Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is awarded a $12,861,992 modification (P00004) to cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price order N00019-20-F-0315 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-17-G-0002. This modification exercises options to modify the V-22 aircraft to the government of Japan’s unique configuration requirements. Additionally, the modification exercises options for the production and delivery of nine… Read more »
The Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, California, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $188,572,655 modification (P00010) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPRPA1-17-D-009U) with four one-year option periods for performance-based logistics and engineering support for the V-22 platform. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. Locations of performance are Maryland, Texas… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, appointed Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS) the first German dealer for the Bell 505. Approaching 50 years of business aviation experience, RAS is a proven provider of expert aviation sales and service. “We are pleased to announce RAS as Bell’s first authorized 505 dealership for Germany,”… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, appointed Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS) the first German dealer for the Bell 505. Approaching 50 years of business aviation experience, RAS is a proven provider of expert aviation sales and service. “We are pleased to announce RAS as Bell’s first authorized 505 dealership for Germany,”… Read more »
In mid-November 2020, Van Horn Aviation received a letter from Brazil’s Agency Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC) conferring a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for 206B main rotor blades bearing the part number 20635000-501. The ANAC STC, posted on VHA’s Documents page, validates the FAA STC SR02732LA issued in August 2020 and permits the new main… Read more »
The Tomcat helicopter (Bell 47 adaption) was involved in agricultural work. Unclear what happened but helicopter ended up on the ground on its skids but without its rotor mast or main blades This report states that “Jose Daniel Avelarez Gálea – aviation mechanic was killed and citizen Edward José Flores Padilla, who works as an aviation… Read more »
The Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, California, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $36,546,991 firm-fixed-price modification (P00009) to three-year delivery order SPE4AX-18-D-9433 against base contract SPRPA1-17-D-009U to extend the period of performance for delivery of V-22 spare consumable and depot-level repairable parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as… Read more »
Boost Human External Cargo Systems (Boost Systems – www.boostsystems.ca) the global leader in the provision of the most advanced and certified Human External Cargo (HEC) Systems and services for the Search and Rescue, utility, public safety and defense sectors is proud to introduced its latest Supplemental Type Certified and compliant HEC system, designed for use… Read more »
Photos posted online show helicopter significantly damaged by landing in two feet of water in a lake, although it remained upright on its skids. Second image shows the person who took the photos, sat in the water of the lake with leg injuries strapped up in a rudimentary way
Highway Patrol helicopter landed in the street on final approach to its base after striking trees. The helicopter remained upright, but landed heavily and the skids splayed out – other damage included main blades and bom. Sole occupant pilot B.K. Jones was injured Approx latlong 35.731181, -78.629324
Emergency landing during low level training detail. 4POB all out OK Helicopter fell onto its port side, breaking the main blades. The tail boom remained mostly intact, apart from the port stabiliser on which the helicopter came to rest.,
Arizona-based rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) received a Letter of Acceptance from Transport Canada for the company’s updated composite main rotor blades fitting the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. Approved by the FAA in August 2020, the new VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades may now be installed for use on Bell 206B… Read more »
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Guyana of Bell 412EPi and 429 Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $256 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Guyana has… Read more »
International freight forwarding and transportation specialist Dimerco has won global bids to provide specialized complete-solution supply chain services for a leading helicopter assembly, refitting and operation company in China. The contract involves shipping near 30 Bell 407 helicopters from Canada to China by the end of 2020, first moving the cargo by air ride truck… Read more »
Arrow Aviation, headquartered in Broussard, Louisiana, has completed HALO-Flight’s first single pilot IFR Bell 407 for HEMS service. Completed with a Helifab’s EMS Interior including patient and isolette transport litters, AC electrical system, and medical oxygen, suction, and air systems, the aircraft is equipped to provide state of the art care even in adverse weather… Read more »
Encouraging the development of an integrated ecosystem of partners, Bell joins the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium (CAAM) in its effort to establish Canada as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Announced Oct. 28, the multi-stakeholder group created by the Canadian Air Mobility and National Research Council of Canada (NRC) will streamline research,… Read more »
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, California, Maryland, has been awarded an estimated $27,897,619 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for removal, repair and replacement of V-22 spindle bearings. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. Locations of… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced a delivery of three Bell 407 GXis to the Polish National Police (PNP). The PNP has been a long-standing Bell customer for about 20 years. The addition of these aircraft will help them serve and protect people, to maintain public order, and security in Poland…. Read more »
PAC International has recently completed and delivered an upgraded Bell 407 to Haiti Air Ambulance, a leading provider of emergency medical helicopter services in Haiti. Modifications provided by PAC include: · Spectrum Aeromed patient stretcher and base assembly with Lifeport pilot barrier and medical floor · Propaq, Revel Vent, and Bodyguard 121 IV pump mounts,… Read more »
Bringing innovation to aviation while ensuring operational safety is not new to HALO-Flight; but, the recently acquired Bell 407GXi brings the South Texas air medical service into national focus with the first, FAA approved, single engine, single pilot IFR air medical helicopter. HALO-Flight’s newest aircraft is also Bell’s first 407 IFR (instrument flight rules) aircraft… Read more »
English Air Services, a part 133, 135 and 137 operator out of Santa Maria, CA USA specializing in utility operations for agriculture, LIDAR/Mapping platforms and power line maintenance has taken delivery of a completely refurbished Bell Helicopter 206L3 from Meridian Helicopters. This marks the eighteenth completed and delivered Bell Helicopter 206L3 and 206L4 aircraft refurbishments in… Read more »
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, announced that an amended Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) has been approved for the Max-Viz 2300 Enhanced Vision System (EVS). Offered by wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics PECO and obtained in cooperation with AVIO dg in Calgary Canada,… Read more »
Bell, a technology company, celebrated its 85th anniversary this past July, reflecting on its growth as a company committed to redefining flight. Founded by Larry Bell in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of mobility, constantly finding ways to create innovative solutions. From breaking the sound barrier with pilot Chuck Yeager and the… Read more »
A team of Thompson & Knight trial lawyers obtained an extraordinary victory on Sept. 29, as the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico issued a ruling dismissing all pending charges against their client, Bell Helicopter Vice President Javier Ortiz. Mr. Ortiz was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit wire… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it will be adding Intercopter GmbH to its Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) network. Intercopter is located in Taufkirchen, Germany near Munich. “Growing our German footprint has been one of our top European priorities and having Intercopter in our network is another important step in executing… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the successful flight of the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) 70 as part of a joint flight demonstration with NASA. Bell was selected to participate in NASA’s Systems Integration and Operationalization (SIO) activity in 2018, which includes multiple flight demonstrations focusing on different types… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced a collaboration agreement with Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) to install their Mission Management System in a Bell 429 as a law enforcement demonstrator. This new demonstrator will be used to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities to the police and military markets in Europe and across the… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, will showcase its state-of-the-art aircraft at this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Bell will have two aircraft on static display for the public to experience; a Bell 429 operated by Slovak air rescue company, Air-Transport Europe, and a privately owned Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. “It is… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X program has accumulated more than 50,000 flight hours. More than 260 Bell 505s are operating a variety of missions across six continents and 55 countries. Notable deliveries this year have included, Southern Utah University, Centaurium and public safety configured Bell… Read more »
Yesterday, at “Carlos Curbelo” Naval Air Base in Punta del Este, a ceremony was held to welcome the first of two AB412s acquired by the Uruguay Navy. The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Dr. Luis Lacalle Pou, Defence Minister Dr. Javier Garcia, Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defense Colonel Rivera… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that the Montenegro Air Force accepted its first Bell 505. The technical acceptance occurred in July at Bell Prague. The delivery happened today in Montenegro and was accepted by Montenegro Air Force’s Minister of Defence, Predrag Bošković. The second aircraft is expected to be delivered… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it will be adding its first Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) in Denmark and the second AMC in Europe. Air Service International A/S is located in Billund, Denmark and the new facility will provide maintenance for the Bell 206A/B, 206L and 505. “Bell will support Air Service… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced its first ever Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) in Europe. The new AMC will provide maintenance for the Bell 505 and Bell 407 and is located near downtown Warsaw in Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland. “We are excited to announce Bell’s first AMC in Europe,” said Duncan Van De… Read more »
To maintain great products that serve as valuable assets for businesses, emergency medical services and personal travel across the globe, Bell partners with customers in every corner of the world. Expanding our global footprint and making sure our services are easily available to our diverse customers requires the aid of maintenance facilities and partners. This… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the delivery of the first Bell manufactured public safety configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. “Bell is proud to deliver Alameda County Sheriff’s Office with one of the most technologically equipped short light single aircraft on the… Read more »
Erickson Inc. and Bell Textron Inc. have announced the signed agreements to initiate the transfer of type certificates for the model 214 ST and B/B1 helicopters to Erickson Incorporated. The transfer will be processed through the FAA and is expected to be completed near the end of the year. The agreements replace the previous license… Read more »
Exciting changes are in store for one Heartland air ambulance service. Tuesday, September 1, Air Evac Lifeteam 38 in Kirksville will officially transition to MU 4 and integrate into the University of Missouri Air Medical Services Program. See Full Story.
Transwest Helicopters has re-entered operations with a well-equipped Bell 412EP aircraft (C-GTWJ) perfectly suited for utility and fire firefighting applications. The aircraft has undergone a full refurbishment at the Transwest facility and is outfitted with a wire strike kit, the BLR Fast Fin, Strake Kit and BAMBI Max water bucket system as well as several… Read more »
One occurrence has been reported of failure of both inverters in flight, leading to autopilot disconnection. Subsequent inspection identified chafing of a wire in the AC power system cable assembly, due to a protective grommet not correctly installed in the emergency bus interlock compartment. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to autopilot… Read more »
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s helicopter rescue unit that just saved two Marin County firefighters trapped in the midst of the Woodward Fire last Friday night is at risk of being eliminated due to budget shortfalls. See Full Story.
Helicopter crashed into the yard in a built-up area, killing two of three occupants on impact. Third is reported to have later died in hospital. Images show mast and main rotor blades largely intact, suggesting it descended upright and vertically. Location is about 3km east of Lagos Airport.
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the delivery of a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to Southern Utah University (SUU) for its existing fleet of helicopters used to conduct student training. “SUU has been a Bell customer for more than 20 years, and its Professional Pilot Aviation Program currently operates two Bell… Read more »
Helicopter was applying herbicide to a wheat field with only the pilot on board. After clearing a row of trees, the helicopter began a slight descent. While rounding out to continue the application pass, the spray boom made contact with the crop and the pilot lost directional control of the helicopter. The helicopter veered to… Read more »
Precautionary landing in baseball field. Eyewitness reports suggest there was something on fire in the cockpit which was taken out of the helicopter and extinguished. With rotors still turning, the one person who got out then got back in and the helicopter took off again.
SiriusXM® and Bell, a leading manufacturer of helicopters and a pioneer in the advancement of aviation technology, announced today that Bell will become the first helicopter OEM to provide its customers with a three-month subscription to SiriusXM’s satellite-delivered aviation weather, information, and audio programming services with the purchase of a new rotor wing aircraft. A… Read more »
Van Horn Aviation (VHA) has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification / Parts Manufacturer Approval (STC/PMA) on its updated composite mainrotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades contain different carbon fiber ply counts and orientations than the original VHA 206B main rotor blades. This… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, unveiled today its new 140,000-square-foot Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas. The MTC is an innovative proving ground where Bell will test and refine technologies and processes—demonstrating manufacturing readiness and ability to successfully build and support Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The facility provides… Read more »
Bell has proven its engineering and design prowess with the development of its V-280 Valor and Bell 360 Invictus aircraft, both of which have been down selected for the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program – namely the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programs respectively. There’s little doubt that… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the official opening of the new Bell facility in Wichita, Kansas, where the company will support multiple Bell programs and business areas, including Engineering, Supply Chain, Professional Manufacturing and Corporate Services. Bell held an opening ceremony at the facility with employees and executive leadership to… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, unveiled today its new 140,000-square-foot Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas. The MTC is an innovative proving ground where Bell will test and refine technologies and processes—demonstrating manufacturing readiness and ability to successfully build and support Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The facility provides… Read more »
Routine training mission; helicopter was struck by a bullet. A safe emergency landing was made at Manassas Regional Airport. One crew member was treated at a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Three Texas Parks and Wildlife employees died in the accident as they surveyed the landscape for desert bighorn sheep. The pilot, who was a private contractor for the state agency, was taken to El Paso for medical treatment. The victims were named by Texas Parks and Wildlife as Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridge, Fish and Wildlife… Read more »
VHA recently received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on its updated composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The last major hurdle prior to receiving a supplemental type certificate (STC), the TIA signifies that the design meets type design requirements and permits FAA pilots to perform final flight tests… Read more »
Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) is pleased to report that Transport Canada has formally accepted their STC for the 204P2100-103 Main Rotor Blade applicable on various Huey Models. STC # SR02492LA will be entered in the national index of STCs that have been reviewed and accepted by Transport Canada for installation on Canadian-registered aeronautical products. The… Read more »
In July 2020, a long-standing and loyal Bell customer, Henley Air, launched its very own ROCKET (Rapid On Call Emergency Transport) Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operating six Bell 222 UT helicopters. ROCKET offers the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry in South Africa a neutral and independent helicopter ambulance service of unmatched quality. The service… Read more »
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B-1, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a shoulder harness seat belt comfort clip (comfort clip) interfering with the seat belt inertia reel. This AD requires… Read more »
In the race to provide viable, aerial solutions to move goods and information, Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) surpassed a significant step in this journey: beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight. Delivering goods and information to critical – sometimes inaccessible – locations calls for an aircraft that can fly autonomously, over long distances and… Read more »
Astronautics Corporation of America, in partnership with Rotorcraft Services Group (RSG), is pleased to announce that RSG has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR01048DE for Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) on Bell 412/412EP/412HP/412SP/212 helicopters. STC validations from European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), and Agencia… Read more »
