Bell 47
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: doncaster
Bell 47
Hi can anybody please help me I am very serious about buying a bell 47G to learn to fly I have been told they was the safest helicopter to fly that's why army navy Air Force used them is there any rated instructors or anybody give me any information about these helicopters regards stephen
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 392
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From: UK
I don't know much about the B47, although they are held in great affection.
You'd have to weigh up the pros and cons of a relatively rare, elderly helicopter with more modern machinery.
If safety is a primary concern then you could consider an Enstrom. S.300Cs are also pretty good - US Army trained their pilots on its forerunner.
You'd have to weigh up the pros and cons of a relatively rare, elderly helicopter with more modern machinery.
If safety is a primary concern then you could consider an Enstrom. S.300Cs are also pretty good - US Army trained their pilots on its forerunner.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,957
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From: Australia
Also used as a Lunar Landing Module Simulator by the Late Neil Armstrong.
Best helicopter invented. Gives you plenty of time to make mistakes before they stop flying, so too the Enstrom.
cheers tet.
Best helicopter invented. Gives you plenty of time to make mistakes before they stop flying, so too the Enstrom.
cheers tet.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: UKdom
AeroMaintenance don't look after Bell 47s anymore.
There is a smaller outfit in Dewsbury who specialise in looking after Bell 47s (I think 8 now!). They are making progress with regards to keeping these aircraft flying long term.
They are Annex 2 aircraft now under EASA too so they are slightly more cost effective and easy to maintain than they used to be.
Cracking helicopter and VERY safe.
PROs - The view, the nostalgia, the inertia, nice roomy cabin, easy to hangar (2-bladed). A man's machine because you have to fly it!
CONs - The speed, the fuel burn (unless you get a G5), you have to be a fettler to own one (cleaning, greasing, checking - as with all classic vehicles)
There are still instructors and examiners in Yorkshire/Midlands so learning to fly on one will not be an issue. If you're in Doncaster then there is a very experienced Bell 47 instructor at Sherburn and I'll be happy to come over and conduct your flight test at the end of your training.
I've flown a wide range of helicopters from the R22 up to the Dauphin and I'd always make room in my dream hangar for a Bell 47!
There is a smaller outfit in Dewsbury who specialise in looking after Bell 47s (I think 8 now!). They are making progress with regards to keeping these aircraft flying long term.
They are Annex 2 aircraft now under EASA too so they are slightly more cost effective and easy to maintain than they used to be.
Cracking helicopter and VERY safe.
PROs - The view, the nostalgia, the inertia, nice roomy cabin, easy to hangar (2-bladed). A man's machine because you have to fly it!
CONs - The speed, the fuel burn (unless you get a G5), you have to be a fettler to own one (cleaning, greasing, checking - as with all classic vehicles)
There are still instructors and examiners in Yorkshire/Midlands so learning to fly on one will not be an issue. If you're in Doncaster then there is a very experienced Bell 47 instructor at Sherburn and I'll be happy to come over and conduct your flight test at the end of your training.
I've flown a wide range of helicopters from the R22 up to the Dauphin and I'd always make room in my dream hangar for a Bell 47!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Shelton WA.
They are indeed a great helicopter and make a wonderful trainer. I have been involved with them since the mid 60's in NZ when our company used to import new ones from Fort Worth, In fact we purchased one of the last ones built in 1973, a wonderful 47G-3B-2A. Trained our own pilots after they served a 12 month "apprenticeship" as a loader. In my next life I installed many 250 C20's and C20B's, making them even better.
Be careful if you do intend to buy one as parts can be pricey. Scott's Bell 47 is the new TC holder and doing everything they can to get the support program up and running. There are still quite a few out there still doing well, what they have been doing well for the last 60 odd years.
I hope you can find one.
Be careful if you do intend to buy one as parts can be pricey. Scott's Bell 47 is the new TC holder and doing everything they can to get the support program up and running. There are still quite a few out there still doing well, what they have been doing well for the last 60 odd years.
I hope you can find one.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
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From: you aint seen me rite
Bell 47
Mrbonkers you are wrong sir, Aero Maintenance at Walton Wood are still a fully CAA approved maintenance facility for the Bell 47.I'm not aware of another 'approved' facility at Dewsbury. I've looked in the list of CAA approved organisations and cannot find it?
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: UKdom
IMO - The last time I spoke to Walton Wood their present Chief Engineer told me they were no longer going to look after Bell 47s? But I suppose they could have since changed their minds?
The CAA lists of Organisations appear to be dated May 2013 so are not the most up to date?
In any event if you're going to be owning an Bell 47 you want an engineer that is very experienced on type.
The CAA lists of Organisations appear to be dated May 2013 so are not the most up to date?
In any event if you're going to be owning an Bell 47 you want an engineer that is very experienced on type.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,103
Likes: 5
From: Chabanais, France
One of the cheapest instruments to maintain on the Bell47G-3B1 was the Slip Indicator, you need a ball of wool, a pair of scissors and some Cello tape!
A really lovely aeroplane to fly and a good basic trainer too. Would have thought some of the ex British Army ones were still about? A call to Westland Helicopters, near Yeovil, may provide you with some information as they built the Bell under licence.
A really lovely aeroplane to fly and a good basic trainer too. Would have thought some of the ex British Army ones were still about? A call to Westland Helicopters, near Yeovil, may provide you with some information as they built the Bell under licence.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 392
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From: UK
The Scotts Bell website Welcome to Scott's-Bell 47 does give buyers/owners grounds to be optimistic that the B47 still has a viable future.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 321
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From: Pennsylvania, USA
Bell 47's
There are still a lot here in the US I have a couple that I know are for sale ranging from G3's to a D1.
Great helicopter, wonderful to teach in. If I can be of help please drop me a line..
Regards
Darren
Great helicopter, wonderful to teach in. If I can be of help please drop me a line..
Regards
Darren
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 45
From: Montreal
G2 and J have the same engine I think, VO-435, so HOGE charts could be similar. Here's two charts for the G2, one for the original wooden blades and the other for the updated metal blades. Looks like all you Thai offshore guys were right about the effect of humidity on the S76A charts.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646
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From: Europe
Thank you! Is there a table for max gross weight? About 2950 lbs I reckon?
So they went for metal blades, gaining life limits, but got less performance out of them? Weird.
So they went for metal blades, gaining life limits, but got less performance out of them? Weird.
Last edited by Phoinix; 26th November 2022 at 09:59.
Joined: Oct 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 7,371
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From: Den Haag
G2 and J have the same engine I think, VO-435, so HOGE charts could be similar. Here's two charts for the G2, one for the original wooden blades and the other for the updated metal blades. Looks like all you Thai offshore guys were right about the effect of humidity on the S76A charts.
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 511
From: UK
One of the cheapest instruments to maintain on the Bell47G-3B1 was the Slip Indicator, you need a ball of wool, a pair of scissors and some Cello tape!
A really lovely aeroplane to fly and a good basic trainer too. Would have thought some of the ex British Army ones were still about? A call to Westland Helicopters, near Yeovil, may provide you with some information as they built the Bell under licence.
A really lovely aeroplane to fly and a good basic trainer too. Would have thought some of the ex British Army ones were still about? A call to Westland Helicopters, near Yeovil, may provide you with some information as they built the Bell under licence.
Only one trip at TH in the 60s - definitely more cyclic 'arm exercise' than the Whirlwind, but the view ...!!! and the (demonstrated) eol, followed by a climb to 10' and a further, controlled landing.! Rotor inertia aplenty !
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 73
From: England
IMO - The last time I spoke to Walton Wood their present Chief Engineer told me they were no longer going to look after Bell 47s? But I suppose they could have since changed their minds?
The CAA lists of Organisations appear to be dated May 2013 so are not the most up to date?
In any event if you're going to be owning an Bell 47 you want an engineer that is very experienced on type.
The CAA lists of Organisations appear to be dated May 2013 so are not the most up to date?
In any event if you're going to be owning an Bell 47 you want an engineer that is very experienced on type.
I have a UK contact who maintains a number of 47's both here and abroard.
If the aircraft is not used commercially you only need an engineer and Part M support.
I maintain a fixed wing using this arrangement.
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 1,154
From: Central UK
Whilst agreeing wholeheartedly about the fun, safety, ideal trainer etc I'd caution any prospective buyer who intends actually going anywhere in one that 60mph cruising speed is simply impractical. With a 20kt headwind you're being overtaken by mopeds...
I'd opt for an Enstrom every time simply on the grounds of practicality.
I'd opt for an Enstrom every time simply on the grounds of practicality.