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 be our initial priority” stated Neil Marshall (SB47 Program Manager). “We are actively exploring new sources of supply for main rotor blades, a clear priority for operators, plus we have re-opened discussions with suppliers of long lead parts, some of which have not been purchased for many years, to ensure that in the near term the right parts are available at the right price for our operators.”

To establish priorities in this re-sourcing activity Mr. Marshall stated that “we are surveying the existing customer base to understand their priorities and to gain their guidance on the right direction for Model 47 business development. The survey will be available publicly on our website later this month and will also be made available to customers at our booth at HELI-EXPO 2011.”

Chris Meyer (SB47 General Manager) expanded on Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc’s plans for HELI-EXPO 2011. “We have secured, fittingly, booth number 47 and are proud to have our first presence at Heli-Expo as an OEM. Bell Helicopter’s Customer Training Academy has kindly offered their Model 47G-4A which will be on static display at our booth. We are very much looking forward to the show, where we intend to update the customer base on our business development and continue to build strong relationships with the supply base.”

Mr. Marshall explained that potential business development could include factory refurbished, or even new, Model 47 helicopters in the future. “The survey of our existing customer base is crucial to us understanding the future demand for new or refurbished Model 47 helicopters. The aircraft remains an extremely viable product, an excellent pilot training platform and an aircraft that appears perfectly placed to fit the needs of an expanding agricultural aerospace industry.” He went on to state that equally crucial are their ongoing discussions with an engine manufacturer to support the potential build of new aircraft. “We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached to have an engine source of supply should we decide to put the model 47 back into production.”

About Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc.
Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc., established in 2009 under the private ownership of Scott Churchill, is a sister company to Scott’s Helicopter Services Inc., one of the largest operators of Model 47 helicopters in the world. Mr. Churchill acquired the Type Certificates for the Model 47 from Bell Helicopter in 2010. With this, he is now able to fulfill his long term goal of ensuring that affordable, quality spare parts will be readily available for the 1,000+ registered Model 47 helicopters.