Register Update – Australia – 22-28 February 2010
Source: HeliHub.com, 3 Mar, 10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most [...]
Australia cautiously defend NH90 choice after German criticism
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 2 Mar, 10
Problems cited include limited clearance for getting in and out, rear ramp too weak, seats unable to accommodate soldiers weighing >110kg and no room for a door gunner.
Careflight takes over Northern Territories medical flights from Pearl Aviation
Source: NT News, 2 Mar, 10
Careflight will take over the services from Pearl Aviation from July 2010 while the NT Government puts the service out to tender
Adelaide company Mincham Aviation wins first contract for Chinook parts
2 Mar, 10
SOUTH Australia-based Mincham Aviation has won a key contract to supply parts for international defence giant Boeing’s globally-used helicopters, the CH-47 Chinooks.
NQ Rescue joins Queensland EMS network
1 Mar, 10
NQ Rescue has secured approval from the Queensland government to be included in the state’s aeromedical retrieval network to provide medical and rescue services to the state’s greater northwest.
Selex Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 successfully showcased in Sydney on board the NH-90
Source: Selex Galileo, 27 Feb, 10
SELEX Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 was demonstrated successfully during recent flight trials performed in Australia.
In a demo flight during the PAC2010 Exhibition, the helicopter NH90 (NHF) deployed the sonic sensor for a dip just in front of the Sidney Opera House (see picture).
SELEX Galileo’s OTS-90 is an integrated system combining dipping sonar and sonobuoys. The [...]
Boeing Signs Au$44M Contract Expansion for Australian Army Rotary Wing Support
Source: Boeing, 27 Feb, 10
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has signed an AU$44 million change proposal with the Commonwealth of Australia to increase the scope of the Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract.
Awarded the contract in 2007, Boeing subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia has been supporting the Australian Army’s Black Hawk and Kiowa helicopters with pilot, aircrew and technician training, [...]
Register Update – Australia – 15-21 February 2010
Source: HeliHub.com, 26 Feb, 10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or [...]
Australian Government confirms naval tender is NH90 v MH-60R
Source: Australian Government, 25 Feb, 10
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given first pass approval for a major project to provide the Australian Defence Force with a new naval combat helicopter.
Project AIR 9000 Phase 8 is included in the Defence Capability Plan to provide naval warships with a new combat helicopter.
Senator Faulkner [...]
Australian Government confirms funding for seven CH-47F Chinooks
Source: Australian Government, 25 Feb, 10
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given second pass approval to a major project to acquire seven CH‑47F Chinook helicopters for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at a cost of around $755 million.
“The Government has now approved the details of this procurement, announced in last year’s White Paper, [...]
Paramedic to sue over helicopter fall
Source: Cairns.com.au, 24 Feb, 10
A paramedic who may never walk again after a helicopter winch line snapped during a Torres Strait rescue is launching legal action over the accident.
VIH orders two EC225s for Offshore Oil and Gas Support in Australia
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 22 Feb, 10
The VIH Aviation Group of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada today announced the purchase of two new Eurocopter EC225 long-range heavy helicopters. The new twin-turbine helicopters will support its expansions plans in the Australian offshore oil and gas sector and be flown by HNZ Cougar Helicopters Pty. Ltd., a new joint venture.
“The addition of the new [...]
New Authorized Dealer for Australia and New Zealand signed by Vector Aerospace
Source: Vector Aerospace, 21 Feb, 10
Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com,one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services is pleased to announce the selection Mavana Air Support (Mavana) as its Authorized Dealer in Australia and New Zealand.
Now representing Vector’s Engine Services-Atlantic and Helicopter Services-North America divisions, Mavana offers customers in Australia and New Zealand [...]
Register Update – Australia – 8-14 February 2010
Source: HeliHub.com, 19 Feb, 10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service may be grounded for good
Source: ABC, 18 Feb, 10
The North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service was operating a search and rescue service in the region, but in November last year it relinquished its aircraft because it failed to meet State Government guidelines.
Pilot fatigue led to fatal mid-air between two R22s
Source: WA Today, 18 Feb, 10
The two Robinson R22s were reported in HeliHub.com here:-
05-May-09 VH-PHT Robinson R22 Springvale station north of Halls Creek, Australia (1F)
05-May-09 VH-HCB Robinson R22 Springvale station north of Halls Creek, Australia (1F)
Tasmanian premier promises Au$36M over four years for EMS helicopter
Source: ABC, 17 Feb, 10
The Premier David Bartlett and his deputy Lara Giddings yesterday promised $36 million over four years to fund a helicopter for the ambulance service
Bats raise air ambulance safety concerns
Source: ABC, 9 Feb, 10
A north Queensland mayor wants a bat colony to be moved away from the Charters Towers Hospital due to concerns about the danger to air traffic.
Register Update – Australia – 1-7 February 2010
Source: HeliHub.com, 9 Feb, 10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Register Updates – Australia – 25-31 January 2010
Source: HeliHub.com, 3 Feb, 10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. [...]
Australian Aerospace promises 750 jobs if NH90 chosen for Navy
Source: Australian Aerospace, 28 Jan, 10
Australian Aerospace has promised to create 750 skilled jobs to build the NH90 NFH locally if it is chosen to replace the Ran fleet of Seahawks and cancelled Super Seasprites.
Spidertracks approved to track Australian aerial firefighters
Source: Spidertracks, 27 Jan, 10
Tracking-based safety systems provider spidertracks today announced that it meets the criteria to provide tracking services for aerial firefighting operations in Australia.
The New Zealand-based company is already providing tracking services for many firefighting operators across Australia and will continue to do so under the Australian National Aerial Firefighting Centre’s (NAFC) initiative to standardise tracking of [...]
RACQ-CQ Rescue takes delivery of second Bell 412
Source: Daily Mercury, 21 Jan, 10
RACQ-CQ Rescue welcomed a new team member yesterday – a second Bell 412 helicopter. The helicopter, which landed at its new base at 2.30pm, will replace the single-engine SA360 Dauphin that has been with the service since April, 2004.
TracPlus Global Selected to Provide Australian Aerial Firefighting Tracking and Interoperability
Source: TracPlus Global, 7 Jan, 10
TracPlus Global today announced that it has been selected as the exclusive provider of tracking integration services for national aerial firefighting operations in Australia for the next four years.
NAFC (National Aerial Firefighting Centre), the Australian organization charged with the coordination of firefighting aircraft across Australia, including a DC10 tanker, Erickson “Elvis” aircranes and a variety [...]
Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad needs lifeline to continue flying after 33 years
Source: Mornington Peninsula Leader, 6 Jan, 10
The Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad has operated and maintained its rescue helicopter from a helipad overlooking the Sorrento pier for the past 33 years.
Smooth start for Southwest Air Ambulance in Victoria
Source: ABC, 6 Jan, 10
The operators of the Southwest Air Ambulance in Victoria are pleased with the cooperation of the emergency services during the helicopter’s first six months.
Queensland to spend Au$4.6M on remote helipad
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 30 Dec, 09
Medical services for Torres Strait island communities will receive a boost, with the Queensland government to spend $4.6 million on a helipad at Thursday Island.
Gilgandra Shire Council opens new helipad
Source: ABC, 24 Dec, 09
A new helipad designed to make the transfer of critically ill patients more efficient is being opened at Gilgandra.
Chopper pilot smoked dope before September 2007 crash
Source: NT News, 23 Dec, 09
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation said the drug caused “impaired performance of complex tasks such as flying”. The chopper was also overloaded.
Change in helicopter deployment procedures threatens lives, says union
Source: ABC, 22 Dec, 09
Union officials say the lives of Hunter Valley residents will be put at risk when new deployment procedures are introduced for the region’s rescue helicopter.
AGL Action Rescue Helicopter cutbacks risking lives
Source: News Mail, 21 Dec, 09
THE long-term unavailability of Bundaberg’s twin-engine rescue helicopter and impending cutbacks to the service’s staff is putting lives at risk, according to a former paramedic.
Australia Signs Long-Term S-70B Seahawk Maintenance Contract
Source: Defense Industry Daily, 21 Dec, 09
The Australian government recently announced a multi-year In Service Support contract to BAE Systems Australia Ltd
No go for Ingham Hospital helipad
Source: North Queensland Register, 9 Dec, 09
Member for Hinchinbrook, Andrew Cripps, has demanded answers from Health Minister Paul Lucas after concerns were raised the helipad at the Ingham Hospital still does not meet design specifications and Queensland Health will not let helicopters land on it.
Flight Safety Foundation Launches Helicopter Work Group in Australia
Source: Rotorhub, 7 Dec, 09
Flight Safety Foundation announced today the creation of the Australian Helicopter Advisory Group – a subsidiary of Foundation’s Australian Advisory Board and its mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of helicopter safety and the prevention of accidents.
AAMS Forges Landmark Agreement with Australia’s ISAS
Source: http://www.aams.org/Content/NavigationMenu/MediaRoom/PressReleases/AAMS_ISAS_Agreement_112009.doc, 1 Dec, 09
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) and the International Society of Aeromedical Services (Australasia), also known as ISAS, have signed a ground-breaking agreement to collaborate on international initiatives that will enhance the provision of air-medical transport services worldwide.
Australia’s capital hosts visit by MRH90
Source: Australian Dept of Defence, 30 Nov, 09
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today welcomed to the national capital a MRH90 helicopter. The MRH helicopter is replacing the Army’s Black Hawk and the Navy’s Sea King helicopters.
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter clocks up 6000th mission
Source: Northern Star, 20 Nov, 09
WHEN a cardiac patient needed to be transferred to Brisbane yesterday, he became the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter’s 6000th mission. And just as the rescue helicopter clocked up 6000 trips, new pilot Tom Hulse was aboard on his very first flight with the organisation.
Scenic helicopter flights over Darwin get all clear
Source: ABC, 11 Nov, 09
The Darwin City Council has given a scenic helicopter tour operator the green light for a trial in Darwin next year.
Surf Life Saving Queensland adds EC135
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, 10 Nov, 09
SUNSHINE Coast beaches will be safer this summer thanks to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s newest piece of equipment – a twin engine helicopter. The EC135 chopper’s keys were handed over to SLSQ by Queensland emergency services minister Neil Roberts.
Weber Shandwick picks up Bristow PR account in Australia
Source: Media, 4 Nov, 09
Weber Shandwick has picked up a contract from Bristow Helicopters alongside Perth-based consultancy Mills Wilson. The pair will provide PR and emergency communications expertise to Bristow
VIH Aviation Group and Helicopters NZ finalize joint venture
Source: VIH, 1 Nov, 09
VIH Aviation Group and HNZ Group of helicopter companies are pleased to announce their joint venture to specialize in the provision of offshore helicopter services in Australia and its coastal regions.
Australian helicopter pilot cited for gallantry
Source: The Australian, 28 Oct, 09
Australian military chiefs prefer MH-60R over the NH90
Source: UPI, 25 Oct, 09
Australian military chiefs are pressing for the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter over its European rival, the NH90 built by EADS, according to a classified document. Their decisions are outlined in a classified submission to Defense Minister John Faulkner and Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet
Avidyne Opens New Australasia Support Center
Source: Vertical, 6 Oct, 09
Twin-engine safety rules will ground three NSW police helicopters
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 5 Oct, 09
New Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements that will make it mandatory for police helicopters to have two engines
Tiger achieves major milestone for Australian Army
Source: Australian Dept of Defence, 2 Oct, 09
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today announced the achievement of a major milestone in project AIR 87, the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter project.
MHM Publishing expands Vertical brands with Vertical Australasia
Source: Vertical, 30 Sep, 09
MHM Publishing, publisher of Vertical Magazine and Vertical 911 Magazine, is pleased to announce its expansion into Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region with the upcoming launch of Vertical Australasia.
Australian Aerospace chief calls for competition for planned acquisition of up to 27 new Navy helicopters
Source: The Australian, 22 Sep, 09
The new helicopters are due to replace the junked Seasprite program as well as the RAN’s Sea King fleet and now ageing Seahawk machines in a major acquisition that will regenerate the navy’s naval aviation combat arm.
Absolute Fire Delivers New Tracking Technology to Helicorp
Source: Vertical, 18 Sep, 09
Helicorp of Melbourne, Australia is the first client to purchase new FASTTrack technology, which will record and transmit bucket and tank activity on its Bell 212 helicopters. This new technology is designed and manufactured by Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada.
Rotor-Lift Aviation purchases two helicopter flight simulators from FlyIt Simulators
Source: Vertical, 3 Sep, 09
ROTOR-LIFT AVIATION, a leader in Helicopter services since 1991 in Tasmania, Australia has purchased two helicopter flight simulators from FLYIT SIMULATORS located in Carlsbad, CA for its helicopter training and re-currency requirements.
Great Lakes Council approves helipad
Source: Great Lakes Advocate, 3 Sep, 09
THE Westpac Rescue Helicopter will no longer be forced to negotiate uneven landing sites to receive patients in Tea Gardens following the approval of a helipad in town.
Erickson Air-Crane Helitankers Dampen Wildfires from Southern California and Canada to Europe and Down Under
Source: Vertical, 2 Sep, 09
The summer of 2009 has been another season fighting inferno for Erickson Air-Crane, manufacturer of the world-renowned Helitanker and heavy-lift helicopters
BAE Systems establish new hangars to support military aviation needs in Northern Australia
Source: BAE Systems, 2 Sep, 09
The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science officially opened the company’s new, purpose built hangars at Townsville Airport. The facility, built at a cost of $10 million, is the home of BAE Systems’ support program for the Australian Army’s Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter fleets, and provides employment for 140 people.
Thales To Upgrade TopOwl Helmet Modules for Australian Military
Source: Thales, 28 Aug, 09
Thales has secured an order from prime contractor Australian Aerospace to upgrade the TopOwl Helmet-Mounted Sight Display Modules fitted to Australia’s Tiger helicopters. TopOwl HMSD links the pilot directly to the armaments, night-vision and navigation systems of the army’s armed reconnaissance helicopters.
FLIR opens calibration service for infrared cameras in Melbourne
Source: Factory Maintenance, 24 Aug, 09
FLIR says owners of its infrared cameras can have their cameras re-calibrated annually at the new FLIR Systems service laboratory in Melbourne.
Strap-on mini helicopters the latest way to travel
Source: News Corp, 20 Aug, 09
New Zealand’s tourists will soon be able to whiz around in a strap-on mini helicopter to get their thrills. A Kiwi inventor will launch public flights in the latest jetpack flying technology early next year, with plans to expand to Australia soon after.
Australia Considers Helicopter Sharpshooters and Camel Burgers to Control Population Explosion
Source: EcoWorldly, 10 Aug, 09
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter recruits doctor
Source: Northern Star, 6 Aug, 09
Australia weighs PPP vs traditional purchasing for new helo training fleet
Source: Rotorhub, 4 Aug, 09
Australia is still to make decisions on whether it uses traditional capital acquisition or public private partnership (PPP) methods to finance its planned Project Air 9000 phase 7 helicopter training system requirement.
Nexter Systems signs Turreted Gun System support contract with Australian Aerospace for ARH Tiger
Source: Nexter, 31 Jul, 09
Australian CH-47F’s necessitated by “migration challenge”
Source: Rotorhub, 31 Jul, 09
Raytheon tapped for Royal Australian Navy AS350BA fleet support
Source: Rotorhub, 30 Jul, 09
Raytheon Australia has been tapped to provide in-service support for the Royal Australian Navy’s Aerospatiale AS350BA Squirrel helicopters through to their planned life of type with an initial five year contract announced 29 July.
Boeing Defence Australia Completes 50,000 Flight-Support Hours for Bell 206B-1 Kiowa
Source: FinChannel, 24 Jul, 09
West Australia Police sell land to fund second helicopter
Source: Perth Now, 20 Jul, 09
High Court forces Alpine Choppers to complete on purchase of half-share in heliski business
Source: National Business Review, 17 Jul, 09
BAE Systems optimistic full Australian Black Hawk EWSP upgrade will proceed
Source: Rotorhub, 15 Jul, 09
West Australian operator Heliwest secures BHP contract
Source: Perth Now, 9 Jul, 09
Australia flags Tiger progressive upgrade
Source: Rotorhub, 2 Jul, 09
The Australian Department of Defence is flagging emerging plans for a progressive upgrade to its Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.
Australia eyes 2014-2016 initial operating capability for Seahawk replacements
Source: Rotorhub, 2 Jul, 09
Australia reveals slower CH-47F acquisition plan
Source: Rotorhub, 2 Jul, 09
Torpedo decisions for Royal Australian Navy helicopters still in the air
Source: Rotorhub, 1 Jul, 09
Kaman Helicopters Reaffirms Maritime Helicopter Program Safety and Effectiveness after ANAO Issues Audit Report
Source: Vertical, 23 Jun, 09
Man charged – high intensity laser beam hit emergency services rescue helicopter
Source: Australia.TO, 22 Jun, 09
Tasmanian helicopter pilot awarded top Antarctic honour
Source: The Australian, 22 Jun, 09
Flight Training Adelaide expands 300 CBi fleet
Source: Helinews, 8 Jun, 09