Bell Textron and Semper Fly Helicopters have established a new Bell Certified Training Facility in Oklahoma to expand Bell 206B pilot training capability.
FORT WORTH, TX – Bell Textron Inc. and Semper Fly Helicopters have announced the establishment of a new Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF), expanding regional pilot training capabilities for the Bell 206B helicopter.
The announcement was made during the Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Verticon event, where representatives from both organisations gathered to mark the new collaboration.
Regional Training Expansion
The new certified training facility will provide additional regional training capacity for commercial Bell 206B operators while maintaining the training standards established by the Bell Training Academy.
Semper Fly Helicopters, based in Norman, Oklahoma, operates an FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training programme and provides helicopter training for the University of Oklahoma’s aviation programme. Through the collaboration, Bell will support the development of Semper Fly’s training capability using its standardised training processes and technologies.
The initiative is intended to expand access to Bell-approved pilot training locations while maintaining consistent training standards across certified facilities.
Support for Defence Training Opportunities
The collaboration also positions both organisations to pursue advanced defence aviation training programmes, including potential participation in initiatives such as the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next programme.
According to Bell, the certification of Semper Fly as a Bell training organisation will allow Bell 206B operators to access additional training locations while receiving instruction aligned with Bell’s established curriculum and safety protocols.
Training delivered at certified locations will include key helicopter handling skills such as autorotations, reflecting the operational training standards applied within Bell’s training network.
Strengthening Oklahoma’s Aviation Training Community
Bell stated that the collaboration supports the development of aviation and defence training capabilities in Oklahoma while strengthening links between industry training providers and regional aviation programmes.
Semper Fly Helicopters is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business and plays an active role in regional pilot training through its partnership with the University of Oklahoma.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: BELL TEXTRON
