Writer

Mark Phelps

Bell celebrated delivering a pair of Model 429 helicopters yesterday to EDIC Horizon International Flight Academy. Based at Al Ain International Airport Zone, the flight school trains rotorcraft pilots with an all-Bell fleet, including Bell 206s and 407s. The 429 twins will be used for instrument, multi-engine, and special-mission training.

 


Hareb Thani Al Dhaheri, EDIC Horizon CEO, said, “Bell helicopters have been an essential part of our training operations since our inception, and the new aircraft will enable us to further expand our training offering.” He told AIN he expects to train about 25 pilots for multi-engine ratings in the first year, ramping up to 40 to 50 the second year and going up from there. He also said EDIC Horizon is considering adding more single-engine helicopters to its training fleet within the coming year.

 


From a podium in front of the Bell 429, Sameer Rehman, Bell managing director for Africa and Middle East, said, “There are now 332 Bell 429s in operation around the world, exceeding 330,000 hours of operation on the global fleet. This celebration is a key milestone for Bell as it demonstrates the traction the Bell 429 has gained in the Middle East.”

 


Bell presents the 429 as having the lowest vibration levels in its class, meeting or exceeding airworthiness requirements for passenger safety. Composite and aluminum construction optimizes “the balance between rigidity, flexibility, and durability,” said Bell.

 


Bell executive v-p for commercial sales and marketing Patrick Moulay spoke about the business relationships that led to the deal with EDIC Horizon. “I believe in the importance of relationships&nbsp;and trust,” he said.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Bell Delivers Pair of 429s to Local Flight Academy

Bell's 429 is set to go into service as a multi-engine trainer with EDIC Horizon International Flight Academy.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

HUMS will enable in-flight exceedance detection and immediate alerting functionality

Skytrac and Sikorsky Partner on Next-gen HUMS for S-92s

Charles Alcock

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Helicopter has been used for patient transfer missions in British Columbia

Helijet Gifts S-76A for Medical Flights in Ukraine 

Amy Wilder

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Fire season activity up 20% over last year

Spanish Super Pumas Log 437 Hours Battling Chile Fires

Austrian operator signed an order during the Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany

Kitz-Air Becomes Latest Bell 412EPX Customer in Europe

Matt Thurber

Agreement enjoins civil defendants from illegal activities for which Hansen was convicted

Settlement Reached in Hansen Helicopters Case

Pioneering liftoff took place in Bromont, Québec

Unither Achieves First Hydrogen-powered Helicopter Flight

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The venerable helicopter manufacturer is looking at expanding its portfolio.

Sikorsky’s Blown Wing Aircraft Gives Glimpse of Future Hybrid-electric Technology

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

MEBAA 2018

More In Rotorcraft