Scott's – Bell 47 Helicopter

by Ronald Donner
Created: December 30, 2012

Supporting the Model 47, a tried and true light-helicopter

Photo by SB47.

Fun flying in a Model 47.
Fun flying in a Model 47.
Photo by Ron Donner

With its exposed tubular tail-boom, dual saddle-tank fuel tanks, and large bubble canopy, the Model 47 has a very recognizable appearance.
With its exposed tubular tail-boom, dual saddle-tank fuel tanks, and large bubble canopy, the Model 47 has a very recognizable appearance.
This drawing, dated June of 1948, is from Bell Aircraft when located in Buffalo, NY.
This drawing, dated June of 1948, is from Bell Aircraft when located in Buffalo, NY.
Photo by Ron Donner

Richard Jants, quality assurance manager for SB47, shows some of the thousands of engineering drawings dating back to the 1940s.
Richard Jants, quality assurance manager for SB47, shows some of the thousands of engineering drawings dating back to the 1940s.
Photo by Ron Donner

The No-Bar kit removes the stabilizer bar from the main rotor system reducing the aircraft's weight by more than 30 pounds and provides the pilot a more responsive feel.
The No-Bar kit removes the stabilizer bar from the main rotor system reducing the aircraft's weight by more than 30 pounds and provides the pilot a more responsive feel.
Photo by Ron Donner

Jet Ranger and a Model 47 at Scott's Helicopter Services, Le Sueur, MN.
Jet Ranger and a Model 47 at Scott's Helicopter Services, Le Sueur, MN.
Photo by Ron Donner

A Model 47 with the main rotor system stabilizer bar.
A Model 47 with the main rotor system stabilizer bar.
Photo by Ron Donner.

Helicopter pilot/mechanic Eric Lane.
Helicopter pilot/mechanic Eric Lane.
Photo by Ron Donner

A new panel with modern solid-state gauges is one STC developed by SB47.
A new panel with modern solid-state gauges is one STC developed by SB47.
Photo by Ron Donner.

THC supplies an STC exhaust muffler kit for the Model 47.
THC supplies an STC exhaust muffler kit for the Model 47.
Photo by Ron Donner

Scott Churchill
Scott Churchill
Photo by Ron Donner.

Scott's Helicopter Services technician maintaining one of the Bell Jet Rangers.
Scott's Helicopter Services technician maintaining one of the Bell Jet Rangers.
Photo by Ron Donner

Supporting the industry with Model 47 PMA parts is a key initiative.
Supporting the industry with Model 47 PMA parts is a key initiative.
Photo provided by SB47.

Scott Churchill readies a Model 47 prior to an aerial application flight.
Scott Churchill readies a Model 47 prior to an aerial application flight.

Both Scott’s Helicopter Services and THC have enjoyed a long relationship with Bell Helicopter and they see no reason for this to change. Being an expert on the Model 47 they have provided Model 47 operators and maintenance organizations with educational sessions for many years.

Churchill feels there is a market for the light-helicopter, albeit small. He concludes by explaining the ultimate goal: to build a new production SB47 with all the enhanced features powered by the RR300 turbine engine. He feels using this turbine engine will also allow them to explore increasing the overhaul period on the airframe. There’s lots of excitement brewing in the cornfields of Southern Minnesota. AMT

The Scott Churchill Group consists of, Scott’s – Bell 47, Scott’s Helicopter Services, and Texas Helicopter Corp. For more information visit www.ScottsBell47.com, www.scottshelicopter.com, and www.texashelico.com.

Ronald Donner has spent his entire life devoted to aviation and he holds FAA certificates as an A&P/IA, and a Commercial Pilot with Single and Multi Engine Land, Instrument Airplane and Glider ratings.

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