24-Jul-2014Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, held a ceremonial delivery of a new MD 500E helicopter for the Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The acceptance took place at the MD Helicopters booth, where the aircraft was proudly displayed at the Airborne... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: Elite
ELITE Simulation Solutions announces the opening of the first international ELITE Simulation Training and Safety Management Centers™ in Orlando, Florida and Dubendorf, Switzerland. ELITE training centers are multi-faceted Aviation Resource Learning Centers or, as described by CEO, John Dixon, “a mental gymnasium for pilots that will foster a culture of safety, proficiency and confidence in... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it acquired the four bases of Baptist LifeFlight, owned by Baptist Health Care (BHC) of Pensacola, Fla. The change is effective immediately, with continued service to three states along the Gulf Coast, including the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama up to Montgomery,... Read more
24-Jun-2014Source: Florida Today
Mark Grainger has received a six-month extension of his permit to operate helicopter tours from Port Canaveral. But he’s not totally in the clear yet to be a permanent tenant of the port. See full story... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: CAE
USA today announced that over the past few months, three new MH-60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFT) built by the company for the United States Navy have been declared ready-for-training and entered service for the Navy. One of the MH-60R TOFTs entered service at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, another entered service at Naval Station... Read more
16-Jun-2014Source: St Augustine Record
A couple of guys who came to St. Augustine to fly helicopters are having great success in the helicopter business – see full profile See also http://www.oldcityhelicopters.com/... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: Herald Tribune
Bayflite, the helicopter ambulance service, intends to renew its lease on a helipad at North Port’s fire station near City Hall for another two years. See full story... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: UF Health
UF Health celebrates the arrival of the newest member of the ShandsCair fleet — an EC-155 — the largest, fastest and most advanced civilian aeromedicine helicopter in the Southeast. The new helicopter, specially modified for aeromedicine, has been assigned the designation of ShandsCair 1 and replaces the smaller EC-135 in use at ShandsCair’s Gainesville base... Read more
22-May-2014Source: Marion County Sheriff
For the second year in a row, Marion County Florida’s Sherriff’s Office Aviation Unit hosted a safety training session for Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Fighting, and Electronic News Gathering aviation units from around the state of Florida. More than 70 attendees from 23 different organizations attended the event. The safety session focused on the United... Read more
15-May-2014Source: USTCI
Ocean Helicopters Inc. has been selected for the 2013 Florida Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the US Trade & Commerce Institute (USTCI). Each year the USTCI conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are... Read more
13-May-2014Source: IHST
As part of its ongoing accident analysis, the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) has categorized U.S. civil helicopter data by U.S. state for the period of 2008 through 2013. It continues to see the West and the South as ground zero for the majority of accidents. Fatal accidents, for the most part, also follow... Read more
22-Apr-2014Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International announces that Otto Gambrel has been promoted to Assistant Manager of its Learning Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Otto joined FlightSafety in 2001 as an instructor at the Savannah Learning Center. He most recently served as Program Manager at the company’s Learning Center in Hong Kong. Previously, Otto was responsible for FlightSafety’s... Read more
31-Mar-2014Source: WEAR-TV
A helicopter tour company in Destin is now operating out of its third location in two years. See full story... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: HAI
Karen Gebhart, HAI’s vice president of business development, and Stan Rose, HAI’s director of safety outreach programs, are representing HAI at the 25th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 6-8, in Orlando, Florida. Participants in the conference will be immersed in the tactics and strategies necessary for successful aviation careers. More than 4,000 women... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters Inc. announced Tuesday that it will hold its national CS3 Customer Service Symposium on Sept. 8-10 in Grapevine, Texas. The annual event is an opportunity for operators of Airbus Helicopters to get the latest safety and technical updates and meet with the company’s key customer support personnel and management. In addition to the... Read more
6-Feb-2014Source: Dallas Avionics
Dallas Avionics announced today the company has completed training of the Tampa General pilots and crew on the Bell 407 equipped with the new TDFM 7000. Dallas Avionics sales and tech support representative Scott Hurst conducted the training. The Dallas Avionics TDFM 7000 transceiver offers the most up-to-date, FM communications technology including P25 CAI, P25... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: Economic Development Commission
North American Surveillance Systems Inc. has chosen Titusville’s Space Coast Regional Airport to expand and consolidate its fixed and rotary-wing aircraft modification business, Florida Governor Rick Scott and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast announced today. The company, with corporate offices in Calverton, N.Y., and operations offices in Deland, will create 20 jobs... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: University of Miami
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) is adding to its fleet of specialized research vessels with its latest acquisition – a helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art technology that converts a commercial aircraft into a flying scientific laboratory. This one-of-a-kind Helicopter Observation Platform (HOP) will allow scientists to obtain vital information on... Read more
16-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Late Sunday afternoon, Sikorsky workers voted overwhelmingly (2098 to 66) in favour of a new four-year deal that includes 10% wage increases over the life of the contract, $4,000 in signing bonuses ($2,000 paid in each of the first 2 years), a 15% increase in the pension multiplier and a 20% increase to the cash balance... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: New Europe
Hospital CEO Dan Snyder says in addition to patients the helipad will be a key drop-off point for medical supplies and personnel. It will also enable people from across the Americas to more easily take part in the hospital’s research and clinical trials. See full story... Read more
20-Nov-2013Source: WUFT
To reduce emergency response times, Air Methods recently moved the base location of its medical service helicopter from Cross City to Bronson. The helicopter provides medical assistance to Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties. See full story... Read more
5-Nov-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), showcased a Bell 206L4 aboard a superyacht with exclusive access for attendees at the 54th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held October 31 to November 4. “The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show offers a unique opportunity for us to meet with our current and potential customers in... Read more
3-Nov-2013Source: NW Florida Daily News
A proposed change to Okaloosa County’s land development code would prohibit the use of a variety of aircraft in an around East Pass and Crab Island. See full story... Read more
24-Oct-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter’s EC135 is the market leader for light twin-engine helicopters in the air medical transport industry with more than 200 now in service and the number continues to climb. “Over the last 10 years, the EC135 has accounted for more than 80 percent of the light twin-engine helicopters delivered to the U.S. air medical... Read more
25-Sep-2013Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and FlightSafety International today jointly announced the launch of the first full flight simulator for Sikorsky’s S-76D™ helicopter platform. Located at FlightSafety’s Learning Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., the new simulator replicates the aircraft’s exact flight and operating characteristics, ensuring high quality training for operators worldwide. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), Sikorsky Aircraft’s aftermarket... Read more
6-Aug-2013Source: Metro Aviation
After 25 years, Metro Aviation will again be operating a Bell Helicopter product. The milestone is the result of the recent agreement with Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Aeromed program. Tampa General’s Aeromed program transports critically ill or injured patients from their 23 surrounding counties. Metro began operations on August 1. During the transition period, Aeromed... Read more
2-Aug-2013Source: Fox4
LeeFlight is the result of a public-private partnership between Lee County and the leading air medical transport company, Air Methods Corp. The old service operated by MEDSTAR was shutdown in August of last year after concerns with safety standards and overall costs. see full story... Read more
19-Jul-2013
Aeromed is the company that has flown critically sick or injured patients from hospitals or accidents to urban trauma centers since 1994. However, on July 31, the Tampa General Hospital-owned company is severing its five-year contract with Rocky Mountain Holdings and will lease helicopters from a different company. – See full story... Read more
17-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Academy have announced on their Facebook page that their fourth glass cockpit instrument trainer has arrived at their base at Titusville in Florida. The panel includes a full Garmin G500H fit. The ramp photo here is of their third R44 IR trainer N448BA as the photo of the fourth one – N449BA – is... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Naples News
Commissioners on Tuesday granted a two-year certificate of public convenience to Air Methods Corp. to fulfill a state licensure requirement, rebranding the program as “LeeFlight” see full story... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Flager Live
Flagler’s Firefighting and Helicopter Costs Expose County Tensions Over Wants and Needs – see full story... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: WAI
For the third time, Women in Aviation, International will conduct its outreach to pre-teen and teen girls as part of its “Take Your Daughter to the Conference Day” event. The first two Daughter Days were made possible through generous grants totaling $25,000 from the UPS Foundation. This past year, The Sporty’s Foundation donated training materials... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: HAI
n Saturday, June 8, HAI joined the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) in sponsoring a helicopter safety seminar in Pensacola, Fla. In addition to an HAI Safety Initiative Overview presented by Stan Rose, HAI’s director of Safety Outreach Programs, the agenda included presentations by Dr. Scott Chappell, chair of the Department of human Factors at the... Read more
23-May-2013Source: NWF Daily News
Timberview Helicopters has anchored a floating helipad in East Pass just south of the Marler Bridge. (See Full Story)... Read more
20-May-2013Source: Palm Beach Helicopters
Palm Beach Helicopters joined an elite group of Helicopter flight schools after becoming only the third Helicopter flight school in the country to receive FAA 141 examining authority. The FAA issues examining authority to those schools who have demonstrated a higher quality and rate of success than the minimum standards for a flight school. A... Read more
13-May-2013Source: Alabama Media Group
A helicopter tour and charter business continues to expand in the city with the council’s approval of a second heliport this week. (See Full Story)... Read more
13-May-2013Source: HAI
Join HAI, the FAA Safety Team, a cast of industry experts, and your peers for a free workshop for all helicopter pilots, operators, students, and instructors in the southern region on June 8 in Pensacola, Fla. Let’s all reach the highest level of safety! Topics covered will include helicopter accident trends, human factors, safety initiatives,... Read more
1-May-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation conducted annual training for 34 lead pilots last week. Pilots gathered at the company’s new training facility at its Shreveport, Louisiana headquarters. During the culminating dinner, Metro recognized Joseph “Woody” Woodard, Lead Pilot for the First Flight program in Melbourne, Florida. Woodard was honored for his quick thinking and commendable actions during a... Read more
17-Apr-2013Source: HAI
Several HAI staff members spent the past week bringing a taste of the rotorcraft world to their fixed-wing brethren. Sun ’N Fun in Lakeland, Fla., is traditionally considered the start of the flying season for fixed-wing pilots – especially those who fly strictly for the fun of it. Thousands gather at Lakeland-Lindner Airport (KLAL) for... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: Florida Today
This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair. The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country. Metro Aviation received an... Read more
26-Mar-2013Source: US DoD
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC., Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $12,946,025 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-12-D-0003) for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station,... Read more
21-Mar-2013Source: WUFT
Gainesville Police Department launched its helicopter back in the air Tuesday after a 15-month hiatus.Helicopter (see full story). File photo... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Scott’s Bell 47, Inc
The 47GT-6 helicopter was announced by SB47 earlier this month at the Heli Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, NV and will enter service in 2016. The 47GT-6 will be powered by the RR300 engine and will also include a new, modern Instrument Panel similar to that currently being developed by SB47 for use on the... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy announced today an agreement with Aero Dynamix to use Aero Dynamix night vision systems to enhance its night vision training program, as well as offer the installation of Aero Dynamix night vision systems to its customers worldwide. Both companies are industry leaders in night vision applications – Bristow Academy in rotary pilot training... Read more
4-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Low-level helicopter flying, engaged in doors-off ammunition-ready feral hog hunting has been a major factor in two helicopter accidents in the last seven days. Estimates vary between two and four million hogs across the US. These wild animals are responsible for significant damage to pastures, leading to losses on behalf of the land owners. This... Read more
25-Jan-2013Source: Orange County Sheriff
We are currently in a test phase of this Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platform and will not be using this UAS until we have appropriate permissions and have implemented training and guidelines. The OCSO has no intention of using this technology to spy on the citizens of Orange County, but to have it as a... Read more
13-Jan-2013Source: Tampa Bay Online
Following Robinson’s offer of a reward for the recovery of the two blades of an R22 involved in a fatal accident, the first blade has now been brought up and the second one sighted (see full story) File photo... Read more
13-Jan-2013
L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has signed an agreement with L-3 Component Overhaul and Repair (COR) to open a WESCAM Authorized Service Center (WASC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Now fully operational, the facility provides customers in the United States with a 40,000-square-foot center equipped to maintain its MX™-Series of electro-optical and infrared imaging turrets.... Read more
11-Jan-2013Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal
A spokeswoman said Lockheed will transition all work from the Sarasota plant to its Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Orlando and Ocala by the end of March. (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Wednesday 2nd January saw a bad start to 2013 with no fewer than four helicopter accidents in the US already recorded on the HeliHub.com accident pages. Two of these were EMS helicopters, a Med-Trans Bell 407 in Iowa and an Air Methods EC130 in Oklahoma. The former occurred after night fall and took the lives... Read more
2-Jan-2013Source: Robinson
On 30 November 2012, a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed into Tampa Bay near Apollo Beach. Most of the helicopter was recovered with the exception of the two main rotor blades. An extensive search of the properties in Apollo Beach was unsuccessful in locating the missing blades. Investigators are confident the blades are located offshore. Robinson... 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
25-Nov-2012Source: Destin Log
With a unanimous vote this last week, Okaloosa County Commissioners have essentially forced Timberview Helicopters to operating out of the Destin Airport. Previously operating from floating barges, the airport base cuts their turnover by 70% (see full story)... Read more
5-Nov-2012Source: NWF Daily News
New helicopter tour operations may be restricted to taking off and landing at Destin Airport if Okaloosa County commissioners approve a change to the Land Development Code. (see full story)... Read more
4-Nov-2012Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories
Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, has cut the grand re-opening ribbon and welcomed guests in to see their new 20,000 square-foot expansion. The addition brings their total facility size to approximately 60,000 square feet and accommodates the growth of the company’s landing gear service area, accessory shop, instrument and avionics lab as well... Read more
31-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced Brevard County, Florida, has purchased two AS350 B3e helicopters. The aircraft will be utilized for mosquito control, firefighting and herbicide application throughout the county, which is located along Florida’s east coast, replacing an AS350 B3 and two 206Bs currently being used. “We carefully considered our options before making the purchase,” said... Read more
12-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
It’s been a fixture on the base’s flightline for decades, marked by its noticeable difference in design from the larger C-130s and elaborate CV-22s operated by 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen. Yet perhaps now the only way one can see a UH-1 Huey at Hurlburt Field will be the one honored in the base’s Airpark. The final flight of Huey,... Read more
12-Oct-2012Source: Destin4Me
Okaloosa recently approved a new tourism helicopter company in Destin that has some residents up in arms. Beach Helicopter can proceed with their plans to set-up a 6,000-square-foot helipad off U.S. Highway 98 (see full story). Beach Helicopter are understood to operate a Robinson R44... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: Naples News
A Lee County MedStar director was put on administrative leave while the Lee County Sheriff’s office investigates claims he stole hundreds of dollars worth of helicopter fuel (see full story)... Read more
6-Sep-2012Source: Florida Today
Brevard County Commission two weeks ago authorized the $6.8 million deal by a 3-2 vote, after hearing arguments that the county would save money through the purchase because of reduced maintenance costs and greater efficiency in the use of chemicals and fuel. The county expects to sign the contract with American Eurocopter within a few... Read more
29-Aug-2012Source: Lee County
Aeromed has relocated its emergency medical helicopter from LaBelle to Fort Myers as of 10 a.m. today to provide coverage in Lee County while MEDSTAR is out of service. Lee County Emergency Medical Services temporarily suspended its MEDSTAR flight operations on Tuesday, August 21 to begin reconfiguration toward national accreditation standards. MEDSTAR is expected to... Read more
28-Aug-2012Source: US DoD
Coastal Helicopter, Inc.*, Panama City, Fla., is being awarded a $9,043,184 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for aircraft flight test support of programs such as the Advanced Littoral Reconnaissance Technologies, Office of Naval Research. Work will be performed in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (70 percent) and Panama City, Fla. (30 percent), and is expected to... Read more
16-Jul-2012Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has established a new training facility for Fire Scout unmanned helicopter operators that offers improved flight simulators, hands-on aircraft maintenance and classroom instruction. Opened July 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., the Fire Scout Training Center will meet increasing demands for trained operators as the system is used more during... Read more
6-Jul-2012Source: Era Training Center
As an approved training provider for USAIG Safety Bucks customers, Era Training Center LLC (ETC) provides industry relevant training programs to the global helicopter industry. In early June 2012, ETC provided Bell 206B helicopter recurrent training to Aircoastal Helicopters, an FAA Approved Part 135 operator in Palm Beach, Florida. As a longtime USAIG customer, Aircoastal... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: Destin Log
With a recent 4-0 vote, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for helicopter sightseeing tour operations in the Destin area. (see full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal
Volusia County sheriff’s officials are finalizing an agreement with the state to resolve environmental rules violations at the department’s helicopter facility at the DeLand Municipal Airport. A January inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found the department failed to fill out paperwork required for monthly inspections of the fuel tank used to store... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: HAI
The Procurement Bureau of the South Florida Water Management District, B-1 Building, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406, will receive sealed proposals up to the 2:30 p.m. opening time on July 26, 2012 for the spraying of aquatic, ditchbank and invasive vegetation by helicopter and provide aerial flight services for site inspection... Read more
7-Jun-2012Source: Destin Helicopter Tours
For those looking for a way to enhance a Destin, Florida vacation experience, Destin Helicopter Toursprovides the solution. Even vacationers who have been to Destin many times before will be able to see things in a whole new way after a helicopter tour. The view from the helicopter provides memories that last a lifetime. The helicopter... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Florida, located at Tamiami Airport in Miami is the second aircraft in the southeast region of Florida for Med-Trans Corporation. Med-Trans Florida will serve as a community asset, rapidly transporting critically ill and injured patients needing urgent acute critical care. Med-Trans Florida has Preferred Provider Agreements with numerous health systems throughout South Florida and... Read more
25-May-2012Source: Miami Herald
A New Jersey company will build and operate the new heliport, which will be known as the Watson Island Aviation and Visitors Center (see full story)... Read more
26-Apr-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics have announced that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Florida, has selected the DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for its new Bell 407GX helicopter. The aircraft is currently being outfitted with a law enforcement completion package at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The new Bell 407GX is equipped... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: Embry-Riddle
Vietnam veteran Sanford “Sandy†N. Kaplan, an Embry-Riddle alumnus, will be the guest speaker Tuesday, April 17, for Veterans Appreciation Day at the university’s Daytona Beach campus. Kaplan started by taking flying lessons in 1957 at the age of 16. After high school, he attended Embry-Riddle’s flight training school in Miami in 1959 for 11... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Orlando Sentinel
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. broke ground Tuesday on a new helicopter hangar that some hope will give lift to bigger expansion plans in Palm Beach County. (see full story)... Read more
