The Columbian Air Force has very recently taken delivery of a new Bell 412EP, with the aircraft being noted at various points on its ferry flight from Texas, including San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica on Sunday 7th October.  The aircraft is a replacement for an earlier 412 which was damaged beyond economical repair in an accident in January of this year (see HeliHub.com page for this accident).  The aircraft has a VVIP interior and is understood to be used for flying the President and other high profile politicians.

Carrying serial FAC0006 (and replacing FAC0005), the aircraft is white over grey with two blue pin stripes and the usual military roundel for the Colombian Air Force.  Additionally the red eagle coat of arms of the Air Force appears on the doors.

We believe the aircraft is MSN 36585, tested as N4574Z which was cancelled from the FAA register on 03-Oct-12 on transfer to Colombia

We are very grateful to Jorge Rafael Solano Rodriguez in allowing us to use the photos here, which are his copyright.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com