The 429 is to heavy with an useful operation weight for an a/c certified under part 27, shame on the Bell development branch. Poor development control. The payload ratio between Crew weight, special equipment and fuel is to bad. On the other side the ship in actual state isn't ready to fulfill the part 29 requirements. A great problem. If the FAA/EASA will not follow the "petition" the 429 don't have a good outlook. Very few operators are ready to invest in a helicopter right from the start limited by the 3175kg and without much perspective to further improvements and additional equipment in the coming years. In the last year some HEMS operators skipped the 429 out of such reasons and opted for other products. Now Bell is becoming really nervous.
They have made a great helicopter, but trapped in the certification.