Fifteenth Country To Approve Gross Weight Increase

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has validated the Bell 429 for operation in Nigeria, and endorsed the Bell 429 gross weight increase to 7,500 pounds. Nigeria is the fifteenth country to approve the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada’s certification. The additional 500 pounds of fuel and/or payload allows operators to take advantage of the aircraft’s full capabilities.

"Nigeria’s validation of the 429 and its endorsement of the gross weight increase is very exciting for us as the country continues to expand its aviation services and infrastructure,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter's executive vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “As the most populous country in Africa, and its leading producer of oil, there is increasing demand for reliable rotorcraft in the oil and gas, utility/corporate, and parapublic/military sectors. The performance boost of the 429’s increased gross weight will allow customers across all segments to fully utilize the capabilities of the aircraft to carry more fuel and 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, Chile, China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Thailand, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The Bell 429 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.

(Bell 429 image from file)

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com