ABOVE: Flying VFR across the Atlantic in a light helicopter without an autopilot is a real challenge
Max Lunov, the owner of Airborne Group, and Nazar Doroshkevych, crew member and drone operator, recently celebrated completing a transatlantic flight in their newly acquired Bell 505, covering more than 5,200nm over 55 flight hours and crossing ten countries during their two-week mission. The journey began at the Bell Textron Canada Commercial Centre of Excellence and concluded in mainland Europe.
This marks the second successful transatlantic flight by Lunov, following his 2021 crossing in a Bell 407GXi. Unlike that journey, which was supported by IFR capability, the most recent flight in the Bell 505 was completed entirely under VFR, without autopilot – a far greater challenge requiring skill, concentration, and endurance.
“This flight demanded absolute precision in planning and execution,” said Lunov. “Flying VFR across the Atlantic in a light helicopter without autopilot is not just about endurance, it’s about trust in your aircraft, your crew, and your own capabilities. The Bell 505 performed flawlessly, giving us the confidence to complete this extraordinary journey.”
PHOTO: AIRBORNE GROUP
