November 24, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: David Allen, Airport Manager, at 234-6154

HELICOPTER FLIGHT SCHOOL COMES TO POCATELLO REGIONAL

Company to Offer Career Training as Commercial Helicopter Pilot

A helicopter flight training company that offers students a fast-track to the exciting world of a commercial helicopter pilot has established a new school at Pocatello Regional Airport and will be operational by the first of the year. The company currently has two locations in Utah and one in Idaho Falls.

Utah Helicopter, of Spanish Fork, Utah, will begin helicopter flight training operations in January, 2009. “We’re very excited that Utah Helicopter is coming to Pocatello,” said Airport Manager David Allen. “Their presence will enhance both the aviation and the economic development aspects of the airport.” Allen said the most notable impacts will be a significant increase in air traffic activity counts and fuel sales.

The company plans to start with one Robinson R-22 helicopter, eventually adding a second R-22 and a larger R-44 helicopter used for instrument training. Five students are already signed up, and Allen said the company expects to have 20 students by the end of their first year. “Utah Helicopters promotes a Career Pilot Program that is designed to quickly train students to become commercial helicopter pilots. There is a shortage of helicopter pilots already and more applications for helicopter operations are being developed. Utah Helicopter fills a valuable aviation niche by providing the market with new career pilots.”

Utah Helicopters plans to offer seminars about the program starting in December and to have a grand opening January 5, 2009. Their offices will be located at 1503A Flightline Avenue, just west of the passenger terminal. For more information, contact the Utah Helicopter main office in Spanish Fork at 801-794-2470.

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