Bell 407GX

[birrddog]

Talk about a sterile cockpit! I got a tour of the 407GX today, a lot of thoughts come to mind, the first one "about bloody time".

I was impressed by the simplicity; they appear to have done a good job though I'll wait for those who get to fly it this week to comment.

The cockpit felt so naked.

At least youngsters like SASless can watch their Nickleoden in between flights :E

[Rotor George]

I shot this short video of the unveiling of the Bell 407GX today at Heli-Expo.

dtXKHrQ47DI

[chopper2004]

T'was most impressed with the unveiling of the 407GX and the 407AH today, cool music and so forth. WIll post up pics and video when back from Orlando.

Looks like Bell is fighting its way back then I guess however the cynics would say it was like the Bell 417 and ARH-70A ghost coming out of the cupboard albeit in a different form but the same nontheless. :ouch: :eek:

[EN48]

I understand Bell has their 407 at HAI,


Just back from HeliExpo. Did a demo flight in the 407GX and talked to various Bell personnel. What I thought I heard:

> Base price of GX with G1000H about $2.8mm, said to be about $150K more than analog version, but includes much more. Must add to this other desired kits. Estimated (by me) delivery price of a completed helicopter in the $3.2-$3.3mm zone for "corporate" configuration. Both versions to be available for some period of time.
> First available delivery position end of 2011 (some orders already taken).

IMHO this transforms the helicopter. While the G1000H includes substantial "whytech" (features that are easy and cheap to do given that the platform overhead is already paid for but are irrelevant on a VFR light helicopter so why bother) it is overall stunning and the whytech portions are highly addictive irrespective of utility. I want one! :ok:

Also talked with Roger Hoh, developer of the Cobham/Chelton HeliSAS. He stated that the STC for the 206/407 has been approved by the FAA and installations should begin soon. The Bell 407GX demo ship had a HeliSAS installed.

[birrddog]

EN48, could you describe the demo flight? I'm curious as to the length and what they would have been able to demonstrate on what I imagine must have been a short flight....

Did they mention anything about IFR certification? The Bell pilot I spoke to said it was possible and he could not see why they would not do it, I guess with the G1000H all they need should be another power source as the G1000 already has redundancy built in (two displays and 2 computers*)

IFR in VMC (marginal VFR or night) would be great, including IFR flight plans.

* I assume 2 computers based on typical G1000 spec.

[EN48]

could you describe the demo flight?


Bell and Eurocopter were conducting demo flights of several types of helicopters from a field behind the convention center. Flight lasted about 30 min with route in vicinity of convention center. Pilot was well versed on G1000H features but not so much on some of the technical details. In order to get a demo flight, one had to do a short (10 minutes) briefing on using the G1000H at the G1000H demonstrator in the Bell exhibit area. If one knows the G500, the G1000 basics are pretty simple.

The issue for IFR is not so much the avionics as it is airframe related features. I am told that the FAA requires redundant hydraulic and electrical systems and a sophisticated autopilot among other things for SPIFR, and that the cost of designing and certifying the FAA required capability would be cost prohibitive in the B407. AFAIK, for these and possibly other reasons there are no light single engine helicopters currently in production which are certified for IFR in the U.S. In the past a handful of 206's and I think 3 407's have been certified possibly through the STC route, but I am told that the FAA would not allow this again. There are others here who will know more about the certification requirements.

[JimL]

To see the certification requirements, look to Appendix B of Part 27. These are the same for any Part 27 helicopter - whether single or twin.

ICAO Annex 6 Part III also has standards for flying in IMC in Performance Class 3. These are contained in Section II Chapter 3.4, Appendix 2 and Attachment H. These SARPs are for CAT but give some indication of what might be required.

Unlike some views expressed in this and other threads, this is not a trivial issue.

Jim

[GeorgeMandes]

Spent ten hours flying a 407GX Monday, three in the dark. The G1000 installation is incredible -- Bell has hit a home run with this.

[olymbec]

Has anyone had the pleasure of flying the new GX yet,

How would you compare the experience between the 407 vs the 407GX?

I took it on two test flights and it handled like a dream, the only draw back was that it was a local flight which on lasted 45minutes, we did some hovering, circuit, a few autorotation into the Textron Mirabel plant (my Bell test pilot Bruce was someone you can learn from inside and outside ahy helicopter. The other flight was left seat at heli expo 2012, very short flight straight and level (but then again beggars can't be choosers)

If you can share any of your experiences or stories would love to hear them.
Hopin one day that will be my next sled...:

[longbox]

I have just completed a demo your of the UK in a GX, the 407 has really been reborn with the GX, the G1000 screens are very easy to use with easy of use and pilot friendly layout, sadly all analogue dashes look very old after, pm me if you would like more info or pictures

[GeorgeMandes]

I have been flying a GX since late January -- the one word that comes to mind is "fantastic!" Previously I flew a legacy 407.

Faster to get launched as flight plan info is entered prior to start, much simplified power management with the single limit display, fantastic SA info flying in the mountains. The HITS boxes are wonderful flying under a low ceiling over the water.

We have had zero issues with the G1000 installation, and we were one of the first few GX ships delivered - Bell and Garmin really did their homework.

[47guy's]

Olymbec question for you?

Since you use the G500 system in BDT what is your comments compare to the G1000 in the 407

Guy

[olymbec]

I love flying with the G500. So simple to use once you have had a little practice.Truth is I ever imagine flying without a glass cockpit in the future. Have only flown the 407GX on a test flight. Will be getting the GX next month. Will keep you posted then but from what little I experienced during my two separate test flights the G1000 seems to reduce a lot of the pilot work load. Will check back and give a better report once I have logged more hours. 47Guy's where are you located in Canada?

[GeorgeMandes]

I am not him, but I have a few years of G500/600 fixed wing experience. G500H is an improvement on the navigation side, but loses all the benefits of the engine/airframe integration of G1000. Things like the single limit power display, big instrument page, FADEC information, tail camera, elimination of the old engine gauges, the clean-up of the panel, plus HITS boxes, larger displays, etc.

Here is the GX panel:

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg251/GJMandes/G11.jpg

[olymbec]

George Mandes what was the reason for adding the Garmin 696 in the centre console?
What extra information to you get from it? now that you have it would you do it again? if you have the choice would you have chosen the new Aera 796??

Thanks in advance for your reply since I will be adding some other avionics and want to know what would be the best combination and solution for me.

Also why do you have the right side fixed cargo mirror on the helicopter? are you using the machine with a cargo hook?

[GeorgeMandes]

We are able to download detailed topo information, like river and lake names, and display it on the the 696 for use in Alaska. Also, since we had a wx weather antenna, it was a cost effective way to get XM weather when in lower 48. We prefer the 696 because it works with flight gloves, unlike the 796, and also like the dedicated buttons on the 696. The GX install is so clean, that area was wide open to easily add the 696. Couldn't beat the price, since we already had a 696 from our last 407, and it provides a back-up in case of any major G1000 and/or electrical problem.

The fixed mirrors are for off airport landing use.

Depending upon how and where you fly, I would consider adding a back-up attitude indicator with a skid ball, as we did above the GX install.

[GeorgeMandes]

Here is a photo showing the HITS boxes in use over the ocean on one of those murky days where the water and horizon blend together. The displays are in the reversion mode, allowing the pilot in the left seat to fly with a PFD on the center screen.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg251/GJMandes/G12.jpg

[olymbec]

I recently purchased a 407GX and I am looking to print up a checklist to keep with me in the machine. Can any one direct me to where I can find one on the internet? I looked around and couldn't find one.
Thanks in advance for your help.

[helofixer]

There is a checklist in the Pilots Operating Handbook that I could email or fax to you but you should have one( a POH) or( Flight Manual) in the aircraft.

[EN48]

I have one for a standard 407 I have been refining for several years ( around a million dollars of my time in it so far!) as part of a personal safety management system. In MS Word form and fairly easy to adapt to GX. PM me with email address if interested. Over several decades of owning and flying airplanes and helicopters I have found the the RFM/AFM checklists rarely are adequate for in-flight use as the format is not suited to quick reference and optional equipment and personal preferences not considered.

[Vertical Freedom]

only Crapinsons have a POH :yuk::yuk::yuk:
Helicopters have an RFM a Rotorcraft Flight Manual ;););)

[Anthony Supplebottom]

olymbec - you should at least try asking Bell seeing as you are not far away from them.

vertical - I think there are a group of us who readily agree that the Robinson is not a real helicopter and should originally have been classified as an ultra-light or maybe even a large scale model! ;)

Out of interest, is there an equivalent to the GX in the Squirrel family, ie. glass cockpit with integrated GPS map etc.?

[Aesir]

Out of interest, is there an equivalent to the GX in the Squirrel family, ie. glass cockpit with integrated GPS map etc.?

The 350B3 has a engine glass display called VEMD. It´s really smart and easy to use but only for the engine & systems not navigation, radios, camera etc.. like the GX. Both have first limit indicators FLI on the GX it´s calle PSI power situation indicator, same thing though.

[Savoia]

The G500H by Garmin has been available for optional installation on the Ecureuil series since last year as per the following:


March 2011

EASA has awarded certification to Garmin and European helicopter and aircraft services provider Kuerzi Avionics AG for the installation of the Garmin G500H glass cockpit in the Eurocopter AS350. With this STC, any authorized Garmin aviation dealer can install a G500H in an AS350 in accordance with EASA guidelines.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ai6qk9O0_MA/UJVydUDj07I/AAAAAAAAKV8/nA3x9PKvLE4/s400/Garmin-G500H-0311a.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cy-i7ifQcxM/UJVydPoEidI/AAAAAAAAKV4/SwSqZ6Jyfrg/s523/AS355-with-G500H.jpg

The system includes:

- Synthetic Vision
- HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Avoidance and Warning System)
- Satellite Weather
- CLEAR CAS (Collision Avoidance System)
- WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) [Uses enhanced GPS signals to enable IFR operations and vertical glidepath approaches into non-ILS equipped landing areas]
- Optional Audio Panel (which receives voice activated commands and allows you to replay ATC messages)

.. and a number of other features.

[HeliHenri]

Still out of the thread ... But it's for Anthony :)
Sarasota Avionics has done a good job on this EC130B4 Sarasota Avionics Aircraft Panel Gallery (http://sarasotaavionics.com/panel-gallery/2012-eurocopter-ec130b4) (and we can see the engine glass display VEMD)

http://nsa32.casimages.com/img/2012/11/03/121103090102800648.jpg (http://www.casimages.com/img.php?i=121103090102800648.jpg)

[olymbec]

Thanks for the idea. I will make a copy of the checklist in the POH and laminate it for easy access and durability.
Going to fly a few hours in the GX tomorrow, so looking forward to it.

[Savoia]

I will make a copy of the checklist in the POH and laminate it ..

Olymbec: Can you not upload the checklist into the Garmin?

[Peter3127]

No chance of getting those pesky shoe laces snagged on a pedal! :}

[Grenville Fortescue]

Savoy, your notes on the Garmin unit and the mention of RT playback, does this mean that a CVR facility is closer to becoming a more accessible reality for light helicopters?

[Aesir]

The recording option is integrated in the Garmin ICS. If I remember correctly it only records the last 35 sec!

The Garmin 500H / 1000H or any Garmin unit actually are very user friendly and reliable. I absolutely love them and it will be interesting to see the BH-525 Relentless with the G5000H touchscreen unit.

A CVR is not installed in light helicopters because it is not required and is cost prohibitive. However anyone can use Bluetooth/audio jack type headset and record on the smartphone (Flight mode!) or digital recorder if they desire.

[Gomer Pylot]

Register on the Bell website and you can get the entire RFM in .pdf format, which you can print as you like.

[Savoia]

GF: Aesir has answered the question.

What I can say is that it would be a small thing for Garmin (or any of the other integrated systems manufacturers) to incorporate full (ie. several hours worth) intercom and ATC recording so yes, we are one step closer to having CVR coverage for light helicopters but .. it will take (at a guess) the better part of the next two decades before we see a substantive proportion of the light helicopter population flying 'on glass'.

Once that happens however it would not surprise me if pilots are encouraged to 'offer' a commentary (if this does not distract from their primary response) during emergency situations.

In single pilot operations for example, where there are sometimes few or even no witnesses to incidents and accidents, such recordings could provide valuable clues to investigators.

[Gomer Pylot]

Commentary will probably be offered without encouragement. The most common commentary is "Oh s**t!).

[Heliice]

Although voice is not recorded the 407 GX records pretty much everything else (altitude, X,Y,Z axis, speed and engine data . . .)
Its just missing that one last little bit.

[Shawn Coyle]

Control inputs would be nice, and the sample rate needs to be high enough too.

[ShyTorque]

I think both voice and control input "sample" rates go up a bit if you're on your way to a crash! :eek:

[Ian Corrigible]

Bell Helicopter introduces new 407GX autopilot (http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/BellHelicopterintroducesnewBell407GXautopilot)

Turning into quite a nice little package. No wonder it now accounts for over 80% of 407 sales.

I/C