Market Intelligence: Europe

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Dr. Michael Mayrhofer – CEO at RotorSky – a leading helicopter pilot training organization, boasting over 20 years of experience and multiple operating bases – across Austria, Germany, and in the USA.

The conversation covers:

• Training organisation overview: RotorSky is headquartered in Linz (Austria) and operating across Austria, Germany, Norway, and the USA. Originally founded as a local flight school, it has grown into an internationally recognized Approved Training Organisation (ATO) offering both basic licensing (PPL, CPL) and advanced recurrent and type-rating programmes, primarily on Airbus and Leonardo helicopters. Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Mayrhofer, RotorSky has expanded its reach globally, combining traditional training with cutting-edge simulator technology developments.
• Innovation & Training Technology: RotorSky recently achieved a global milestone with the world’s first EASA-qualified Night Vision Imaging System-capable FTD. This cost-effective, three-step training approach integrates projection and VR to realistically simulate NVG operations, enabling pilots to train for diverse scenarios—such as offshore and emergency missions—more safely and affordably than in real helicopters.
• Global Programs & Partnerships: Rotorsky’s global operations span Austria, the US, Norway, and a few other countires, with RotorSky managing simulators and overseeing instructor qualification, examinations, and training standards. While rooted in helicopter training, RotorSky also offers fixed-wing programmes in partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy (USA). Their “Global Access” model enables pilots to earn both FAA and EASA licences, creating worldwide employability.
• Industry Outlook & Challenges: Michael notes a worldwide shortage of experienced pilots, with demand particularly strong in Brazil, the US, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
• RotorSky’s Value Proposition: The company prides itself on a customer-oriented approach, high safety standards, and exceptional instructor quality capable of adapting to varied cultures, operators’ requirements and experience levels. Every training programme is customised to match client SOPs, operational needs, and regulatory frameworks. Michael values AFM as a strategic communication and networking platform to stay informed and share RotorSky’s developments globally.

For more information:

• Michael Mayrhofer LinkedIn
• RotorSky Website

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

• Mailing List
• AFM LinkedIn Page