Bell has begun the transfer of type certificate (TC) for the Model 214ST and B/B1 helicopters to aircraft operator and MRO provider Erickson. The related agreements will replace the previous license and product support agreement signed between the companies in 2015.
“The 214 is a great utility rotary-wing platform. We look forward to applying our innovative spirit and operational experience to chart a future for the aircraft like we have done with the S-64 Air Crane helicopter over the past 30 years,” said Erickson CEO Doug Kitani.
Erickson noted that it is one of the largest fleet operators of the Bell 214 and that the TC transfer will include key functions and processes to provide full support of the model. The original 214 was derived from the Bell 205 in 1970 and replaced the stock 1,900-shp Lycoming T53-L-702 with a more powerful 2,930-shp Lycoming LTC4B-8.
An estimated 40 214Bs remain in service. The B was produced between 1976-1981 and is powered by a 2,930-shp Lycoming T5508D.
Bell produced 96 214STs between 1979 and 1993. The 16 to 18-passenger 214ST features a 30-inch fuselage stretch and is powered by two 1,625-shp General Electric T700 engines.