Mission-Ready Training
Helinet’s External Load Training Program is an immersive, hands-on course designed for professional pilots looking to develop or refine their long line and vertical reference skillset. Built on years of operational experience and guided by FAA-approved training standards, the program blends targeted classroom instruction with practical flight time in a challenging yet controlled environment. With agencies like LAPD among our clients, the curriculum is adaptable to meet the specific mission requirements, safety protocols, and operational tempo of each organization. Training takes place at proven locations that offering the ideal backdrop for building precision, confidence, and mission-ready capability.
Each pilot receives 10 hours of dedicated flight time in Helinet’s AS350 B3 helicopter, fully configured for external load operations. Training includes one day of classroom training and four days of flight training, providing the time for skill development, repetition, and real-time instruction in a mission-focused environment.
Our classroom training draws from Helinet’s FAA-approved Part 133 syllabus and is customized to align with the mission profiles of each agency we serve. For clients like LAPD, the curriculum emphasizes precision vertical reference flying, load coordination, and operational best practices. The instruction is clear, focused, and directly applicable to the real-world scenarios pilots will face in the field.
Safety is the foundation of every flight. Each training session follows strict protocols, including mandatory flight following with dispatch, status check-ins every 30 minutes, and a clearly defined emergency response plan reviewed in daily tailboard briefings. The aircraft is equipped with essential safety gear and the training site ensures reliable cell coverage for immediate communication. Our crews are trained to respond quickly and effectively to any situation — reinforcing a culture of preparedness throughout the program
For training, our AS350 B3 is reconfigured to mirror real-world external load missions. Both front doors are removed, rear seats and cushions are cleared, and all loose items are secured to ensure a safe and efficient training environment. Students operate with a 150-foot synthetic long line and hook, engaging with real loads under carefully controlled conditions.
Training in Action
Get a closer look at what makes Helinet’s External Load Training Program unique — from our experienced instructors and proven training environment to the hands-on techniques taught in the field. This program is built for professionals who need real-world skill development in a controlled and operationally relevant setting.
