Story ID: 420SureFlight
SureFlight Shows Off Tricked-out Bell 505
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The light single helicopter was finished with the completion specialist's GT package offering a host of customized options and upgrades.
Word Count: 261
Helicopter completions specialist SureFlight is showing a highly customized Bell 505 this week in Atlanta at Heli-Expo 2019 (Booth C08). The helicopter sports the Pennsylvania-based outfitter's GT package, which includes many modified features inside and out.
“The stock interior of the Bell 505 is quite spartan, which is understandable with Bell’s price point on the 505,” said SureFlight president Owen Watkins, who owns and flies one of the light singles. “I believe it gives me a unique perspective on what other owner/pilots might be looking for in customizing their Bell 505s.”
In addition to a customized paint scheme, SureFlight's GT package includes a thin headliner that rests directly against the inner contour of the roof that can be covered with the customers choice of fabric or ultra-leather. The upholstery on the crew seats is also streamlined, providing a rear close-out with an embroidered Bell logo, while the front of the headrest is smooth and contoured. All five seats feature custom stitching with accents echoing the exterior paint scheme.
Remaining touches include replacing the plastic air-conditioning vents with metal gaspers, fully carpeting the interior, repainting the door interiors, and adding a baggage compartment liner.
As a Garmin avionics dealer, SureFlight is also the first to offer a SiriusXM Weather option integrated with the Garmin G1000H flight deck on the 505. While the light single helicopter can be ordered from the factory with synthetic vision, active traffic, and HTAWS terrain avoidance, integrated weather had not yet been available.