Pictured left to right: Michael Sanford, Business Development and Owner; Brandi Rector, CEO and Founder; Chad Sparks, General Manager, Bell Training Academy
Fort Worth, TX (March 10, 2026) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Semper Fly Helicopters, announce new Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF). This initiative represents a significant step forward in delivering additional regional training solutions for the Bell 206B and positions both organizations to collaboratively service commercial customers.
Additionally, this facilitates collaboration between both organizations to pursue advanced defense aviation training programs, such as the U.S. Army Flight School Next Program.
Semper Fly Helicopters, a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business based in Norman, Oklahoma, operates an FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training program and provides helicopter flight training for the University of Oklahoma’s aviation program. Through this collaboration, Bell is investing in the thriving aviation and defense community in Oklahoma while supporting the growth of Semper Fly’s capabilities using Bell’s own standardization processes and training technology.
“This collaboration reflects Bell’s commitment to delivering exceptional pilot training while fostering growth in the aviation and defense infrastructure in Oklahoma,” said Chad Sparks, general manager, Bell Training Academy. “By combining Bell’s innovative technology and training expertise with Semper Fly’s veteran-led approach, we are creating a regional solution that meets the highest standards of safety and quality. Together, we are building the next generation of aviators.”
Certifying Semper Fly as a Bell Training organization will provide Bell 206B customers with expanded options for training locations while maintaining the same exceptional standards as the Bell Training Academy. These facilities ensure that pilots receive world-class instruction, adhering to Bell’s rigorous curriculum and safety protocols. Training at these certified locations includes critical skills such as autorotations, a hallmark of Bell’s training excellence, which underscores their commitment to preparing customers for real world scenarios with the highest level of proficiency. By offering these additional training locations, Bell continues to prioritize accessibility and quality, delivering the same trusted expertise closer to customers’ operational bases.
“Bell’s reputation for delivering exceptional pilot training speaks for itself, and we are honored to now stand alongside them as a Bell Certified Training Facility,” said Brandi Rector, CEO, Semper Fly. “Our work together reflects a shared commitment to safety, quality, and the continuous advancement of helicopter training. Together, we are not only training pilots, we are helping shape the future of vertical aviation.”
Bell and Semper Fly’s collaboration underscores their shared vision for innovation and excellence in aviation training. By leveraging Bell’s extensive experience and Semper Fly’s dedication to growth, this initiative strengthens the aviation community in Oklahoma and positions both organizations to provide accessible, affordable, and impactful training to Bell customers while also pursuing advanced defense aviation training programs.
Read more about Bell’s extensive training solutions on our website and follow along for more news from Bell at VAI Verticon 2026.