Horizon International Flight Academy in the UAE has logged more than 1,000 hours on its fleet of 12 Bell 505 light singles it received from January through April. Horizon is using its 505 fleet mainly to train military pilots. “We are proud to be operating Bell 505s in our training program,” said Horizon CEO Hareb Al Dhaheri. “With the integrated glass cockpit, it enables our pilots in training to experience modern controls on a single-engine aircraft.”
“Crossing the 1,000-flight hour threshold in less than three months from its latest aircraft registration is a testament to Horizon and the Bell 505's ability to quickly meet mission requirements,” said Bell managing director of Africa and the Middle East Sameer A. Rehman. “It’s a privilege to work with the Horizon team to redefine flight training for the next generation of military and commercial pilots with the Bell 505's proven operational capabilities in desert environments.”
Bell has delivered more than 250 of the type since 2017. The five-seat aircraft features a dual-channel Fadec Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine and Garmin G1000H glass-panel avionics. With a top speed of 125 knots, it boasts a useful load of 1,500 pounds and a maximum range of 306 nm. Last year, Bell received FAA approval to increase the performance information service ceiling of the 505 to a density altitude of 22,500 feet.