March 4, 2015

The Helicopter Flight Training Center (HFTC) in Shreveport, Louisiana is growing at a steady pace.  Already home to a FlightSafety AS350 Level 7 Flight Training Device and an EC135 Level D Full Motion Simulator, the center will add a Frasca Bell 407/GX Flight Training Device this summer.

Simulators are great tools for aviators, and allow pilots to practice scenarios and maneuvers that cannot be safely replicated in an actual aircraft.  Most operators receive 80 to 90 percent training credit in the center’s Level 7 Flight Training Device.  With the latest addition of an AS350 helicopter, customers can now complete all of their training in one place.

“We are excited to have an AS350 helicopter to support our customers’ training programs,” said Helicopter Flight Training Center Director Terry Palmer.  “We are quickly becoming a one-stop shop for the industry’s training needs.”

Helicopters, Inc., a leading provider of helicopters for electronic news gathering (ENG), leased the AS350 to the training center for customers to complement their training program.  Helicopters, Inc. is using both the flight training device and the aircraft to provide their pilots with a complete training package, and that same option is available for other HFTC customers.

Stay Updated with Metro

Metro Gulf UNVEILS Advanced Mission Console

Metro Gulf UNVEILS Advanced Mission Console

Metro Gulf Unveils Advanced Mission Console  JULY 18, 2025 Metro Gulf, a recognized leader in aircraft completions and aviation solutions, proudly announces the launch of its new Fixed-Wing Special Mission Console, purpose-built to support a wide range of special...

Metro Aviation Announces New OCC Manager

Metro Aviation Announces New OCC Manager

Metro ANNOUNCES NEW OCC MANAGER  JULY 16, 2025 Metro Aviation is proud to announce the promotion of Chad Laviolette to Operational Control Center Manager. Chad joined Metro Aviation two years ago as an Operational Control Center Specialist and has quickly proven...

Download Brochure

Metro Aviation is constantly growing our capabilities and expanding our reach. Metro holds more than 30 Supplemental type Certificates (STC) and completes about 35 aircraft each year for U.S. customers anf global clients.