December 10, 2007: Outsourcing of military training continues. France has awarded a $589 million contract to a civilian firm, for the basic training of military helicopter pilots. The contractor will supply 20,000 flying hours for students, instructors, and get students to achieve specific levels of student performance. This will be done more cheaply than when the military was running the operation, and will free military instructor pilots for regular service. The civilian firm will basically run the French Army's helicopter school. This facility provides initial helicopter pilot training. With the new deal, the civilian contractors will provide training helicopters, and other equipment.