For everyone interested in early helicopter history, the new book The Bell 47 Helicopter Story – Birth of the Commercial and Military Helicopter Industry is for you. This  book is the most thoroughly detailed documentation to date of the development of the world’s first commercial helicopter.

The book contains more than 950 black and white photographs, many never before seen in print, as well as more than 200 color photographs.

The story begins before the end of World War ll at the Bell Aircraft Corporation’s leased auto dealership garage in Gardenville, New York. Here President Larry Bell set up his “Gyro Test” program to develop the Bell Model 30 Helicopter, under the direction of inventor  Arthur Young and associates.

The development and construction of four versions of the Model 30 are covered in detail. The successful Model 30 program morphed into the Model 47 helicopter and the birth of a new civil rotary-wing industry. All models of the Bell Model 47 are covered, from the preproduction Model 47 prototype to the moment when the last Bell 47 came off the production line.

Military versions of the Model 47 are also detailed along with various types that never made it into production. Bell licensees for the Model 47 are part of the book coverage, including up to date information on the many variations of the basic Bell Model 47.

The story ends with the sale of the Model 47 type certificates to Scott Churchill’s Scott’s Helicopters in Le Sueur, Minnesota in early 2010. Scott’s-Bell 47, Inc is the new name today.

Early helicopter pioneer Harold “Hal” Symes called this outstanding historical and pictorial history book the “encyclopaedia of the Bell Model 47.”

You will learn all about the early helicopter operators who purchased new Bell 47s and more. In fact, I am confident all readers will learn something new about the Bell 47 that they did not know before.

This memorable Bell Model 47 history book will set new aviation standards, due to its in depth quality and amazing selection of photographs and detailed captions.

Do not lose out on your chance to own a copy of The Bell 47 Helicopter Story – Birth of the Commercial and Military Helicopter Industry in this limited run edition. This premier rotary-wing book belongs in your personal library.

The Bell 47 Helicopter Story – Birth of the Commercial and Military Helicopter Industry Specifications

•  ISBN # 978-1-882824-45-8
• One giant volume totalling over 750 pages
• Hardcover, dust jacket
• 8 ½ inches by 11 inches
• 29 detailed chapters
• Over 1,100 photos in black & white and color
• Diagrams, charts and drawings
• Index, bibliography and appendix
• Retail Price (Canada and USA) $89.95.
• Introductory price of $ 75.00 for the first 200 copies sold plus postage/packing and GST Tax (If Applicable).
• The book arrived on November 8, 2013 and is  ready for sale now.

I will keep everyone posted as to the progress of The Bell 47 Helicopter Story – Birth of the Commercial and Military Helicopter Industry on the Helicopter Heritage Canada website.

Bob Petite/ website www.helicopterheritagecanada.com