Saint-Gobain Aerospace to supply Bell 525 nose radomes
Source: Saint-Gobain Aerospace, 17-Jun-13
Saint-Gobain Aerospace today announced it has signed a long-term contract with Bell Helicopter of Fort Worth, Texas, to supply nose radomes for the new Bell 525 Relentless(TM) helicopter program. The radomes will be manufactured with advanced Norton Armor(TM) materials from Saint-Gobain that provide superior radar transparency and in-flight durability. “Saint-Gobain’s high-transparency radomes provide the clearest [...]
Bell and Turbomeca provide details of new working relationship
Source: Turbomeca, 17-Jun-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, and Turbomeca, a Safran company, announced today Bell Helicopter’s new five seat, short light single engine helicopter will be powered by Turbomeca’s Arrius 2R engine. The Arrius 2R engine delivers performance and power within the 450-550 shaft horsepower class, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via a Full [...]
Bell provides 525 Relentless program update
17-Jun-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced updates to the Bell 525 Relentless™ program today at the 2013 Paris Air Show. The updated technical specifications and design features reveal improved speed, range and payload capabilities, as well as a higher maximum gross weight and optimized flight performance. “The Bell 525 Relentless program truly exemplifies our focus [...]
Bell announces Turbomeca-powered JetRanger replacement
Source: Bell, 17-Jun-13
Today at the 2013 Paris Air Show, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced its return to the short light single (SLS) engine helicopter market with a new product designed to specifications based on the input of a customer advisory council. Bell Helicopter’s new, five-seat entry-level aircraft is expected to complete its first flight in [...]
Bell to bring in contract workers
Source: Star Telegram, 15-Jun-13
Bell is expected to bring in contract workersbecause the company says machinists and other members of United Auto Workers Local 218 have refused to work overtime. see full story
14-Jun-13 PR-HRZ Bell 212 Teffe, Brazil (2F)
14-Jun-13
No details given in press statement on circumstances of this fatal accident
Tanzania Approves Starlite’s Air Service Licence
Source: Starlite, 13-Jun-13
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 [...]
REACH and Air Evac Lifeteam partner in Texas
Source: Air Evac Lifeteam, 13-Jun-13
REACH Air Medical Services and Air Evac Lifeteam announce an integrated partnership venture at a new rotor wing base to be located in Seguin, Texas. REACH Air Medical Services operates Methodist AirCare in partnership with the Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio, the largest provider of health care services in the region. Current bases exist [...]
Bell detail Paris Air Show presence
Source: Bell, 13-Jun-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will display a number of aircraft and share program updates at the 2013 Paris Air Show, one of the largest aviation trade shows in the world, held at Le Bourget Exhibition Centre June 17-23. Demonstration flights will highlight two industry-leading Bell aircraft, the Bell 429 and Bell [...]
Union rejects Bell’s latest contract offer
Source: my Foxdfw, 12-Jun-13
Union workers at Bell Helicopter have rejected the company’s last and final contract offer by a vote of 85 to 15 percent. The vote took place at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth. The contract expires at midnight Sunday. The union says the management’s latest offer would eliminate 200 jobs. (See Full Story)
First Bell 429 arrives in UK
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Jun-13
The UK’s first Bell 429 arrived quietly into the UK in late May, and is being worked on by Bell’s UK representatives, Heli-Charter at Manston before it takes up its’ local registration G-RIDB. Last December Bell announced that National Grid had ordered a 429 for delivery in the first quarter of 2013, hardly a story [...]
Maricopa County Sheriff chooses FlightSafety for B407 training
Source: FlightSafety International, 11-Jun-13
FlightSafety is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Division, based in Phoenix, Arizona, to provide training for the Bell 407 helicopter at its Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. “The selection of FlightSafety’s Bell 407 training program by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, is a clear demonstration [...]
Dart announces skidtube step for medium Bells
Source: DART Aerospace, 11-Jun-13
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 [...]
RSG awarded three-year Houston Police Bell 412 component support contract
Source: RSG Aviation, 11-Jun-13
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 [...]
08-Jun-13 VH-RHF Bell 206L3 Derby, Australia
08-Jun-13
Ditched and turned over. 5 POB exited safely, although some needed help getting out of the cabin when it was submerged in water.
Fatal Air Evac Lifeteam accident in Kentucky
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Jun-13
AEL statement on Facebook - We are saddened to confirm that three members of our Manchester, Ky., crew were killed in a helicopter accident late Thursday evening. We are devastated at the loss of these crew members who we consider family. We have no details regarding the cause of the accident but will be working with [...]
07-Jun-13 N207JA Bell 206B San Luis Potosi, Mexico (4F)
07-Jun-13
Lost height on climb out from golf complex. Fatalities named as Juan Ignacio Torres Landa, Elizárraga Alejandro Felix (pilot), Jaime Olescowski, Manuel Palacios Alcocer, while Joseph Olescowski Nutt was seriously injured.
07-Jun-13 Bell 412 Katupotha, Sri Lanka
07-Jun-13
Precautionary landing, reportedly with Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama on board
07-Jun-13 ZK-HTA Bell 206B Nelson, New Zealand
07-Jun-13
Emergency landing after engine problems. Tail boom cut but helicopter did end up on its skids
IAI to supply crashworthy seats for Bell 525 Relentless
Source: Flight Global, 06-Jun-13
Israel Aerospace Industries will supply, as a sole provider, crashworthy passenger seats to Bell Helicopter for its Bell 525 Relentless programme. (See Full Story)
06-Jun-13 N114AE Bell 206L Manchester, US-Kentucky (3F)
06-Jun-13
Late evening accident in the grounds of an elementary school on positioning flight back to base in Manchester after delivering patient to London. Three fatalities named as pilot Eddie Sizemore, flight paramedic Herman “Lee” Dobbs and flight nurse Jesse Jones. Reports include mention of fog and that electricity lines have been cut and there are power [...]
Bell V-280 Valor™ Selected for Army’s JMR-TD Program
Source: Bell, 05-Jun-13
Bell announced that the Bell V-280 Valor™, its third generation tiltrotor design, has been selected by the U.S. Army for the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) program. The Army is expected to award JMR-TD contracts by September 2013, with first flight scheduled for 2017. “The Bell V-280 Valor will provide the Army’s most sought-after capability with [...]
Suit filed over copter crash during reality shoot
Source: Philly, 31-May-13
The mother of a man killed when a helicopter crashed during a shoot for a reality television show has claimed in a wrongful death lawsuit that the aircraft’s operators and producers negligently operated the helicopter. (See Full Story) – and see also the HeliHub.com page for this accident here
Aeronautical Accessories adds new Bell 407 Items
Source: Bell, 31-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced two new accessories for the Bell 407 including a self-sealing fuel cell kit and a passenger ballistic protection system. The new products will be distributed under Bell Helicopters’s Aeronautical Accessories brand. The Bell 407 Self-Sealing Fuel Cell Kit is an alternative to the Bell 407 standard [...]
New CFO at Bell
Source: Bell, 31-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Al Vetere has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Formerly vice president, Financial Military Programs at Bell Helicopter, Vetere brings more than 30 years of experience and a strong reputation for developing talent to the position. “We are honored to have Al [...]
30-May-13 N407HC Bell 407 Columbia, US-Maryland
30-May-13
Emergency landing in school field, helicopter remained upright. Tail boom sliced by main rotor blades
Vector Aerospace proposes avionics update for Canada’s 412s
Source: Vector Aerospace, 29-May-13
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, [...]
29-May-13 C-FZWB Bell 206B Fort McMurray, Canada (2F)
29-May-13
Helicopter working for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, coming down in a forested area. Crash killed pilot Bryce Campbell and passenger biologist Kristina Norstrom. The other passenger Simon Slater survived – names from this article
Bell awarded $50M for UH-1Y and AH-1Z long-lead parts
Source: US DoD, 28-May-13
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $50,631,117 modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-13-C-0023) to provide additional long lead parts and components required for the manufacture and delivery of 15 Lot 11 UH-1Y Build New aircraft and 10 Lot 11 AH-1Z Build New aircraft for the Marine Corps. [...]
L-3 Communications awarded $53M TH-57 support contract
Source: US DoD, 28-May-13
L-3 Communications Corp., Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $53,002,714 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., and is expected to be completed [...]
Aspen Helicopters acquires new firefighting helicopter
Source: Ventura County Star, 28-May-13
Aspen Helicopters, based at the Oxnard Airport, has acquired a new firefighting aircraft that will be used this fire season. (See Full Story)
24-May-13 Bell UH-1 Arlington, US-Virginia
24-May-13
Near miss – military helicopter and Embraer 175 airliner at same level (400ft) and 950 ft horizontal separation. Airliner on approach to Reagan National Airport
Iraqi Army receives last of 24 Bell 407s
Source: US Army, 23-May-13
The Army completed a significant milestone in helping to maintain stability in Iraq now that the U.S. military have departed from that theater of operations. The Project Office for Armed Scout Helicopters, along with several representatives from different organizations on Redstone Arsenal, made the eighth delivery of the Iraqi Armed-407 Bell helicopters to Iraq. Three [...]
Argentine Air Force to add two Bell 412s
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-May-13
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 [...]
EBACE – Bell showcases 429
Source: Bell, 23-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 13th annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) held May 21 to May 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. Bell Helicopter will feature a corporate configured Bell 429 on static display. The customer-owned Bell 429 on display was the first to be [...]
Bell promotes innovation at AHS Forum 69
Source: Bell, 22-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 69th annual AHS Forum and Technology Display held May 21 to May 23 at the Phoenix Convention Center. In addition to sponsorship, Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence at the conference with a pre-forum event, technical presentations, a Bell 525 [...]
Evergreen Helicopters buys two Bell 214STs
Source: Erickson Air-Crane, 20-May-13
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. (“EHI”), has acquired five aircraft [...]
HeliRussia – Transas Aviation to provide locally-made GPS for Bell 407, 429
Source: Transas Aviation, 17-May-13
[electronic translation] Transas Aviation Company, A Part of Transas Group, and Jet Transfer Company, an Official Representative of Rotorcraft American manufacturer Bell Helicopter, have signed A Cooperation Agreement for Installation of GLONASS / GPS equipment on Bell-407 and Bell-429 helicopters. Installation of Transas manufactured GLONASS / GPS Satellite Navigation System, TSS (Transas Satellite System), on [...]
HeliRussia – Bell expands in Russia
Source: Bell, 17-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), continues to expand its presence in Russia through recent aircraft deliveries, the appointment of a second Independent Representative and through participation at the 6th annual HeliRussia exhibition. “Russia is a very important market for Bell Helicopter; their demand for new rotorcraft is increasing and we are ready to provide them [...]
Dart launches Rear Locker Extender for B206 and B407
Source: DART Aerospace, 17-May-13
DART Aerospace announces that the Rear Locker Extender™ that increases the baggage compartment capacity by 21” is now FAA and TCCA approved for Bell 206A/B/L/L1/L3/L4 and 407 (including 407GX) aircraft. Constructed from a high quality, rugged composite, the rear locker extender is a perfect lightweight solution to stow extra sets of golf clubs, long-handled shovels [...]
Bell takes 407AH to SOFIC 2013
Source: Bell, 15-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) held May 14 to May 16 in Tampa, Fla. Bell Helicopter will feature an armed Bell 407 on static display, its first commercially qualified armed helicopter, a CV-22 model and 3-D interactive programs demonstrating [...]
CPI Aero wins $3.95M more work for AH-1Z
Source: CPI Aero, 15-May-13
CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero(R)”) (nyse mkt:CVU) announced today that it has received an extension, through 2015, to its existing General Ordering Agreement with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. TXT +0.07% company, that adds additional delivery requirements totaling $3.95 million for the manufacture of various assemblies for the AH-1Z ZULU attack helicopter. The AH-1Z ZULU [...]
Bell awarded $85M contract for FMS work in Iraq and Taiwan
Source: US DoD, 15-May-13
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, foreign military sales (FMS) contract with a maximum value of $85,400,000 for engineering and technical support services. This FMS contract is in support of Iraq and Taiwan. Performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order. The bid was solicited through the [...]
Bell appoints new MD of North America
Source: Bell, 14-May-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Anthony Moreland will return to Bell Helicopter as managing director, North America. In this role, Moreland is responsible for all sales and marketing activities in the United States and Canada. “Anthony is a valuable addition to Bell Helicopter with extensive sales and marketing experience, [...]
14-May-13 B-7479 Bell 206B Dezhou City, China
14-May-13
Helicopter hijacked, linked to recovery of monies owed by the operator to another aviation company
12-May-13 C-GAHZ Bell 212 Dewar Lakes, Canada
12-May-13
On landing, the helicopter encountered whiteout conditions, and after touchdown, the helicopter rolled over. Two of the three passengers suffered minor injuries. The pilot and other passenger were not injured. The helicopter was destroyed. On contract to Canada’s Dept of National Defence. CADORS 2013C1810
EFW awarded $11.8M contract for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracker Systems
Source: US DoD, 10-May-13
EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,837,950 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the Helmet Display Tracker Systems (HDTS) in support of the AH-1W helicopters. This contract includes the manufacture and delivery of 11 P-kits, 65 A-kits, 11 installations, and non-recurring engineering and program support. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. [...]
10-May-13 N94PH Bell 206B Heflin, US-Kentucky
10-May-13
Hit powerline while spraying. Pilot walked away – he was named here as Michael Stewart
Industry CEOs to headline AHS Forum
Source: AHS, 07-May-13
The vertical flight world is wrestling with rapidly evolving challenges. From military struggles to sustain capabilities in the face of urgent budget cuts to civil campaigns for efficiency gains that bolster success in tepid markets, the vertical flight industry faces new challenges almost daily to meet its customers’ current demands while ensuring its ability to [...]
07-May-13 N20Z Bell 206L La Junta, US-Colorado
07-May-13
Crashed in open land and fell onto its side. Reported as on photo mission. Three occupants had minor injuries
Iran reveals indigenous Bell 214 simulator
Source: Press TV, 06-May-13
The Iranian Army’s Ground Forces have unveiled a new indigenous simulator for Bell 214 helicopter, presenting the forces’ latest achievement in the simulation field. (See Full Story)
Bell laying off 140 employees
Source: Star-Telegram, 03-May-13
Bell is laying off 140 employees at its Fort Worth plant in anticipation of reduced production of its V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft over the next several years. (See Full Story)
HMLA-467 bids farewell to Hueys, anticipates more Venoms
Source: US Marine Corps, 03-May-13
Just a week after receiving its first UH-1Y Venom, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 476 inducted three UH-1N Hueys into the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis Monthan Air Force Base April 24. Two of the Hueys were flown from Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., where the squadron was supporting the Weapons [...]
West Michigan’s Newest Crime Fighter
Source: FOX 17, 02-May-13
There’s a new buzz around West Michigan and you may have heard it flying above your home. Michigan State Police have a new helicopter. (See Full Story)
Astronics Max-Viz 1500 Approved For New and Retrofit Bell 429s
Source: Astronics, 01-May-13
Bell Helicopter has worked with Astronics Corporation to help integrate the Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system as an option for new Bell 429s as well as for retrofit installations. Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) is a leader in providing advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries. Astronics’ Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system (EVS) permits pilots to [...]
Bell expands Maintainers & Operators Conferences offerings
Source: Bell, 01-May-13
Bell announced the debut of two Maintainers and Operators (M&O) conferences this week in China. The conferences, held in Beijing on April 23 and Shanghai on April 25, served as an opportunity for customers in the region to meet with Bell Helicopter customer support representatives and other industry experts. “As we continue to expand our [...]
Bell showcases versatile aircraft at AeroExpo 2013
Source: Bell, 29-Apr-13
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 [...]
Air Evac celebrates year of service in Licking County
Source: Newark Advocate, 29-Apr-13
In its first year of service for Licking County, the helicopters of Air Evac Lifeteam 107 made more than 200 flights and were requested for service more than 460 times. (See Full Story)
27-Apr-13 N150SP Bell 206B Shepherd, US-Montana (1F)
27-Apr-13
Sole occupant pilot killed after striking wires
Zip Aviation Welcomes Back a Member of its fleet
Source: Zip Aviation, 26-Apr-13
Zip Aviation re-entered their Bell Jet Ranger 206B into service at their Downtown Manhattan (New York City) Heliport. The Bell Jet Ranger 206B, or known as 99ZA, has received many new upgrades just in time for the summer season. 99ZA’s Turbine engine was overhauled by Aeromaritime, making it like new. The ship was then sent [...]
Bell awarded $14M rotor blade contract
Source: US DoD, 26-Apr-13
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $14,361,600 contract for main rotor blades. The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract. Location of performance is Texas, with a Dec. 31, 2015 performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Navy funds. Defense [...]
25-Apr-13 N937GR Bell 407 Mount Aeneas, US-Montana
25-Apr-13
Rolled over on landing. Supporting work on radio repeater site on the mountain
Uniflight win US Park Police maintenance contract
Source: Uniflight LLC, 24-Apr-13
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 [...]
23-Apr-13 N2072M Bell 206L1 Grand Canyon, US-Arizona
23-Apr-13
Substantially damaged in landing accident. Although this is a tour helicopter, only two flight crew were on board, no passengers
Oklahoma – Stephens County Sheriff adds UH-1
Source: KSWO, 22-Apr-13
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Department has a new large piece of equipment that will help the department fight fires or crime from a bird’s eye view. (See full story)
18-Apr-13 N495AE Bell 407 Waco, US-Texas
18-Apr-13
Bird strike, windscreen broken, landed without further incident, no injuries
Bell Q1 civil deliveries up, but revenues, backlog and profits down
Source: Textron, 17-Apr-13
Extract from the quarterly statement of parent company Textron reveals the following:- Bell revenues decreased $45 million, primarily the result of lower military unit deliveries and lower commercial aftermarket sales. Bell delivered 9 V-22’s and 6 H-1’s in the quarter, compared to 10 V-22’s and 7 H-1’s in last year’s first quarter and delivered 40 commercial [...]
Bell displays 407GX at ABACE in China
Source: Bell, 17-Apr-13
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 2013 Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) held April 16 to April 18 at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Aerochine, one of Bell Helicopter’s independent representatives in China, will feature Kingwing Aviation’s corporate configured Bell 407GX on static display. This week, [...]
Uniflight to maintain Houston Police Bell 412
Source: Uniflight LLC, 16-Apr-13
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 [...]
Aeronautical Accessories launches Bell 429 skid shoes
Source: Bell, 15-Apr-13
Bell Helicopter has announced it is producing and distributing carbide skid shoes for the Bell 429 model, through its Aeronautical Accessories brand. The product utilizes a patented process under the repair station that provides the highest degree of skid gear protection. The Bell 429 skid shoes are long-lasting, extremely durable and reduce wear and operating [...]
25th CAB named AAAA Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year
Source: US Army, 15-Apr-13
Combat Aviation Brigade was awarded the Army Aviation Association of American Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year Award at the 2013 AAAA Annual Professional Forum in Fort Worth, Texas on April 11. The Brigade’s primary mission was to conduct full spectrum aviation operations, to defeat the insurgency, support and improve governance and development. Their efforts [...]
