New and anticipated demand has prompted Aero Products (Booth C5035) to add Bell 429 field maintenance to its component overhaul services, and it is working to do the same for the manufacturer’s 407 and 206 helicopters, the Bell-approved service facility announced at Heli-Expo 2019. These service additions are designed to position the company to meet anticipated municipal and community needs.

The decision to add Bell 429 field maintenance comes after the Arizona Department of Transportation and Salt River Project each acquired new 429s in 2018. “We felt it our responsibility to add the Bell 429 to our capabilities; in this way we can continue to provide both AZDOT and SRP complete support,” Aero Products president Ted Johnson said. One Aero Products technician has received 429 field maintenance training, and a second technician is currently receiving the training at the Bell Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Three regional wildfires over 14 years near Show Low, Arizona, where Aero Products is based, is leading the company to add field maintenance for the Bell 407 and 206 series. “Eastern Arizona is a staging ground for aerial fire support,” Aero Products v-p Jeff Winn said. “With two hangars already on the airport, it was an easy decision to support operators with fire contract[s].”