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).

@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

I go with GoodGrief, check on the instrument.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bell 407 Fadec experts
 

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.

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

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???

address
 

The delivery to the address failed. I have a question about the electrical system.

http://www.aaa.dgualdo.it/fgmsg/fgmsg-007.jpg
Does anyone know what sling-mirror kit this is?

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]

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.”

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

Well said I flew it in July last year, it really is excellent

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.

Hello, are you a Bell test pilot ?
Bell has delivered its first 407GX today Bell Helicopter Delivers First 407GX

I think Bell was just announcing the delivery in the above press release. I was at Bell 16-20 january and they delivered two GX during that week.

A GX demonstrator has been flying over a year.

Thanks for your answer Aesir, I do understand now.

PAI 700 Vertical Card Compass in B407
 

I am interested in installing a PAI vertical card compass in my 407 as the standard wet compass is virtually unreadable in usual location. Anyone done this, and if so, where is it located and which PAI mounting bracket was used (or was a custom bracket used)? Also, installed via an STC or Form 337 or other?

New 206/407 product at HeliExpo 2012
 

Stopped by the ParAvion booth and was briefed on a new product being introduced: portable ground handling wheels for the 206 & 407. Unlike the Bell supplied wheels, these are small enough and light enough to be carried easily in the helicopter and come with a fitted nylon carrying case. Not intended for everyday use, but more for the case where an emergency or other event has you at an airport/FBO without suitable ground handling equipment to get the helicopter into a hangar. Workmanship appeared to be world class. Not inexpensive at $2900 the set, but one use under some circumstances would justify the price.

Bell 407
 

Installation is a pain only once. Carrying 60lbs extra will we a daily life long PITA. Those 60 lbs translate into about 10-11 minutes worth of fuel, that would be a long walk...
The importnt thing on either product is that it works as advertised.

I have experince with the Air Comm in the B407 - it was flawless in the time I owned it. When I spec'd this unit I asked a number of much more experinced B407 owners/pilots about which AC to buy and the overwhelming favorite was Air Comm. Given the great performance of the B407 the extra 60 lbs will matter only to some operators. I also have experience with other Par Avion products (but not the AC) and these have been superb as well.

Head cap or not?
 

Can anyone answer why some 407's have a rotorhead cap and others dont? Is it a pre-mod/post-mod thing.

Under the cap is a frahm damper which reduces 4 per revolution vibrations, thereby giving a smoother ride. The problem with it is that it is heavy - about 50 pounds. It is an option, some operators prefer to have the extra payload so take it off.
I personally have never noticed any change in ride quality between those that have and those that don't.

What he said :8

Bell 407 TB for FRAHM removal:

http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/St...7-03-51-RA.pdf

Fly Safe :ok:

Price tag 2014
 

How much would you have to spend for a factory new 407 GX these days and how long would you have to wait for it.

Have to do some maths :O

$3 Mil and change. Given current production rates and market conditions I'd guess 1Q/2Q '15, but others may have better info.

I/C

Ours was ordered in mid-March of this year and was delivered July 28th.

Total cost including optional equip was 3.5.

Price tag
 

Thanks for answering. That will help.

Hi are you a uk buyer, if so pm me and I can help

Help? From the person who told me 10 years ago he had a 206L1 that would out lift a 407? How times have changed.....

B407HP
 

Here is something I'll put on my wishlist for coming xmas.
Bell 407 HP

Hi all, sorry to dig up old thread.

Is anyone aware of an easy way to determine the FADEC software version installed on a 407? Cheers in advance

If my memory is correct there should be a placard on the instrument panel.

This is a very special request to pilots who have access to the Bell 407. As some of you know, I'm a pilot, but of RC helicopters, and I'd like to make a scale model of the Bell 407. I have some documentation, but I can't find many detailed photos, and I'm missing many measurements. If anyone would be patient and could help me, I would be very grateful.