Approves Gross Weight Increase

Venezulae's Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC) has validated the Bell 429  to operate in in that country. Additionally INAC has endorsed the operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 pounds. This approval, based on Transport Canada’s certification, makes Venezuela the thirteenth country to endorse the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429. The additional 500 pounds of fuel and/or payload allows operators to take advantage of the aircraft’s full capabilities.

"Venezuela’s validation is an important milestone for the Bell 429. We’re excited to offer customers in Venezuela a superior product that can meet their challenging mission demands,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter's executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “From the Caribbean coast line to the Amazon Basin and across the Andes Mountains, the performance boost of the increased gross weight will allow customers to fully utilize the capabilities of the Bell 429 to carry more fuel and vital equipment.”

Transport Canada approved operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 pounds in December 2011 after conducting an extensive technical evaluation. The increased gross weight of the Bell 429 will allow customers to take full advantage of the aircraft’s capabilities, and operate longer and heavier missions. To date, The Bell 429 increased gross weight has been approved by Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, Venezuela and Vietnam. The FAA has still not approved the weight increase.

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 resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The increased gross weight configuration includes Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWS), a radar altimeter, cockpit voice/flight data recorder and forward flashing lights.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com