Bell Helicopter remains confident that it can gain a Federal Avaition Administration weight exemption for its 429 medium twin, allowing it to boost the type’s maximum take-off weight (MTOW) by 227kg (500lb).
The aircraft was certificated by Transport Canada under Part 27 safety rules, limiting MTOW to 3,175kg. However, the Canadian regulator, plus the authorities in 16 other countries, have approved an exemption permitting operation at the higher gross weight.
But notable hold-outs include the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency. The FAA had previously moved to recognise the exemption but backtracked after outcry from other manufacturers who felt this would give Bell an unfair advantage.
Nonetheless, Bell is persisting with its appeal and filed a petition for reconsideration in late 2012. “We are optimistic that we will get there with the FAA,” says Chuck Evans, director of marketing and sales support.
“The comment period [for the petition] is now closed and they were extremely supportive, with one or two exceptions.”
Additionally, Bell is working with the FAA on a possible revision of the Part 27 regulations, giving it a second route towards higher-weight operations.
Assuming the FAA eventually approves the exemption Bell is confident the authorities in Europe will follow suit.
Meanwhile, Bell will debut the first production example of its 429WLG at the forthcoming National Business Aviation Association exhibition in Las Vegas in October.
The variant adds wheeled landing gear to Bell’s normally skid-equipped medium twin.
Evans says the WLG is pitched particularly at the VIP transport segment – hence its first appearance at NBAA, where it will also feature a high-spec interior.
Source: Flight International
