Rotorcraft
Bell 505 Delivers Smooth Ride In Test Flight
The anti-vibration system makes the light single feel like a large single or light twin.

Bell Helicopter delivered the first customer 505 Jet Ranger X in March. Days later AIN had the opportunity to climb aboard and experience a local test flight in one from the Dallas Vertiport under the command of Bell test pilot Brent Berwick. Serial Number 65012 was flying under Canadian registration and destined for the Bell Training Academy. At press time last month, FAA and EASA certification validation were anticipated “any day,” according to 505 program manager LaShan Bonaparte. The aircraft was liveried in basic Bell white (other colors are extra charge), equipped with the stock G1000H avionics system, and optional dual controls and premium leather seats that, while far from plush, were a definite step up from basic Bell 206 fare.

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