Bell Receives 429 Increased Weight Approval in Argentina | The JetAv Blog by Paul Pitts | Premier Jet Aviation
Bell Helicopter recently announced another country has approved the increase of the aircraft operational gross weight to 7500 pounds. The Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil in Argentina has joined the growing number of countries who have approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada’s certification.
Transport Canada approved operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 lbs. in January, 2012 after an extensive technical evaluation. The increased gross weight for the Bell 429 has been approved in eleven countries to date.
In a press release Bell quoted Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing who said: “We are very pleased to have Argentina’s endorsement of the Bell 429,” said “Bell Helicopter remains committed to the Argentine market and this endorsement reflects the strength of our relationships. Our aircraft, to include the 429, can be found operating in a multitude of missions with federal and state governments as well as with Argentine captains of industry.
Maldonado added, “Our history in Argentina dates back to 1947, when Bell Helicopter sent eleven Bell 47s for aerial application of pesticides.”
According to Bell Helicopter, the 429 is one of the most advanced light twin IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) helicopters ever developed. It is safe, reliable and powerful, and serves the full spectrum of segments (air medical, law enforcement, oil & gas, utility, corporate, etc). Bell says the 429 has set the standard for light twins, delivering exceptional speed, range, and hover performance.
I have flown the helicopter and it is a pilots delight to fly. It has plenty of power to spare, great speed for its class and has plenty of room. The flight deck suite is, in my opinion, best in class. The Bell 429 is certified for Single or Dual Pilot IFR, Cat. A/JAROPS Performance Class 1 at maximum gross weight; has a state of the art fully-integrated glass cockpit; an advanced drive system that delivers power and superb performance; best in class WAAS navigation & IFR capability; and is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process. According to Bell, the increased gross weight configuration includes Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and forward flashing lights.
Clearly, as more and more countries follow Canada, Argentina and others in approving the higher gross weight, additional markets will open up and the helicopter will be more attractive to more customers. I understand the FAA has this under review. If you get a chance to see the aircraft … do it; if you get a chance to fly it…even better.
If you do either…let me know what you think.