DCI-AIRCO, in partnership with the French Air Force, has proposed fighter pilot training since 2008. From the theoretical phase to fighter specialty these various training phases take place on French Air Force bases (Salon de Provence, Cognac, Tours and Cazaux). For 5 years, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) has entrusted DCI with the training of its pilots. After the satisfactory training of the first 4 cadets, Qatar has sent two further batches to France that are under training.
DCI is also deeply involved in the field of «helicopters». Our services, which generally use means and personnel provided by the French Armed Forces, are labelled by the French Ministry of Defense and integrate the French know-how.
Therefore, DCI proposes initial training for military pilots which goes far beyond the training of a civilian helicopter pilot. This training is ensured at the ALAT pilot training school in Dax, or in the customer country. DCI, via its subsidiary Hélidax, is an important partner for the Dax school. Hélidax supplies flight hours required for the basic training of pilots from the Armed Forces (land, sea and air), Gendarmerie Nationale and other foreign pilots (Belgians).
In August 2011, DCI-COFRAS was entrusted by the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) to design and operate an academy for its helicopter pilots in Doha. Ground training for the first batch ended late 2012 for the first batch and flying training is currently underway. “Air Academy” is the result of a partnership with QEAF.
More recently, 6 pilots from Niger were trained by DCI-COFRAS in France and Niger within the frame of ab initio training. The government of Niger has decided to extend the project in 2013 with the training of additional aircrews.
DCI was created in 1972 to assist military equipment sales to foreign countries. Its main mission consisted of providing operational training courses based on the know-how of the French Armed Forces. DCI is an upper medium size service provider in which the French government is the concurring shareholder. DCI now operates throughout the defense and security spectrum. Culturally close to the Ministry of Defense, DCI offers outsourcing services to foreign countries, for:
- Consulting and assistance throughout the life cycle of armament programs
- Training engineering in the academic, operational and technical fields
DCI and its subsidiaries have been partners of the French Armed Forces for 10 years within the scope of service contracts and are endeavouring to extend their activities to European Union countries.
