Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) today announced that the Sikorsky Training Academy (STA) – located in Altus, Okla., USA – will open on Sept. 6, 2013. The academy will provide advanced flight and maintenance training  and will initially focus on the needs of international military BLACK HAWK helicopter operators. SAS, the worldwide aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., implements and manages all training programs for the company’s military and commercial platforms. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“This world-class facility will deliver comprehensive OEM training for BLACK HAWK pilots, aircrew and maintainers worldwide. Our advanced programs are tailored to each customer’s specific operational requirements,” said David Adler, president of SAS. “The facility is solely focused on training and is the first of its kind for U.S Government agencies and international militaries. The pilots and maintainers who graduate from the Sikorsky Training Academy will be ready to execute missions safely, confidently and effectively.”

The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art flight and mission crew simulators and Sikorsky’s newest international variant – the S-70i^™ BLACK HAWK aircraft. This is the first time Sikorsky has purchased its own helicopters exclusively for customer training purposes.

Altus, Okla., located near Fort Sill, provides the Sikorsky Training Academy with access to several hundred square miles of operating space, certified landing areas, night vision routes, and live fire ranges. Sikorsky has selected Aviation Training Consultants, based in Altus, as a primary partner in the training operations.

SAS provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft throughout the world. It offers its military and commercial operators a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corporation, based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. For updates from United Technologies Corp.’s aerospace businesses visit www.utcaero.com or follow @UTC on Twitter.