Jeff Lester (program chair for February) introduced our speaker, Shannon Massey—General Manager for Bell Helicopter Amarillo Assembly Center.

 

Rotor City U.S.A is about to become an international destination for private and military customers purchasing one of Bell’s newest lines of rotary aircraft.

 

In October 2015, Shannon Massey was asked to lead the Amarillo Assembly Center in the production of the new 525 super medium (20-22 passenger) helicopter.  Shannon joined Bell 20 years ago as an engineer and has demonstrated leadership excellence in both operations and programs.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Christian University, and a Textron Six-Sigma Master Black Belt.

 

Shannon provided a detailed overview of plans for increased production in Amarillo.  The 525 aircraft will be built and flight tested here.  The Amarillo Assembly Center will also serve as the delivery site hosting customers from around the world.  In addition to the new 525, Amarillo will assemble the third-generation of V-22 helicopters, the V-280 Valor.  (John Early (806) 672-8818)  It will seat 11 to 14 passengers and reach a speed of 280 knots (322 mph).  The first test flight is scheduled for March 2017 and production is estimated to be 120 aircraft per year.

 

It is somewhat astonishing to hear that the V-22 is 30 years old.  Not surprising is its popularity with the military.  They refer to the V-22 as the “Swiss army knife” of aircraft.  Shannon was complimentary of the Amarillo Assembly Center exceptional workforce and the key partnership with Amarillo College for providing workforce training.  She has extended an invitation to Rotary members to tour the Bell facility on the next family day. 

 

You may also be interesting in (Rick Matchett (806) 282-7078) attending an upcoming presentation, “V-22 Lessons Learned” by Mr. Dick Spivey on Monday, February 22, 2016 ▪ 6:00 p.m. ▪ Bud Joyner Auditorium ▪ Amarillo College Downtown Campus ▪ 1314 South Polk Street Amarillo, Texas.  Mr. Spivey retired from Bell Helicopter as Director of Tilt Rotor Business Development in 2002 after 47 years of service.

 

The pot grows bigger and bigger.  The way our club gambles we could probably wipe out Polio on our own….Just kidding.  Tomorrow some lucky soul will have a chance to draw on $2343.00 and split that bounty with the Rotary Foundation.  Last week both Paul Borchardt and Mark Blankenship were in attendance and took the free shot.  The Ace of Spades is still out there. 

 

Thank you-s all around to this week’s meeting team:  Jeff Lester for presiding; Karen Hicks for leading us in prayer; Daniel Martinez for leading us in singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge of allegiance; John Skaggs for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians; Doyle Moore for selling drawing tickets; Dale Bippus and Gail Bram for greeting members and guests; and Gina Rodriguez for organizing everything!