9-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Bell have started a new series of Manufacturer Serial Numbers for the 412EPI model, with 37001 being the first. Serial numbers used so far for the 412 include the following number ranges by Bell themselves 33001-33213 B412, B412SP 33501-33508 B412 for Saudi Air Force 36001-36672 B412SP and EP models (36672 is latest known MSN, may... Read more
29-May-2014Source: RAF
Captain Paul Shawcross Royal Navy handed over command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury this week to Colonel Julian Facer. Colonel Facer was commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in 1991 and is an experienced Apache Attack Helicopter pilot. His recently commanded 7 Training Regiment (AAC) at Middle Wallop, where... Read more
23-Apr-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) received Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval to conduct Bell 412EP/Bell 412EPI B1.3 and B2 Part 147 technical training at the Bell Helicopter Singapore Service Center. The Australian CASA approval expands the BTA’s ability to provide regulated maintenance courses... Read more
14-Apr-2014Source: Entrol
Heli Protection Europe (HpE) has purchased an entrol H21 FNPT II MCC helicopter simulator, which is based on the Bell 412. This simulator will be installed in Italy and it will be used for a fully new and advanced pilot training process, including studies related to Human Performance and Limitation, Crew Resource Management and the implementation of new procedures.... Read more
13-Apr-2014
Crashed on take-off, ending up on its side with rotorhead against the hangar wall, injuring Tanzania’s vice president Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal and some of the others on board – total 11 POB... Read more
2-Apr-2014Source: Lord Corp
LORD Corporation now offers re-bond repair for the Bell 412 Spindle Bearing. According to Rodolphe Leroy, manager global sales, Business Development & Marketing, LORD Aerospace Aftermarket, LORD has implemented several changes to help lower direct operating costs (DOCs) for operators, as well as ease the maintenance burden in terms of cost and support. “We have taken... Read more
31-Mar-2014Source: Canadian Govt
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today announced that Canada has signed a US$105-million contract with the Philippines to supply eight specialized helicopters manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. The contract was negotiated under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Philippines’ Department of National Defense. Prime... Read more
25-Mar-2014Source: BLR Aerospace
Government and military sales of FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability Systems are taking off, up 30 percent over two years, officials at BLR Aerospace say. Some 200 of the 600 FastFin Systems in operation worldwide are flown for government or military missions. Recent sales to the UK Ministry of Defense (four Bell 412 systems... Read more
22-Mar-2014
During the cruise, the crew observed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at about 1,000 ft above ground level. The UAV turned and tracked towards the helicopter and the helicopter crew took evasive action to avoid a collision.... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announced it has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for three new accessory options for the Bell 412EPI including a Cockpit Voice Flight Data Recorder (CV/FDR), Bell Helicopter Vibration Monitoring system (BHVM) and Helicopter Terrain Awareness System (HTAWS). All three Bell 412EPI STC-approved products are all... Read more
5-Mar-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it secured customer commitments to purchase 196 new Bell helicopters at last week’s Heli-Expo show in Anaheim, CA. The customer signings followed the company’s product unveiling in front of a packed booth full of enthusiastic onlookers (see the video here.) Bell Helicopter for the first time revealed... Read more
27-Feb-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of two Bell 412EP helicopters to Egypt’s Petroleum Air Services (PAS), both configured and fully equipped to meet oil and gas producers requirements (OGP) recommended by the leading international oil companies working in Egypt. Based in Cairo, PAS specializes in offering oil industry... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC -0.49% has entered into an agreement with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, to supply its LCR-100 Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) for the Bell 412 helicopter through 2017. The LCR-100 and other Northrop Grumman navigation products will be showcased at HELI-EXPO 2014 in booth #502 Feb. 25-27 in Anaheim. Produced by Northrop Grumman... Read more
23-Feb-2014Source: Onboard Systems
This Cargo Hook Retention System is designed for Bell 204, 205, 212 and 412 operators looking to keep the cargo hook assembly from rotating during certain types of external load missions. This certified upgrade kit provides a restraining arm that is coupled to the cargo hook assembly and supported by a bracket that is attached to... Read more
14-Feb-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announced the sale of two Bell 412EPI and two Bell 407GX aircraft to Chongqing General Aviation Co., Ltd. The signing marks the first Bell aircraft to be used in China for parapublic missions, including firefighting and search and rescue (SAR). The four aircraft are the first Bell... Read more
6-Feb-2014
1 of 9 POB killed when helicopter came down on night anti-drug mission. Helicopter had been working with a US Navy MH-60R which was on hand to transport 6 of the injured to hospital.... Read more
29-Jan-2014Source: Dart Aerospace
DART Aerospace is pleased to announce the introduction of a 39-inch extended height landing gear for the Bell 412 aircraft. Designed specifically for this aircraft, the landing gear will include an exclusive, stainless-steel, aft crosstube that is stronger, more durable, and corrosion-resistant. This unique landing gear was developed to provide additional ground clearance for belly-mounted... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
As parent company Textron reports it’s fourth quarter numbers, so they release the quarterly report on production volumes at Bell Helicopter. While military production continues fairly flat (and is predicted to near halve), so they have been compensated by commercial helicopter deliveries up 13% from 188 to 213 units. This covers Bell 206L3, 212, 407,... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: Avincis Group
INAER Spain (INAER), a leading provider of emergency aerial services and aircraft maintenance has been awarded the air ambulance contract for the Balearic Islands through public tender. The new contract will strengthen INAER’s partnership with IB-Salut, for whom it has provided aerial emergency services since 2000. The contract will last for two years with the... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker has released the latest version of LIFE CYCLE COST 2014 Volume I. The most powerful aircraft budgeting and financial analysis tool available, LIFE CYCLE COST (LCC) from Conklin & de Decker, provides aircraft owners, operators, flight department managers, and aircraft consultants with independently researched ownership and operating cost data for more... Read more
22-Jan-2014
Precautionary landing in jungle due to weather. Location meant that helicopter crew was out of contact for 15+ hours, causing SAR response etc. 10 POB all safe... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: Tiger Tugs
Tiger Tugs announces the introduction of their new model 12.0 helicopter mover. The new Model 12 can handle helicopters weighing up to 12,000 lbs. This tug is ideal for handling aircraft like the Bell 212 and 412 safely and easily. With our unique wireless remote control system you can maneuver your helicopter in tight hangar spaces effortlessly while... Read more
14-Jan-2014Source: Avincis Group
The Emergency Medical Service of Madrid, SUMMA 112, has awarded the air ambulance contract for Madrid to INAER Spain (INAER) through a public tender. The company will operate two medical helicopters under a four year contract with an option for a two year extension. The helicopters are an Agusta Westland 109 and a Bell 412EP,... Read more
9-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Colombian Navy has recently taken delivery of two Bell 412EPs, serialled locally as ARC-225 and ARC-226. These are Bell serial numbers 36639 test flown as N493AH and became ARC-225 with Colombian Navy, and 36640 test flown as N495FB and became ARC-226 with Colombian Navy Finished in a overall naval grey colour, the helicopters feature... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: RCAF
A dramatic rescue unfolded yesterday afternoon in downtown Kingston, Ontario, when a crew from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, located at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, saved a crane operator who was trapped above a massive building fire. Around 2 p.m. on December 17, a fire broke out in a student residence that was under construction... Read more
15-Dec-2013
Five POB all safe after helicopter damaged in emergency landing in mountainous area... Read more
8-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
It has been widely reported in recent days that the City of New York has filed a lawsuit against Bell, effectively requesting them to supply a new helicopter for the one that crashed, which they claim was defective. See story in NY Daily News However, in looking at this situation, you also need to consider... Read more
21-Nov-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a signed purchase agreement with the New South Wales Police Force for the first Bell 412EPI helicopter to be operated in Australia. Based in Sydney, Australia, the New South Wales Police will take delivery of the new aircraft in late 2014 where it will be used for... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), is pleased to announce the upcoming delivery of the first Bell 412EPI helicopter in the world to Abu Dhabi Aviation for offshore oilfield support in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “The Bell 412 platform has been a vital part of our operations for many years. We chose... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will have a strong presence at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, the Middle East’s leading aerospace event, held at Dubai World Central November 17-21. Bell Helicopter will feature a number of commercial and military aircraft on static display, showcasing their outstanding capabilities to meet the unique mission requirements... Read more
13-Oct-2013
Emergency field landing after ingesting a bird... Read more
9-Oct-2013Source: SouthCare
On Tuesday October 1st, 2013 the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Helicopter service celebrated 15 years of service since 1998. Over fifteen years, Snowy Hydro SouthCare has performed over 5,300 missions, saving lives and impacting on countless communities across the ACT & South Eastern NSW region. The quality of service and care provided to the region is a... Read more
7-Oct-2013Source: Bell
Bell today announced an upgrade program to one of the company’s newest and most versatile helicopters – the Bell 412EPI. The upgrade will increase the operational flexibility of the rotorcraft to meet the future regulatory and mission needs of the industry. The program will focus on further testing and improvements of the rotorcraft’s Category A... Read more
7-Oct-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Group have decided to close operations in Alaska, where they currently operate three bases at Fairbanks, Valdez, and Deadhorse. In a recent statement to employees, SVP of Global Operations Jeremy Akel cited the seasonal nature of the work there as being a factor, along with “providing services that are not aligned with [the company’s] desire... Read more
3-Oct-2013Source: ATSB
A helicopter accident at Horn Island has shown the challenges that can accompany night operations, as well as the speed with which things can suddenly go wrong. The accident occurred on 13 June 2013. At about 7.24 pm, a Bell 412 helicopter departed Horn Island, Queensland on a training flight to Prince of Wales Island... Read more
2-Oct-2013Source: Gulf Today
In a ceremony held on Monday at the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior inspected the first civil air ambulance helicopter for emergency rescue operations from onshore and offshore oilfields and facilities in Abu Dhabi – a Bell 412EP. See full story... Read more
25-Sep-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
BLR Aerospace today announced that Heli Austria is the first European operator of BLR’s FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for the Bell 412. FastFin recently was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation and flight on Bell 412 helicopters. Based on patented technologies, BLR’s flagship FastFin System enables performance improvements... Read more
24-Sep-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today at Helitech International 2013 a signed agreement with Avincis Group for the sale of up to 20 helicopters comprised of the Bell 429, Bell412 and Bell 412EPI aircraft, largely for use in Life & Rescue operations. “We’re delighted to be able to further develop our... Read more
23-Sep-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the BLR Aerospace FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation and flight on all Bell 412 helicopters. FastFin is already EASA-approved for installation on Bell 204, 205, and 212 helicopters. Meet with BLR in Exhibit D30 during Helitech International, Sept. 24-26 in London. Based on patented technologies, BLR’s flagship... Read more
31-Aug-2013
68-year old man, named as Robert Davis, fell 30m from a winch harness and died while being winched on board after injuring his ankle. Press reports say he weighed between 120 – 140 kg, and this will be taken into account during the investigations.... Read more
20-Aug-2013
4 POB injured in heavy landing due to loss of visual clues in brown-out conditions. EMS operation... Read more
31-Jul-2013Source: DSCA
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 12 Bell 412 EP helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of 12 Bell 412 EP helicopters equipped with Star... Read more
15-Jul-2013Source: Cobham
Cobham plc (‘Cobham’ or ‘the Group’) today announces that it has completed the acquisition of the 50% shareholding that it did not already own in FB Heliservices Ltd, FB Leasing Limited and FBS Limited (together ‘FBH’), from its long standing joint venture partner, Bristow Helicopters Limited (‘Bristow’). The transaction comprises cash consideration of £74 million... Read more
15-Jul-2013Source: Jakarta Globe
East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak said the helicopter will be used by the Indonesian military (TNI), which is tasked with patrolling the border. see full story File photo... Read more
9-Jul-2013Source: Latitude Technologies
Latitude Technologies continues to push forward expanding the company’s portfolio of IONode™ Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) system STCs, announcing the addition of a Transport Canada STC for the IONode ION100 advanced data acquisition unit for Bell medium helicopters including the Bell 204, 205, 212, 214, and 412 model types. This is the first IONode standalone... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
One of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters (AHPL), has today commenced new contracts with both the Central Queensland Rescue Service (CQRS) and Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) to support provision of emergency medical services to the Queensland Government. AHPL was selected as preferred supplier in March and will provide increased capability... Read more
20-Jun-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced foreign approval of seven products distributed through its Aeronautical Accessories brand. Approvals were received in May from the Ukraine State Aviation Administration, Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the following products: Ukraine validation of STC SH3289SO, Cabin Floor Protectors... Read more
17-Jun-2013
During the final approach, the helicopter impacted trees and landed heavily. The helicopter was substantially damaged, skids collapsed but it remained upright (photo). EMS/SAR helicopter was on night training flight practicing Nightsun-lit approaches. 3 POIB... Read more
14-Jun-2013
No details given in press statement on circumstances of this fatal accident... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Starlite
Starlite have announced that their application to operate non-scheduled charter and aerial work services in Tanzania was recently granted by the Board of Directors of the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite was awarded the licence owing to their compliance with the rules and regulations, laid down by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite offers expert... Read more
11-Jun-2013Source: DART Aerospace
DART Aerospace is pleased to announce the launch of a skidtube step that provides a flat non-slip surface to stand on, increasing security for hoist operator or spotters for the Bell Medium aircraft. The step received approval from Transport Canada, FAA, EASA, and Japan. The Skidtube Step installs on the DART Round-I-Beam™ Skidtubes and installs... Read more
11-Jun-2013Source: RSG Aviation
RSG Aviation, Inc. recently received notification of contract award from the City of Houston to support their fleet of Bell 412 aircraft. RSG Aviation responsibilities will include all twin-engine helicopter component overhaul/exchange and repair services/support for the for a thirty-six month period. Houston PD air support division, with a fleet of 16 helicopters, has quickly... Read more
7-Jun-2013
Precautionary landing, reportedly with Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama on board... Read more
29-May-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) will be exhibiting at Canada’s Defence & Security Showcase (CANSEC), taking place at the Ernst & Young Centre in Ottawa, Ontario from May 29th – 30th, 2013 (Booth #809). Vector Aerospace continues to be active in providing helicopter operators with robust, cost effective cockpit upgrade solutions. Their latest concept,... Read more
23-May-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Argentina’s local Boletin publication details Government decisions – and reference number 181/2013 has this week reported the purchase of two Bell 412s from Canada. One of these will be a new-build aircraft and the other a pre-owned example. Prices are quoted as $10M and $7M respectively, but does not cover the detailed specification or delivery... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), visited with many customers and enthusiasts last week in San Pedro Totoltepec, Mexico at the 10th annual AeroExpo held April 18 to April 20 at Toluca International Airport. Five Bell Helicopter aircraft were displayed at the event, including three corporate-configured Bell 407s, as well as a Bell... Read more
24-Apr-2013Source: Uniflight LLC
Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas is very pleased to announce the award of a contract by the US Department of the Interior for Helicopter maintenance services in support of the U.S. Park Police. The contract awarded to Uniflight is for one base year and four additional option years. The contract is for the maintenance... Read more
16-Apr-2013Source: Uniflight LLC
Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas is very pleased to announce the award of a contract by the Houston Texas Police Department to provide maintenance support for the department’s helicopters. The contract awarded to Uniflight is for one base year and two additional option years. The contract is for the support of Bell Helicopter 412... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: AeroSimulators
AeroSimulators announced today that it has entered into simulator maintenance and support agreements with Bond Air Services and INAER Helicópteros Off-Shore. Under the support agreements, AeroSimulators will be responsible for the delivery and provision of spares, support equipment, maintenance and re-certification services, as well as on-site training and documentation. These support services will cover an... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Illawarra Mercury
A proposal to relocate the Albion Park Rail-based rescue helicopter to Nowra has met the same fierce community opposition directed towards the plan to move the chopper to Sydney (see full story).... Read more
27-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Following a concerted public effort within the geographical area of Bardufoss, the Royal Norwegian Air Force have moved two Bell 412s to Bardufoss. This will meet the campaign’s target to provide a better spread of aviation resources throughout the country, particularly for emergency situations. Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen has also said that these helicopters are... Read more
27-Mar-2013
Offshore operation for Petrobras, ditched in the sea, three POB got out OK... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
Australian Helicopters has been selected as the new helicopter provider to support both Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQRS), based in Mackay, and Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS), based in Rockhampton, to assist with emergency response on behalf of Queensland Health. The services will transition over in July 2013 from incumbent operators at both the... Read more
7-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Van Horn Aviation to develop a composite tail rotor blade for the Bell 212 and Bell 412 product lines. Van Horn Aviation has agreed to design, certify and manufacture the rotor blades with Bell Helicopter Engineering participating... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
BLR Aerospace opens Heli-Expo 2013 with 600 FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability Systems sold to date, and a rapidly expanding military presence. Overall, the company continues to deliver strong growth. Sales increased over 30 percent in 2012, and BLR’s global military footprint skyrocketed with large fleet-wide conversion sales to Colombia, Peru, Pakistan, and the... Read more
3-Mar-2013Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International announces that it now offers training for Bell Helicopter operators at its newly expanded Learning Center in Dallas, Texas. “The relocation of our Bell Helicopter training programs to the Dallas Learning Center will significantly enhance the service our Customers receive and further increase the quality and value we provide,” said David Davenport, Senior... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
South African operator Starlite Aviation are leasing in two Bell 412s from Falcon Aviation Services in the UAE, with delivery expected imminently. The pair have been leased in for an initial twelve months to support an offshore oil exploration contract off the coast of Namibia, starting in March 2013. They will initially be based at... Read more
6-Feb-2013Source: Canadian military
The Flight Safety Investigative Report and Epilogue of the fatal air accident involving the Griffon helicopter CH146434 that occurred on July 6, 2009, near Kandahar Air Field, is now available on the Air Force Directorate of Flight Safety website. The Flight Safety Investigative Report describes factual data and includes a comprehensive analysis of all factors... Read more
4-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bell is waiting until Heli-Expo at the start of March to release detailed figures on its 2012 production, but HeliHub.com can reveal that the output from its civil helicopter lines was up just over 50%, rising from 125 helicopters in 2011 to 188 in 2012. These high-level figures have been put together from press releases... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: Transwest Helicopters
Transwest Helicopters Ltd, who in October 2011 relocated from the Chilliwack Airport in Southwest British Columbia to the Oliver Airport in the Southern Interior, is pleased to announce that the company has won a contract to overhaul two Bell 412 helicopters at its brand new hangar facility in Oliver British Columbia Canada this winter. These... Read more
18-Jan-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd (AHPL) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) have joined forces to provide emergency medical evacuation during Australian Army training exercises in remote areas. The partnership between the two organisations will ensure that Australian soldiers receive the best possible care and support, according to AHPL Managing Director, Scott Swift.... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Euravia
EURAVIA is pleased to announce the signing of a two year teaming agreement with SIKORSKY HELITECH, Australia to provide P&WC PT6T engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Lancashire, England, EURAVIA specialises in aftermarket services for a wide range of P&WC PT6 engines. The strategic partnership will support... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has approved the BLR Aerospace FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation on Bell 412EP helicopters. Nagano FFDR (Fire Fighting, Disaster, Relief, and Rescue) has selected the FastFin System for its Bell 412EP helicopter and will become the nation’s first operator to install and use the system. Nagano... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that a Bell 412, owned by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, flew along the shore of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while displaying the world’s largest aerial banner in celebration of UAE’s National Day on December 2. “This is our 5th year of flying... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more