American Eurocopter announced that Steven D. Webster, a veteran of more than 28 years in the helicopter industry, has joined the company in the new position of Vice President Engineering and Flight Operations.

“We are pleased to be able to add a person with Steve’s talent and experience to the American Eurocopter team,” said Marc Paganini, President and Chief Executive. “The addition of Steve will allow us to expand our engineering capabilities and position the company for future growth.”

Webster will be responsible for Engineering, Certifications, Flight Operations and the Lean/Continuous Improvement programs at American Eurocopter’s operations in both Texas and Mississippi.

Webster most recently was Technology Director for AVX Aircraft Co. in Fort Worth, duties that included being Program Manager for the company’s efforts on new military aircraft development programs. Prior to joining AVX he was Vice President of Advanced Technology Research and Development for Agusta Westland N.A.

From 1984 to 2008, Webster held engineering, development and management positions at Bell Helicopter, including Director, Advanced Technology and Processes, a stint as Director of Bell’s Xworx Research and Development operations and leading advanced concepts and programs.

Webster has extensive experience in unmanned aircraft systems and while at Bell managed a UAS program and obtained the first Federal Aviation Administration Experimental Flight Certificate to operate an unmanned, vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft in U.S. air space.

About American Eurocopter

American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and parapublic helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin aircraft, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter’s headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss.