Bell: Move Validates Aircraft's OEI, Other Capabilities

The FAA has completed its review and approval of the Bell 429 Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement, following earlier approvals by EASA and Transport Canada. The finalization of the Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement validates the 429's One Engine Inoperable (OEI) capability. Equipped with two proven Pratt & Whitney Canada 207D1/D2 engines, the 429 provides superior Category A performance, outstanding hover performance and cruise speeds cost effectively. Safety is enhanced by a 30-second OEI of 544kW (729shp), a 2-minute OEI of 523kW (701shp), and an impressive continuous OEI of 488kW (655shp).

Bell 429 File Photo

The company announced the approval Thursdy. "The 429 continues to exceed expectations at high altitudes and in extreme temperatures," said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president Commercial Business. "Certified for operations from ground level helipads, elevated helipads, runways at maximum gross weight, on hot days and at altitude mean no mission or operating environment is beyond reach."

The 429 was certified in mid-2009 as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules by Canadian, U.S. and European authorities. It is designed and built to more stringent airworthiness standards than any other light, twin-engine helicopter.

The 429's maintenance program is based on Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3) practices that are the foundation of airlines' unprecedented reliability. Bell says the 429 is the first rotorcraft to have its maintenance program approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to these high standards.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com