Camshan...
Little bit tense for your first post dontyathink...
May I suggest you READ all the previous posts again..
NOBODY has said that the man is not highly qualified and experienced - quite the opposite in fact.
At NO time was the aircraft or himself in any danger.
The reasoning behind the views expressed here, are that it is clear that Bell dont share your views and there is now a very expensive machine declared unairworthy. (see quote below)
Nobody is denying his talent and personality, but MANY people have been in contact with CAA and NO permission was granted.
This is FACT, not assumption.
As for pushing the envelope - yes, I am sure many have done so. But to disregard the POH and the manufacturer's clear instructions is a different thing altogether. To knowingly and willingly flout the rules is another.
Another time, another place, maybe with the factory 407 test pilot on board - well, who knows. Maybe it would be written into the POH and Bell have another sales pitch to use. This time however, this was not the case.
R