Helicopter | Private Jet Blog | Magellan Jets
Magellan Jets Blog

Sign up for updates from Magellan Jets!

Your email:

Get an instant charter quote

Empty Legs Available Now!

The #1 Private Jet Blog

Current Articles | RSS Feed RSS Feed

Executive Helicopter with Custom Pininfarina Interior

  
  
  
  
Agusta Westland AW139

Agusta Westland helicopters have released a special edition Pininfarina Edition of their popular AW139 private helicopter. The famed Italian design company stamped their world-renown ergonomics and style onto this executive helicopter transforming it into a luxurious work of art.

With seating for 9 passenger in supple leather seats, the AW139 Pininfarina Edition manages to blend comfort and luxury with utility and performance. They created a unique insulated cabin which combines with panoramic windows, in-flight entertainment, and top-notch design to make an engineering marvel!

Cutting-edge avionics provide the two-pilot crew with the best information and instrumentation to ensure a safe flight. The AW139 Pininfarina Edition even includes camera monitors to provide better situation awareness and obstacle avoidance.

From the headliner to the carpets, the entire interior shows Pininfarina's signature blend of panache and sensibility. Check out more pictures of the AW 139 Pininfarina Edition below and make sure to speak with a Charter Expert at Magellan Jets for your next helicopter charter.


Bell Helicopter 429's Petition Denied for Weight Limit Exemption

  
  
  
  

Bell 429

Bell Helicopter’s petition for an exemption to the normal category Part 27 weight limit of 7,000 pounds was recently denied. If it had passed, the Bell 429 light twin would be able to operate at 7,500 pounds.  Several countries, including Transport Canada granted these exemptions earlier in the year. A Bell spokesperson said that they intend on appealing the FAA ruling. As of right now, the ruling is crippling Bell’s ability to sell the 429 as an IFR EMS aircraft in the U.S. The FAA claims that if they were to allow the exemption, it would take away from the stricter Part 29 transport category requirements. The Part 29 was instilled for helicopters with a maximum gross weight of over 7,000 pounds. According to them, this would give the Bell an unfair market advantage. However, the FAA did disclose that there is the possibility that the new requirements would be reevaluated in time.

Magellan Jets offers charter flights on Bell Helicopters as well as a variety of other aircraft. With the summer coming to a close, call Magellan Jets today to book your heli trip to one of the popular summer destinations including The Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod: 877-550-JETS or visit our summer solutions page: http://www.magellanjets.com/charter-flights/summer-specials/.

Bell Helicopter May Release New Products Based on Recent Trademark Filings

  
  
  
  

Bell Helicopter Textron resized 600

In late December, Bell Helicopter Textron made several filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The trademarks were said to be for “Magellan,” “525SMT” and “407GT.” This has instigated much speculation around the development and upcoming release of new products. The perfect opportunity for this announcement would be this February in Dallas, Texas, at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo.

Insiders seem to think that Magellan could become the new brand for a future family of helicopters. Private jet charter company, Magellan Jets, is excited about the possibility of having a “namesake” in the helicopter market. Magellan Jets has helicopters available world-wide and delivers uncompromised safety, guaranteeing that they only fly with two pilots and ensure that they have twin engines. Magellan Jets clients take advantage of helicopter services regularly. Short, convenient trips from NYC to The Hamptons in the summer as well as site-seeing on the California coast are among the most popular destinations.

Currently, Bell Helicopter Textron has a medium-twin 412; perhaps the 525SMT will be the larger take on this model. Competitors would likely be aiming at the oil and gas markets. Lastly, the 407GT is said to reminiscent of the big single Bell has, but with a larger and more advanced engine.

New X3 Hybrid Helicraft, Eurocopters Newest Addition

  
  
  
  

X3 Heliplane

European group Eurocopter recently unveiled the X3 hybrid helicraft. The hybrid helicraft combines forward-facing propellers astride two short aircraft wings with the familiar overhead rotor blades seen on a regular helicopter. By combining the advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft with those of a standard helicopter, the half-plane, half-helicopter design can fly at impressive forward speeds of 220 knots (400 kph). Normal helicopters usually cruise at a maximum speed of 130-140 knots.

The X3 hoverplane, sporting black-and-white striped propellers, had its first flight on September 6th at a European military base. Eurocopter chief executive Lutz Bertling said, “We just wanted a place where we knew we were alone, no plane spotters.” The X3 was unveiled following months of secrecy to counter U.S. based rival Sikorsky.

The objective of the X3 helicraft is to deliver more speed without losing efficiency. Typically the faster a helicopter flies, the less efficient it is when hovering and vice-versa. Helicopter manufacturers have devoted years of research to solving this problem. The X3, for now, is a concept helicopter but if successful will be sold in the usual helicopter form or with X3-type wings. Eurocopter refused to publicly announce development costs or future market potential. They did mention that such a helicopter might cost 20-25 percent more and go 50 percent faster than most normal helicopters. Check out the video below to learn more:

 

Middle East Sees Huge Increase in Private Jet Orders

  
  
  
  
Abu Dhabi Private Jets

An upcoming “Big Boys’ Toys” event that will be held in Abu Dhabi is expected to attract top aviation customers around the world. The four-day show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will take place February 2-5, 2011. Big Boys’ Toys comes at the right time as the business jet market is heading towards an incline in the region and UAE . The business jet market is poised for steady growth with orders of more than 200 units expected to be delivered to the region by 2015. Currently, the Middle East region accounts for approximately 6 percent of the global business jets market. Demand for another 400 units is expected in the next eight years as the market continues to grow tremendously. The Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates, has experienced significant demand for private charter flights as business executives continue to travel both to domestic and international destinations. The exhibitors aim to meet the needs of high net worth customers and owners of private jets. The event will offer companies the ideal platform to highlight the latest offerings in services and jet models to the wealthy and top business executives.

Demand for helicopters has also risen in Dubai and the surrounding region for a variety of jobs including emergency rescue, sightseeing, security services, and VIP travel. With the expansion of oil and gas exploration in the Gulf, helicopters are able to travel and provide supplies to offshore rigs. The Dubia Helishow, which is the Middle East’s largest trade show for the helicopter industry will be taking place November 2 to 4 of this year. The helicopter event will feature the latest offering from leading helicopter manufacturers and suppliers of specialized technologies and services from around the world. The Middle East plays an important role in private aviation, providing critical capabilities to international customers and helping drive the global supply chain for aviation products and services.

Click here to read more

Harrison Ford Flying Himself in Green Private Jet

  
  
  
  

harrison resized 600

Harrison Ford over the weekend was spotted flying himself in his green Gulfstream into Santa Monica Airport. Ford was seen walking off his private plane carrying just an overnight bag and a laptop case. Harrison Ford is yet another famous aviation buff, owning six planes and one helicopter. Ford is currently one of the chairmen on the board of Conservation International and has done advertisements for the environmentalist group, Team Earth. When asked about owning seven aircraft, Ford had this to say, “I only fly one of them at a time, and the contribution of general aviation to greenhouse gas emissions is less than two percent.”  Companies like Terrapass (www.terrapass.com) can help offset carbon emissions by allowing customers to buy offsets that go directly towards greenhouse gas reduction efforts.  Make sure to ask your salesperson or flight support specialist about adding a Terrapass offset on your next flight.

All Posts

By reading the Magellan Jets blog you agree to applicable terms of service