Bell 412 pilot training to cost €190,000: Pilots will learn how to respond to emergencies

The Ministry of Defence has planned training in 2026 for pilots of the Bell 412 helicopters operated by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, through several programmes covering emergency procedures, instrument flight, PBN (Performance-Based Navigation) training, obtaining a type rating for the aircraft, as well as the training of flight instructors and test pilots.

According to data from the public procurement procedure published on the website of the Montenegrin Electronic Public Procurement Portal, €190,000, excluding VAT, has been earmarked for this purpose in 2026. The training is being carried out under a previously concluded framework agreement from 2025, whose total value is €826,446.28.

The planned training covers several categories. The largest group, consisting of seven pilots, will undergo a programme for practising emergency procedures in the event of failures, as well as procedures for flying under instrument conditions. The programme includes two hours of emergency procedures under visual flight conditions, one hour of instrument flight procedures, one hour of instrument flight in accordance with PBN procedures, two hours of emergency procedures under instrument flight conditions, one hour of emergency procedures in CAT A operations and from platforms, one hour of emergency procedures during firefighting operations, and another two hours of practising procedures according to the individual qualifications and needs of the pilots. The training will be conducted on a B412 FTD/FFS simulator/training device.

A programme has been planned for three pilots which, in addition to emergency procedures training, includes refresher training in instrument flight procedures and specialised PBN training. It includes 10 instructional hours of applied theory for instrument flight refresher training, four days of theoretical instruction in Podgorica, as well as four hours of flight training on the B412 FTD/FFS for PBN.

For both of these programmes, it is stipulated that the training is to be conducted in groups, with each pilot required to complete a total of 20 flight hours - 10 hours from the right-hand seat and 10 hours from the left-hand seat.

The plan also includes initial training for one pilot to operate the Bell 412 helicopter type („Initial Type Rating B412“). The theoretical instruction must last at least as long as stipulated by the programme approved in accordance with EASA standards, while the practical training is to comprise at least 12 flight hours, of which at least six hours must be completed on a Bell 412 helicopter.

Another two pilots are scheduled to attend a test-pilot course, namely the „Maintenance Check Flight Pilot Course“. The programme includes 10 instructional hours of applied theory and four hours of practical training on a Bell 412 helicopter.

Two more pilots are expected to undergo training as multi-crew flight instructors. The programme includes 10 instructional hours of applied theory, 10 hours of flight training on the B412 FTD/FFS, and two hours of competency assessment on a Bell 412 helicopter. According to the specifications, this training is also to be conducted in accordance with EASA standards and the approved training manual.

The tender is open until 3 September, when the submitted bids will also be opened.