Bell LongRanger Helicopter
Aircraft Stats
One Bell LongRanger helicopter is flown by JAARS-trained pilots in Papua New Guinea, where the country’s rugged terrain often leaves little room for landing aircraft. Here, many translators and support personnel must work beyond the realm of roads or airstrips—in areas accessible only by helicopter.
The Bell LongRanger runs on readily available jet fuel; the aircraft is similar to our Bell JetRanger helicopter, though it can carry two additional passengers and travel at greater speeds. The aircraft is often used to:
- Transport personnel to and from remote villages.
- Perform emergency medical evacuations.
- Sling-load bulky cargo, such as building supplies.
- Survey remote areas of the country.
Locations This Aircraft Serves
Definitions
Payload: The amount an aircraft can carry, in pounds, in addition to the pilot and fuel. Calculations are based on three hours of fuel for airplanes and two hours of fuel for helicopters.
Range: The maximum distance an aircraft can travel between refuelings, assuming it takes off with full tanks and lands with one hour of reserve fuel. For helicopters, calculations are based on 30 minutes of reserve fuel.
Takeoff Distance: The distance in which an aircraft can safely take off, calculated at gross weight and sea level.