It's a busy time for Bell Helicopter as the company chases new
orders, welcomes new customers and continues to develop new aircraft
for a range of future markets. With perfect timing for NBAA 2004,
Las Vegas Helicopters has just introduced the first Bell 407 to
serve the busy local air tourism industry here. The new 407 replaces
a Eurocopter A-Star; Las Vegas Helicopters president Gerry Shlesigner
cites speed, comfort, higher pilot visibility and reduced maintenance
as factors in the purchase. Another new lead operator for Bell is
San Diego-based Corporate Helicopters, which has announced the acquisition
of its first twin-engined Bell 430 as part of its ongoing fleet
upgrade plans. Other recent developments at Bell include:
Celebration of 1,170,000 flight hours by the worldwide fleet
of Bell 407 aircraft. The first Bell 407s were delivered to operators
in 1996 and are currently flying in 41 countries.
Preparation for the December first flight of the Bell 210, an
upgraded development of the UH-1H, certified to civil standards
and aimed at the U.S. Army"s pending Light Utility Program.
Selection of the Bell 430 by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Service, and the Bell 407 by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Completion of high-altitude testing by the MAPL (Modular Affordable
Product Line) tail fan demonstrator. The MAPL has been flying since
July and has now demonstrated OGE hover at 11,700 feet and flight
operations at more than 13,000 feet.
Introduction of Fly Smart—a fixed-price monthly spares
supply and maintenance planning service for Bell Helicopter customers.
