Fort Worth, TX - March 25, 2008 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, yesterday presented Mr. Ken Arnold, a local television station helicopter pilot with a certificate recognizing his achievement of 22,000 pristine flight hours. During his 43-year career as a helicopter pilot Arnold has a spotless record that shows no FAA violations.
Arnold started his helicopter flight career in the US Army where he accumulated 860 combat hours in Vietnam and received two Distinguished Flying Cross awards, 21 Air Medals, the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for valor.
As a civilian pilot, Arnold worked for the Indianapolis Police Department where he helped establish one of the first Helicopter Air Ambulance services in the nation. During his distinguished career he has also owned and operated helicopter leasing companies in Oklahoma and Texas
Representing Bell Helicopter and presenting the award yesterday was Mr. Shane Eddy, senior vice-president of Bell's Customer Support and Services operations.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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