Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company,  (NYSE: TXT), announced the Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) has received Part 147 facility organizational approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This authorization allows the BTA to conduct theory and practical training in China for the Bell 206, Bell 407, Bell 412 and Bell 429 product lines. The certification covers maintenance and avionics theory and practical training for all approved aircraft.

“The Bell Helicopter Training Academy is known worldwide for its outstanding instructors and capabilities,” said Eric Cardinali, executive vice president of Bell Helicopter’s Customer Support and Services organization. “However, our customers are requesting that same service and expertise be offered regionally. The CAAC Part 147 authorization is an important step in our efforts to bring technical training to China.”

Bell Helicopter’s regional sales team, led by Chris Jaran, managing director, worked closely with members of the BTA to meet the CAAC audit requirements. The team also engaged members of the Guangzhou Civil Aviation College to increase their exposure to Bell Helicopter technical training practices. The college is currently working with Bell Helicopter to offer Bell Helicopter authorized technical training for the Bell 407 and Bell 206 product lines.

“The collaborative efforts of the BTA, our regional sales and marketing team and the Civil Aviation College served to ensure a successful certification process,” said Charles Fisher, director, Bell Helicopter Training Academy. “It’s another example of our continued focus on global growth and support to keep our customers safely flying.”

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 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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.