Snohomish County Sheriff’s helicopter unit acquires new technology for locating avalanche victims
Source: Herald, 11 Mar, 10
Now rescuers can scour avalanche debris fields from SnoHawk 10, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue helicopter. The new devices tap radio transmitters to quickly locate people buried by snow
Priority 1 Air Rescue Completes Bell 429 Hoist SAR Configuration Milestone
Source: Priority 1 Air Rescue, 21 Feb, 10
Priority 1 Air Rescue and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited successfully completed the design engineering and Human External Cargo (HEC) load flight testing on Bell Helicopter’s new 429 in a search-and-rescue (SAR) configuration.
The 429 used in the testing was configured with specialized SAR equipment, including the 600-lb two- person-rated Goodrich hoist. Completing this joint SAR [...]
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.
Newfoundland oil firms ordered to have rescue helicopter available
Source: Chronicle Herald, 14 Feb, 10
The regulators of Newfoundland’s oil industry have ordered a faster emergency response after the head of an inquiry into offshore helicopter safety made an urgent call for improvement.
Anger as new UK SAR contract implies base move from Prestwick to Glasgow
Source: STV, 11 Feb, 10
The Ministry of Defence said that the posts will be moved 30 miles after a private company was awarded the contract for the service.
Local concerns raised at operational hours of new UK SAR contract
Source: BBC, 10 Feb, 10
Bideford mayor Andy Powell said: “There’s a huge surfing population here, so what happens when [the helicopters] clock off at 6pm and somebody goes out at 6.01pm and gets into trouble? Does that mean another life is lost?”
CHC Selected as Preferred Bidder for 25-Year UK SAR Contract
Source: CHC, 9 Feb, 10
CHC Helicopters, through its membership in the Soteria* consortium, has won preferred bidder status on a 25-year contract to provide comprehensive search and rescue (SAR) services and military aircrew SAR training to the UK government, securing CHC’s place as the largest supplier of civilian SAR services in the world.
“We are honoured to be chosen as [...]
HAI Announces Recipient of the 2010 Eurocopter Golden Hour Award
Source: HAI, 4 Feb, 10
HAI is pleased to announce the 2010 Eurocopter Golden Hour Award recipient, Crew of CGNR 6573; U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska.
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on January 30, 2009, it was reported that a crewman on a fishing vessel south of Sanak Island in Alaska was suffering a severe head injury. Battling [...]
Taiwan military chooses Eurocopter EC225 over Sikorsky S92
Source: Defense News, 3 Feb, 10
Taiwan’s air force has selected the Eurocopter EC225 helicopter against a Sikorsky bid for the S-92 for a medium-lift helicopter requirement for search and rescue missions.
Canadian military defends SAR response in Cougar S92 enquiry
Source: The Telegram, 29 Jan, 10
It took two hours for a pair of military search and rescue (SAR) helicopters to arrive at the crash site – more than one hour after Cougar Helicopters’ SAR chopper arrived at the scene
Prince William starts RAF rescue training
Source: BBC, 29 Jan, 10
If successful on the course, he will become a fully operational pilot with one of the six UK-based RAF Search and Rescue Force flights later this year
VMR-1 dives in: Cherry Point SAR team trains to save lives
Source: US Marine Corps, 28 Jan, 10
The bitter cold and freezing Atlantic waters did not stop the search and rescue team of Marine Transport Squadron 1 from diving in during SAR training missions just off the coast of eastern North Carolina, Jan. 12.
With the HH-46E helicopter, affectionately known as Pedro, in full flight, VMR-1’s SAR non commissioned officer in charge, Staff [...]
Helicopter wreckage located off the coast of Almería
Source: Typically Spanish, 25 Jan, 10
HeliHub.com page for this accident can be found here
Taiwan Strait rescue enhances with Sikorsky S76C+
Source: Whats On Xiamen, 22 Jan, 10
A Sikorsky S-76C+ SAR helicopter has been put into service in the Xiamen Flying Service Rescue Team, a part of the East China Sea Rescue Bureau, to join in rescue missions in the Taiwan Straits
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.
HAI Announces Recipient of the 2010 Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award
Source: HAI, 19 Jan, 10
HAI is pleased to announce the 2010 Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award recipient, Crew of CGNR 6033; U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.
On September 7, 2008, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard CGNR 6033 launched from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, to respond to a stricken fishing vessel with four people aboard, 50 miles [...]
2009 was a busy year for UK SAR bases
Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 13 Jan, 10
Highest ever recorded number of missions undertaken by Stornoway team The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) helicopter search and rescue bases at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee On Solent and Portland completed 747 missions throughout 2009, according to figures released today.
With 183 missions undertaken across 12 months, the Stornoway team had their busiest year since search and [...]
UK Minister in climbdown over call for civilian rescue helicopter at Fort William
Source: Herald, 17 Dec, 09
Ministers have finally agreed to listen to demands from mountain rescue teams that a civilian helicopter be based in Fort William to help stricken climbers
Fight to keep RAF Chivenor SAR base open 24×7 steps up a gear
Source: Western Telegraph, 15 Dec, 09
The fight to keep 24-hour search and rescue cover at RAF Chivenor has been taken to the Senedd by Pembrokeshire AMs.
UK Coastguard base at Portland clocks up 3,000th mission
Source: MCA, 14 Dec, 09
A Coastguard SAR helicopter base has been in existence at Portland since 1995 – the helicopter that is currently being operated at this base is an AW139 provided by CHC Scotia.
French Defense Ministry orders two Eurocopter EC225s for SAR missions
Source: Eurocopter, 9 Dec, 09
Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS and the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, is pleased to announce the purchase of two EC225s by the French Defense Ministry for the country’s navy.
HMS Gannet Smashes through 400 SAR Sorties during 2009
Source: Royal Navy, 8 Dec, 09
Historically, no helicopter search and rescue unit has achieved 400 call outs in a year and passing this milestone is a tangible illustration of the high tempo under which the Prestwick-based unit operates.
Priority 1 Air Rescue Provides Advanced Helicopter SAR Training for North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Source: Rotorhub, 7 Dec, 09
Priority 1 Air Rescue has completed Inland SAR training with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) which included initial Class B External Rotorcraft Load and Helicopter Short-Haul Rescue in their recently acquired Bell 407.
Maritime Safety Administration Of China Takes Delivery Of Two Grand Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 7 Dec, 09
The MSA is responsible for monitoring all inland and coastal waters and these two helicopters will be dedicated to controlling and fighting water pollution.
French Public Service Dauphins mark 15 years of rescue
Source: Rotorhub, 3 Dec, 09
The Public Service Dauphins of the French Navy have marked a milestone, rescuing 1,430 people over 15 years.
Era Helicopters and Seacor Environmental Services Conduct Joint SAR/EMS Demonstration
Source: Seacor Holdings, 19 Nov, 09
SEACOR Holdings Inc. (SEACOR) (NYSE: CKH) announced today that it conducted a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services demonstration on October 28 in Sabine Pass, Texas
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.
RAF Valley to stop night time rescue flights in North Wales
Source: Daily Post, 5 Nov, 09
Life-saving search and rescue helicopter crews from RAF Valley will halt night time rescues while new crews are trained up. The Ministry of Defence has announced a six week suspension to night shifts by 22 Squadron, with cover provided by neighbouring bases RAF Valley will close overnight from 15 November until 31 December.
UK Government does about-turn on SAR base reduction
Source: MoD, 4 Nov, 09
The MOD had decided in principle to reduce SAR helicopter crews from 28 to 24 in 2008. But it subsequently became clear that the implementation of this would present an unmanageable risk and, as soon as this was identified, Ministers decided to revert to 28 crews.
Korea Coast Guard Takes Delivery Of Two AW139 Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 27 Oct, 09
AgustaWestland announces that the Korea Coast Guard has taken delivery of two AW139 helicopters during an official ceremony held at Vergiate plant (Italy). The AW139s will be used for maritime patrol, search and rescue and emergency medical service purposes
“Missing” SAR helicopter causes uproar in Nigeria
Source: Nigeria Champion, 26 Oct, 09
There was uproar and near confusion as audience at a stakeholders meeting with the management of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA could not accept claims by NIMASA management that their regional search and rescue helicopter was not missing as reported by some members of the audience.
UK Coastguard S92 helicopters reach landmark operational date
Source: Hoovers, 3 Oct, 09
The new search and rescue helicopters at the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) base in Stornoway in the Western Isles have completed nearly 350 missions and rescued over 260 people since they were introduced to service two years ago.
AgustaWestland Congratulates the 2009 Cormorant Trophy Winners
Source: AgustaWestland, 2 Oct, 09
AgustaWestland congratulates the crew of the Canadian Forces 442 Search and Rescue Squadron, based at CFB Comox, on winning the 2009 Cormorant Trophy for the skilful night rescue of a skier who had fallen 30 m down a crevasse on Hamathko Glacier, 8700 ft above sea level.
Sikorsky Recognizes CHC and MCA with Rescue Award for Spectacular 2008 Rescue with SAR S-92®
Source: Sikorsky, 24 Sep, 09
Sikorsky presented its Winged S Rescue Award to a UK helicopter rescue crew and the base it operates from in recognition of their outstanding bravery and performance in an extraordinary rescue of 14 fishermen stranded aground at St. Kilda in 2008.
UK Sikorsky S-92 SAR Fleet reaches 500-Mission Milestone
Source: Sikorsky, 22 Sep, 09
As of mid-August 2009, the four S-92 SAR aircraft operating in the U.K. had executed a total of 510 missions – 331 from the base at Stornoway in the Western Isles and 179 from Sumburgh in Shetland – since being introduced in 2007
Bristow vacates hangar at Sumburgh after 36 years
Source: PPRuNe, 22 Sep, 09
After a 36 year presence at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Bristow gave up the lease on the hangar and handed the keys back to the airport owners.
Chinese SAR helicopters to upgrade with NVG
Source: Shanghai Daily, 18 Sep, 09
THE regional sea rescue force, responsible for life-saving missions in the East China Sea, had begun training helicopter pilots and salvage crews to conduct night operations, officials said.
Newfoundland Premier calls on feds to set up SAR helicopter unit at St. John’s
Source: MetroNews, 18 Sep, 09
Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams called on Ottawa on Tuesday to immediately establish a search and rescue presence in St. John’s, days after a fishing boat sank off the province’s coast, killing at least one crewman.
Priority 1 Air Rescue & State of Delaware SAR Interoperability Success
Source: Rotorhub, 15 Sep, 09
Priority 1 Air Rescue recently completed Class D Rescue Hoist Training for State of Delaware inter-agency personnel rising from the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, DNREC and the Delaware Fire Service.
Eurocopter EC225 is most adapted Contender for SAR-H Programme in the UK
Source: Eurocopter, 10 Sep, 09
Eurocopter displays a 1:5 scale mock-up of its EC225 medium-class helicopter on its booth # 1475 in South Hall at DSEi 2009. The EC225 has been proposed for this requirement by AirKnight, the teaming of Lockheed Martin UK, VT Group and British International Helicopters.
Heroism award presented to Maryland State Police AS365 crew for swift-water rescue
Source: American Eurocopter, 9 Sep, 09
The Public Service award was presented to pilot Jim MacKay and trooper/flight paramedic Nate Wheelock, who received this distinction during the Rotor & Wing 2009 Search and Rescue summit in Reston, Virginia.
Police Aviation News – September 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 Sep, 09
RAF Boulmer Airman Clocks up 10,000 Sea King Hours
Source: RAF, 20 Aug, 09
An RAF Boulmer Search and Rescue Radar/Winch Operator has reached a momentous milestone in his career, recording 10,000 flying hours in a Sea King helicopter.
Police Aviation News – August 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 Aug, 09
Trinidad and Tobago Orders Four AW139 Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 31 Jul, 09
Prestwick Royal Navy helicopter crew honoured
Source: Times, 17 Jul, 09
Soteria Consortium unveils helicopter capabilities for UK SAR proposal
Source: Engineer, 10 Jul, 09
Helicopter rescue hopefuls face tough challenge in Alaska
Source: KTUU, 7 Jul, 09
Greece seals deal to buy 15 Super Pumas
Source: Forbes, 3 Jul, 09
Priority 1 Air Rescue & Delaware State Police establish Statewide Multi-Agency SAR Emergency Response Program
Source: Rotorhub, 2 Jul, 09
Police Aviation News – July 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 Jul, 09
Coastguard helicopter winchman receives bravery award
Source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1254096?UserKey=, 26 Jun, 09
Telephonics Receives First Russian Contract Award for SAR and Weather Avoidance Radar Systems
Source: Telephonics, 25 Jun, 09
UK CAA hosts successful meeting on equipment needs of SAR for offshore helicopters
Source: CAA, 24 Jun, 09
Hawaii County ready to replace 27-year old MD500E with a new one
Source: KITV, 22 Jun, 09
UK SAR Sikorsky S-92 Achieves 1,000 Flight Hour Milestone
Source: Sikorsky, 17 Jun, 09
NYPD order two Bell 412EPs to replace older aircraft
Source: Textron, 15 Jun, 09
Era Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue Implement Air SAR/Medevac Operations
Source: Era Helicopters, 9 Jun, 09
Police Aviation News – June 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 Jun, 09
Members of the public hamper helicopter rescue from UK beach
Source: MCGA, 28 May, 09
RAF awards Bullock Trophy for the best RAF SAR Flight
Source: RAF, 13 May, 09
Priority 1 Air Rescue Provides Shanghai Police Aviation Force Helicopter SAR Training
Source: Vertical, 13 May, 09
Police Aviation News – May 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 May, 09
Canada’s 413 Sqn take part in SAREX 2009
Source: Rotorhub, 11 Apr, 09
German Armed Forces mark 50 years of SAR
Source: Rotorhub, 9 Apr, 09
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Japan Coast Guard Bell 412
Source: Airliners.net, 2 Apr, 09
Police Aviation News – April 2009 edition
Source: Police Aviation News, 1 Apr, 09
L-3 WESCAM EO/IR Imaging Turret Selected for North Sea SAR Missions
Source: Rotorhub, 27 Mar, 09
L-3 WESCAM announced that it has been selected to provide an MX-15 True HD electrooptical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging sensor to Eurocopter, in support of North Sea SAR missions
Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter programme moves ahead
Source: Rotorhub, 23 Mar, 09
SRT Helicopters to provide training for Chinese Rescue & Salvage Bureau
Source: Rotorhub, 17 Mar, 09
AgustaWestland Pilot Award 2009 Presented To Captain Trevor Wilson At The Australian International Airshow
Source: Vertical, 13 Mar, 09
AirKnight and Soteria Consortia Declare Details of UK SAR Helicopters Bid
Source: DefenseNews, 12 Mar, 09
Air Force Cross For Naval Pilot Who Assisted In Rescue Of 23 People
Source: Royal Navy, 6 Mar, 09
Will-power keeps Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter flying
Source: Coffs Coast Advocate, 3 Mar, 09