Fort Worth, TX - January 21, 2012 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), honored Air Methods founder Roy Morgan with the first Bell Helicopter Vertical Flight Hall of Fame award at the 10th annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills on January 18. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the rotorcraft industry.
"To be honored with the Bell Helicopter Vertical Flight Hall of Fame award is truly a humbling experience," said Roy Morgan, founder of Air Methods. "In my life, I have had so many wonderful experiences with aviators, airplanes, sailplanes and helicopters. But, nothing even comes close to the rewards of flying a medical helicopter. Seeing patients going home from the hospital with their families is rewarding beyond words."
Morgan is one of the founders of Air Methods Corporation, the largest provider of air medical emergency transport services in the nation. Since the company's inception in 1980, Morgan has served in various roles including president, chief executive officer and director until his semi-retirement in 1991. Today, Air Methods' more than 4,000 employees operate a fleet of 400 medical helicopters and 20 medical airplanes for their life-saving missions.
Morgan has logged more than 19,000 flight hours in airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft. Dedicated to the aviation field for over 55 years, Morgan continues to share his passion and expertise as a consultant and helping with the development of medical flight programs around the world.
John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, presented Morgan with the Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award statuette. John Travolta, the "Official Ambassador of Aviation" and host of the Living Legends of Aviation Awards, presented Morgan with a gift of a Breitling watch.
"Roy Morgan is a champion for the world of aviation," said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. "We recognize his commitment to the rotorcraft industry as the founder of one of the largest providers of air medical emergency transport services in the world. We appreciate Mr. Morgan's tireless efforts in creating a successful organization dedicated to safe and efficient air medical care."
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Living Legends include Buzz Aldrin, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Bob Hoover, Kurt Russell and Sully Sullenberger. Bell Helicopter is a platinum sponsor of the annual event.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor 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 multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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