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Welcome to The Helicopter Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In this episode, host Halsey Schider engages in a compelling discussion with Phil Haupt, European representative for Hillsboro Heli Academy (HHA), and Sascha Richter from ADAC Luftrettung, Germany’s leading air medical helicopter operator. The conversation centers on the innovative pathway program established between HHA and ADAC, designed to provide German-speaking Europeans with a streamlined route to a career in helicopter aviation.

Phil and Sascha delve into the specifics of this partnership, highlighting how students can train at HHA’s Troutdale, Oregon, campus to obtain both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications. This dual-certification approach positions HHA as a comprehensive training solution for European students, eliminating the need for separate training programs across different continents.

The discussion also explores the benefits of the F-1 visa program, which allows students to work in the U.S. for up to 23 months post-training, enabling them to accumulate the flight hours required by European employers. This aspect of the program offers significant time and cost savings, as students can gain practical experience without the need for additional training upon returning to Europe.

Sascha provides insights into ADAC’s operations and the organization’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for emergency medical service pilots in Germany. He emphasizes the importance of well-trained pilots and how the partnership with HHA plays a crucial role in meeting this need.

Tune in to this informative episode to learn more about the collaborative efforts between HHA and ADAC, and how they are paving the way for aspiring European helicopter pilots to achieve their career goals through comprehensive training and strategic partnerships.

Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopters, Hillsboro Heli Academy and Sellacopter