- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Bell and Semper Fly Establish New Certified Helicopter Training Facility
The collaboration will provide expanded regional training options for the Bell 206B helicopter.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:19pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Bell Textron Inc. and Semper Fly Helicopters, a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business based in Norman, Oklahoma, have announced the opening of a new Bell Certified Training Facility (CTF). This initiative will deliver additional regional training solutions for the Bell 206B helicopter and allow the two organizations to collaborate on servicing commercial customers as well as pursue advanced defense aviation training programs.
Why it matters
The new CTF reflects Bell's commitment to expanding pilot training options and accessibility while maintaining its high standards of safety and quality. By partnering with Semper Fly, Bell is investing in the growing aviation and defense community in Oklahoma and supporting the growth of Semper Fly's capabilities using Bell's own standardization processes and training technology.
The details
The new CTF will provide Bell 206B customers with expanded training location options while adhering to Bell's rigorous curriculum and safety protocols. Training at the facility will include critical skills such as autorotations, a hallmark of Bell's training excellence. By offering these additional training locations, Bell continues to prioritize accessibility and quality, delivering the same trusted expertise closer to customers' operational bases.
- The announcement was made on March 10, 2026 during the VAI Verticon event.
The players
Bell Textron Inc.
A Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and a leading manufacturer of helicopters.
Semper Fly Helicopters
A veteran-owned, woman-owned small business based in Norman, Oklahoma that operates an FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training program and provides helicopter flight training for the University of Oklahoma's aviation program.
Chad Sparks
The general manager of the Bell Training Academy.
Brandi Rector
The CEO of Semper Fly Helicopters.
What they’re saying
“This collaboration reflects Bell's commitment to delivering exceptional pilot training while fostering growth in the aviation and defense infrastructure in Oklahoma.”
— Chad Sparks, General Manager, Bell Training Academy (justhelicopters.com)
“Bell's reputation for delivering exceptional pilot training speaks for itself, and we are honored to now stand alongside them as a Bell Certified Training Facility.”
— Brandi Rector, CEO, Semper Fly Helicopters (justhelicopters.com)
What’s next
The new Bell Certified Training Facility in Norman, Oklahoma is expected to begin operations in the coming months, providing expanded regional training options for the Bell 206B helicopter.
The takeaway
This collaboration between Bell and Semper Fly Helicopters demonstrates Bell's commitment to expanding pilot training accessibility and quality, while also supporting the growth of the aviation and defense community in Oklahoma through its partnership with a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business.
