Onboard Systems have announced that its TALON HEC dual cargo hook systems for the Bell 429 aircraft has been STC certified by the FAA. These cargo hook systems meet the 14 CFR part 27.865 certification requirements for human external cargo (HEC) and include options to retrofit existing single hook and dual hook configurations, as well as aircraft without prior cargo hook system installations. Onboard has also submitted these systems to Transport Canada and EASA for STC validation in Canada and Europe.

“We're excited to offer an Onboard HEC solution for Bell 429 operators who have been asking us to field this kit for years,” said Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Onboard Systems. “We've just shipped our first system to our launch customer, Capitol Helicopters, and are now ramping up production to fulfill follow-on orders. Whether you fly from the right or the left, and whether you're outfitting a new aircraft or retrofitting an existing cargo hook installation, we've designed multiple configurations to meet your specific need.”

The new Bell 429 kits provide an STC-certified solution for a variety of CFR Part 133 external load missions, including HEC, high-value cargo transport, utility line work, short haul, and search & rescue.