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Bell Announces 412EP Gains JAR-OPS 3 Compliance

May 13, 2008 – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, has announced that the 412EP helicopter has achieved Joint Aviation Regulations Operations (JAR-OPS) status and as such is the first legacy helicopter to complete a European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Joint Operation Evaluation Board (JOEB) Catch-up Process for JAR-OPS 3 compliance.

JAR-OPS 3 pertains to three elemental ingredients for helicopter operations, proper safety equipment, proven flight procedures and trained crew and support staff.  To demonstrate compliance, an operator will need to properly equip and maintain a helicopter, operate proven take-off and landing procedures and show that the crew has obtained proper recurrent training.

Bell Marketing and Sales commercial products vice president Danny Maldonado stated, “Bell took the lead to work with EASA and seek their recommendation in making the 412EP compliant with JAR-OPS 3. This now allows Bell to provide a single source solution for our 412EP customers with kits and training to operate accordance with JAR-OPS.”

Bell’s research and discussions with EASA indicate a JOEB recommendation will lessen the impact to Operator’s since the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), pilot qualification training, and operational equipment required checklist are completed and certified as compliant by EASA.  And Bell has already created 412EP PC2e and PC1 performance charts for Operators use.

Additionally, Bell’s Training Academy has tailored classes for both the crew and helicopter maintainers that include simulating safe take-off and landings as defined by performance procedures and survival procedures.  Bell is also updating the 412EP Flight Manual with new procedures and Training Packages to ensure that any customer that needs to operate under JAR-OPS 3 regulations can safely do so in a Bell 412EP.