Which helicopter earned the world's first civil…

Which helicopter earned the world's first civil certification?

Short answer

The Bell 47 was the first helicopter certified for civil use, on 8 March 1946. Its production ran from 1946 to 1974. More than 5,600 were built, including those made under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki in Japan, and Westland in the United Kingdom.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which helicopter earned the world's first civil certification?

Bell H-13J - DPLA - 5b3dc8031e53438f09c057f57185b8e2 (page 1)

The March 1946 certification

The Bell 47 became, on 8 March 1946, the first helicopter certified for civil use. Its production ran from 1946 to 1974.

From civil to military use

In late 1946 the Bell 47 entered military service in the United States, where it operated in different versions and under different designations for three decades. The US Army designated it the H-13 Sioux.

Production and licenses

More than 5,600 Bell 47s were built. That figure includes those manufactured under license by Agusta in Italy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, and Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom. The 47G-2A-1 variant received a wider cabin, improved rotor blades, and greater fuel capacity, and it was also built under license in Italy by Agusta.