Hawker Beechcraft and FlightSafety Set New Standard for Maintenance Training

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) and FlightSafety International will launch a full schedule of technical training courses at FlightSafety’s new 44,000 square foot Maintenance Training Center beginning Nov. 9, 2009. The specially developed curriculum represents the latest collaboration between the two companies and their commitment to provide a new industry standard in maintenance training. The first course to be offered, MxPro, is an innovative maintenance training program that leverages HBC’s knowledge of aircraft design, manufacturing and support with FlightSafety’s expertise and experience as the world’s leading aviation training provider.

“The MxPro curriculum draws extensively from Hawker Beechcraft’s intimate knowledge of our aircraft and systems,” said Christi Tannahill, vice president, Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Service and Support. “It provides technicians with expert instruction that will enhance their ability to troubleshoot and repair aircraft quickly and immerses them in a training environment that will give them opportunities just like those they will experience on the job.”

The basic course in MxPro, which will be taught by both HBC and FlightSafety instructors, incorporates two weeks of classroom and one week of hands-on instruction. It utilizes a variety of methods and training devices, combining high-tech visualization and interactive computer 3D modeling. Additionally, hands-on aircraft training replicates real-life experiences, offers in-depth operational and maintenance tasks, and supplements extensive classroom instruction. Initially, MxPro training is being offered on the Hawker 900XP with additional platforms to follow.

MxPro Regulatory and MxPro Plus are two additional courses being offered by HBC and FlightSafety. MxPro Regulatory supplements the basic course with one additional week of hands-on training and is designed to provide foreign certifications for the various regulatory agencies around the world. MxPro Plus provides structured on-the-job training at the technician’s home base. It is the new exclusive training for Hawker Beechcraft factory-owned service centers, furthering the company’s commitment to provide the most highly trained technicians in the industry.

Located east of the approach end of HBC’s Runway 18, the new FlightSafety Maintenance Training Center features 10 advanced technology classrooms, Graphical Flight-Deck simulators, composites and cabin systems labs, and direct runway access to a 10,000 square foot hangar.

“FlightSafety’s new facility adds to the effectiveness of the training by providing combined classroom and hangar-based instruction,” Tannahill said. “Its proximity to the HBC factory also translates into readily available expertise and physical resources.”

Further information on the training curriculum and schedule may be obtained by contacting the FlightSafety Maintenance Training Center at 316.612.5400.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.