9-Oct-2020
FAA – AIRCRAFT DURING PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION DAMAGE WAS DISCOVERED TO RUDDER AND A MISSING BOLT TO TAIL BOOM, WILLITS, CA.... Read more
8-Oct-2020Source: Bell
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
6-Oct-2020Source: Bell
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
4-Oct-2020
Bird strike which broke the windshield on the pilot’s side and ended up in the cabin... Read more
2-Oct-2020Source: Bell
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
1-Oct-2020Source: Bell
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
29-Sep-2020
Tail rotor hit trees during logging operations, causing helicopter to crash... Read more
24-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
23-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
23-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
18-Sep-2020Source: HeliHub.com
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
16-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
16-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
16-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
15-Sep-2020
Main rotor struck tail boom during autorotation training. Instructor and student not injured... Read more
11-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
9-Sep-2020Source: Bell
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
9-Sep-2020
Precautionary field landing while on powerline imaging work... Read more
7-Sep-2020Source: Erickson
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
4-Sep-2020Source: KTVO
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. ... Read more
4-Sep-2020Source: Transwest Helicopters
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
4-Sep-2020Source: EASA
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
31-Aug-2020Source: CBSN Bay Area
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. ... Read more
28-Aug-2020
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.... Read more
26-Aug-2020Source: Bell
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
24-Aug-2020
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
24-Aug-2020
Tail rotor double delamination discovered during post flight inspection... Read more
22-Aug-2020
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.... Read more
19-Aug-2020Source: SiriusXM
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
19-Aug-2020Source: Van Horn Aviation
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
19-Aug-2020
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
19-Aug-2020
Crashed during firefighting operations. Pilot received fatal injuries – named here as Michael Fournier... Read more
14-Aug-2020Source: Bell
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
12-Aug-2020Source: Bell
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
11-Aug-2020Source: Bell
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
10-Aug-2020
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.... Read more
8-Aug-2020
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
7-Aug-2020Source: VHA
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
7-Aug-2020
Precautionary landing in a parking lot... Read more
6-Aug-2020
Aircraft struck powerlines during aerial application... Read more
4-Aug-2020Source: Helicopter Technology Company
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
4-Aug-2020
Substantially damaged beyond repair in a forced autorotation landing at Lübstorf near Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Minor injuries to the 3POB... Read more
30-Jul-2020Source: Bell
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
28-Jul-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the Bell 505 has been accepted by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) for airworthiness certification in the United Republic of Tanzania, making it the sixth country in Africa to certify the aircraft. “The Bell 505 is renowned the world over for delivering best-in-class value... Read more
24-Jul-2020Source: FAA
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
23-Jul-2020Source: Bell
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
23-Jul-2020Source: Astronautics
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
22-Jul-2020Source: Bell
It started with the renowned Bell 47 Model – the “Bubble” – becoming the first certified helicopter for civilian use. Ready to jump into the civil market, Larry Bell concocted a three-step approach to introduce helicopters to everyday civilians and businesses. Today at Bell, this three-step strategy to bring vertical lift to new audiences has... Read more
20-Jul-2020Source: Bell
From breaking the sound barrier with incredible pilot Chuck Yeager and the Bell X-1 plane to developing the world’s first tiltrotor, Bell has always found ways to uncover revolutionary solutions. We’ve created flying rocket belts or jet packs and assisted with a lunar landing. But it’s not about one department, one invention or even one person. It’s... Read more
17-Jul-2020Source: Bell
“Larry Bell left behind two great monuments to his life. One is the great number of lives which have been saved by the helicopters he fostered and sustained, a fact of which he was immensely proud. The second is the family of people at Bell, who still, today in many ways mirror the personality of... Read more
16-Jul-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is strengthening its customer service and support offerings with the acquisition of Zhenjiang Aerochine Aviation Limited to increase Bell’s helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in China. Previously appointed as an Authorized Maintenance Center, the acquired Zhenjiang Aerochine – now Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Service... Read more
16-Jul-2020Source: Business Air News
Helimarte has five ASTAR (H125) and a Bell 206 JetRanger. It used to operate a King Air C-90 and more Bell 206 JetRangers, but as Brazil’s B206 fleet diminished, locating parts and technicians have caused headaches. See Full Story.... Read more
15-Jul-2020Source: Bell
The United States government has delivered the first Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey to Camp Kisarazu on July 10. The Osprey is built by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA]. The Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) is the first operator of the V-22 outside of the U.S. military.... Read more
9-Jul-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, recently delivered an Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Bell 429 to the Chinese national television broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV). This Bell 429 is the first dedicated ENG configured helicopter in China as well as the first ENG configured Bell 429 to operate in North Asia. “It’s... Read more
9-Jul-2020Source: GPMS Foresight HUMS
Foresight MX, GPMS’s predictive Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), is now active on Municipal Enterprises Limited’s new Bell 407GXi. Municipal’s Jeff Byrne, who serves as both pilot and maintainer on an aircraft used for construction site inspections and executive transport, described using the Foresight system as “almost too easy”. He explained, “When you land,... Read more
9-Jul-2020Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Serving Central Oregon for 25 years, Leading Edge Aviation is happy to announce its continued growth and success in the aviation industry with the newest addition to its fleet of over 20 aircraft: the Bell 407 GX helicopter. “The 407GX is equipped with various advanced safety features, with the well-being of our staff and contract... Read more
1-Jul-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that Horizon International Flight Academy has logged more than 1,000 flight hours in its Bell 505 fleet, mainly utilized to train military pilots. Horizon’s training academy is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Crossing the 1,000-flight hour threshold in less than three months from its... Read more
30-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded an $8,346,395 firm-fixed-price modification (P00013) to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N00019-17-C-0030). Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2020. This modification provides for the production and delivery of a fully assembled flight training device for an... Read more
29-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have delivered the first CMV-22B for fleet operations to the U.S. Navy on June 22. The V-22 is based at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. “We are thrilled to bring the Osprey’s... Read more
25-Jun-2020Source: GA Telesis
GA Telesis, LLC (“GAT”) announces the formation of GA Telesis Rotorcraft (“GATR”) to provide lease and finance solutions in the helicopter sector. GATR closed its first helicopter transaction, a portfolio of Bell helicopters. GAT completed the acquisition of seven Bell 206L4 helicopters, four of which are subject to multi-year leases. Regarding the other three helicopters,... Read more
25-Jun-2020Source: GE Aviation
GE Aviation was selected by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, to provide the Aircraft Health Awareness System as part of Team Invictus for the Bell 360 Invictus competitive prototype, a part of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The health awareness system integrates decades of GE’s proven health... Read more
24-Jun-2020Source: Bell
The Bell Training Academy will offer virtual pilot and maintenance training for global customers who may be unable to travel to Bell’s global training facilities. “This is one of many virtual support offerings in the initial phase of Bell’s customer support and services modernization effort,” said Sam Nelson, general manager, Bell Global Training Academy. “In today’s environment,... Read more
24-Jun-2020Source: Bell
A horse is a horse. Of course. But Bell’s horse, “Straight Up”, is anything but just another statue you’ll see around town. Straight Up is one of nearly 100 horses around the Amarillo area thanks to a project initiated by Center City of Amarillo, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of historic downtown Amarillo.... Read more
24-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Stepping into the future of flight calls for a unique approach – one that requires modern tools and a dynamic, agile team. Bell’s Technology and Innovation organization partnered with our Brand team to re-imagine customer experience, aircraft design and more. Through game design, virtual reality, augmented reality and more, our teams have explored the various... Read more
24-Jun-2020Source: Triumph Group
Triumph Group [NYSE: TGI] announced that its Triumph Systems & Support business unit has been awarded a five-year contract from Bell Textron, Inc. for the supply of mechanical flight controls for multiple commercial helicopter platforms, including the Bell 429, Bell 412 and Bell 407. The contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) award that will... Read more
15-Jun-2020Source: Air Ambulance Technology
Air Ambulance Technology delivers first Bell 412 Kit to Montenegro Armed Forces. (Vojska Crne Gora) Montenegro, with its beautiful beaches and mountainous terrain, benefits from powerful and agile helicopters to help cope not only with natural disasters, but also cover patient transport for residents and tourists when the need may be. In 2018, Montenegro was... Read more
11-Jun-2020Source: Boeing
The Bell Boeing [NYSE:BA] V-22 team recently delivered its 400th aircraft, a CV-22 for U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The first production V-22 was delivered on May 24, 1999, and today deliveries occur under the Multi-year Procurement III contract valued at $5 billion. That contract runs through 2024 and includes variants for the Marines,... Read more
9-Jun-2020Source: AeroBrigham
Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider AeroBrigham has announced the contract award of systems integration for nine Bell 429 helicopters destined for the Jamaica Defence Force. The company has inducted and is performing work on the initial two airframes at their main facility in Decatur, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area metroplex.... Read more
8-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that the Montenegro Air Force has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X’s. These new aircraft will be used to train the Montenegrin military pilots. The agreement also provides that Bell will provide training for three pilots in France and eight... Read more
5-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced agreements with nine premier aerospace industry leaders to form Team Invictus. The companies are producing the Bell 360 Invictus prototype submission as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. Each industry partner brings unique experience and technological expertise to provide... Read more
2-Jun-2020Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced a new comprehensive ownership program for purchasers of new Bell commercial aircraft, including the Bell 505, Bell 407GXi, Bell 429, and SUBARU Bell 412EPX. Bell will include a one-year subscription to Garmin® OnePak™ database bundles and the Garmin Pilot™ app as part of each new aircraft purchase. Database Concierge, the... Read more
29-May-2020Source: HeliHub.com
GAMA, the General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association, has released it’s quarterly production report covering January to March 2020. This covers the general aviation aircraft shipments and billings for the first quarter of 2020. Piston, turboprop, business jet and rotorcraft deliveries declined across all segments during the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the first quarter... Read more
29-May-2020Source: Precise Flight
Precise Flight, Inc. has expanded its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Pulselite® Bird Strike Prevention System to include approvals for the Bell 429 and Bell 505 variations. The Pulselite® System is an FAA certified lightweight electrical system controller that alternatively pulses the landing and auxiliary lights of a... Read more
28-May-2020Source: Babcock
Babcock has down selected the Bell 429 aircraft in its bid for the LAND 2097 Phase 4 Project to support the Australian Defence Force’s Special Operations helicopter capability. As one of the world’s largest and most experienced helicopter operators, and the largest commercial operator in Australia, Babcock completed a comprehensive assessment of the platforms available... Read more
22-May-2020Source: Bell
Somewhere, a dedicated team stands ready, waiting to launch a Bell aircraft, reach an emergency site and save a life. As the third week of May 2020 comes to a close, the U.S. celebrates emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and recognizes their unrelenting commitment to caring for patients – even in uncertain environments. Now, more... Read more
