Alpine Aerotech awarded STC for Bell 407 Utility Basket Kit
The approval expands the range of rotorcraft that the basket can be installed on even further, after similar approval for the Bell 412 last month
Alpine Aerotech has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its utility basket kit on the Bell 407 helicopter type.
The news comes a month after similar approval was granted for use with the Bell 412, further expanding the range of aircraft that the basket kit can be fitted to.
The Bell 407 Utility Basket has a dry weight of 110lb, and offers a maximum payload capacity of 200lb. It features a quick-release mounting system, allowing for rapid reconfiguration.
The Bell 407 is a popular choice for special missions operators working in the law enforcement and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) sector. US-based air ambulance provider Air Methods placed an order for three more helicopters of that type in November 2025.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.