Helicopters Bell Delivers 505 Jet Ranger X to Southern Utah University

The delivery of the Bell Helicopters 505 Jet Ranger X to Southern Utah University (SUU) underlines the operator´s willingness to offer more student training, as the aircraft is joining an existing fleet of two helicopters.

As College of Aerospace Sciences and Technology, the Southern Utah University is offering training in Rotor Wing or Fixed Wing aircraft. In core, these courses share the same information being provided in courses for general education and general aviation.

“SUU has been a Bell customer for more than 20 years, and its Professional Pilot Aviation Program currently operates two Bell 206L4s for advanced flight training,” said Greg Maitlen, regional sales manager, Bell, North America. “The Bell 505 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class and will offer a generational step forward by providing advanced training to tomorrow’s rotorcraft pilots.”

Mike Mower, executive director, SUU Aviation added: “We are excited to grow our current Bell fleet and begin offering advanced pilot and maintenance training with the Bell 505 [...] As we continue to navigate through pilot shortages and strive to ensure industry safety, it is critical to train future aviators to operate aircraft with the latest technology on board.”

The operator has ordered its Bell 505 with dual pilot controls, which is predestined for training pilots. The aircraft, which global fleet has recently surpassed 45,000 flight hours, also features FADEC controlled engines, a glass flight deck and other technological advantages.

SUU Aviation is flight training program University based in Cedar City, Utah. In the nation, the university has the largest collegiate helicopter fleet and robust flight training capabilities. According to Bell, SUU´s additional courses are: “Turbine Transition, External Load, Night Vision Goggles, Mountain Flying, SFAR 73 Transition, and both Single Engine and Multi Engine fixed wing training.”

Additionally, SUU Aviation is also offering courses to obtain pilot licenses for Private Pilots, Instrument Ratings, Commercial Pilots and Flight Instructors.

Bell Helicopters has recently opened a new facility to develop multiple programs and business areas in Wichita, Kansas. The company has been in the industry for over 80 years and is a fully-owned subsidiary by Textron Aviation.