16-Oct-2015Source: Bell
FTV1 continues to perform various gross weight and center of gravity configurations as we expand the flight envelope. The pilots have activated the fly-by-wire augmentation system successfully and have conducted initial auto-rotation entry and recovery. FTV1 has accumulated over 46 hours of ground run and 27 hours of flight time, and continues to perform very... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: Bell
From Bell’s Facebook page…. Congratulations Mitch Snyder, our new president and CEO, succeeding John Garrison. Mitch is a seasoned and proven executive with more than 30 years experience in the aerospace and defense industry with his last 11 years serving in various leadership roles at Bell Helicopter. We look forward to his leadership and guidance!... Read more
15-Oct-2015
Developed an engine problem and was forced to put down in a banana plantation. Helicopter damaged, extent unknown... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: Bell
The Bell 505 flight test program continues to progress with an overall total of 450 flight test hours and additional tests completed. Below are updates for each flight test vehicle (FTV) as of October 6, 2015. FTV1 has conducted more than 300 flight test hours. It is finishing up its certification testing this fall with... Read more
8-Oct-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces today that it is adding Agrarflug Helilift, located in Ahren, Germany, to its Bell Helicopter Authorized Customer Service Facility network. With thirty years of experience in the industry, Agrarflug Helilift is an established operator with over 40 helicopters in its fleet and offers charter services, aircraft... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Helitech International, the world’s third largest dedicated helicopter trade show (after Heli-Expo and Heli-Russia) opens today with just three manufacturers booking space on the show floor. AgustaWestland, Airbus Helicopters and Bell are the only manufacturers with floor space, with Sikorsky conspicuous by its absence despite being one of the four manufacturers who reportedly insisted on... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: Congressman Thornberry
The first National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to be passed during U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry’s (R-Clarendon) chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee is headed to the Senate for approval and then to the President’s desk. The bill includes funding for Sheppard Air Force Base, the Pantex Plant, and the V-22 Osprey program at Bell... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: LORD Corporation
The original component manufacturer and leader in aftermarket support services for elastomeric components and systems – now offers an exchange program for the Bell Helicopter 412 Spindle and Damper Bearing Assembly (Bell part number 412-010-190-105). The Spindle and Damper Bearing Assembly consists of an elastomeric bearing, which is directly bonded to a life limited metallic... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: BLR
BLR Aerospace is flight testing the Fast Fin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System on the AH-1 attack helicopter, commonly referred to as the Cobra, the company announced today. Company flight testing has confirmed that Fast Fin will improve the AH-1’s left pedal authority and engine thermodynamic efficiency. BLR holds the restricted category type certificate... Read more
6-Oct-2015Source: BLR
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the BLR Aerospace Fast Fin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation and flight on AgustaWestland’s AB412 helicopter. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is imminent, according to Dave Marone, the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Marone also announced the appointment of Agrarflug Helilift as... Read more
6-Oct-2015
Crashed and caught fire, killing both pilots – named as David Barrera and Fausto Calderón... Read more
5-Oct-2015Source: VIH Aerospace
VIH Aerospace (VIHA), a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services announces the acquisition of two additional Bell 407 helicopters to its growing portfolio of assets. “We have developed and are executing a very deliberate strategy to facilitate growth within VIH Aerospace that will serve to enable us to increase our third... Read more
5-Oct-2015Source: Heli One
Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has been awarded a new contract by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). Heli-One will complete a 5,000 Flight Hour inspection on two of the agency’s Bell helicopters, followed by a full strip and repaint with defect rectification. The work will be... Read more
5-Oct-2015
Crashed and burned out after reported loss of hydraulics led to loss of tail rotor control and an emergency landing. Six fatalities named as Pilot Javier Arias F, copilot Germán David Beltrán; Col. Carlos Alberto Melendez, police commander for Meta region, along with colleagues Jeison Alejandro García and Luís Felipe Nieva Gómez, plus one other... Read more
5-Oct-2015
Helicopter was involved in installing an antenna, when it crashed and completely burnt out. Most reports say it hit a pole, but not clear if that was before or after it “experienced difficulties”. Two fatalities and three serious injuries, including those on the ground hit by debris. The two fatalities were named as pilot David... Read more
29-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces today that the Bell Helicopter Prague, Customization and Delivery Center, has received Russian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certification to perform maintenance on Russian registered aircraft. “This is an important milestone for Bell Helicopter Prague,” said Michael Reagan, director, global services at Bell Helicopter. “We are committed... Read more
25-Sep-2015
Helicopter was landing at a gravel pit near a hunting camp. While manoeuvring to land to refuel the helicopter, the tail rotor struck a fuel drum. The rotor blade was destroyed, the tail rotor drive train was damaged and one main rotor blade was damaged by debris. The helicopter landed safely and the pilot, the... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: Mecaer
Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) announced it has successfully validated their luxury interior for the Bell 429 with Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). MAG developed and branded the MAGnificent for the Bell 429 under an EASA STC in May of 2015. Since then, MAG has applied for various validations around the globe. These certifications were initially... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems Inc. [NYSE: SPR] announced it has completed the first fuselage to Bell Helicopter for the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program. The unit was designed and assembled in Spirit’s rapid prototyping facility in Wichita, Kan., in just 22 months. The composite fuselage is being prepped to ship to Bell’s Amarillo, Texas, facility for... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: Star Telegram
Bell Helicopter is reviving its vision of finding a civilian market for tilt-rotor aircraft. See Full Story... Read more
23-Sep-2015Source: Aero Products
Aero Products Component Services, a prominent global helicopter support company, announces the recent signing of an agreement with LORD Corporation as a global distributor for Bell 206 series, 407 and 427 components, which incorporate the latest proprietary SPE IIA elastomer technology. A support provider to the helicopter industry since 1985, Aero Products Component Services has... Read more
22-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that retired Command Sergeant Major Jeffrey Mellinger, Bell Helicopter’s aircraft design liaison, received the 2015 Doughboy Award. The annual Doughboy Award recognizes Infantrymen for their outstanding contributions to the United States Army Infantry and is highest honor bestowed by the Chief of Infantry. The award... Read more
17-Sep-2015Source: RNZAF
The retired Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois helicopter fleet has been sold, subject to final United States and New Zealand Government approvals. Following an international tendering process, Dakota Air Parts of the United States has been selected as the successful bidder for 10 of the 13 airframes, and spares. The total sale was in... Read more
17-Sep-2015Source: The Washington Times
A federal review found that Montana has a safe aviation program, but it is unlikely the state’s five firefighting helicopters will be used to respond to blazes on U.S. Forest Service lands this year, officials said Friday. See Full Story... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this week celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Bell AH-1 Cobra. The trailblazing AH-1 is the original attack helicopter whose revolutionary design and configuration defined attack helicopters to follow in the decades after the historic flight at Amon Carter Field on September 7,... Read more
14-Sep-2015
Helicopter ended on its port side. 5 POB, three with minor injuries and the other two to hospital. Note, accident date was 14th not 15th (as reported elsewhere) – reports did not emerge until 15th as this flight was reportedly a private flight for the Defence Minister and not officially sanctioned.... Read more
13-Sep-2015
helicopter went down in the Chinese city of Chongqing on Sunday, killing all four on board, including two cameramen Jiang Ya and Song Hao’en from Chongqing Broadcasting Group, a local satellite TV station.... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: Toray Composites (America), Inc
Toray Composites (America), Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “TCA”) has entered into a Supply Agreement with BELL Helicopter, a Textron Inc. [NYSE: TXT] company, to supply carbon fiber prepreg materials for Bell Helicopter programs. Initially, TCA will supply materials for the Bell 525 Relentless program. The Bell 525 Relentless is the world’s first commercial fly-by-wire... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: 7 KPLC
Time means everything, especially in a medical emergency. See Full Story... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) has successfully validated the Bell 429 VVIP interior with the national civil aviation authority of Brazil, Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC). The VVIP luxury interior branded the “MAGnificent” by Italy-based MAG achieved the original Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) with the... Read more
10-Sep-2015Source: HTC
Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) is pleased to announce they are offering Metal Main Rotor Blades for UH-1 helicopters. The HTC Part Number 204P2100-101 Main Rotor Blade is a direct replacement for the Bell Helicopter – Textron Part Number 204-011-250-113 Main Rotor Blade. HTC designs and produces its own line of Helicopter Main and Tail Rotor... Read more
10-Sep-2015Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corp. has launched McAlester Regional Air Care, a critical care air medical helicopter flight program to serve McAlester Regional Health Center. The McAlester-based helicopter carries a medical flight crew consisting of a pilot, registered nurse and paramedic trained to provide superior clinical care. “Med-Trans is pleased to begin service in McAlester to serve McAlester... Read more
10-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the delivery of the first Bell 407GXP to Brazil. The aircraft is outfitted for corporate transport, which continues to be a popular market segment for the Bell 407GXP throughout Latin America. The aircraft was accepted at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Piney Flats, Tenn., by customer... Read more
9-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today its Aeronautical Accessories brand has received four new approvals from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The products can be applied to multiple Bell Helicopter models including the Bell 407, 212, 412 and 429. The products include: Bell 407, High Frequency (HF) Antenna Kit Bell... Read more
9-Sep-2015
Pilot encountered some sort of issue and reportedly landed away from a built-up area by crashing into the Orinoco River. That said, there apepars to have been more than that as the main blades and rotorhead are ripped off. The 2 POB named as Ceylan Orestes Requena Piña and Rafael José Aguirre Aguilera were safe... Read more
7-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the demonstration tour of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X mockup kicked off, September 3, in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil. Balneário Camboriú is the first of 10 stops throughout Brazil for the Bell 505 demo tour taking place from September to November. The nine other... Read more
7-Sep-2015Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran) delivered the first production Arrius 2R engine to Bell Helicopter in August 2015, on schedule. Selected to power the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, the Arrius 2R is the only turbine in the 500 shp range to feature a dual-channel FADEC. With seven million flight hours already logged by Arrius variants, the 2R... Read more
6-Sep-2015
Helicopter crashed heavily onto a sloping rock face, seriously injuring the pilot. The other two POB only had minor injuries... Read more
4-Sep-2015Source: Mecaer Aviation
Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) announcedit has successfully validated their VVIP Bell 429 helicopter interior with the Agencia Nacional De Aviacao Civil (ANAC). MAG achieved the original Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) with EASA earlier this year and continues to validate with agencies around the world. Brazil is the first of six (6) international validations applied for... Read more
4-Sep-2015Source: abc News
The SouthCare helicopter has just completed its busiest ever year since it began operating in 1998. See Full Story... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corp. has launched McAlester Regional Air Care, a critical care air medical helicopter flight program to serve McAlester Regional Health Center. The McAlester-based helicopter carries a medical flight crew consisting of a pilot, registered nurse and paramedic trained to provide superior clinical care. “Med-Trans is pleased to begin service in McAlester to serve McAlester... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Wiltshire Air Ambulance
PRE-hospital blood transfusions can now be given to patients treated by Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Paramedics. On August 17 2015 Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) began carrying blood on the helicopter and rapid response vehicle, which will benefit seriously ill and injured patients in need of emergency blood transfusion. The charity has teamed up with... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Bell
BellHelicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced long-term partner Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) was awarded a contract for 150 multi-purpose helicopters to replace Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) current fleet of UH-1J aircraft. The new UH-X aircraft, based on the Bell 412EPI, will be used for island defense and disaster relief efforts with... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Bell
BellHelicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the recent delivery of the Bell 429 to Servicios Aereos Across, an aircraft charter service based in Toluca, Mexico. The customer currently operates a Bell 407GX, multiple Cessna aircraft and will now add the Bell 429 to their fleet. “The Bell 429 continues to be in... Read more
2-Sep-2015
Heilcopter with 5 POB went down on a wide rock adjacent to a river, with the tail boom detached. Two fatalities, three seriously injured Blandine Pinette-Fontaine and Pierre-Michel Fontaine have been identified by the Quebec coroner as the two fatalities. The pilot was reported as Gabriel Turbide CADORS 2015Q1696... Read more
1-Sep-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the Bell Helicopter Lafayette Assembly Center is officially open for business in Lafayette, La., where the company will assemble the new commercial helicopter, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Steven Grissom and other state, regional and local officials joined Bell... Read more
1-Sep-2015Source: Altitude Aviation
The UH1 Operators website at www.uh1ops.com is pleased to announce the launching of a new T53 Maintenance page sponsored by Airborne Engines Ltd (AEL). The new page will cover articles, tips, and information regarding the T53 engine which is operated by a majority of UH-1 operations. This page, like the existing UH-1 Maintenance page is... Read more
28-Aug-2015Source: Bell
Security Alliance is extremely proud to announce its new strategic services relationship with BELL Helicopter, a Textron company. As of July 1, 2015 Security Alliance will transition into the provision of both security and fire services for BELL Helicopter in their Amarillo, Texas production facility. Bell is the primary provider of rotary winged aircraft for... Read more
27-Aug-2015Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its cargo hook kits and Onboard Weighing Systems for the BELL 206L and 406 aircraft models have been certified for use in Mexico by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). A Certificado de Tipo Suplementario was issued for... Read more
25-Aug-2015Source: Stone Aviation
Stone Aviation International (SAI) and Advanced Composite Structures Florida (ACSF) are pleased to announce that Owners and Operators of restricted category Bell UH-1H helicopters may now use Dornier Composite Main Rotor Blades with approved serial numbers in accordance with ACSF’s Eligibility Process and Continued Airworthiness Program . UH-1H owners and operators in restricted category may... Read more
25-Aug-2015Source: ASU
United States, Boise, Idaho based Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) announced that the company has obtained EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval on the Bell 206 series and 407 helicopters to modify existing aircraft for night vision capability. “This is the second EASA STC we have obtained this year,” said ASU Executive Director of Business... Read more
24-Aug-2015Source: Lord Corp
LORD Corporation has introduced a new 5-year/2,500-hour service life warranty for Bell Helicopter Model 412 hub elastomeric components. The warranty demonstrates LORD Corporation’s confidence in service life improvements realized through use of its improved SPE IIA elastomer. Comparative endurance tests confirm that the Bell 412 Spindle and Pivot Bearings manufactured with SPE IIA will have significant... Read more
19-Aug-2015Source: US DoD
Bristol Engineering Service Corp.,* Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $14,982,443 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Type A high bay corrosion control hanger at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The hangar will have an access apron to support local implementation of the integrated maintenance concept/plan for H-1 and MV-22 series aircraft. Construction includes... Read more
19-Aug-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Slovak Police have held an acceptance ceremony to announce the arrival of their first Bell 429 helicopter at Bratislava Airport on Monday 17th August. Fitted with a hoist and spotlight externally, the helicopter is in a dark green and whilte scheme Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák led the event. A second example is due before... Read more
18-Aug-2015Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $85,498,093 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to conduct research for, and develop updates to, weapons systems as part of a system configuration set (SCS) in support of the H-1 aircraft and the Navy and government of Pakistan. This effort is for SCS work to include creating prototypes... Read more
18-Aug-2015Source: 7 News Belize
Two days ago, the Anti Drug Unit found a helicopter – in perfect working condition – abandoned near the Belize-Mexico border. See Full Story... Read more
18-Aug-2015Source: Air Force Times
As the US Air Force gears up to modernize its legacy UH-1N Huey helicopter fleet, the service is planning an industry day later this month to explore the path ahead for the 40-year-old platform. See Full Story... Read more
18-Aug-2015Source: Bell
BellHelicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the final delivery and acceptance of eight Bell 412EP helicopters to the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND). The final delivery was acknowledged earlier today during the flag raising ceremony at the Villamor Air Base. “We are proud to deliver the final of eight Bell 412EP... Read more
18-Aug-2015
According to the pilot, he departed with 25 gallons of fuel and 80 gallons of chemical to spray a bean field near Cresco. About 5 minutes into the application, the engine lost power and the pilot initiated an autorotation to a water way on the side of a hill. Upon touchdown on the uneven terrain,... Read more
15-Aug-2015
Crashed from a reported 5m altitude and subsequenty consumed by fire. VVIP on board – Chihuahua State Governor Cesar Duarte; his wife, Lady Bertha Gómez Duarte; journalist Lolita Ayala; two of his aides and a security element. The passengers and crew were taken to the General Hospital of Parral for evaluation – and early reports... Read more
15-Aug-2015
Emergency landing in a cemetery, during which the main blades sliced the tail boom off. Helicopter substantially damaged but remained on its skids... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: WAA
WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance (WAA) held a public consultation event yesterday (Wednesday August 12th) for local residents and businesses to find out about its proposed new home to base the charity’s helicopter, aircrew and office staff. The charity has been searching for a site for its new home for over a year and its preferred location... Read more
14-Aug-2015
Struck lower tail fin on concrete curb while repositioning after refuelling... Read more
14-Aug-2015
Struck powerlines and made a controlled landing in Angeles National Forest. Substantially damaged... Read more
13-Aug-2015Source: Able
Able Aerospace Services has introduced two new solutions for the Bell 412 pivot bearing: an FAA approved PMA and the company’s first overhaul and exchange solution for the OEM part. This announcement expands Able’s already broad elastomerics program, including comprehensive alternatives for the Bell 407. “We are a long-standing, one-source elastomerics solution for Bell owners... Read more
11-Aug-2015Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that it has extended the time between overhauls (TBO) for its TALON® MC Cargo Hook Kits for the Bell 204, 205, 212, 412 and UH-1 aircraft to six years or 1,500 hours, whichever comes first. Previously, the cargo hook kits... Read more
11-Aug-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today its joint participation with sister company Textron Aviation at the 12th annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE) held August 11-13 at Aeroporto de Congonhas at São Paulo, Brazil. Subject matter experts from Bell Helicopter and Textron Aviation will be available in chalet... Read more
11-Aug-2015Source: Eyevis
Unique video wall for the new headquarters of Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas, USA: In the new headquarters of BELL Helicopter a convex video wall consisting of 48 omniSHAPES greets visitors in the main lobby. With a resolution of 8192 × 4608 pixels on an 8.4 m² big screen and a high brightness in... Read more
11-Aug-2015Source: WSJ
hen Robert Rice Jr. clinched a deal to sell secondhand military helicopters to the Philippines, it seemed like a golden opportunity to tap a new and potentially lucrative markets. See Full Story... Read more
10-Aug-2015Source: Eagle Copters
Eagle Copters Ltd. is proud to announce that Barry Kohler has accepted the position of President and CEO of the company, effective August 11th, 2015. Barry is a seasoned professional who has spent the last 30 years working in the aerospace sector. Mike O’Reilly, who currently holds the position of President and CEO, will join... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday announcing its newly opened Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) in Fort Worth, Texas. U.S. Congressman Joe Barton, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price joined Bell Helicopter’s president and CEO John Garrison to commemorate the occasion and have... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Gazette & Herald
Wiltshire Air Ambulance may have found a new base in the county after a year-long search. See Full Story. ... Read more
3-Aug-2015Source: TenCate
TenCate Advanced Composites, a leading supplier of advanced composite materials for aerospace and industrial applications, has begun production of compression molded parts for the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter program. On July 1st, this program achieved its first flight. At the current time, there are approximately a dozen parts per aircraft in applications ranging from access... Read more
3-Aug-2015
The pilot reported that when he was at 300 feet altitude and half a mile out on approach, the hydraulics to the controls went out and they became very stiff. He elected to continue the approach into the landing zone. During the landing touchdown, the heel of the left skid struck a berm, rocking the... Read more