Bell 412 Tows the World’s Largest Banner in Abu Dhabi
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announces that a Bell 412, owned by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, flew along the shore of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while displaying the world’s largest aerial banner in celebration of UAE’s National Day on December 2.
“This is our 5th year of flying this amazing flag – and it seems to get bigger every year,” says A.J. Baker, vice president of Commercial Business at Falcon Aviation Services.
The banner, featuring the UAE national flag, flew above the Abu Dhabi Corniche. It measured more than 50,000 square feet (4,600 square meters) and was visible up to 12 miles (20 kilometers) away, ensuring the entire city of Abu Dhabi could witness the flight.
The FAS banner was the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE and founder of FAS. The display first came to life on National Day 2007 when it broke the world record for largest aerial banner.
“We are honored to be a part of celebrating the UAE’s 41st National Day,” says Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Bell Helicopter. “The Bell 412 is known as a true workhorse, both rugged and reliable; towing the world’s largest aerial banner is one example of the dozens of missions that the Bell 412 performs around the world, due to its outstanding power and payload carrying capability.”
The Corniche, the capital’s main promenade, was the site of a three day long celebration of the UAE’s 41st birthday. In addition to the flight of the record-breaking banner, many other festivities took place in the sky, including hot air balloon rides, aerial acrobatics and fireworks.
The Bell 412 features a 220 ft3 cabin, seating thirteen passengers and two crew members. It is certified for single pilot IFR with a Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac® engine. In addition to its exceptional operational capabilities, the 412 is backed by Bell Helicopter’s renowned support and service, voted #1 by customers for eighteen consecutive years.