Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an affiliate company of Bell Helicopter, is pleased to announce STC certification of the 212 Bell Helicopter Vibration Monitoring System (BHVM). The product is now approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Canada, and Agencia Nacional De Aviacao Civil-Brazil.

The new system provides drive train health and engine monitoring to improve aircraft serviceability and maintainability between regularly scheduled inspections and overhaul periods. Early detection of defects can help avoid disruptions to operations, which translates into significant cost savings, and can greatly enhance the safety and feeling of security for aircraft crew and passengers.

BHVM enhanced diagnostics facilitate vibration related maintenance functions and allow maintenance personnel to detect faults within the main rotor system, tail rotor drive system, engine accessory gearbox, and combining gearbox. The system offers a balance of performance and cost, while complying with the stringent Offshore Gas Producer (OGP) requirements.

Operators obtain maximum safety offered by HUMS, optimize maintenance, and allow remotely based aircraft to be monitored from a central maintenance base.

Aeronautical Accessories, Bell Helicopter and Edwards & Associates, Inc. (also a Bell affiliate) worked seamlessly to develop the 212 BHVM. The effort accelerated when the Department of Natural Resources in Nova Scotia, Canada allowed the use of its 212 aircraft to demonstrate the system’s capabilities and meet certification requirements.

“The certification of this product demonstrates AAI and Bell’s commitment to improving helicopter safety,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter senior vice president and chief service officer. “It is products like the 212 vibration monitoring system that allow us to leverage the capabilities of the entire Bell service network, providing our customers with industry leading customer support and improved operational safety.”

The 212 BHVM was preceded by the 412 BHVM, which has been highly successful in the market. Over 100 Bell 412 operators are now using a BHVM system to reduce costs, improve preventative maintenance, and increase safety. There are currently more than 400 Bell 212s in operation globally today.

For more information on the 212 BHVM, contact the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. sales team at 1-800-251-7094, sales@aero-access.com or visit www.aero-access.com.

About Aeronautical Accessories, Inc.
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an affiliate of Bell Helicopter, designs, manufactures, warehouses, and distributes the most advanced helicopter parts and accessories through a worldwide network of over 110 countries. A division of Edwards & Associates, the ISO:9001/AS9100 certified organization has been distributing innovative, quality rotorcraft products since 1979. www.aero-access.com

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron, Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.