Companies eye helicopter training academy

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SHELTON, Conn., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- An advanced flight and maintenance training academy may be established in Oklahoma by Sikorsky Aerospace Systems and Aviation Training Consulting.

The academy, contained in a Memorandum of Understanding between the companies, would initially focus on meeting the needs of foreign militaries and would use Sikorsky's UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as the training platform.

SAS, Sikorsky Aircraft's after-market business, said final discussions on establishing the academy are under way with ATC.

"Many of our customers, particularly U.S. government agencies and foreign militaries, have difficulty obtaining thorough standardized training for their flight crews and maintenance teams," said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. "In particular, there is a lack of advanced mission training beyond basic conversion courses and currency training.

"Many customers rely on training companies that are neither U.S. military nor Sikorsky qualified. Establishing this center is a significant step in enabling us to deliver a comprehensive, tailored OEM training curriculum of the highest standards, capable of preparing our students for a wide variety of missions."

The academy, with a projected launch next year, would be in Altus, Okla., home base of ATC and near Fort Sill.