SpaceX has added a new asset to its aviation fleet with the purchase of a 2013 Bell 429 helicopter. Carrying an estimated cost of $4 million to $5 million for the airframe, the rotorcraft was brought to the aerospace company on May 13, 2026, and entered active service in South Texas shortly after.
Hints of this acquisition actually surfaced months before anyone had an idea a purchase was imminent. Earlier in the year, SpaceX published job postings seeking a Pilot in Command specifically rated for a Bell 429. The job description noted the pilot would be based out of the Brownsville area and tasked with supporting range surveillance, emergency medical services, and safely transporting SpaceX executives and team members around the region.
Previously flying under the registration N508LB, in green paint, owned by billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon. The helicopter is now registered as N429XX, with a new paint scheme.
The helicopter previously N508LB, with green paint.
Photo by BrickYardSpotter•Mount Holly South Jersey Regional - KVAY•November 7, 2024
Starship Flight 12 Operations
After its delivery, N429XX was swiftly integrated into SpaceX's operational tempo. Just nine days later, on May 22, 2026, the Bell 429 was airborne, flying active support and observation during the Starship Flight 12 launch sequence. The newly acquired rotorcraft was also seen on launch day livestreams, being refueled down at Starbase parked right next to a Cybertruck.
Tracking Through the LADD Block
As is standard procedure for Elon Musk’s corporate and personal fleet, N429XX immediately had Limiting Aircraft Data Display (LADD) blocking applied at the FAA level. While this restricts the aircraft's visibility on mainstream commercial flight trackers, it doesn't drop off the map entirely.
By utilizing unfiltered ADS-B networks like TheAirTraffic.com it remains entirely possible to track the helicopter's real-time positioning. The unfiltered data pipeline ensures that even with LADD constraints in place, the aircraft's involvement in critical operations like Starship Flight 12 remains completely visible to the community.
Track The Helicopter Yourself
For automated tracking alerts and to join the discussion surrounding Elon Musk's corporate and personal aviation fleet, connect with the Ground Control community:
Live Map: Track N429XX on TheAirTraffic.com
Discord: Join the Ground Control Server
Reddit: r/SpaceXJets
Bluesky: @spacexjets.grndcntrl.net