News
Bell signs training agreement with SAIT Polytechnic
November 8, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
Nov. 8, 2012, Calgary, Alta. - Bell Helicopter 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.
