Bell 429
Join Date: Mar 2008
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From AIN today:
Bell Ramps Up 429 Output, Looks at 206 Replacement
Bell Helicopter is ramping up production of its 429 light twin and aims to have 33 off the line by year-end and more than 80 completed by the end of next year. Bell senior vice president Larry Roberts said the company is continuing to wring weight out of the helicopter, via changes in manufacturing and by pursuing regulatory solutions, and is progressing with development of a version with wheel landing gear. Bell recently announced new 429 sales in China and Japan, as well as its intention to compete for an Australian Defense Forces contract for 14 to 30 training helicopters. Roberts said the 429 is the beginning of what Bell predicts will be its resurgence in the civil sector, a strategy that will include revisions to legacy products to be announced next year. He also revealed that Bell is evaluating a replacement for the 206B-3 single, which is slated for discontinuation this year. “We think that an entry-level helicopter for a large OEM is something that needs to be considered,” he said.
Bell Ramps Up 429 Output, Looks at 206 Replacement
Bell Helicopter is ramping up production of its 429 light twin and aims to have 33 off the line by year-end and more than 80 completed by the end of next year. Bell senior vice president Larry Roberts said the company is continuing to wring weight out of the helicopter, via changes in manufacturing and by pursuing regulatory solutions, and is progressing with development of a version with wheel landing gear. Bell recently announced new 429 sales in China and Japan, as well as its intention to compete for an Australian Defense Forces contract for 14 to 30 training helicopters. Roberts said the 429 is the beginning of what Bell predicts will be its resurgence in the civil sector, a strategy that will include revisions to legacy products to be announced next year. He also revealed that Bell is evaluating a replacement for the 206B-3 single, which is slated for discontinuation this year. “We think that an entry-level helicopter for a large OEM is something that needs to be considered,” he said.
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Bell with twin pack?
You're little behind the times my friend, the "Bell with twin pack" as you call it could be deemed to have been the 427, if you've flown it you'll know its far from just a twin engine Bell.
From what I hear from my colleagues in the US this aircraft will outsurpass the EC155 by a long way with its avionics and vertical lift capacity.
My only "criticism" of the Bell 427 is the lack of width in the pax cabin but, to fly, it goes like .......!
From what I hear from my colleagues in the US this aircraft will outsurpass the EC155 by a long way with its avionics and vertical lift capacity.
My only "criticism" of the Bell 427 is the lack of width in the pax cabin but, to fly, it goes like .......!
Join Date: Jan 1999
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Information Please
I'm currently evaluating the 429 for a client. Can anyone tell me with absolute certainty and back up with hard figures, exactly what will the machine do. Fuel burn, LRC TAS, real MT Weight, and how far with 5 pax & 2 drivers.
Join Date: Jan 1999
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Another One
Thanks for the intelligent input SM 
. My question was aimed at those that have firsthand knowledge of the aircraft as opposed to Book Figures. I’m looking for pointers from those who can tell me about the “Real World”. I don’t know about you, but I tend to use peripheral vision as opposed to tunnel vision. FW!!!!!!!!! 
. My question was aimed at those that have firsthand knowledge of the aircraft as opposed to Book Figures. I’m looking for pointers from those who can tell me about the “Real World”. I don’t know about you, but I tend to use peripheral vision as opposed to tunnel vision. FW!!!!!!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2009
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429 actuals
Good on you nasa, tell him like it is
You could pm Denissimo? He flew the machine whilst in UK recently, unless I am wrong. Was pretty positive about it, and could give you an objective view on the 'real thing' as opposed to the book figures. (I've got a feeling there may be his flight test refereced on Prune somewhere......
VFR
You could pm Denissimo? He flew the machine whilst in UK recently, unless I am wrong. Was pretty positive about it, and could give you an objective view on the 'real thing' as opposed to the book figures. (I've got a feeling there may be his flight test refereced on Prune somewhere......
VFR
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B429
For NASA ... See UK's BLADES magazine (LOOP.aero) for more info on the B429. (issue August 2010.) Also Georgina Hunter has completed an air test in'Helicopter Life' magazine.
Best wishes. Dennis Kenyon.
Best wishes. Dennis Kenyon.
Join Date: Jan 1999
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B429
Appreciate the input guys........Actually had some info last nite from a guy who has just finished the 429 school. His experiences are very informative.
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Bell 429 enters the oil & gas segment
November 22, 2010
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, today announced the sale of two (2) 429 helicopters to Chevron, one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. The aircraft will be servicing Chevron's oil & gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico with deliveries planned in early 2011.
"All of us at Bell Helicopter are delighted that Chevron, a long time customer, is the first company in the oil and gas market to see the value and the impact the 429 can have on their operation," said Larry Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business for Bell Helicopter. "Bell Helicopter is committed to the development and support of the energy and utility market. The 429 which is outfitted with a modern avionics suite capable of integrating Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) has the ability to operate 7 days a week in harsh, remote and unforgiving environments with superior reliability and productivity, "said Roberts.
Chevron, headquartered in San Ramon, California, is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. They are engaged worldwide in every aspect of the crude oil and natural gas industry, including exploration and production, manufacturing, marketing and transportation, chemicals manufacturing and sales, geothermal energy, and power generation.
Ken Kersker, Gulf of Mexico Manager at Chevron said, "Upgrading our fleet with the Bell 429 will yield us performance and cost improvement immediately. The fact that it is already compliant to the standards of the Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) made it an easier decision - Bell understands our business and its challenges."
The 429 was certified in mid-2009 as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules by Canadian, US and European authorities. It is designed and built to more stringent airworthiness standards than any other light, twin-engine helicopter.
The Bell 429 has the largest cabin in its class - providing unsurpassed headroom and ample legroom, with the front row of passenger cabin seats easily reconfigurable or effortlessly removed to convert from passenger to cargo service or any combination of the two. Its compliance to the standards of the Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) and its performance specifications make it especially suitable to offshore oil & gas support.
The 429's maintenance program is the only one in the helicopter industry that's based on Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3) practices that are the foundation of airlines' unprecedented reliability. The 429 is the first rotorcraft to have its maintenance program approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to these high standards.
Source: Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, today announced the sale of two (2) 429 helicopters to Chevron, one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. The aircraft will be servicing Chevron's oil & gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico with deliveries planned in early 2011.
"All of us at Bell Helicopter are delighted that Chevron, a long time customer, is the first company in the oil and gas market to see the value and the impact the 429 can have on their operation," said Larry Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business for Bell Helicopter. "Bell Helicopter is committed to the development and support of the energy and utility market. The 429 which is outfitted with a modern avionics suite capable of integrating Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) has the ability to operate 7 days a week in harsh, remote and unforgiving environments with superior reliability and productivity, "said Roberts.
Chevron, headquartered in San Ramon, California, is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. They are engaged worldwide in every aspect of the crude oil and natural gas industry, including exploration and production, manufacturing, marketing and transportation, chemicals manufacturing and sales, geothermal energy, and power generation.
Ken Kersker, Gulf of Mexico Manager at Chevron said, "Upgrading our fleet with the Bell 429 will yield us performance and cost improvement immediately. The fact that it is already compliant to the standards of the Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) made it an easier decision - Bell understands our business and its challenges."
The 429 was certified in mid-2009 as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules by Canadian, US and European authorities. It is designed and built to more stringent airworthiness standards than any other light, twin-engine helicopter.
The Bell 429 has the largest cabin in its class - providing unsurpassed headroom and ample legroom, with the front row of passenger cabin seats easily reconfigurable or effortlessly removed to convert from passenger to cargo service or any combination of the two. Its compliance to the standards of the Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) and its performance specifications make it especially suitable to offshore oil & gas support.
The 429's maintenance program is the only one in the helicopter industry that's based on Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3) practices that are the foundation of airlines' unprecedented reliability. The 429 is the first rotorcraft to have its maintenance program approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to these high standards.
Source: Bell Helicopter
In the mailbox today was a surprise message to state that Neil Marshall the Program Manager on the 429 has moved on. As he puts it.... 'After 6 wonderful years back at Bell working on the model 429 development & certification I have moved on ....'
He is now the Program Manager for the model 47 helicopter at Scott's - Bell 47 Inc., based in Le Sueur, Minnesota, USA. Scott's acquired the model 47 Type Certificate from Bell Helicopter last year.
It seems a strange way to go after having lived with the newest Bell technology for so long! Welcome to Scott's-Bell 47
He is now the Program Manager for the model 47 helicopter at Scott's - Bell 47 Inc., based in Le Sueur, Minnesota, USA. Scott's acquired the model 47 Type Certificate from Bell Helicopter last year.
It seems a strange way to go after having lived with the newest Bell technology for so long! Welcome to Scott's-Bell 47
Join Date: Feb 2008
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I really want to like this helicopter...but what I've read so far leaves me flat. Heading to Heli-Expo in a coupla weeks and hope Bell can make a by the numbers case for the 429 in the Air Ambulance role over the EC135 or 145.
I flew the 145 and liked it....but am unhappy with the support we're receiving lately from Eurocopter on our BK-117...
I flew the 145 and liked it....but am unhappy with the support we're receiving lately from Eurocopter on our BK-117...
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Just heard from one of my Flight Paramedics that at the recent Air Medical Transport Conference he attended, Bell was "unofficially" touting a forthcoming 500 lb. gross weight increase....
Yeah, its kind of like the 139, with a couple of overpowered engines lending it to easy gross weight increases. Shawn Coyle did a pretty close study on it and posted and published. I'd like to hear some "working" reports too - the factory guys are always optimistic.
Was in one a few weeks ago and quite liked it. Only helicopter I know of that is certified for flight from either right or left seat, maybe means nothing to you European guys but means we can long-line from the left seat here without taking a black felt pen to the RFM limitations.
On the IFR side it is approved for 9 degree LPV (using GPS to fly an ILS like approach, except better), again means nothing to Europe were you aren't allow to turn on a GPS, but a big deal on this side of the Atlantic for EMS.
On the comparison side, it is a six pass seat helicopter, like the 135. Gross on the 135 is 6500, 7000 on the 429, I think about 8000 for the eight pass seat 145. The 145 is a stone-age relic compared to the EFIS, FADEC, automated 429.
Good to see some competition in the light-twin market.
Was in one a few weeks ago and quite liked it. Only helicopter I know of that is certified for flight from either right or left seat, maybe means nothing to you European guys but means we can long-line from the left seat here without taking a black felt pen to the RFM limitations.
On the IFR side it is approved for 9 degree LPV (using GPS to fly an ILS like approach, except better), again means nothing to Europe were you aren't allow to turn on a GPS, but a big deal on this side of the Atlantic for EMS.
On the comparison side, it is a six pass seat helicopter, like the 135. Gross on the 135 is 6500, 7000 on the 429, I think about 8000 for the eight pass seat 145. The 145 is a stone-age relic compared to the EFIS, FADEC, automated 429.
Good to see some competition in the light-twin market.
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Malabo, does your reference to the EC145 include the EC145T2? Just wanna know as I think the 145T2 is not in your described catogery and must at least ne specified as it is type certified now and available for order?
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Can't agree more OBX! one thing I have learned-nevermind the individuals weight, nobody can load a helicopter like a paramedic! If there is space it will be filled!
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And they can break a bowling ball with a feather! Pilot's helmets in for repairs... 1 per decade...Paramedic's helmets in for repairs...2 per month. Can't wait to see what they do with NVGs....