Bell Helicopter signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week to open an authorized flight training school in China. The Fort Worth, Texas-based helicopter manufacturer will partner with Guanchen Aviation, which already manages an established Civil Aviation Administration of China-approved flight training school in Anyang, China.

The companies signed the MOU during the opening ceremony of the fourth annual Anyang International Aviation Sports Festival in Anyang, where the new school will be based. It will be certified to provide factory-approved initial and recurrent type training for Bell 206L and Bell 407 pilots. Over time, the “certified training facility” could expand to offer training in more Bell aircraft types to meet future demands, said Eric Cardinali, Bell executive vice president, customer support and services.

“As the need for vertical lift emerges around the world, we intend to replicate the successful operation of the Bell Helicopter Training Academy, located in Fort Worth, as a critical element of our strategy,” he said. “Opening the first Bell Helicopter authorized flight training school in China is a significant step as we begin this journey.” Initially, all training will be conducted in helicopters, as opposed to simulators, Bell told AIN.