Textron spent $760,000 lobbying in 2Q

WASHINGTON

Defense contractor Textron Inc. spent $760,000 lobbying the federal government in the second quarter on issues ranging from defense spending to medical helicopters, according to a filing with Congress.

That's less than the $880,000 it spent in the second quarter of last year, and well below the $1.59 million in spent in the 2010 first quarter.

The company opposed user fees on general aviation -- operators other than commercial airlines, such as private aircraft -- and suggested changes in proposed rules governing helicopter emergency medical services.

Textron makes Bell helicopters. Last year, federal transportation safety officials urged the government to tighten rules on emergency helicopter operators after the industry suffered a record number of deaths in 2008. Such helicopters are allowed to operate without basic safety features that are standard on commercial aircraft.

The company was interested in several facets of defense spending, including armored vehicles, munitions, sensors and warfare simulators.

Textron said it also lobbied on sanctions against Iran, funding helicopter sales to Mexico, supporting aerospace flight testing standards, and urged the extension of tax credits for research and development.

Textron lobbied Congress and the Defense Department, according to a form filed with the House clerk on July 16.