9-Jul-2013Source: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust today confirmed that the future of the HEMS project (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) was secure. Trust CEO Greg Barrow said the Board had recently signed off on a three year proposal to support the HEMS project and funding had been allocated accordingly in future budgets. “Although our annual ratepayer funding... Read more
7-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has announced their eighth EC145 order for use in the fire and disaster prevention role. The order has been placed by Gifu Prefecture in Japan, who will be replacing a BK117B2 when the EC145 is in service. Gifu covers 4,100 square miles and has a population of about 2 million. All EC145s, including all... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Voice Communications System was selected again recently by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to upgrade the existing legacy analog audio system in another one of their BK117 EMS helicopters. The BK117 will be their fourth aircraft with Becker DVCS, and will soon undergo avionics modification and DVCS installation at Uniflight... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: DRF Luftrettung
40 years ago, DRF Luftrettung carried out its first rescue mission. Since then it has grown into a large and modern organization that operates 31 helicopter bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark for HEMS operations. Today, DRF Luftrettung acknowledged the 40th anniversary of its first mission with a ceremony. As part of the ceremony, the... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Long Beach patch
St. Mary’s Medical Center on Wednesday celebrated what will soon be a new emergency medical transport helicopter that will serve critically injured patients in the Long Beach area and on Catalina Island. (See Full Story)... Read more
16-May-2013Source: Leader~Post
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)... Read more
3-May-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Great Slave Helicopters (GSH) has taken delivery of a BK117 from the Eurocopter Canada Service Center after customization. The BK117 was originally purchased in Germany, with Eurocopter Canada performing various modifications to customize the aircraft. Great Slave Helicopters BK117 complements their existing fleet of twenty-four Eurocopter aircraft. Their extensive Eurocopter fleet consists of the following... Read more
1-May-2013Source: The London Helicopter
The UK’s first public helicopter service to sell individual seats online launches on 1st May when The London Helicopter introduces regular sightseeing flights from The Barclays London Heliport in Battersea. This innovative offering at www.thelondonhelicopter.com allows passengers to pre-book seats for helicopter sightseeing trips over the Capital taking off from London’s only commercially licensed Heliport. The new... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: True Blue Power
True Blue Power today announced several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the TS835 Series lithium-ion emergency power supply (EPS). True Blue Power received a Part 25 STC for installation of the TS835 Series in LearJet 35/36 models and a Part 27 STC for installation in BK117 and EC145 helicopters. The company... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: STARS
STARS Air Ambulance begins 24-hour-a-day operations at its Saskatoon base. Since launching service in mid-October, the Saskatoon base has been providing service 12-hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. “Safety is always our priority,” says Ron Dufresne, vice-president of Saskatchewan operations. “Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time... Read more
22-Jan-2013Source: Rockford Memorial Hospital
Rockford Memorial Hospital’s REACT helicopter program recently began training flights on a temporary aircraft. Working with our aviation partner, Air Methods, REACT pilots and mechanics are now training on a Eurocopter EC135 aircraft housed at the hangar on the North Rockton Avenue campus. Flight nurses have resumed staffing critical care ground transports throughout the region... Read more
21-Jan-2013Source: Alberta Health Services
Patients living in northern Alberta will continue to have access to rapid, reliable, and safe emergency care when the new air ambulance base is relocated to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) in March. Alberta Health Services air ambulance operations are moving to a new 3,600 square-metre hangar at the Edmonton International Airport, immediately adjacent to... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Kawasaki
[electronic translation] Kawasaki Heavy Industries has achieved a total of 1,000 aircraft deliveries helicopter “BK117” versatile twin-engine Eurocopter Germany co-production that (Company Inc. [formerly MBB Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm]) Since delivery of the first aircraft in May 1982, are sold all over the world, “BK117” has achieved a total delivery of 1,000 aircraft recently. Helicopters will be delivered in... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Queensland Government
Increased funding for community-based emergency helicopter operators has been granted as the Newman Government considers plans for lasting change in their financial support. A new funding model for these essential services is detailed in the Summary Report of the Review of Aeromedical Helicopter Services in Queensland – November 2012, released for consultation by Health Minister... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: NBC2
Charlotte County commissioners in Florida gave Aeromed the green light to base a medical helicopter in Punta Gorda. (see full story) Aeromed currently has two EC135s and three BK117s – operated for them by Air Methods... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: Philips SAR Trust
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are... Read more
25-Nov-2012
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Voxy
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)... Read more
29-Oct-2012Source: Winnipeg Sun
We understand the importance of the life-saving service that STARS provides and the need for this vital assistance to be available 24/7 (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) is boosting its PennSTAR AMS (Air Medical Services) fleet with the purchase of a new EC145. PennSTAR currently flies three BK117s and four EC135s. The new EC145 is scheduled to be in service by summer 2013, replacing one of the BK117 C1 aircraft. “PennMedicine and PennSTAR are always... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: STARS
July 30, 2012Â – Today STARS air ambulance is beginning 24-hour-a-day operations at its Regina base. Until now, the STARS Regina base has only operated 12-hours per day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time to become comfortable with the terrain and providing service in... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Calgary Herald
Dr. Gregory Powell and wife Linda retire but remain ambassadors for pioneering Alberta emergency service (see full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Westpac Life Saver Rescue
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher recently announced $1.5million in funding for Surf Life Saving NSW to assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. “This funding will ensure this vital search and rescue helicopter service continues to provide a 24/7 service in the Greater Sydney Region and a... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
1-May-2012Source: STARS
Regina, SK, April 30, 2012 – As of noon today, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was ready to provide helicopter air ambulance services for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. Following a brief ceremony involving dignitaries and former patients, the organization opened its base in Regina. “This is a historic day for... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: STARS
Enerplus Corporation, who have been strong supporters of STARS since 1992, have reached the $500,000 giving milestone. A celebration, which included a logo unveiling on the STARS helicopter, was held on April 25 for the independent oil and gas producer at the STARS Calgary hanger. “Enerplus has been in business for over 25 years, and... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce it will launch its first Saskatchewan base on Monday, April 30 in Regina. Beginning at 12 p.m. (noon), STARS will be ready to provide safe, rapid medical transport for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. “We’re very excited that helicopter air medical... Read more
22-Mar-2012Source: Airwork NZ
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the BK117-850D2 engine upgrade. This STC allows for the replacement of the standard BK117-B2 750hp engines with upgraded 850hp engines. This increase in power significantly improves One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance, allowing the BK117-850D2 to achieve true Category A standard. The... Read more
29-Feb-2012Source: CCS
The essential, life-saving services STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) provides will now be further supported in western Canada thanks to a $100,000 donation from CCS Corporation. “Many of our employees live and work in rural communities, so there is a natural link to support an organization such as STARS,” said John Gibson, president and... Read more
23-Feb-2012Source: STARS
A permanent Manitoba crew of 14 paramedics, nurses and pilots is now responding to emergency calls across the province with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopter ambulance, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “These paramedics, nurses and pilots are a critical link in patient care and their training and expertise will truly help... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Germany’s DRF Luftrettung today signed a power-by-the-hour service agreement with Eurocopter, ensuring optimized technical support with fixed maintenance costs and minimized downtime for this air rescue organization’s large helicopter fleet. DRF Luftrettung currently operates 45 Eurocopter helicopters for emergency medical services, composed of the EC145, EC135 and BK117 versions. In 2011, the company agreed to... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Summit Aviation added as service center in key northeast region From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced today that it has reached an agreement that will add Summit Aviation, based in Middletown, Delaware, to its extensive network of independent service centers across North America. “Providing our customers with the service and... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Heli-Expo 2012, American Eurocopter has announced that Air Care, which serves Cincinnati’s University Hospital and West Chester Hospital in Butler County, has chosen the EC145 to upgrade its fleet of BK-117 helicopters. Since its inception in 1984, the Air Care flight team has completed more than 28,000 accident-free patient care flight missions. They currently... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) sign a five-year support contract at the time of flight with its DRF Luftrettung * EMS missions in Germany, Austria and Denmark. Proposed by Turbomeca SBH ® contract provides customers with offers tailored to their operational needs. Recently, DRF Luftrettung ordered 25 EC145 helicopters T2, which will be equipped with the latest... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: STARS
The 19th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.2 million retail. The STARS Lottery raised over $10 million net during the 2011 campaign and continues to be the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “STARS flies an average of four missions a day in Alberta,... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Voxy
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken delivery of a BK117 rescue helicopter just as the region moves into the busiest time of the year. It joins the AS350 they already operate, more than doubling their capabilities (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011
Police Service of Northern Ireland say that having a helipad in County Fermanagh will mean the aircraft can be refuelled at any time without having to return to its base. Two other remote landing pads are in operation – at Mahon Road in Portadown and Maydown, near Londonderry. (see full story) CAA photo... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Lawrence Municipal Airport is the location of a new base for Boston Medflight, a satellite location to help provide a better service from Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The airport is located off Route 125 in North Andover, and operations began there on 21st November with a helicopter moving in from Hancom Field in... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Hartford Hospital
It’s the life-saving medical helicopter that has been saving lives since 1985, and its team just received a great honor. The LIFE STAR program, owned and operated by Hartford Hospital, has been selected as a recipient of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Program of the Year for 2011. The Program of the Year... Read more
26-Sep-2011Source: STARS
Join us for the 8th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner & Auction for STARS on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The evening will include a three-course roast beef dinner catered by locally-owned The Steak Pit Restaurant and a chance to bid on a wide array of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $75 each or... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce that CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS raised the single largest dollar amount ever in one day for STARS with a record-breaking $1.3 million. STARS partnered with five prominent Calgary-based CEOs and dropped them in Kananaskis Country, 25 kilometres northeast of Canmore, just... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: WLWT
The helicopters will still be able to fly to airports and hospital helipads in the dark, flights that do not require NVG use. (full story) University Air Care operates BK117s from two bases in Ohio... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Norwich Bulletin
Hartford Hospital officials have renewed their commitment to keeping the Life Star program at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT (Full story)... Read more
30-Jun-2011Source: Madison Courier
Air Methods returned to Trimble County on June 3 and wasted no time meeting the public. On June 4 the company, located next to the Bedford Fire and Rescue building between Bedford and Milton, had an open house that included food, drinks, music and a showing of the BK117 helicopter. (Full article)... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Govt of Manitoba
The province has signed a memorandum of understanding with the non-profit Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) to make the helicopter ambulance program permanent in Manitoba, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “The STARS team has made a real difference in Manitoba’s flood fight and we thank them for their hard work,†said Oswald.  “Helicopter... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: STARS
Precision Drilling achieved a cumulative giving milestone of $1.8 million when they presented STARS with $1 million to be donated over the next five years. The organization is the first oil and gas service company to reach this level of giving to STARS. Precision Drilling’s logo was relocated on the STARS helicopter from the upper... Read more
15-May-2011Source: STARS
STARS is celebrating a $5 million donation from Crescent Point Energy (CPE) toward the establishment of a STARS program in Saskatchewan in 2012, and at a recent presentation, STARS presents a model AW139 helicopter to CPE. STARS signed an agreement with the government of Saskatchewan to develop a helicopter emergency medical services program in the... Read more
9-May-2011Source: ATP
ATP has added coverage for the Eurocopter Deutschland BK 117 C-1 and the Arriel 1E engine. The new models will also be added to appropriate libraries as listed below Product Code Library Description Effectivity, Library Change B163 BK117C-1 & Arriel 1E BK117 C-1, Arriel 1E, 1E2 B367 Arriel 1 Series Add Arriel 1E, 1E2 B160... Read more
12-Apr-2011Source: Cambridge Airport
Cambridge Airport will be bolstering the full time presence of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) service when a new, dedicated operations centre is officially opened on 19 April 2011. The “Archie Morson Centre†has been equipped and decorated courtesy of The Marshall Group, and will be at the heart of all EAAA operations in... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Omniflight
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center has chosen Native Air as its air ambulance provider. This partnership will ensure that lifesaving air transport is readily available for the Sun City West and surrounding communities. “There are a number of reasons we chose Native Air,†said John Harrington, Jr., CEO, of the nonprofit hospital located at... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Narooma News
The Westpac Life Saver has completed its first summer on the NSW south coast, finishing its season on Monday night. But word has come through of government funding that will keep rescue chopper 3 in Narooma district skies.... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Western Coal Corp today announced a five-year, $500,000 commitment to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). Mr. Keith Calder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Coal, is presenting a cheque to STARS Grande Prairie Base Major Gifts Manager Glenda Farnden in the community of Tumbler Ridge on February 23, 2011. “In December 2010,... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The NHS Ambulance Trust has praised the ‘remarkable speed’ in which the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) solved a potentially difficult air operations issue this weekend. Late on Friday afternoon the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Norwich-based firm Sterling Aviation due to procedural issues. This meant the two... Read more
20-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has activated a contingency plan due to operational issues with the current supplier of its aircraft, Sterling Aviation. Sterling is temporarily unable to provide the EAAA with an air ambulance service, so, as an interim measure the charity will continue to operate using alternative aircraft from a different supplier, Bond... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Apache Corporation presented the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $400,000 cheque today at the STARS Calgary Base. The cheque presentation elevates Apache’s total cumulative financial support of STARS to more than $1 million since 1990. Approximately $200,000 is being directed to the STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) work site registration program. The... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
DRF has announced that it’s Dortmund base has recently changed callsign to “Christoph Dortmund” with agreement of the local police and fire/rescue services. All public safety radio communciations will now use this new tag. The Dortmund EMS base flies a Eurocopter BK117, operated by HSD for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The BK117 is... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, for integration into their newly purchased Bell 429 light-twin helicopter and one of their existing BK117 EMS helicopters. The new aircraft will be delivered by Bell Helicopter Tennessee (formally Edwards and Associates) to Edwards and Associates during the first... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Leading print and communications company Geon has recently been announced as the latest sponsor of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Run by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter operates throughout the greater Auckland region, including the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, and in Thames/Coromandel over the summer season. The new sponsorship follows... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by the German Air Rescue organization DRF Luftrettung for integration into three BK117 helicopter. The aircraft are currently undergoing retrofit modification at DRF Luftrettung’s own maintenance facility at its Operation-Center at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport. The new Becker Avionics airborne digital audio and intercom system will replace the... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Eyewitness News
The Pretoria News has reported that CCTV footage and Global Positioning System (GPS) data has been sent overseas for forensic analysis. See HeliHub.com accident page at 23-Jul-10 ZS-HMY Eurocopter BK117 Witbank, South Africa (7F) [File photo]... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: Police Aviation News
A month ago it looked as if the Devon & Cornwall BK117C-1 was destined to join the Avon Fire Brigade but then the hand of fate stepped in and the PSNI messed up their leased AS355F2 G-SEWP flying in bad weather in the Mourne Mountains. The Veritair supplied Squirrel was easily replaced by one of... Read more
14-Jan-2011Source: STARS
The 18th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.1 million. The STARS Lottery is the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “Last year’s STARS Lottery sold out generating over $10 million,†says Dr. Greg Powell, President and CEO of STARS. “Every individual who purchases a... Read more
14-Dec-2010Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
In response to media coverage suggesting that there may be no air ambulance service in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire by Christmas, the East Anglian Air Ambulance has moved to reassure the public that its enhanced service has in fact now been launched and will be ready to help those caught up in medical emergencies and accidents... Read more
8-Dec-2010Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has moved its Western operational base to Cambridge Airport as it launches an enhanced and more sustainable service which it believes will help save more lives across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The charity has worked closely with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) in developing the new service... Read more
29-Nov-2010Source: NZ Herald
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, which administers the service, is extending its operations, with one of the Westpac choppers to be based in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula from December 26 to Anniversary Weekend at the end of January... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: ABC
The Premier, Kristina Keneally, has announced $500,000 for the region’s rescue helicopter. Ms Keneally made the announcement at the official opening of the new $2.3-million headquarters for the service at Tamworth Airport.... Read more
22-Nov-2010
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has announced that the charity’s Chief Executive Simon Gray will be leaving the charity at the end of January 2011. Andrew Egerton-Smith, Chairman of the charity’s board of trustees, commented: “We’re hugely indebted to Simon for the commitment he has shown to making the charity one of the most effective... Read more
27-Oct-2010Source: EAAA
[The Magpas statement referred to was run by HeliHub.com here] The East Anglian Air Ambulance was dismayed to read the press statement issued by Magpas which made many erroneous statements about the EAAA’s work and future direction. We have detailed below a more accurate view of our aims and strategy and are happy to provide... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Magpas
Following news enquiries today regarding the “privatisation†of the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity, Multi Award Winning charity Magpas, issues the following statement: We are grateful that matters that have long concerned our board of trustees are now being brought into the public domain by the media. We hope that this will now open the... Read more
1-Sep-2010Source: Virginian-Pilot
For the first time, Sentara is soliciting donations to help pay the bill – at the same time the company continues to pursue new projects worth millions... Read more
12-Aug-2010Source: NZ Herald
The new machine, a new generation BK 117, was unveiled in front of media and sponsors this morning when it and the current helicopter landed on Auckland’s Queens Wharf... Read more
5-Aug-2010Source: WA Business News
Bristow Helicopters Australia has been awarded a contract worth $50 million to support Apache Energy’s drilling and production operations in WA.... Read more
23-Jul-2010Source: Milton Ulladulla Times
The Westpac Lifesaver helicopter will conduct surveillance, shark patrols and search and rescue operations from Mollymook south to the Victorian border. The trial is proposed to begin in December through February and then again for the same period each year until 2013.... Read more
