Bell Textron has appointed Chinook Helicopters as an authorised Bell 505 dealership serving western Canada.

"As a premier rotorcraft and fixed-wing training academy in British Columbia, Chinook Helicopters has established a strong network of operators and maintainers," says Lane Evans, managing director, North America. "Bell and Chinook will work towards continued growth for the Bell 505 in Canada while providing regional ab initio and advanced rotorcraft training to potential Bell 505 operators in the region."

Founded in 1982, Chinook Helicopters provides comprehensive pilot training and specialty courses having hosted students from more than 68 countries. It has industry experienced instructors, four engineered in-house certified simulators, Approved Maintenance Organisation status and is fully accredited with on-site examiners.

"With our 42 year history of flying Bell helicopters, we are enthusiastic about our relationship with a world-leading aircraft manufacturer and genuinely thrilled to be working alongside it," says Chinook CEO Cathy Press.

As an authorised Bell 505 dealership, Chinook Helicopters will provide aircraft demonstration flights and work to promote the Bell 505 as an aircraft of choice for western Canada private operators.