THE 407 WAS certificated by the Canadian Civil Aviation Authority, just a few days before our flight. US Federal Aviation Administration certification will follow. Even before this, more than 150 orders have been placed, with about 100 deposits paid. Initial deliveries will be at Heli-Expo '96 in Dallas, Texas, on 22-24 February.
Our aircraft weighed 1,325kg. With a full load of fuel (230kg) and an 85kg pilot, 680kg is available for passengers and bags, more than enough to fill the whole aircraft.
Using the same figures, nearly 1,100kg is available for a sling load and fuel. Fuel consumption is about 130kg/h, which at a cruising speed of 130kt (250km/h) gives a consumption of 1kg/1.85km. Cost is $1.15 million, and Bell calculates direct operating costs at $264 an hour.
Source: Flight International
