"This ruling by the French court, once again validating the design of the Bell 429 production skid gear, is a resounding victory for Bell Helicopter." Source: John L. Garrison, President and CEO of Bell Helicopter.
There are two basic ways to refuel and aircraft in flight. The "Hose and Drogue" and the "Flying Boom" methods. This White Paper prepared for Congress in 2006 explains the differences.