Thu, Dec 08, 2011
New Certificate-Holder Says Refurb Hard To Tell From New
With the possible exception of the Piper J-3 Cub, there may be
no aircraft so iconic as the Bell 47G. Mention the word
"helicopter" to most people outside aviation, and the 47G with
bubble canopy and open-frame tail boom is what they'll see in their
heads. More than 60 years after its introduction in 1946, Bell last
year transferred the type certificate for the 47 to
Scott’s–Bell 47, Inc. (SB47), an outgrowth of Scott's
Helicopter Services in Minnesota, which has been offering support
for the type since 1981.
This week, SB47 is showing its vision for the future of the
aircraft at the National Agricultural Aviation Association
Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, which officially opens
Wednesday. The company is displaying a refurbished 47G-2A
Agricultural Helicopter (similar aircraft pictured) fitted
with an Oregon Aero interior and Isolair spray system. The machine
also features a number of upgrades STC'd by sister company Texas
Helicopter Co., Inc., including a No-Bar Kit, improved sprag system
and muffler, which combine to reduce weight and noise.
SB47 General Manager Neil Marshall observes, “This is a
perfect example of the durability of the model 47 and what makes it
such a great helicopter. This helicopter was manufactured in 1955,
has over 10,000 hours on the airframe, yet operators will witness
at NAAA that after our refurbishment it is hard to believe it is
not a brand new helicopter.”
Oregon Aero and Isolair Helicopter Services will both have
representatives attending NAAA 2011 with Scott's-Bell 47.
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