News Bell

Escambia County Sheriff’s OH-58 to fly again thanks to $100K grant

Escambia County Sheriff’s OH-58 to fly again thanks to $100K grant

30-Mar-2011Source: Pensacola News Journal

Sheriff David Morgan announced Monday that a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice Program will allow the agency to restart its air unit on a temporary basis beginning this week. The unit, which flies two OH-58s, has been grounded since 1st March 2009 – see HeliHub.com story... Read more

Bell awarded $10M contract for gearbox assembly items for US Navy

Bell awarded $10M contract for gearbox assembly items for US Navy

20-Mar-2011Source: US DoD

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $10,251,032 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, basic ordering agreement contract for gearbox assembly items.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Navy.  There was originally one proposal solicited with one response.  The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2014.  The Defense Logistics Agency... Read more

Bank wants Bell 407 that belonged to former cartel boss

Bank wants Bell 407 that belonged to former cartel boss

17-Mar-2011

According to Business Development Bank of Canada, a 407 secured loans totaling $2,404,636 that it made in 2007 and 2008 to Allied Aircraft Sales Inc. and CC Helicopters Ltd.  The bank  filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on Tuesday, asserting its interest in the helicopter. [file photo]... Read more

Goodrich awarded $7M contract for HUMS on 19 UH-1Y and 8 AH-1Z

Goodrich awarded $7M contract for HUMS on 19 UH-1Y and 8 AH-1Z

17-Mar-2011Source: US DoD

Simmonds Precision Products, Inc., dba Goodrich Corp., Vergennes, Vt., is being awarded a $7,370,520 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 30 integrated mechanical diagnostic and health usage monitoring system units for the fiscal 2011 Lot 8 production upgrade aircraft UH-1Y and AH-1Zs (19 UH-1Y units; eight AH-1Z units).  Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt.,... Read more

Bell awarded $48M contract for long-lead parts for 15 UH-1Y and 11 AH-1Z

Bell awarded $48M contract for long-lead parts for 15 UH-1Y and 11 AH-1Z

17-Mar-2011Source: US DoD

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $48,389,120 advance acquisition contract to provide long lead parts and components required for the manufacture of 26 Lot 9 UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters for the Marine Corps:  15 UH-1Y build new aircraft;  four AH-1Z remanufactured aircraft;  and seven AH-1Z build new aircraft.  Work will... Read more

Bell to use QuesTek’s Ferrium C64 alloy in US Army FARDS program

Bell to use QuesTek’s Ferrium C64 alloy in US Army FARDS program

16-Mar-2011Source: QuesTek Innovations

QuesTek Innovations LLC has been awarded a subcontract from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, to jointly evaluate the application of QuesTek-designed Ferrium® C64™ steel for helicopter gears. This subcontract is part of the $30 million Technology Investment Agreement awarded to Bell by the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate to develop state-of-the-art drive system technology under... Read more

CPI Aero announces order from Bell for AH-1Z structural panels

CPI Aero announces order from Bell for AH-1Z structural panels

16-Mar-2011Source: CPI Aero

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero(R)”) (NYSE Amex: CVU) announced today that it has received a purchase order from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, for the manufacture of various structural panel assemblies for the AH-1Z ZULU attack helicopter. The ZULU is a twin-engine attack helicopter used by the United States Department of Defense.... Read more

US Marine Corps UH-1N has mid-air engine fire

US Marine Corps UH-1N has mid-air engine fire

15-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com

A US Marine Corps Bell UH-1N has today made an emergency landing in a field at Jacksonville, US-North Carolina after experiencing a mid-air port engine fire.  Based at the nearby Marine Corps Air Station New River, the photos of the UH-1N where it landed show significant scorch marks The six crew on board all exited... Read more

UAE: Horizon International Flight Academy appoints new CEO

UAE: Horizon International Flight Academy appoints new CEO

15-Mar-2011Source: Horizon International

Horizon International Flight Academy have announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Hareb Thani Al Dhaheri.  Retired Brigardier Pilot Mr. Al Dhaheri began his career as a helicopter pilot in UAE Armed Forces and he went on to hold a number of senior positions in the military. Prior to joining Horizon, he spent... Read more

Bell launches B407GX with Garmin Avionics

Bell launches B407GX with Garmin Avionics

14-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the introduction of the 407GX, a new version of the Bell 407 equipped with the innovative Garmin G1000H Integrated Flight Deck. The Garmin G1000H glass flight deck provides critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness, improved operational capability and increased safety. The... Read more

Washington State retires AH-1 fleet from firefighting duties, adds two UH-1s

Washington State retires AH-1 fleet from firefighting duties, adds two UH-1s

14-Mar-2011Source: Washington State DNR

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making improvements to its wildland firefighting helicopter program that are estimated to save taxpayers at least $300,000 annually, following the recommendations of a recently completed legislative audit. DNR will retire four AH-1 “Cobra” helicopters from duty and has secured federal funding to replace them with two... Read more

Bell Training Academy certifies Bell 429 FTD

Bell Training Academy certifies Bell 429 FTD

13-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today its received Level 6 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for its 429 flight training device. Certification of this simulator is a critical element of the flight training curriculum and clears the way for final regulatory approval of the overall 429 flight training program. “This... Read more

Rio Military Police enhance mission capabilities with Huey II

Rio Military Police enhance mission capabilities with Huey II

13-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has collaborated with a third party vendor to develop a customized advanced armament solution for the Rio Military Police. Designed, developed and qualified by Bell Helicopter and LifePort Inc., this specific armor adds security and protection for pilots, passengers and crew, while maintaining a spacious cabin for... Read more

Bell launches B407AH – its first armed commercial aircraft

Bell launches B407AH – its first armed commercial aircraft

13-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today launched an armed version of its best-selling 407 helicopter. The new 407AH is the first Bell-qualified armed commercial aircraft across the market and is designed to support a wide range of law enforcement and paramilitary missions worldwide. The announcement took place at Heli-Expo 2011. The 407AH,... Read more

Algerian military helicopter training halted as UK CAA close airfield

Algerian military helicopter training halted as UK CAA close airfield

11-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com

The UK CAA this week visited Shobdon airfield and were so alarmed by what they found that they issued a NOTAM there and then, closing the airfield.  However, exactly why such this action was taken is not yet known, although it has been the subject of plenty of speculation on the Flyer forum frequented by... Read more

US Marines declare AH-1Z Cobra operational

US Marines declare AH-1Z Cobra operational

11-Mar-2011Source: US Marine Corps

The Marine Corps’ newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra, achieved Initial Operating Capability ahead of schedule in February. “Getting the AH-1Z to IOC has been a huge achievement for the entire team,” said Col. Harry Hewson, program manager for U.S. Marine Corps Light and Attack Helicopters. “Now we get to put the Zulu in the... Read more

FADEC alleged in legal case over fatal OH-58D Kiowa Warrior accident

FADEC alleged in legal case over fatal OH-58D Kiowa Warrior accident

11-Mar-2011Source: Knox News

The suit alleges the failure of the FADEC system in an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter was a direct and proximate cause of two deaths when it crashed near Mosul, Iraq in February 2010. HeliHub.com accident page – 21-Feb-10 Bell OH-58D at Qayyarah Airfield West, Northern Iraq (2F)... Read more

Bell Helicopter receives contracts for 41 aircraft at Heli-Expo 2011

Bell Helicopter receives contracts for 41 aircraft at Heli-Expo 2011

11-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it received 41 signed contracts at HELI-EXPO 2011 in Orlando, Fla., this past week. “This was an exceptional show for Bell Helicopter,” said John L. Garrison, president & CEO, Bell Helicopter. “Spending time with our customers and listening to their needs and direct feedback is... Read more

New Bell Wire Strike Protection System under development

New Bell Wire Strike Protection System under development

9-Mar-2011Source: Magellan Aerospace

Magellan Aerospace announced today a new agreement with Bell Helicopter for a Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS®) kit development. The helicopter to be fitted with WSPS will be the Bell UH-1Y. The design and production of the WSPS will be carried out at Magellan’s Bristol Aerospace operating division in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for delivery of the prototype kits in... Read more

StandardAero signs 5 year MRO contract with City of Nashville Metro Police

StandardAero signs 5 year MRO contract with City of Nashville Metro Police

9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero

StandardAero announced today that it has signed an exclusive five-year contract for Model 250 engine repair and overhaul services with the City of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department. All work will be performed at StandardAero facilities in Winnipeg, Canada and Concord, N.C. Repair and overhaul services will be performed on the police department’s seven-helicopter fleet comprised... Read more

Able Aerospace Services launches Able Preferred™ overhaul program with savings of up to 70%

Able Aerospace Services launches Able Preferred™ overhaul program with savings of up to 70%

9-Mar-2011Source: Able Aerospace Services

Operators of Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 407 and 206 helicopters can realize overhaul and repair savings ranging from 35 to 70 percent using Able Preferred™, a new program from Able Aerospace Services. Able Preferred offers a full range of safe, FAA-approved dynamic component overhauls for these helicopters. Able Preferred overhauls are an alternative to OEM... Read more

Bell Helicopter announces 13 orders on first day of Heli-Expo 2011

Bell Helicopter announces 13 orders on first day of Heli-Expo 2011

8-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it received 13 orders on the first day of Heli-Expo 2011 in Orlando, Fla.  The 13 orders were received from the following customers. Deliveries are expected in 2011 and 2012. Urban Development Group, located in Panama, a 407GX Alvac, located in Idaho, a 407GX Helicopter... Read more

Bell to distribute Van Horn B206 composite tail blades

Bell to distribute Van Horn B206 composite tail blades

7-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Van Horn Aviation LLC for the 206 composite tail rotor blade supplemental type certificate (STC) No. SR02249LA. This STC allows for installation of the Van Horn composite tail rotor blade onto the Bell 206B and 206L series aircraft. ... Read more

Cobham HeliSAS earns FAA certification on B206, 206L and 407

Cobham HeliSAS earns FAA certification on B206, 206L and 407

7-Mar-2011Source: Cobham

HeliSAS, Cobham’s Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System, has been granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) status by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Bell 206B, 206L, and 407 helicopters. By reducing pilot workload and increasing aircraft stability, HeliSAS sets a new standard in helicopter safety. HeliSAS provides precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of... Read more

Bell honors top Customer Service Facilities

Bell honors top Customer Service Facilities

7-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has named the 2011 Platinum-level Customer Service Facilities (CSFs). These 14 independently-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul service providers were recognized last evening during the Bell Helicopter Customer Reception at Heli-Expo 2011 in Orlando, Florida. “Bell Helicopter is consistently recognized as a leader in customer support throughout the... Read more

Bell strengthens customer service in Latin America and Central Asia

Bell strengthens customer service in Latin America and Central Asia

6-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company has appointed two new Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facilities (CSFs), expanding its service capabilities in Latin America and Central Asia. In February, Bell Helicopter appointed Sky Tech, LLP in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Eagle Copters Centro Mantenimiento Autorizado S.A (Eagle Copters) in Santiago, Chile, as the company’s... Read more

Bell upgrades website, launches social media campaign

Bell upgrades website, launches social media campaign

6-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter announced today the release of its new website www.bellhelicopter.com, a redesigned internet presence that familiarizes new and prospective customers, helicopter enthusiasts and industry professionals with Bell Helicopter’s industry leading technology. With a custom, state-of-the-art content management system and clean, user-friendly navigation, the new site helps users find relevant information faster, according to their... Read more

Bell’s Training Academy cecomes first to receive EASA Practical Training Approval

Bell’s Training Academy cecomes first to receive EASA Practical Training Approval

6-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company announced today that the Bell Helicopter Training Academy has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Training Approval for Bell 206 series, 407 and 412 helicopters. In addition to the normal theory approvals, Bell Helicopter’s Training Academy has been granted practical approval for the 206, 407, and 412... Read more

Uniflight announces “B206 on steriods” with RR500 engine STC

Uniflight announces “B206 on steriods” with RR500 engine STC

6-Mar-2011Source: Uniflight

Uniflight announced today a revolutionary cooperative venture between Bell Helicopter and Rolls-Royce to provide the RR500 turboshaft as an engine upgrade kit to the venerable 206 series of light single engine helicopters. The program will significantly improve the performance of the aircraft for hot climate and high altitude operating conditions. The option kit will be... Read more

Vector Aerospace offers customizable UH-1 Upgrade Program

Vector Aerospace offers customizable UH-1 Upgrade Program

6-Mar-2011Source: Vector Aerospace

Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com) a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading independent providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announces it has launched a unique UH-1H helicopter upgrade program; ready for delivery to operators around the globe. Vector’s customizable UH-1 upgrade... Read more

AgustaWestland seeks sole ownership of BA609

AgustaWestland seeks sole ownership of BA609

6-Mar-2011

Giuseppe Orsi has said that the development process of the BA609 was still being held up in negotiations with Bell Helicopter, whom he inferred was reluctant to hand over the development baton to AgustaWestland.... Read more

Bell Training Academy certifies B429 flight training device

Bell Training Academy certifies B429 flight training device

6-Mar-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today its received Level 6 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for its 429 flight training device. Certification of this simulator is a critical element of the flight training curriculum and clears the way for final regulatory approval of the overall 429 flight training program. “This... Read more

Australian Army selects Sandel 4-ATI Displays for Kiowas

Australian Army selects Sandel 4-ATI Displays for Kiowas

6-Mar-2011Source: Sandel Avionics

Sandel Avionics has announced that its 4-ATI SA4550 Primary Attitude (EADI) and SN4500 Primary Navigation (EHSI) Displays have been chosen by the Australian Army to upgrade its fleet of Bell 206B-1 Kiowa helicopters. Panel design and installation work for the systems, which included Sandel’s on-demand NVIS option, was performed by Sikorsky Helitech in Brisbane. With... Read more

Dart announces Red Barn Machine’s new B206 field maintenance kit

Dart announces Red Barn Machine’s new B206 field maintenance kit

5-Mar-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services

DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner Red Barn Machine has developed a field maintenance kit for the Bell 206 Jet Ranger. The Bell Jet Ranger Field Maintenance Tool Kit comes in a flyaway case with easy layout guide and includes over 30 tools to perform field maintenance on your Bell... Read more

Aero Dynamix displays B206 owned by NASCAR legend

Aero Dynamix displays B206 owned by NASCAR legend

5-Mar-2011Source: Aero Dynamix

Aero Dynamix Inc. is very proud to have the Bell 206B owned and operated by NASCAR legend Andy Petree in their booth (Booth #1337) this year at Heli Expo and would like to invite you by to see it. “We are tremendously excited to have Andy’s helicopter on display in our booth” stated General Manager... Read more

Airwolf Aerospace develops new TT Straps for JetRanger, LongRanger

Airwolf Aerospace develops new TT Straps for JetRanger, LongRanger

4-Mar-2011Source: Airwolf Aerospace

Airwolf Aerospace has developed a new Tension-Torsion (TT) strap for Bell 206 Jet Ranger and 206L Long Ranger helicopters, civilian and military. The straps will be on display at HAI Heli-Expo, 2011 (Booth #3561). Airwolf manufactures the straps under an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). Airwolf’s TT straps anchor each rotor blade to the mast... Read more

Bell awarded $12.6M order for AH-1Z and UH-1Y cuff and yoke redesign

Bell awarded $12.6M order for AH-1Z and UH-1Y cuff and yoke redesign

4-Mar-2011Source: US DoD

Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,600,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-11-G-0003) for design and development activities in support of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y cuff and yoke redesign.  Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2013.  Contract... Read more

Westar Aerospace & Defense awarded $10M contract for nine OH-58s and five B206 in Iraq

Westar Aerospace & Defense awarded $10M contract for nine OH-58s and five B206 in Iraq

4-Mar-2011Source: US DoD

WESTAR Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 25 a $10,294,818 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for several logistic services for nine OH-58 and five 206B3 helicopters belonging to the government of Iraq.  Work will be performed in Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, with an estimated completion date of March... Read more

New York’s Mercy Flight to get $3M loan to buy Bell 429

New York’s Mercy Flight to get $3M loan to buy Bell 429

4-Mar-2011Source: U.S. Senator Charles E Schumer

U.S. Senator Charles E Schumer announced that Mercy Flight WNY will be the recipient of a $3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to update their aging fleet of medevac EMS helicopters. The loan, to be disbursed through USDA’s Community Facility Direct Loan program will allow Mercy Flight WNY to purchase a new,... Read more

Dart announces TC approval of Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basketâ„¢ for Bell 407s and LongRangers

Dart announces TC approval of Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basketâ„¢ for Bell 407s and LongRangers

3-Mar-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services

DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada approval for their Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basketâ„¢ for the Bell 206L/L1/L3/L4 and 407 model aircraft.  FAA and EASA approvals are pending. The new DART Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basketsâ„¢ for light Bell aircraft feature a patent pending and innovative mounting... Read more

Canadian military report says “risky” to use Bell 412 for SAR

Canadian military report says “risky” to use Bell 412 for SAR

3-Mar-2011

A study by the Department of Defense maintains that it is risky for the Air Force to maintain the use of Griffon helicopters for search and rescue, especially in Quebec and Ontario.... Read more

Latitude’s S100 receives more FAA approvals for Bell 206/407 and AS350/355

Latitude’s S100 receives more FAA approvals for Bell 206/407 and AS350/355

2-Mar-2011Source: Latitude Technologies

Latitude Technologies, a leading provider of satellite based communication, tracking and onboard aircraft data systems announced that their SkyNode® S100-001 satellite based tracking/messaging device has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate number SR02872NY covering Bell Helicopter Textron models 206, 206A, 206A1, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4.  Certificate number SR02875NY covers Eurocopter models AS350B, AS350B1 AS350B2,... Read more

Upper Limit Aviation B206 crashes on training flight in Utah

Upper Limit Aviation B206 crashes on training flight in Utah

2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com

A Bell 206B JetRanger of Upper Limit Aviation has crashed at Bolinder Field – Tooele Valley Airport.  The helicopter was on a training flight and suffered a very heavy landing.  Both occupants were reportedly trapped in the helicopter, which ended up on its starboard side and with the boom separated from the airframe. HeliHub.com adds... Read more

URS competes B407 avionics upgrade for DS Aviation

URS competes B407 avionics upgrade for DS Aviation

1-Mar-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions

United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) recently completed an avionics upgrade on a Bell 407 for DS Aviation of Dallas, TX. The new helicopter was originally customized by URS and delivered to DS Aviation in early 2010.  The customer wanted to incorporate the latest glass cockpit and brought the aircraft back to United Rotorcraft to perform the... Read more

SkyTrac Systems expands STC list from EASA

SkyTrac Systems expands STC list from EASA

1-Mar-2011Source: SkyTrac Systems

SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that the European Safety Agency (EASA) has issued installation approvals for its next generation automated flight following and satellite communications system on the following airframes: Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma Eurocopter EC 120 Eurocopter EC 135 Eurocopter EC 225 Bell 407 Bell 206 Steve Fuhr, VP and Director of... Read more

Bell delivers 412EPs with Becker Avionics DVCS6100

Bell delivers 412EPs with Becker Avionics DVCS6100

24-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics

Bell Helicopter Tennessee (formally Edwards and Associates) recently delivered two new Bell 412EP Search and Rescue (SAR)/Fire Fighting helicopters to Japan with Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System installed. The DVCS6100 was chosen due to its unique ability to effectively manage and control multiple audio sources and cabin passenger positions in both helicopters. Becker’s Digital... Read more

Bell’s Lafayette facility achieves AS9100 certification

Bell’s Lafayette facility achieves AS9100 certification

23-Feb-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company has announced that its Lafayette, Louisiana facility has successfully achieved AS9100 Implementation and Certification. This certification confirms that the Lafayette quality management system (QMS) is certified for manufacturing composite panels and allows Lafayette to operate as an extension of the Bell Helicopter’s Fort Worth headquarters. “Achieving this... Read more

More Austrian B206s arrive in Australia

More Austrian B206s arrive in Australia

21-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Further to our breaking story last week that two Agusta-Bell 206As had arrived at the Airwork facility at Caboolture, we can report that the toal package now appears to be six helicopters.  The following Austrian codes, followed by their Agusta serials, have been reported there now:- 3C-JB (8128),  3C-JC (8130), 3C-JF (8133), 3C-JH (8135), 3C-JJ... Read more

LaBarge awarded $3.8M electronic assemblies contract for H-1 upgrade program

LaBarge awarded $3.8M electronic assemblies contract for H-1 upgrade program

21-Feb-2011Source: LaBarge

LaBarge, Inc. (NYSE Amex: LB), a provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS), has received a $3.8 million contract from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, to continue to produce electronic assemblies for the H-1 Upgrade Program for helicopters used by the U.S. Marine Corps. Just as the UH-1N is being rebuilt and redesigned... Read more

Kuwait’s Strong Aviation becomes first Bell 429 operator in Middle East

Kuwait’s Strong Aviation becomes first Bell 429 operator in Middle East

20-Feb-2011Source: Bell

ABU DHABI, UAE (February 21, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter to a customer in the Middle East. The announcement took place at IDEX, the largest defense and security event in the region. The customer, Strong Aviation, is headquartered in Kuwait... Read more

Bell extends its lead in product support rankings

Bell extends its lead in product support rankings

17-Feb-2011Source: Bell

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 17, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been voted number one in product support by the readers of Professional Pilot magazine. With its largest lead and highest ranking of 7.96 out of a possible 10.0 since the awards inception, Bell Helicopter has earned this top honor... Read more

Austrian Air Force sells two AB206s to Australia

Austrian Air Force sells two AB206s to Australia

17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Two Bell AB206 JetRangers were delivered by road to Airwork’s facility at Caboolture Airfield in Australia today.  Coded 3C-JF and 3C-JM, these were previously operated by the Austrian Air Force and retired from service in 2009. Austria bought a total of 25 AB206/OH-58s, a first batch of 13 AB206A models, followed later by 12 OH-58Bs. ... Read more

GE awarded $13M contract modification to engine repair contract for UH-1Y and AH-1Z

GE awarded $13M contract modification to engine repair contract for UH-1Y and AH-1Z

16-Feb-2011Source: US DoD

General Electric Engine Services, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a $13,783,020 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-09-D-0008) for the repair of 15 T700-GE-401 engines and 36 T700-GE-401C engines for the AH-1Z and UH-1Y H-1 helicopters.  Work will be performed in Winfield, Kan., and is expected to be completed in February 2012. ... Read more

Helipark receives Bell’s top “Platinum Seal” award

Helipark receives Bell’s top “Platinum Seal” award

15-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Helipark has been awarded the Platinum Seal, awarded by Bell to companies that achieve the highest standard of quality, the first time a South American company has achieved that accolade. Founded in 2002, Helipark has this year gone one better, after receiving a Gold Seal in last year’s assessment of Bell’s maintenance organisations.  The Platinum... Read more

Van Horn Aviation expands to accommodate main rotor blade manufacture

Van Horn Aviation expands to accommodate main rotor blade manufacture

12-Feb-2011Source: Van Horn Aviation

Composite rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) recently signed an offer to purchase on a 23,000+ sq. ft. facility in Tempe, Ariz., significantly expanding the company’s available manufacturing space compared to its current location. According to VHA president James R. Van Horn, the expansion is required to accommodate current and future rotor blade programs.... Read more

New OEM Scott’s Bell 47 announces plans for the future

New OEM Scott’s Bell 47 announces plans for the future

12-Feb-2011Source: Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc

Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc. (SB47) has provided an update to the marketplace on their progress as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) of the Model 47 helicopter and also announced their plans for HELI-EXPO 2011, March 5-8, in Orlando, Fla. “Ensuring good supply of quality, affordable spare parts to the existing Model 47 fleet has to... Read more

Mercy Flight selects Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System for B429 and BK117

Mercy Flight selects Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System for B429 and BK117

11-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics

Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, for integration into their newly purchased Bell 429 light-twin helicopter and one of their existing BK117 EMS helicopters. The new aircraft will be delivered by Bell Helicopter Tennessee (formally Edwards and Associates) to Edwards and Associates during the first... Read more

Bell’s Engineering Boot Camps challenge students

Bell’s Engineering Boot Camps challenge students

11-Feb-2011Source: Bell

For the fourth consecutive year Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), hosted college students from universities around the United States. at its company-sponsored Engineering boot camps. This year, a total of 20 engineering students representing 11 different universities from across the country attended the boot camps. “Bell Helicopter has received an excellent response... Read more

Dart wins TC and EASA approval for LED pulse lights for Bell 412/etc

Dart wins TC and EASA approval for LED pulse lights for Bell 412/etc

9-Feb-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services

DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada and EASA approvals for their Cargo Mirror mounted LED Pulse Lights Bell 204/205/210/212/214/412 model of aircraft. FAA approval is still pending. DART LED Pulse Lights install easily on any DART Dual Cargo Mirror and provide excellent forward... Read more

Bell launches new assembly and delivery center for Kiowa Warrior

Bell launches new assembly and delivery center for Kiowa Warrior

9-Feb-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) officially dedicated their newest flight hangar at the Military Aircraft Assembly and Delivery Center in Amarillo, TX  for work specifically supporting the U.S. Army’s OH-58 Kiowa Warrior program. “We, at Bell Helicopter, are honored by the confidence and trust the U.S. Army, the Program Executive Officer of Army Aviation,... Read more

Bell delivers first 429 into India

Bell delivers first 429 into India

9-Feb-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced the first delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter to a customer in India. The announcement took place at the biennial Aero India air show where the company has the aircraft on display. The customer, Span Air, is headquartered in New Delhi and is one of... Read more

Malaysian state of Sabah becomes first with air ambulance

Malaysian state of Sabah becomes first with air ambulance

8-Feb-2011

The new medical airlift service, using two helicopters to ferry patients during emergencies to be implemented by the Health Ministry in Sabah later this year, will be the first of its kind in Malaysia.... Read more

Bell appoints new Commercial Sales Director for North America

Bell appoints new Commercial Sales Director for North America

7-Feb-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey L. Angelos as Director, Commercial Sales for North America. Angelos will be responsible for planning and direction of sales, marketing and after sales support for the North American region. He will report directly to Larry D. Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial... Read more

“Huey” says goodbye to the Yakima Training Center

“Huey” says goodbye to the Yakima Training Center

6-Feb-2011

The UH-1 Huey has been a recognized symbol of the American military for half a century... Read more

Yemen takes delivery of four Huey IIs

Yemen takes delivery of four Huey IIs

6-Feb-2011Source: DSCA

The Yemen Air Force (YAF) took delivery of four utility helicopters from the United States under the 1206 program, on 16 January. Yemen received spares and associated tools for the Bell UH-1Hs, or Huey IIs, on 3 January. The delivery of this package comes exactly one hundred and ten days after the U.S. Government signed... Read more

Donaldson inlet barrier filters on Super Bowl patrol

Donaldson inlet barrier filters on Super Bowl patrol

4-Feb-2011Source: Donaldson

While thousands enjoy one of the sports world’s most popular annual events, air crews with the Dallas Police Department’s (DPD) Helicopter Unit will be patrolling the skies over this year’s Super Bowl.  On every flight, while these airborne law enforcers carry out their vital public safety missions, Inlet Barrier Filters (IBFs) from Donaldson Aerospace &... Read more

Bell “Magellan” project is an upgraded 412

Bell “Magellan” project is an upgraded 412

3-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

In announcing the award to Rogerson Kratos of a contract to supply a cockpit display system, Bell have effectively released details on their Magellan project (see HeliHub.com report on this “secret program”, which cited an upgraded 412 as one of three possibilities). Bell’s press release stated that Rogerson would be supplying “the cockpit display system... Read more

Bell awards Rogerson Kratos 412EP Magellan Cockpit Display System

Bell awards Rogerson Kratos 412EP Magellan Cockpit Display System

3-Feb-2011Source: Bell

Bell Helicopter, A Textron Company, today awarded to Rogerson Kratos, A Rogerson Company, the cockpit display system for the Magellan 412 EP, a new commercial helicopter designed to meet operator’s current requirements, as well as future possible needs for foreign or U.S. military programs. Rogerson Kratos new cockpit display system is the most advanced available... Read more

First Bell 429 now flying in New Zealand

First Bell 429 now flying in New Zealand

2-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

HeliHub.com’s correspondant in New Zealand has advised us that a recently registered Bell 429, the first of its type in the country, was noted test flying at Ardmore Airfield yesterday.  The all black craft was completing compass swing tests prior to delivery to the customer.  It has been registered to Advanced Flight Ltd at an... Read more

Bell awarded $95M sole-source parts contract by US Army

Bell awarded $95M sole-source parts contract by US Army

2-Feb-2011Source: US DoD

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $95,946,830 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for various assembly parts.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Army.  There was originally one proposal solicited with one response.  The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2014.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal,... Read more

Photos show GPS missing from Turkish B206 post-crash

Photos show GPS missing from Turkish B206 post-crash

2-Feb-2011Source: Today's Zaman

see also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 25-Mar-09 TC-HEK Bell B206L4 Haci Omerli, Turkey (6F) File Photo... Read more

PKL Services awarded $16M contract modification for USMC maintenance

PKL Services awarded $16M contract modification for USMC maintenance

2-Feb-2011Source: US DoD

PKL Services, Inc.*, Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $15,918,581 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for organizational level maintenance on the following Marine Corps aircraft platforms:  AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E.  Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (30 percent); New River, N.C. (25 percent); Iraq/Afghanistan (22... Read more

WABC updates Newscopter 7

WABC updates Newscopter 7

2-Feb-2011

New York’s WABC is updating Newscopter 7 to a Bell 407... Read more

Dart completes STC and dealer agreement with Flightcell for satphone installation kit

Dart completes STC and dealer agreement with Flightcell for satphone installation kit

31-Jan-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services

DART Helicopter Services and its subsidiary Geneva Aviation have completed an agreement with Flightcell® International, Ltd., that will enable commercial helicopter operators to install satellite telephone capabilities quickly and easily in rotorcraft. DART and Geneva Aviation have pending Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a  Flightcell “Iridium” Satellite Phone... Read more

“Hawaii Five-0″ contracts Aerial Filmworks for new Cineflex HD aerial sequences

“Hawaii Five-0″ contracts Aerial Filmworks for new Cineflex HD aerial sequences

31-Jan-2011Source: Aerial Filmworks

The hit show “Hawaii Five-0” contracted Aerial Filmworks to provide the Cineflex V14HD and camera operators for the latest aerial scenes. The crew filmed on the Big Island, Maui and Oahu. “The Cineflex allowed us to quickly film a number of sequences at a wide variety of locations,” states Mark Gerasimenko, one of Hawaii Five-O’s... Read more

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