Story ID: 
Bell 407GXi Autopilot UK-Approved
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Bell's 3-axis autopilot is available as factory option or retrofit on Bell 407GXis.
Word Count: 205
Bell’s 407GXi autopilot has received certification from the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It is available in 2- and 3-axis configurations: the 2-axis version includes pitch control (altitude hold, IAS hold) and roll control (HDG hold, NAV, vertical navigation mode), and the 3-axis option adds yaw control. 
In addition, the system is equipped with a stability augmentation system to automatically recover the aircraft to near-level flight attitude at all speeds in the event of adverse roll or pitch; stability engagement throughout all phases of flight; and envelope protection to prevent overspeeding and under speeding. Owners can specify the autopilot system on new Bell 407GXis or have the system retrofitted. 
“We are thrilled to offer the Bell 3-axis autopilot for the 407GXi to our customers in the UK,” said Patrick Moulay, Bell senior v-p of international sales. “The system allows for decreased pilot workload and assistance in the event of inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions, overall increasing pilot comfort and ease over long distances.” 
There are 1,500 Bell 407s operating across all six continents totaling more than six million flight hours.