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Old 24th Aug 2011, 21:51
  #281 (permalink)  
 
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As for running it without any oil for a full fuel load even you should know that is a load of b*&^cks.
Yep, sounds like that to me too. However, one hears a wide range of stories and some do turn out to be true. On a more practical note, as a result of my oil pressure issue, was trying to develop some additional insight as to how best to handle a transmission low oil pressure situation. RFM says very little about this beyond land as soon as possible. If one is 10-30 min from a maint base, does it make sense to land in a minimally suitable inaccessable field etc or to fly to the base? So far, I am thinking I will take the field in accordance with the RFM. Two-three hours is beyond believeable in light of the S92 run dry controversy (admittedly a far different situation).

Last edited by EN48; 24th Aug 2011 at 22:24.
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Old 24th Aug 2011, 22:02
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@EN48
The transmission probably has a run dry capability of about 30 minutes.
Fluctuating oil pressure could be from frothing of the oil - do an oil change and make sure the cans are agitated prior to filling.
As previosly mentioned get the pressure transducer, indicator and wiring checked.

Cheers
BH
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Old 25th Aug 2011, 08:04
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I go with GoodGrief, check on the instrument.
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Old 25th Aug 2011, 12:22
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Oil level

I may be stating the obvious here, but some aircraft will give oil pressure fluctuations if the the oil quantity is overfull. I think its to do with excessive foaming of the oil.
Not sure how the 407 reacts to this.
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Old 25th Aug 2011, 12:29
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If the transmission oil level is over serviced in a 407 it will typically run hotter than normal, to the point that it may overheat.
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Old 25th Aug 2011, 14:30
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If the transmission oil level is over serviced in a 407 it will typically run hotter than normal, to the point that it may overheat.
Xmsn oil level in my 407 shows mid-yellow plus a little on the sight glass - this is where my shop says it should be. No evidence of foaming. Oil temps running slightly above mid-green (70-80 deg C) and stable, which is typical for this acft. None of these would appear to be the cause of pressure fluctuations.
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Old 26th Aug 2011, 17:37
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EN 48, do you have access to another 407? with 15+ yrs of wrenching on 407's the Litton gauges can be a bit touchy. If you can try swapping with a known good gauge. Check the wiring at the pressure transducer..its not a wet line like 206 series it takes oil press and converts it to an electrical signal. If you have access to another 407 try swapping gauges or transducers. Litton digital gauges can be very spendy.dont go ordering one before you know for sure....you could also do like someone said and plumb in a direct reading gauge to see if indeed you have fluctuation in the oil pressure. Also check the deck fittings where the wire bundles that contain the gauge wires pass thru the roof for bent pins or corrosion.

And as for oil level..only check it cold...we run ours cold at the bottom of the yellow...407 are notorious for spitting out oil from the breather if its over serviced.. top of the yellow cold =big mess when it gets to operational temperature.
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Old 27th Aug 2011, 00:18
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Helofixer,

Thanks for the tips. We have done some of these tests with no change. This is a newer acft still under warranty, so replacing a gauge isnt likely to be painful money wise, but a real hassle in terms of getting the existing one out and and another in place. ( I am told that a replacement gauge is around $17,000, and a transducer around $5800.) A "donor" acft is available and we will try this if we run out of other alternatives.

Oil level is mid yellow cold with no problems. Will report the fix here when accomplished.
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Old 29th Sep 2011, 20:43
  #289 (permalink)  
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Bell 407 Fadec experts

Could anyone help with a contact for a independent expert on the FADEC system on the Bell 407
 
Old 30th Sep 2011, 04:06
  #290 (permalink)  
 
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Define what you mean by independent and expert.

David Fox at the Bell Training Academy has forgotten more than most know about the 407 FADEC system.
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Old 31st Oct 2011, 13:57
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E&B Helicopters B407 Alert System

All,

Anyone have any experience with this system which provides audible alerts for TRQ, MGT, and NG? Cost? Installation time, etc?

Limited info here: EB Helicopters :: Avionics :: 407 Alert System STC
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Old 3rd Nov 2011, 05:22
  #292 (permalink)  
 
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En48, i flew a 407 with that system & it worked well i think it took a day or two to install i think it was 5years ago. Worked well we never had a problem with it. Not sure of the cost???
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Old 12th Dec 2011, 15:37
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address

The delivery to the address failed. I have a question about the electrical system.
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Old 15th Dec 2011, 10:22
  #294 (permalink)  
 
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Does anyone know what sling-mirror kit this is?
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Old 15th Dec 2011, 13:31
  #295 (permalink)  
 
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Suggest you contact a member of the Giana family. Their maintenance crew are bound to remember which make it was:

Tel: +39 0324 354 33
Email: [email protected]
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Old 12th Jan 2012, 14:58
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WPR12LA065

WPR12LA065

NTSB Identification: WPR12LA065
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in Rock Springs, WY
Aircraft: BELL 407, registration: N8067Z
Injuries: 5 Minor.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On December 13, 2011, about 1620 mountain standard time, a Bell 407, N8067Z, was maneuvering at a low altitude and airspeed near the residence of some of the passengers when it descended into an open field about 12 miles west-northwest of the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, Rock Springs, Wyoming. The helicopter impacted the ground hard and was substantially damaged. The helicopter’s landing gear skids and lower cabin structure were deformed, and the tail boom was severed. Guardian Flight, South Jordan, Utah, owned and operated the helicopter. The pilot and four passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight began from Rock Springs about 1600.

The passengers reported that the pilot, who was an employee of Guardian Flight, immediately departed the scene. The pilot has not reported the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board. Guardian Flight management personnel reported that the pilot was not authorized to fly the helicopter, and he was employed as their Rock Springs helicopter mechanic. Law enforcement authorities reported they apprehended the pilot in another state. Federal Aviation Administration personnel reported that the pilot was issued a student pilot certificate in 1988, and they have no record of him holding any additional pilot certificate. He does hold a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings and inspection authorization.

An acquaintance of the accident pilot reported that he observed the pilot flying N8067Z on several previous occasions for personal reasons. Passengers were carried during these “joy rides.”
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Old 5th Feb 2012, 01:58
  #297 (permalink)  
 
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Spent ten hours flying a 407GX Monday, three in the dark. The G1000 installation is incredible -- Bell has hit a home run with this.
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Old 5th Feb 2012, 09:06
  #298 (permalink)  
 
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Well said I flew it in July last year, it really is excellent
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Old 5th Feb 2012, 21:45
  #299 (permalink)  
 
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Bell has hit a home run with this.
Agree! Now if they would only get with the program and offer kits to upgrade the approximately 1200 B407's already in service (for a price of course) it would be great. At their current estimated sales rate of about 50 GX's per year, most of us will be flying on our own set of wings before this technology trickles down.
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Old 12th Feb 2012, 20:50
  #300 (permalink)  
 
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Spent ten hours flying a 407GX Monday, three in the dark.
Hello, are you a Bell test pilot ?
Bell has delivered its first 407GX today Bell Helicopter Delivers First 407GX
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