other rotorcraft professionals.

Era Training Center’s wide range of courses will test and hone the skills of helicopter pilots to specific aircraft and missions. Real-time training using Era’s diverse fleet of light, medium and heavy aircraft can also be incorporated into a program of instruction.

The Training Center’s Grand Opening coincides with Era Helicopter’s 60th Anniversary in 2008.

"We are proud to be an integral part of the Lake Charles community and look forward to serving professionals from the State of Louisiana and those around the world," said Paul White, Director of the Era Training Center. "We are committed to setting a benchmark for helicopter training that will draw upon Era Helicopters’ more than 60 years’ experience and history of exacting safety standards."

In August 2008, Era Helicopters received of a $2.1 million RRF (Rapid Response Fund) Grant from Louisiana Economic Development (LED), for the purpose of providing a state-of-the-art training facility in proximity to its operations base on the Lake Charles Airport property.

"One of our primary goals at LED is to work with Louisiana businesses to help them compete across the globe," said LED Undersecretary Fran Gladden. "Era Helicopters’ expansion is an example of corporate, regional and state cooperation to enable this business to thrive here in Lake Charles. This new training facility and enhanced corporate headquarters will cement Era’s position as a premier offshore flight service and helicopter training organization for Louisiana professionals and others from around the world."

Located at Lake Charles Regional Airport, Era Training Center offers a diverse array of training programs for corporate aircraft operators, medical flight services, airborne law-enforcement personnel and other rotorcraft professionals. At the heart of the 7,694 square-foot facility are two new state-of-the-art helicopter flight-training devices, cutting-edge classrooms, custom briefing areas and administrative offices. Era Training Center is committed to service and safety excellence in every aspect of its operations.

FMI: www.eratrainingcenter.com