Wed, Nov 03, 2021
EMS Helicopter Operator Augments Bell Fleet
Already owner of 4 Bell 429s and 5 407 GXis, Life Flight Network has signed a purchase agreement for 12 of Bell’s newest 407GXi.
An IFR-certified platform that can seat 6 passengers (in stock trim), travel almost 340 nm of range, and hit a top speed of 133 knots opens possibilities for aerial EMS response. The Network is the largest not-for-profit air medical transport service, with 25 rotor-wing bases, and 9 fixed-wing bases across the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. They chose the 407GXi in part for its IFR capabilities, allowing operations in conditions that could ground other aircraft, not uncommon in the Pacific region.
“The Bell 407GXi is a highly reliable and proven helicopter with an advanced avionics suite. Adding the IFR configuration will allow us to answer calls when we normally may be grounded because of inclement weather”, said Ben Clayton, CEO of Life Flight Network. “Today’s agreement to expand our Bell fleet and advance our capabilities is a testament to Bell’s outstanding support in the Air Ambulance segment.”
“Bell’s top priority remains our commitment to safety,” said Michael Thacker, executive vice president, Innovation and Commercial Business. “In 2019, we announced the certification of one of the industry’s first single-engine IFR aircraft, allowing our customers to operate in Instrument Meteorological Conditions. We are incredibly proud to strengthen our relationship with Life Flight Network and continue to support these life-saving missions when minutes matter.”
The Bell 407 has grown into a stalwart multirole aircraft since its introduction in 1995. Designed on the Bell 206 LongRanger, continued evolution and adjustment have brought what was initially a light observation helicopter to the fore as a courier, air ambulance, and affordable runabout. The GXi has improved dual-channel FADEC, autolight, glass cockpit avionics, and Pulselite, an anti-bird and traffic avoidance system that cycles the external lighting. With decades of the platform in service, it’s a reliable, economical workhorse.
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