Filling the Gaps in Helicopter Maintenance Training

Preserving critical helicopter maintenance knowledge and industry best practices through specialized, hands-on training delivered by seasoned experts with decades of experience. We currently offer mechanic/technician Inspection Essentials training courses on Airbus AS350 AStar and EC130 models, plus track and balance courses covering a variety of T&B tools (MicroVib, RADS, Chadwick, etc.). We're also currently developing an Electronics Troubleshooting course geared toward the AS350 and EC130 platforms, and an EC135 Inspection Essentials course.

Piranha Training can also work with your seasoned helicopter maintenance professionals to develop custom courses designed to deliver the specific training your mechanics / technicians need to do their jobs effectively.

Bridging the Expertise Gap

The helicopter maintenance industry faces a critical challenge: experienced mechanics and technicians are retiring faster than they can be replaced, leaving a significant knowledge gap. Young mechanic technicians now lack the mentorship that shaped previous generations.

Factory training and manuals, while valuable, simply don't capture the nuanced expertise, best practices, and specialized techniques developed over decades of hands-on experience.

Our customizable courses bring this expertise to you. Seasoned instructors with more than 20 years of experience on specific airframes (AS350, EC130, etc.) journey to your base of operations to train your helicopter mechanic technicians on your helicopter.

Inspection Essentials Courses

Each three-day Inspection Essentials course provides maintenance technicians with airframe-specific inspection requirements, techniques, and troubleshooting information using a combination of instructor-led classroom sessions, hands-on training aids, and aircraft walkarounds/demonstrations.

Our AS350 / EC130 Inspection Essentials courses cover:

  • Manufacturer and FAA AD-required airframe inspections from daily through
    150-hour inspections. Company AAIP items can also be added.
  • Basic electric troubleshooting using multimeters plus AS350 / EC130-specific Master Electrical box and Starter Generator troubleshooting
  • Main and tail rotor inspections including blades, gearboxes, driveshafts, STARFLEX, pitch change links, etc. (Fenestron-specific inspection on the EC130)
  • Hands-on installation of magnetic seals on the tail rotor gearbox
  • Company-specific training requests as applicable

Optional Add-on Training:

— Track and Balance (8 hours)

— VEMD (4 hours)

— Expanded electrical troubleshooting (8 hours)

Target Audience:

  • Line mechanics new to the airframe
  • Operators purchasing a specific aircraft model for the first time
  • Mechanics with less than five years experience solely responsible for a particular aircraft

Track and Balance Training

Our two-day AS350 Track and Balancing Techniques course begins with T&B theory, including why blade tracking is important, when to perform T&B, how T&B affects helicopter vibration, how various components affect T&B, and the overall T&B procedure. Then specific T&B procedures for the AS350 are discussed, including how to use polar charts, adjusting pitch links and trim tabs, and using various T&B equipment. Then students get hands on practice on a track and balance simulator. Finally, students try out their new knowledge tracking tail rotor blades on an AS350.

We also offer a one-day T&B add-on to the AS350 and EC130 Inspection Essentials courses.

T&B systems covered:

  • MicroVib
  • Chadwick
  • RADS

The AS350 Track and Balancing Techniques course is held periodically in Las Vegas. Each course date can host up to 20 students who can sign up individually using the booking link below. Course price is $950 per student.

Airframe-Specific Training That Makes a Difference

Targeted Expertise

Focused training for young technicians working solo and mechanics unfamiliar with specific airframes. Each course is led by maintenance professionals with 20+ years of experience on your exact aircraft model. Currently focused on Airbus AS350, EC130 and EC135 models.

Practical Knowledge

Learn critical skills not found in manuals: efficient daily inspections, identifying common issues early, electrical troubleshooting fundamentals, proper bearing wear assessment, installing magnetic seals, and more.

On-Site Convenience

We bring our experts directly to your facility, allowing hands-on training with your specific aircraft and addressing questions relevant to your unique operational challenges. We will also customize the course to a specific helicopter serial number, cover equipment installed on that aircraft, and address specific training needs requested by your company.

Customized Familiarization Experiences

Industry Professionals

Specialized programs for managers, engineers, purchasing agents, and other aviation professionals who need fundamental maintenance knowledge to excel in their roles.

Immersive Experiences

One-day immersive experiences at manufacturing facilities or repair stations, featuring guided tours, tailored presentations, and hands-on opportunities with actual aircraft and components.

Inquire About Training

Ready to elevate your helicopter maintenance expertise? Contact us today to discuss customized training solutions for your specific AS350 AStar or EC130 aircraft and operational needs. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect course for your technicians or staff.

Connect Direct

Have a different question or issue? Feel free to call or email Kim directly.

Kim Rosenlof

Senior Instructional Designer

1-843-536-4412 x4

1411 Airport Road Suite 100
Boulder City, NV 89005

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