Bell Helicopter Partners with SAIT Polytechnic for Maintenance and Repair Training

Nov. 8, 2012
The MOU allows Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) instructors access to the SAIT Polytechnic classrooms and labs at the Art Smith Aero Centre to conduct Bell Helicopter factory approved type certificate maintenance training.

Calgary, Alberta - November 05, 2012 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SAIT Polytechnic to make its classrooms and labs at SAIT's Art Smith Aero Centre in Calgary, Alberta available for Bell Helicopter to use in the delivery of approved maintenance, repair training and certification programs. Bell Helicopter and SAIT Polytechnic announced the MOU at the Helicopter Association of Canada's (HAC) Fall Convention and Trade Show.

"The MOU strengthens the existing partnership between Bell Helicopter and SAIT Polytechnic," said Eric Cardinali, executive vice president, Customer Support and Services for Bell Helicopter. "By partnering with SAIT, our customers now have a regional option at which to obtain Bell Helicopter training and certification."

The MOU allows Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) instructors access to the SAIT Polytechnic classrooms and labs at the Art Smith Aero Centre to conduct Bell Helicopter factory approved type certificate maintenance training. The curriculum will cover mechanical, electrical and avionics training and pilot safety training. The Bell Helicopter approved training is a broader, more accessible training option than offered by other schools.

"As one of Canada's leading polytechnics, SAIT Polytechnic provides relevant, skill-oriented education to more than 70,000 registrants a year," said Brian Moukperian, (Dean, SAIT's School of Transportation). "Combining a state-of-the-art facility such as the Art Smith Aero Centre, with the educational expertise of the Bell Helicopter Training Academy is natural expansion of SAIT's hands-on approach to education."

SAIT Polytechnic's Art Smith Aero Center, located at the Calgary International Airport, is an experience-based training facility designed to meet industry standards.

The Bell Helicopter Training Academy's flight training is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and recognized by the European Aviation Safety Agency and Transport Canada. All maintenance training at the academy meets or exceeds the requirements of FAR Part 65.81 manufacturer's training and FAR Part 65.93 requirements for renewal of inspector authorization. More information about the BTA can be found at www.bellhelicopter.com.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
A Bell Helicopter affiliate, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, the only full-scale helicopter manufacturer in Canada, opened its Mirabel manufacturing operations in 1986 and has since produced over 4000 helicopters for delivery worldwide. Its state-of-the-art facility measures over 660,000 square feet and houses more than 2,000 employees, there and at its Supply Center in Calgary, Alberta, who are responsible for the design, manufacturing and after sales support for all of Bell Helicopter's commercial helicopters.

About SAIT Polytechnic
SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada's most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. www.sait.ca

About Textron Inc.
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 Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.