Alpine's Bell utility basket given go-ahead by FAA

Alpine Aerotech has received FAA STC for the installation of its utility basket on Bell Medium and 407 helicopters. These approvals expand the Canadian helicopter maintenance and product development specialist's lineup of certified external cargo products and provide operators with durable, mission-ready solutions designed for utility and multi-role operations.

The Bell Medium utility basket is approved for installation on the Bell 205, 212, and 412 series helicopters, while the Bell 407 utility basket approval brings Aerotech's proven basket design to one of the industry's most widely used light utility platforms.

Designed to maximise usable storage while preserving cabin space, the utility baskets provide operators with a practical external cargo solution for carrying tools, equipment and operational gear. Both basket systems feature lightweight aluminium construction, quick-release mounting capability and redundant latching mechanisms to support safe and efficient field operations.

Unlike many competing designs that rely heavily on expanded metal construction, Aerotech's baskets incorporate formed aluminium sheet in key structural areas to improve durability and resistance to fatigue cracking in demanding operational environments.

“The FAA approvals are an important milestone because they allow us to bring these proven baskets to operators in the US,” explains Taylor Wilson, manufacturing manager at Alpine Aerotech. “Both designs are built around practical operational needs; straightforward installation, robust construction and long-term reliability in real-world utility work.”

The Bell Medium utility basket has been in service since 2008 and has accumulated thousands of operational flight hours in demanding environments. The Bell 407 basket similarly builds on an existing field-proven configuration that has demonstrated strong performance and reliability over years of operation.