20-Mar-2012Source: AAR
AAR (NYSE: AIR) was recognized as “Corporate Business of the Year†from the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce for its presence in Miami and its public-private partnerships with the Chamber and a local nonprofit to mentor at-risk high school students and introduce them to exciting careers in aviation. AAR, a leading provider of products and services... Read more
13-Mar-2012Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has renewed commitments for a comprehensive Night Vision Goggle training program from Night Flight Concepts – BCSO’s designated NVG solution provider. The training program includes renewal of NVIO™ NVG Initial and Recurrent Computer-Based Training (CBT) for pilots and fire rescue crewmembers... Read more
1-Mar-2012Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that Tampa PD Aviation Unit, a long-time user of NFC NVG Maintenance Services, has procured new Laser Armorâ„¢ Light Interference Filters (LIF) to protect their NVGs from malicious laser strikes encountered by their pilots and aircrew members. The aviation unit is one of the first law enforcement... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced the purchase of an EC135™ helicopter by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Florida, the third EC135 in its fleet and the fourth Eurocopter aircraft overall. The BCSO helicopter is an eye in the sky for deputies on the street and a vital lifesaving tool in medical emergencies. Last year... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has exceeded 10,000 hours of flight time on its fleet of aircraft from American Eurocopter — three AS350 B2’s and one EC120. Since the delivery of the first AS350 in September 2002, the HCSO has utilized its fleet to answer more than 17,000 calls... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) and Bristow Academy announced that their first training courses will be held the week of 5 to 9 March 2012. This first session is provided in the training partnership formed last fall. Lectures will be given to the Bristow Academy , Titusville, Florida Campus, Space Coast Regional Airport (KTIX). This formation of... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: Southeast Aerospace
Southeast Aerospace (SEA), a custom aerospace solutions provider located at Melbourne International Airport, has hired Marla Westcott to lead the company’s efforts to obtain AS9100 certification by fall 2012. Westcott brings more than 30 years of experience from NASA’s Space Shuttle Program to SEA’s Quality Department. In her most recent position, Marla led the Florida... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: Cobham
Cobham Beacon Solutions announced they have received 24 Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Artex Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) product line. The FAA has allowed transition of the previous approval from Cobham Avionics in Prescott, AZ to ACR Electronics in Fort Lauderdale FL under the new Part 21... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: Med-Trans
Two press releases for this story – first from Med-Trans In continuing with the Marion County Board of Commissioners’ effort to provide citizens with outstanding health services, Marion County Fire Rescue, Shands at the University of Florida (a premier Level 1 Trauma Center headed by Frederick Moore, M.D., one of the most recognized national figures... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: University of Miami
The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science announced that it has received a challenge grant for $700,000 from the Miami-based Batchelor Foundation to support its exploration research efforts. The funds will be applied toward the acquisition of a helicopter outfitted with a suite of scientific equipment that will serve as the... Read more
1-Feb-2012Source: Uniflight
Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas extremely pleased to announce that Mr. Saul Maia, Partner of Liam Kenneth of Miami Florida has selected them to perform a VIP completion on his new AS350B2. “Mr. Maia selecting us as his completion house for his VIP AS350 is very exciting†stated Uniflight President David Horton. “Mr. Maia’s... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
It sounds a bit like a couple of children playing – “you take me to court and I’ll take you to court in return”, but we’re sure that these two organisations are taking their legal stance very seriously. The current situations are:- In December, Vector took Bell to Alabama Middle Court (case ref 2:11-cv-01071) alleging... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: News4Jax.com
The family of one of the men killed when a helicopter chartered by Mayo Clinic crashed last month in Clay County is suing the operator of the aircraft. The children of 57-year-old David Hines are suing SK Logistics for wrongful death. They’re also suing Abraham Holdings, the company that owned the helicopter. (see full story)... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Broward Palm Beach
​The Broward Commission are deciding whether the Broward Sheriff’s Office gets $6,505,593 for a new helicopter (see full story)... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On December 26, 2011, at 0554 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N5016M, operated by SK Logistics, d.b.a. SK... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: Heliflite
“Florida is a popular travel destination for our clientele,” states Brian Lantier, Director of Strategy and Business Development at HeliFlite. “The demand for charter operations has increased significantly over the years. The ability to save time by flying directly to top golf courses, Miami or Disney World is a huge convenience.” Florida operations will be based out of West Palm... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 5, 2011, about 1620 eastern standard time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N413RM, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc.,... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Perla Aviation
Perla Group International Inc. (PERL:PK), a leader in the international military, police and security solutions sectors, today announced it has signed a contract for the sale of 9 (nine) AK1-3 helicopters to Florida based company, Yacht Chandlers. The helicopters are to be delivered over the next 3 years, and sold exclusively to the luxury yacht industry. Perla... Read more
1-Nov-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit has taken delivery of another AS350 B3 helicopter. This is the fourth AS350 B3, and it will join the department’s Special Patrol Bureau’s Aviation Unit that includes a fleet of rotary and fixed wing aircraft. “MDPD’s selection of the AS350 B3 demonstrates the... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: NWF Daily News
The helicopter, which has been operating since June 2006,  is no longer needed because of a decrease in calls and because there are more medical helicopters in the area than needed, according to Larry Hall, field operations manager for Air Methods, which runs the service. (See full story)... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: EvoLux
After 5 years of passionate research, development and business planning we are very excited to finally announce that EvoLux Transporation, LLC is now open for business! Have you ever been late to an important meeting or event, sitting there stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, miles away from your destination, wondering to yourself, “It’s the... Read more
22-Sep-2011Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group Inc., today announced a joint venture agreement with Rotorworld Institute LLC to offer Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET). The first eight-hour course is planned for October 7, 2011, and includes two hours of classroom and six hours of practical instruction. Demand for HUET training has increased in... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE:BRS), today announced it will offer a new course for helicopter pilots on wildland fire operations and suppression. Taught by qualified wildland fire instructors, the class is scheduled to begin October 3, 2011. Entitled “Wildland Fire Orientation for Rotary Wing Pilots,†the six-day course will give... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Collier County EMS pilot suspended in July for leaving his running helicopter has won his appeal. Mark Holmes was suspended without pay July 28 and ordered to complete a safety course and pass a test before returning to work, which he immediately passed. The suspension involved an incident on July 14, when Holmes was... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: Naples News
A Collier County Medflight pilot accused of standing outside his running helicopter last week was placed on administrative leave Friday, a month after he won $70,000 in a whistleblower and retaliation lawsuit against the county. (Full story)... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts, a leading provider of night vision solutions, announces that it has been selected to provide Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and training to the Pasco County, Florida Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. “Pasco County has a lot of difficult terrain to protect 24/7 and has been looking to acquire NVGs for some time now,†explained... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: Lee County MedStar
Lee County, FL (June 22, 2011) – Lee County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) implemented a “stand down†of its MEDSTAR flight operations for a safety review at 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 22. MEDSTAR will resume operations at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 with its recently acquired Bell 430 helicopter. Bayflite has agreed to relocate one... Read more
30-May-2011Source: Air Orlando Aviation
A new majority owner and financial restructuring will keep Air Orlando Aviation in business and positioned to grow. “This company is part of Orlando’s aviation history†said John Painter, the previous majority owner and company founder. “We have a great team and now we can focus on the future.†The company’s majority interests were purchased... Read more
25-May-2011Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories
Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup Company, have announced that they are expanding capabilities and their facility in Titusville, Fla. The 20,000 square-foot expansion which is expected to take approximately six months to complete will accommodate the growth of the company’s landing gear service area, accessory shop, instrument and avionics lab as well as an... Read more
11-May-2011Source: Banyan Air
Banyan Air Service will host a free Garmin seminar on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm, for aircraft owners and operators who are interested in Garmin’s latest aviation panel-mount and portable products for aircraft and helicopters. The seminar will include the GTN 650/750 series, G600, G500, GTS Traffic Series and GPSMAP 696. Seats are limited... Read more
10-May-2011Source: Florida Times-Union
Kaman Aerospace Corp. is seeking financial incentives from the city and state for a 200-job expansion of its aviation manufacturing plant. The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on a recommendation that will go next to City Council.... Read more
28-Apr-2011Source: Orlando Sentinel
Jason Dennis McGuire, 27, was convicted on charges of attempted destruction of an aircraft, possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, and for using a firearm during a violent crime.... Read more
18-Apr-2011Source: St Augustine Record
“Whenever we get in bed with the county, we get screwed,” said Commissioner Cathy Brandhorst. She also said that the arrangement would amount to “purchasing a liability.”... Read more
12-Apr-2011Source: Grey Owl Aviation Consultants
Grey Owl Aviation Consultants Inc. is offering two Human Factors Workshops during May in Titusville, Fla. Human Factors – Phase I. May 18-19, 2011 Objective To equip aviation maintenance technicians, supervisors and managers with the skills necessary to enhance safety, teamwork and efficiency in the workplace, and therefore, reduce aircraft maintenance errors. This workshop is... Read more
1-Apr-2011Source: US DoD
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $42,285,583 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-05-D-0023) for logistics support of 124 TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. (99 percent), and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Keys Net
Monroe County Sheriff Bob Peryam wants to borrow one of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s helicopters from time to time. He says it would be a public safety enhancement at a savings to county taxpayers.... Read more
30-Mar-2011Source: Pensacola News Journal
Sheriff David Morgan announced Monday that a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice Program will allow the agency to restart its air unit on a temporary basis beginning this week. The unit, which flies two OH-58s, has been grounded since 1st March 2009 – see HeliHub.com story... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. officially opened a new facility at its Florida Assembly and Flight Operations (FAFO) campus, establishing experimental assembly line operations for the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Since 1959, United Technologies Corporation has been in operation in Palm Beach County with Pratt & Whitney... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: US DoD
Longbow, LLC, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 11 a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of radar electronics units and unmanned aerial system tactical common data link assembly units in support of the Apache Block III helicopter fire control radar. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: TBO
Pasco County Sheriff have opened a new 10,000 sq.ft building, which will house their four helicopters. By use of inmate labour, the Sheriff saved roughly $700K of construction costs... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
An extensive search involving helicopters from Broward County Sheriff, Palm Beach County and Miami Dade Fire Dept, along with airboats too, were launched to locate a Robinson R44 which was overdue on Saturday morning on a flight from Orlando to Tamiami in Florida. The helicopter, a 2008 model owned by Bravo Helicopters of Miami (http://www.flybravohelicopters.com),... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: ABC-7
This small piece of equipment called “Heli-TAWS” – or Terrain Avoidance and Warning system. “It’s extremely important. This is a probably the best piece of technology we could put in the aircraft, besides the night-vision goggles we have,” Collier County Flight Operations Director Steve Adams explained.... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories
Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup Company, announced today they have added Transmission Test Cell capabilities to their repertoire of rotorcraft support. “We have invested approximately $500,000 into a new rotorcraft test cell to facilitate transmission overhauls,†said President of Professional Aircraft Accessories Robert Bial. “We have conducted a lot of research in this area... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Sterling Flight Training of Jacksonville has taken delivery of a Robinson R44 for their training school. Sterling took delivery of the Raven I at the Robinson factory in California and then flew it cross-country to Sterling’s base at Craig Airport (CRG) in Jacksonville, Florida. Chief flight instructor Scott Malone will use the R44 for primary... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: My Fox Orlando
The City or Orlando votes Monday on a proposal to charge $100 for people who wish to land on the new helipad that sits on top of the Geico Garage at the new Amway Center. City Spokeswoman Heather Allebaugh says it does get used.... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Sikorsky
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 2, 2011 — Twenty years ago, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, a public safety-net healthcare organization, established the county’s life-saving Trauma System. The Trauma System took flight in 1991 after the Health Care District’s Board approved the purchase of a Trauma Hawk helicopter to airlift critically-injured patients to two... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Miami Herald
As part of a plea agreement reached last month, 43-year-old Frank Newton Anderson pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of interfering with the operation of an aircraft. Authorities say Anderson temporarily blinded the helicopter pilot with a laser device last April.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: SK Logistics
SK Logistics was recently awarded an exclusive use helicopter contract supporting DOD agencies at Eglin and Tyndall Air Force Bases. The contract was awarded in December 2010 and will be active for six months. Department of Defense agencies under this contract will be utilizing SK Logistics’ helicopter for prescribed burning, fire suppression and numerous other... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Orlando Sentinel
A man accused of firing at and Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter last year was found guilty on Friday. 26-year-old Jason Dennis McGuire now faces at least 10 years in federal prison... Read more
18-Jan-2011Source: Florida Today
Council members seemed ready to approve $33K of fee cuts for the Bristow Academy expansion, a project which would create 97 full-time jobs. But it unanimously decided to table the measure, pending the crafting of written policies on granting such financial breaks... Read more
18-Jan-2011Source: ShandsCair
The ShandsCair helicopter flight team is enhancing its night vision. The team completes Federal Aviation Administration training next week and will become Florida’s fifth emergency medical services helicopter program certified to use night vision goggles. ShandsCair is the critical care transport system for Shands at the University of Florida and provided 1,883 ground and air... Read more
14-Jan-2011
David Dennison flew from Tampa International Airport to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to drop off a friend’s fishing net.... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: Tampa Bay Online
A Lakeland man that authorities said pointed a laser light at a Polk County sheriff’s helicopter in November is facing up to 20 years in federal prison.... Read more
12-Jan-2011Source: FloridaToday.com
Bristow Academy will reportedly ask the city council for discounts on its building permit fees, as it seeks to expand its local operations and add nearly 100 employees.... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Today, American Eurocopter delivered another AS350 B3 helicopter to the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit. This is the third of four AS350 B3’s that have been ordered by the agency. The first AS350 B3 was delivered in 2008, and the MDPD will receive their fourth AS350 B3 later this year. The AS350 B3 is... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System has been selected by Lee County MEDSTAR for integration into their recently acquired Bell 430 twin-engine helicopter. The aircraft is currently undergoing completion at Sarasota Avionics and will be specifically tailored to their needs. The DVCS6100 was chosen due to its unique ability to effectively manage and control all... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal
Before he can get this charter service up and running, Neal Tomlinson of Tomlinson Aviation says he needs a beachfront location for landings and departures.... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Sun Sentinel
Life at the end of a runway is naturally a noisy existence. But William Coakley and his neighbors near Palm Beach County’s Lantana Airport say airport operators and a helicopter training school fail to follow a noise-reduction agreement hammered out to lessen the nuisance.... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: Miami Herald
A Winter Park man faces 20 years in federal prison for shining a laser pointer into the cockpit of an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: Naples News
Cpl. Joseph Andreasen and flight officer Cpl. Shawn Bogart were on patrol in North Naples at about 1 a.m. Saturday when a green laser light entered the left side of the helicopter, injuring both of their left eyes... Read more
10-Dec-2010Source: Miami New Times
The Miami-Dade Police Department is poised to become the first large metro force to regularly use drones in its aerial missions. The department has a deal in place to buy a T-Hawk from defense firm Honeywell... Read more
9-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
As the temperatures in Florida plummet, so helicopters are called in to fly low level over fields to minimise the chance of frost ruining the crop. Sadly, these operations brought no fewer than three casualties in one County earlier today. Robinson R44 N666SL clipped a post at Palm Beach Glades County Airport, Pahokee around 2am... Read more
6-Dec-2010Source: Miami Herald
Michael Anthony Fowler is accused of violating a Florida law prohibiting the intentional focusing of lasers on moving aircraft... Read more
4-Dec-2010Source: HFI
The Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is planning its second annual scholarship fundraising golf tournament at HELI-EXPO 2011. The tournament is set for Friday, March 4th, 2011 at the Grande Pines Golf Course in Orlando, Florida. There will be a 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start with a scramble format. Put together your own foursome or sign up... Read more
25-Nov-2010Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal
Halifax’s president/CEO has scheduled a meeting next week with Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson and plans another with County Manager Jim Dinneen to discuss options.... Read more
25-Nov-2010Source: WPTV
A Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot encountered an unexpected obstacle in the sky just after midnight. The aviation unit was on patrol in Jensen Beach when a laser illuminated the cockpit, according to the sheriff’s office.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: Miami Herald
Polk County deputies have arrested a Lakeland man for reportedly shining a laser into the cockpit of a sheriff’s helicopter and temporarily blinding the pilot.... 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
21-Nov-2010Source: Longboat Key News
Alpha Helicopters specializes in scenic beach and city tours of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Sarasota and Anna Maria Island... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: Orlando Sentinel
The jury found McGuire guilty of all three charges he faced: attempted destruction of an aircraft, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime, and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. He will be sentenced Feb. 4.... Read more
11-Nov-2010Source: Orlando Sentinal
McGuire, 27, is accused of shooting at an Orange County sheriff’s helicopter March 21 outside his home on Pacific Heights Circle.... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: News-Press
Lee County will pay $3 million to purchase and upgrade a used emergency services helicopter to replace the one that crashed a year ago. The county commission this morning approved the purchase.... Read more
19-Oct-2010Source: WPBF
A Jensen Beach teenager was arrested after he shined a laser light at a Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter early Saturday morning, authorities said.... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix, Inc., located in Euless, TX, (DFW area) is proud to announce the recent delivery of another NVIS Compatible Lighting System Modification for a Bell Helicopter model 206B-3 to owner/operator, Bristow Academy, Inc., a division of Bristow Group, Inc. (NYSE: BRS). This delivery marks the fifth Bell 206B-3, modified by Aero Dynamix, for Bristow... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix, Inc., located in Euless, TX, (DFW area) is proud to announce the recent delivery of an NVIS Compatible Lighting System Modification for two (2) each Bell 206B Helicopters, owned and operated by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission located in Titusville, FL. Aero Dynamix, working in association with Bristow Academy, completed the second... Read more
