Fort Worth, TX (18 February 2020) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement with Southern Utah University (SUU) for a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to add to its existing fleet of helicopters for student training.
Southern Utah University offers training in Rotor Wing Pilot or Fixed Wing Pilot components. These tracks share a common core of general education and general aviation core courses. SUU Aviation is a University flight training program in Cedar City, Utah with the largest collegiate helicopter fleet in the nation and the most robust flight training capabilities.
“We are proud to offer our students of the Professional Pilot Aviation Program at SUU with one of the market’s newest and most technologically advanced short light single aircraft,” Mike Mower, executive director, SUU Aviation. “We’ve conducted training using a Bell 206L for several years so adding the Bell 505 to our fleet is the logical decision that will allow us to offer advanced pilot and technical training for the industry’s future aviators.”
SUU’s additional special curriculum courses include: Turbine Transition, External Load, Night Vision Goggles, Mountain Flying, SFAR 73 Transition, and both Single Engine and Multi Engine fixed wing training. offers pilot licenses and ratings for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
“As the industry faces a shortage of fixed and rotor wing pilots, it is critical to offer safe, high quality education like SUU’s Professional Pilot Aviation training program,” said Greg Maitlen, regional sales manager, Bell, North America. “The Bell 505 is the only aircraft in its class that offers operations at 22,500 feet density altitude and will be instrumental in training requirements, specifically the Mountain Flying course.”
With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design.
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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- Alexis Baird
- Innovation and Commercial Business for Europe, Middle East and Africa
- kbaird@bellflight.com
- +1 817-487-1020
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