21-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Arizona operator Sky Blue Helicopters has ceased trading, and its website removed from the internet. The last posting on their still-active Facebook page was in February 2012 when they posted the optimistic “It’s a beautiful Friday here at Sky Blue! Gearing up for one busy weekend!!”, somewhat bizarrely just 13 days after they started their... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Payson Roundup
Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scoured the bottom of the lake for more than a week, but found no sign of the helicopter, which splashed into the lake during a sightseeing flight out of Mesa (see full story). File photo see also the following from HeliHub.com safety data pages – 07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44... Read more
28-Nov-2012
A lot of the repairs were “cosmetic,” he said. Many of the plastic fittings had melted and were changed out. The wiring harness from the control panel of the cockpit was changed. Fibreglass windows were replaced. The craft’s blades were changed out as well – the work cost around $250K (see full story) The story... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: UK MoD
After a gruelling month-long training package in the hot and arid deserts of Arizona, 847 Naval Air Squadron personnel, along with their Lynx Mk9A aircraft, have made the 6,000-mile (9,700km) return journey to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. Why did 847 Naval Air Squadron go all the way to the US Naval Air Facility at El... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that is has issued a Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) with concurrence from the FAA for the installation of the Trakkabeam A800 Searchlight System on the AS350 B3 helicopter. The A800 searchlight, as installed, provides a compact and modern solution for law enforcement and other operators. Advantages of the Trakkabeam A800 searchlight... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Phoenix Business Journal
Boeing Co.’s play to lay off 10 percent of its Defense, Space and Security business unit management positions by the end of this year will have little impact at the company’s operations in Mesa. (see full story)... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: KOAA
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has cited a medical helicopter pilot from Arizona for harassing wildlife after a group of hunters observed him flying his ship very low over an elk herd in a canyon southwest of Grand Junction. (see full story) Classic Lifeguard fly four Bell 407s and four fixed-wings ... Read more
31-Oct-2012Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker will host their 13th Annual Aircraft Acquisition and Planning Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 5-6, 2012 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. This seminar was recently certified by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to be a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) accepted program allowing attendees to receive CAM credit for participating... Read more
23-Sep-2012Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker will host their 13th Annual Aircraft Acquisition and Planning Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 5-6, 2012 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Unique from other seminars and workshops, the Conklin & de Decker Aircraft Acquisition Planning Seminar is the only seminar that is designed to help the aircraft buyer, aircraft owner... Read more
23-Sep-2012Source: Daily Courier
AgustaWestland has had the fourth prototype AW189 based for approximately 8 weeks at Prescott Airport in Arizona. Also on the agenda during the aircraft’s nine month US tour are stops in Arlington, Texas to test for handling qualities, and Fairbanks, Alaska to do cold trials. (see full story)... Read more
20-Sep-2012
The Eurocopter AS350B3e will be introduced to the community at 10 a.m. on September 24 at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson. (see full story) File photo... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $28,028,102 for firm-fixed-price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8617) for construction of an aircraft maintenance hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The work to be performed provides for construction of a new transient universal hangar facility. The hangar... Read more
15-Jun-2012Source: Victorville Daily Press
After 17 years at Southern California Logistics Airport, Boeing will soon move its A160T Hummingbird flight test program to Arizona (see full story)... Read more
28-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches,... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker Associates, Inc and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) are pleased to announce that they are continuing to partner again this year to offer the Commercial Operators Tax Seminar. This year’s Tax Seminar will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 7-8, 2012. Unique from other tax seminars and workshops, the... Read more
22-May-2012Source: Dallas Airmotive
Kevin Bang has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul Group (ERO) company, as manager of its Phoenix Regional Turbine Center (RTC). Bang will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the RTC which focuses on PT6A, JT15D, M250™ repair services and, with its recent appointment, the HTF7000. “Kevin has a long history... Read more
7-May-2012Source: Arizona Republic
Article profiling BDN Aerospace Marketing -Â BDN’s three partners, Mark Bennett, Kyle Davis and Grace Nakazawa, met while working at McDonnell Douglas, where the idea to start a company arose after the company split off into MD Helicopters. (see full story)... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International announces that Jeremy Pisell has been promoted to Assistant Manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona. “Our Customers and Teammates who train and work at the Tucson Learning Center will appreciate and benefit from Jeremy’s aviation experience, thorough understanding of FlightSafety’s training programs, focus on service, and ability to manage and... Read more
9-Apr-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics announced today that Pima County Sheriffs Department (PCSD) of Tucson, Arizona, selected the DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for its new AS350 B3e multi-mission helicopter. The aircraft delivered in mid-March during a ceremony at American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie TX Delivery Center. During the next few months the aircraft will be outfitted... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Embry-Riddle
President’s Safety Day is an annual event recognizing the safety record of the flight department at the Prescott campus. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President, Dr. John Johnson, attended the event on February 23, 2012, to present the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Safety. This year’s recipient was Mr. Gordon Jiroux, President and Owner of Universal... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Guidance Aviation
John Morgan, Yavapai College Dean of the Technical Division, has been a key figure in the development of one of the most successful and fastest growing collegiate helicopter programs in the United States. The Yavapai College Professional Helicopter Pilot Program has an enrollment of almost 100 students. Approximately 80% of these students are U.S. Military... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Guardian Mobility
Guardian Mobility today announced that it has appointed Vertical Aviation, of Scottsdale, AZ, as a Master Dealer for the entire Guardian product line including the Guardian 5™, the company’s unique, portable handheld satellite message terminal and theG7-FDM™ their complete, single box Flight Data Monitoring data collection and analysis solution. Vertical Aviation will be responsible for the US... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro and Government Affairs Vice President Ann Carroll on Thursday met with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)to discuss concerns of air tour operators, especially those who operate over Grand Canyon National Park. With Zuccaro and Carroll for the meeting were Alan Stephen and John Becker of Papillon Helicopters, and Brian Brusa of Maverick... Read more
15-Mar-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that it has delivered an AS350® B3e to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), which is based in Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was delivered during a ceremony in American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie Delivery Center. This marks the delivery of the first AS350 B3e to a law enforcement agency in the United... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, Eurocopter introduced the EC130 T2 to the industry with another classic production and reveal event at the start of the 2012 Heli-Expo tradeshow. During the event, American Eurocopter customer Maverick Helicopters was announced as one of the launch customers for this new product line with a signed... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
At today’s launch of Eurocopter’s new EC130 T2 helicopter, American Eurocopter announced that Papillon Helicopters, one of the launch customers for the new line, has placed an order for 20 EC130 T2s. The order is for an initial six EC130 T2 helicopters, with an additional 14 options. Papillon’s fleet includes 19 EC130s and 10 AS350... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: Able Aerospace
Officials from Able Aerospace Services and the City of Mesa, Ariz., held a groundbreaking ceremony today to kick off construction of Able’s expansive new on-airport company headquarters. The multi-state celebration is continuing during Heli-Expo 2012 next week in Dallas, Texas, as Able President and CEO Lee Benson and Mesa City Councilwoman Dina Higgins share highlights... Read more
7-Feb-2012Source: Maverick Aviation Group
Home to Mustang Helicopters and Maverick Airlines, the state-of-the-art hangar is complete with a variety of amenities designed to bring comfort to our customers as they await their departure to the spectacular Grand Canyon. High-definition televisions broadcast tips and trivia, a quaint café awaits those customers looking to grab a quick snack or drink before... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: Softtech
Softtech LLC, the maker of the Flight Vector™ family of products, is proud to announce Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has adopted the Flight & Duty Tracker™ system into their operations at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and their Las Vegas/Boulder City operations!  Papillon employed Flight & Duty Tracker™ in early January. Softtech LLC... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: British Army
Army Apache crews are returning to the UK this week having completed a major exercise in the United States as part of the Apache Conversion To Role course. Exercise Crimson Eagle is a challenging two-month exercise, split between Naval Air Facility El Centro in California and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field in Arizona.... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: NTSB
On November 15, 2011, at 0837 mountain standard time, a restricted category Williams Helicopter Corporation, UH-1H, N502AW, experienced a loss of power, made a hard landing, and came to rest on its right side about 3 miles northwest of the Valle Airport (40G), Grand Canyon, Arizona. The pilot operated the helicopter under the provisions of... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bird strikes are not that uncommon with helicopters as most are operating at relatively low level. But to have two EUrocopters make emergency landings on consecutive days with holes created by those bird strikes is unusual. On Wednesday a news gathering AS350B2 in Scottsdale, Arizona took a dove into the cockpit. The helicopter is operated... Read more
13-Nov-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, AZ., a recognized a leader in High-Altitude Helicopter flight training, has announced the introduction of a new Turbine Transition training course. This program utilizes the new Robinson R-66 Rolls Royce powered turbine helicopter. According to Guidance CEO, John Stonecipher, “The Robinson R-66 is our first choice in a turbine platform. It... Read more
14-Oct-2011Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker will host the 12th Annual Aircraft Acquisition and Planning Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 6-7, 2011 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Unique from other seminars and workshops, the Conklin & de Decker Aircraft Acquisition Planning Seminar is the only seminar that is designed to help the aircraft buyer, owner or... Read more
7-Oct-2011Source: Timken
The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) recently completed construction of a new state-of-the-art engine test cell at the company’s Mesa, Ariz., facility and now provides complete in-house engine and component overhaul services to fixed-wing and rotorcraft operators on a variety of engine platforms. The test cell includes: Two bays with separate controls allowing two different engines... Read more
4-Oct-2011Source: Able Engineering
Able Engineering & Component Services has been named Arizona’s outstanding international business. The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations presented its 2011 International Business Award for Excellence in Global Business to Lee Benson, CEO of the Able Group of Companies, during the Committee’s International State of the State luncheon Sept. 26. Able provides cost-effective repair and... Read more
23-Sep-2011Source: Precision Aviation Group
Atlanta, GA-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG), exclusive provider of ISMRO® (Inventory Supported Maintenance Repair & Overhaul), announces the acquisition of Long Beach, CA based Aero Technology (ATI).  ATI is a Global MRO Services provider of Accessories, Avionics, and Instruments to the Commercial Transport, Military and Regional Airline markets.  ATI was the recipient of Boeing’s coveted Gold Supplier... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: World Record Helicopter Team
From: The World Record Helicopter Team & USA Academy Of Aviation Inc. French Valley Airport ( F70) Murrieta, Ca. Tel 951-551 6592- 951-600 2883. when: In September 2011. From Where: From Brown Airport, San Diego- to Savannah Hilton Head, GA, and back. Departure Time will be 6 o’clock AM. What is the current record and... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
On August 17, 2011, the Guidance Academy Scholarship was established by Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Arizona to provide financial assistance to students in need who are enrolled in the Yavapai College Professional Pilot Program pursuing their Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Professional Pilot – Helicopters. Guidance Aviation is donating $11,000 in the month of August... Read more
9-Aug-2011Source: FlightSafety
[HeliHub.com editor note – while mainly dedicated to business jet training, the Tucson center also has capability to train on Eurocopter AS350 FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that Kelly Allender has been promoted to Manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona. “Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to respond to the needs... Read more
2-Aug-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero has appointed Phoenix Heliparts of Mesa, Ariz. as a StandardAero Authorized Support Center for Rolls Royce Model 250 engines as installed on MD500 helicopters. StandardAero clients can now obtain engine repair & overhaul (R&O) services contracted through Phoenix’s facilities in Arizona, creating a one-stop shop for MD500 helicopter operators with Rolls Royce M250 engines.... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: US Marine Corps
Marines with Medium Helicopter Squadron-764 joined forces with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company Marines in a tactical insertion exercise as part of Operation Javelin Thrust 2011, a reserve training exercise. HMM-764 Marines geared up the two CH-46E Sea Knights for the operation. The mission involved a tactical insertion maneuver, which enables troops to be dropped in... Read more
29-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Boeing has sent 60-day layoff notices to 21 workers at its plant in Irvine, a spokesman confirmed last Thursday. These are the first of up to 160 jobs moving to Mesa, Arizona this year as the facilty closes in Irvine. The company announced in August 2010 that they would be making this move due to... Read more
24-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Van Horn Aviation, the manufacturer of helicopter rotor blades, is expanding its presence in Tempe (Arizona) with the purchase of a new facility four times the size of its existing location. The move from a leased unit near Rural and Broadway roads is to a 23,000 sq.ft unit it is purchasing near Elliott Road and... Read more
23-May-2011Source: Verde Independent
Guardian Air celebrated its 10 years in the Verde Valley with tours of the aircraft and refreshments at the helicopter landing pad, just outside the hospital’s emergency room.... Read more
5-May-2011Source: Arizona Republic
The company sought dismissal, with its attorneys arguing that Arizona has almost no connection to the lawsuit and that the accident wreckage, aircraft records and accident witnesses are all believed to be located in Turkey in the custody of the national police.... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Arizona took the “Top Master Award” at the Arizona State Capitol on March 22, 2011 during the Arizona Small Business Development Center Awards. This year, the AZSBDC honored 15 top performing Arizona businesses who “collectively created or retained more than 300 jobs; generated more than $4 million in new capital; and increased their sales by... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Arizona Republic
An Australian company that sells high-powered searchlights mostly for police and military helicopters will make the Scottsdale Airpark its U.S. headquarters for manufacturing.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: BBA Aviation
Dallas, Texas…April 5, 2011…Brent Hornbeck has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul Group (ERO) company, as manager of the company’s Regional Turbine Center in Phoenix, Arizona. “Brent’s background has all the attributes we seek in an RTC manager,†stated Mike Cumnock, Vice President, Regional Operations/Service for BBA Aviation ERO. “He has... 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
5-Apr-2011Source: BDN Aerospace Marketing
Sam Jantzen has joined BDN Aerospace Marketing as the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. BDN is a team of marketing communications experts that works exclusively with aerospace industry clients. In the new role, Jantzen continues an illustrious business aviation career that has included senior executive positions with Cessna Aircraft, Fairchild Aircraft, Commuter Air... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Arizona Daily Star
They were new and noisy and most folks had never seen one up close and personal back in 1946. That was the year Edwin “Monte” Montgomery brought his helicopter to town, starting up what was later lauded as the nation’s first commercial helicopter business.... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
One of two Experimental A600N Talon helicopters registered to manufacturer Rotorway International has had an accident. The FAA preliminary report indicates that the pilot noticed a jolt while in cruise flight, but the ensuing autorotation ended up with the helicopter on its side. N602RW is registered with an Experimental airworthiness certificate, with the category listed... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The FAA has dropped its Part 145 de-certification case against Phoenix Heliparts in return for the withdrawal of its appeal to the NTSB of the FAA’s revocation of Phoenix Heliparts’ Part 145 repair station certificate last August. This enables Phoenix to start the re-certification process immediately. Company president Tina Cannon said, “The case is now... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Daily Courier
With very little discussion, the Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a consent agenda item for a contract between the county and Prescott Wing & Rotor for the overhaul of a R44 Raven 2 helicopter donated to the county by Guidance Helicopters Inc. of Prescott.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Mesa, Arizona – March 5, 2011. Phoenix Heliparts, Inc. is continuing its successful expansion by appointing Conrad Moreno as quality assurance manager, and Marcus Landry as manager of business development. Both appointees have over 30 years experience in the helicopter industry, with careers that have focused on quality assurance and strategic expansion. Moreno has supported... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Mesa, Arizona – March 5, 2011. After being fully restored by Phoenix Heliparts, of Mesa, AZ, a 1981 MD500D model has been customized with an ‘E’ nose, air conditioning and a complete Aerodynamix NVG package. This 30-year-old aircraft is now truly state of the art. Official handover to Team C&H, of Jacksonville, Florida, will take... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Sonoran Wings Flight Training Centre at Tucson International Airport is adding helicopters to its fleet, which previously included only fixed-wing aircraft. The company has added two Robinson R22s in mid-February and will add a Robinson R44 helicopter soon. Jerry Williams, the school’s general manager, said he has wanted to add helicopters ever since the school... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: KPHO
On Friday morning, news helicopter crews were all chasing breaking news when someone from the ground shined a laser in their direct line of sight.... Read more
25-Feb-2011
County Administrator Julie Ayers said the item was pulled at the request of the attorneys for Prescott Wing and Rotor, who wanted to finalize the contract language. Ayers expects the contract to be ready for the board to approve during the March 7 meeting.... Read more
22-Feb-2011Source: Daily Courier
The Sheriff’s Office has been in talks with Prescott Wing and Rotor since that time to complete necessary overhaul valued at $250,000. [file photo]... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: Las Vegas Review Journal
“The Park Service has done the unthinkable but not the unexpected; it has broken its public promise to the air tour community to not propose measures designed to drive the industry, along with many jobs, out of existence in Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona — which this will do,” Steve Bassett, president of the United... Read more
6-Feb-2011
HeliHub.com accident page – see 31-Jan-11 N530RL MD Helicopters MD530FF Waterman’s Peak, US-Arizona (1F)... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: National Park Service
The National Park Service has developed a draft plan to address the impacts of aircraft noise on park resources and visitor experience. Released by the park on Tuesday, the plan is formally called a “Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park.†The document will be... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: LifeTips.com
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders and is a must-see vacation destination. Papillon selected LifeTips for content development services as part of a national effort to educate millions of readers on touring the Grand Canyon by land or air. Papillon is now the exclusive sponsor of the Grand Canyon... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: AIN
Timken recently expanded its aerospace aftermarket facility in Mesa, Ariz., with offerings aimed primarily at the turbine-powered civil and military rotorcraft markets.... Read more
3-Jan-2011Source: Arizona Family
Rescuers used a Stokes basket to lift the man off the trail and up to the helicopter, but as that basket got close to the door, it started to spin faster and faster. (VIDEO)... Read more
28-Nov-2010Source: Native Air
Native Air, a division of Omniflight Helicopters, a leading national provider of air medical services, has donated more than $15,000 to River Cities United Way. The donation, part of Native Air’s Flight for a Cause fund-raising program, supports local charities and community organizations within the communities it serves. The donation was based on the number... Read more
23-Nov-2010Source: Omniflight
ADDISON, Texas, November 22, 2010 — Omniflight Helicopters, Inc., a leading national provider of air medical services, has launched its OmniAdvantage family membership program in eight of the 18 states in which it offers service. Omniflight is introducing OmniAdvantage as a supplemental insurance offering to give the millions of families in its service regions the... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced that it has delivered another AS350 B3 to the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support unit. This is the fifth AS350 B3 in the unit’s fleet of helicopters that has grown to meet the needs of its citizens and its expanding coverage area. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support... Read more
5-Nov-2010Source: Vertical Aviation
Monday, November 1st, 2010, marked the official start of Vertical Aviation! Under new ownership and management, Westcor Aviation, Inc. will now be known as Vertical Aviation LLC. For the past year, operations have been conducted under the direction of John Castrogiovanni as General Manager, and now as Owner and President, they anticipate the transition to... Read more
25-Oct-2010Source: Serenity Helicopters
Serenity Helicopters has opened their doors as the newest provider of Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Steve Egger, founder of Air Maui (a popular Hawaii helicopter tour provider), brings his 25+ years of experience and flawless safety record to the Las Vegas helicopter industry. Serenity takes pride in being a small company, which... Read more
19-Oct-2010Source: ASU
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) announced this week that they received a contract to complete cockpit modifications on three AS350s for the Phoenix Police Department. Phoenix has a population of more than 1.6 million people and is larger in square miles than Los Angeles. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States and the... Read more
17-Oct-2010Source: Aero Products
Aero Products (www.aeroproducts.com ) was recently approved to join the ranks of the highly acclaimed Bell Helicopter / Textron product support network as a Customer Service Facility. “We are very excited to have been selected to join Bell Helicopters independent product support group as a Customer Service Facility, said Ted Johnson, Founder and President. At... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Prescott Daily Courier
Guidance Helicopters, Inc. in Prescott has donated a high-altitude four-seater helicopter to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office to help with daytime search and rescue efforts.... Read more
