Gill Batteries Receives FAA PMA to Install 7000 Series/LT Battery on Bell 407 Series Helicopters

Representatives of Gill Batteries, a division of Teledyne Technologies (Heli-EXPO Booth #5517), announce the company has received an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) to install its new-generation 7407-28 sealed lead-acid battery on all models of the Bell 407 helicopter.

In addition, the company announces that Bell Helicopter has selected the new battery as original equipment aboard its new 407 GXP.

“This is the newest member of our advanced 7000 series/LT sealed lead-acid battery for helicopters,” says Gill Batteries' general manager, Armando Chacon. “Now that we have the FAA STC and PMA, we are very excited to be able to offer its benefits to the entire global fleet of Bell 407 Series helicopters.”

Chacon explains that the Gill 7407-28 sealed lead-acid battery provides a number of advantages over an NiCad battery, including it holds no hazardous-materials restrictions nor does it require any special maintenance processes. 

Additionally, the high-performing Gill 7000 series/LT provides a number of benefits over other competitive batteries, including:
• More initial start-up power
• More residual power after start-up
• Recharges up to 50 percent faster
• Up to 18 months or 1,800 hours before requiring an in-shop recharging and capacity check
• Lower cost than competitive batteries.

“Bell 407 Series helicopters are extremely reliable and hard-working aircraft,” Chacon says. “We are very proud to be able to help owners/operators maximize the value of their helicopters by equipping them with a battery that delivers equally exceptional performance.”

“With the FAA STC and PMA in hand on the 7407-28 battery, we are well on our way to our goal of having the same approvals for other leading helicopter models, including those from Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo (Augusta Westland models) and Robinson Helicopters,” he says. “Our plan is to continue to add FAA STCs and PMA approvals for our 7000 series/LT sealed lead-acid batteries for these rotorcraft throughout this year.”