The first flight of the Bell 429 is right around the corner...

With 150 preliminary orders for the Bell 429 on the books, Bill Stromberg, Executive Director of Commercial Program Management and program manager for Bell's 429, reports that the helicopter is meeting all performance, weight, and schedule commitments.

"With this helicopter, we really listened to what the customer wanted and needed in a light twin helicopter, and the customers have responded favorably" Stromberg said.

"The voice of the customer is reflected in every aspect of this aircraft from increased safety, reliability and payload capabilities to state-of-the-art glass cockpit, mission flexibility and a large, open cabin capable of easier loading and unloading of passengers or patients."

Flight-testing of the 429's critical components has already begun. Bell has successfully completed concept demonstration tests, wind tunnel tests and inlet and exhaust testing. Main rotor testing began this year and the assembly tools have been installed at Bell's Mirabel, Canada, facility.

First flight is scheduled for third quarter of this year.

"We are right on track to meet our goals for first flight," Stromberg said.

Bell will certify the 429 in the second half of 2007 with Transport Canada and the FAA. Certification by EASA will follow within 12 months.

The Bell 429 offers the volume of an intermediate sized aircraft with the operating costs of the light twin. It has several industry leading characteristics designed to satisfy the customer's needs including: Wide, unobstructed, best in class cabin volume-200 cu ft, flat, open cabin to optimize mission flexibility, seating for seven passengers and pilot-allowing for a wide variety of applications, and an integrated sliding doors and optional clamshell doors for EMS operations.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com