14-Sep-2011Source: Royal Navy
A Lynx helicopter flight commander embarked on Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring has achieved 6,000 hours of helicopter flight. Fleet Air Arm Lieutenant Commander Joe Harper clocked up his six-thousandth helicopter flying hour whilst taking off at night from HMS Daring’s flight deck. The 6,000 hours have been achieved during 32 years of constant service... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Indian Coast Guard is progressing its tender for 12 helicopters, with three bids received by the cut-off date. The three are Sikorsky offering the S76 OSS Air, working with AgustaWestland and their AW109 Indocopter, working with Eurocopter The latter two are their tied manufacturers’ local representatives. The tender calls for the helicopters to be... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Further to our scoop report that this route was to re-open, Copterline have confirmed that they will resume flights between Tallinn and Helsinki no Wednesday, 14th September. They will fly five round trips per weekday, with the first departing Helsinki at 0800 and the last returning from the Estonian capital of Tallinn at 1730. Flights... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Noble Foods have just registered a factory-new AW109E Power as G-ZIPE, replacing a 2006 model which was sold to Brazil earlier this year. G-ZIPE is serial number 11798. The helicopter will be operated by Premair Aviation, who also handle the company’s Hawker 750 jet G-ZIPR. Noble Foods bought the jet in 2009 on the registration... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: Ornge
On its 6:00 p.m. broadcast on September 6th, 2011, CTV Toronto aired a story with respect to Ornge’s service in Ontario. The story not only contained outdated and incorrect information but also omitted essential facts and was misleading. Ornge has notified CTV of these errors and has asked for a full apology from the network.... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) has signed contracts for three AW139 medium twin helicopters. These helicopters will be used by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Nagaono Prefectural Police and Hokkaido Prefectural Police to perform multi-role law enforcement missions. The helicopters will enter... 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
1-Sep-2011
Flightglobal is this morning reporting that Brazil’s aviation authority ANAC has lifted its grounding on AW139s (see full story)... Read more
1-Sep-2011
Emergency floats deployed without being commanded to while en route North Denes to Leman rig. Aircraft turned back.... Read more
30-Aug-2011Source: AgustaWestland
Russian Helicopters (subsidiary of JSC UIC Oboronprom, part of Russian Technologies State Corporation) and AgustaWestland (a Finmeccanica company) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a planned order of 20 AW139 helicopters to be assembled in Russia. AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters have also recently announced the establishment of HeliVert, a joint venture company which... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Japan’s Doctor Heli organisation currently flies a fleet of 15 Eurocopter EC135s and 5 MD Explorers on EMS work across Japan. The EC135s are operated for them by Aero Hirata, and the Explorers by Aero Asahi. Doctor Heli is on the point of adding a third type – the AgustaWestland AW109. There have at least... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: TAI
Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) is pleased to announce the successful first flight of the first T129 prototype, produced at TAI’s facilities in Ankara, Turkey. The first flight, conducted by TAI’s test pilots, of T129 “P6†prototype helicopter has timely and successfully been completed at TAI’s facilities in Akıncı (Ankara). The ATAK Program was initiated... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Tail rotor hub plug... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Tail rotor blades... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Main rotor scissor fitting assembly... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan has signed a contract for an AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used by the Hiroshima Prefecture Disaster Relief Department to perform fire fighting and disaster relief missions. The helicopter is due to enter operational... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: EASA
Tail Rotor Blades... Read more
22-Aug-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with AVIASUR appointing them as Independent Sales Representatives for Chile and Peru for AgustaWestland commercial helicopters. The agreement follows the entry into the market of the AW119Ke single engine helicopter and the best selling AW109 Power and GrandNew twin-engine helicopters in... Read more
22-Aug-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Helipark in São Paulo, Brazil, as an AgustaWestland Authorised Service Centre for its range of commercial helicopters. The appointment of Helipark in Brazil will be followed in the coming months by the appointment of additional AgustaWestland Authorised Service Centres in other countries of... Read more
22-Aug-2011
On approach to Danish naval ship HVIDBJØRNEN in Grønnedal Harbour, the helicopter made an emergency landing in the water. Three crew and two passengers all safe. Helicopter was saved by deployment of its emergency floats... Read more
19-Aug-2011
Helicopter had taken off from offshore installation P-65 (operated by Petrobras) and ditched in the Atlantic en route to its base at Macae. Casualties named as – pilot Rommel Garcia Oliveira, co-pilot Haytzann Lauro Pinto and passengers Ricardo Leal de Oliveira and João Carlos Pereira da Silva... Read more
17-Aug-2011
Four people were killed when the police helicopter crashed into the Miyun reservoir in a northern suburb of Beijing. Five crew members were aboard the helicopter that was returning from a rescue drill above the mountainous region of Miyun County with two other helicopters. One crew member has been saved.... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Finnish operator Copterline looks to be ready to restart operations once again, in particular reopening the scheduled route between the capitals of Finland and Estonia, Helsinki and Tallin, potentially as early as next week. This will be the third time that flights between the two cities are being commenced. Originally in 2000, Copterline flew two... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Stobart Group has tabled £40 million plans for a huge warehousing and office complex in Cheshire.  The scheme at Widnes Freight Park involves three sheds of 850,000sq ft, 300,000sq ft and 210,000sq ft, a biomass plant and a 12-storey office block with rooftop helicopter pad. The company is one of the UK’s major corporate helicopter... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Interturbine
Interturbine Aviation Logistics GmbH is pleased to announce that AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has appointed Interturbine as approved supplier of materials for the AgustaWestland helicopters. Interturbine Aviation Logistics will provide material support to AgustaWestland customers, MRO stations and production facilities alike. The product range includes all consumable materials and chemicals. Interturbine offers highest levels of... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Indra
Indra, the premier IT Company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe, after being selected as a result of a competitive process, is pleased to announce their partnership with AgustaWestland for the design and development of the Aircrew Training Equipment (ATE) the British Ministry of Defence will use to train pilots of the... Read more
2-Aug-2011Source: Spectrum Aeromed
Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah recently received the first of five Grand New helicopters with a US-certified emergency medical service interior designed by Spectrum Aeromed. Spectrum Aeromed created a customized EMS interior for Intermountain’s Grand New helicopter that features a state-of-the-art single-patient stretcher platform, a secondary foldable and stowable patient stretcher, as well... Read more
29-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Heli USA Airways are reportedly looking to buy seven AgustaWestland AW119Ke helicopters. While no official announcement has been made by the manufacturer, it’s a case of “there’s no smoke without fire” with the following evidence What purports to be an AgustaWestland press release appearing on a US-based website Job positions being advertised clearly confirming the... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: Rega
(electronic translation from local language) Rega, the Berne hospital now supported in poor visibility, flying on navigation by satellite. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation has approved the Switzerland’s first civilian GPS approach procedures for helicopters. Patients benefit from increased security of supply in case of bad weather and haze layers. Just autumn or winter... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Westland Lynx has recently been put on display outside Portland Marina, on the UK’s south coast. Previously the site of Royal Naval Air Station HMS Osprey, the Marina will be the venue for the sailing events of the London Olympics in 2012. At an event hosted by marina owners Dean and Reddyhoff, the helicopter... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: Atlantis Systems
Atlantis Systems Corp. (NEX:AIQ.H), a globally recognized training systems integrator in the military and commercial aviation markets, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Atlantis Systems International, located in Brampton, Ontario has been awarded a purchase order from AgustaWestland Limited to install an upgrade to the System Operator Console (SOC) on the Royal Danish Air Force... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Shields Gazette
Ford Aerospace has signed a three-year deal with AgustaWestland which boosts the company’s plans for global growth and development. Ford will supply an innovative metallic product, the concept of which reduces the part count and the need to re-grind, and vicariously reducing assembly costs at the same time. (Full story)... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Brunei MINDEF
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has down-selected two companies who will compete for the Support Helicopter Project (SH Poject) contract, namely Eurocopter and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky). With Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) fleet of Bell 212 and BO105 nearing the end of its operational life, the SH Project was brought about in line with... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: FB Heliservices
FB Heliservices is pleased to confirm that it plans to attend Helitech in 2011 with four of its aircraft on show Bell 412 Griffin HARII, a Search and Rescue helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by 84 Squadron RAF since 2003 at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. READ MORE about 84 Squadron… Eurocopter AS 350, a... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the launch of UK involvement in the AW169 commercial helicopter programme with the support of a £22 million loan by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. The announcement was made today by the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) has signed a preliminary sale contract for two AW169 helicopters. The contract was signed today by Andy Williamson, CEO, WNAA and Bruno Spagnolini, CEO, AgustaWestland, during a ceremony at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the presence of the Rt Hon... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
It was announced that the Government has awarded AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, a total of £10 million in research and development grants that will be delivered through the Technology Strategy Board. The funding will go towards a new programme consisting of three R&D projects. The programme will ensure that the UK maintains its leading position... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW109 Power, Grand, Grand New (E/S/SP) helicopters. This new IBF prevents engine damage in adverse and ramp environments alike. AW109... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Star-Telegram
When Bell Helicopter officials announced last month that they were selling the company’s interest in the BA609 civil tilt-rotor aircraft program, it meant giving up on a $600 to $700 million investment. (Full story)... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Seychelles Nation
The Helicopter Seychelles Company celebrated on Friday afternoon the return of its flagship A109C , and has re-launched its operations – after a failed merger with the ZilAir helicopter company. The 109 is the only helicopter currently in Seychelles capable of flying at night, in bad weather and certified to fly into restricted area helipads.... Read more
19-Jul-2011
Just prior to touchdown the tail rotor struck a hedge and a concrete post, damaging the tail rotor and its gearbox. There were no injuries. On arrival at an industrial depot the normal landing position had been obstructed by two articulated lorries.... Read more
18-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Capitale Helicoptere of Canada has signed a contract for three AW169 helicopters. These aircraft will be used to perform charter, VIP transport, utility and medevac operations. This contract marks the first Canadian order for the AW169 helicopter. A significant number of firm orders have already been... Read more
18-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Intermountain Healthcare has taken delivery of the first of five GrandNew helicopters. The aircraft is both the first of its kind to be completed in Philadelphia with an EMS configuration and to enter operations with a U.S. customer. The GrandNew will be operated by Intermountain Life... Read more
15-Jul-2011Source: Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. today announced that it has been selected by AgustaWestland in Yeovil, UK to provide a custom Vibration Management System (VMS) computer for use on its Rotorcraft Technology Validation Programme (RTVP) demonstrator. “Curtiss-Wright is very proud to have been selected by AgustaWestland to provide our rugged system design and integration expertise for the... Read more
12-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
British inventor James Dyson, who made his name developing a new style vacuum cleaner, has last week registered a new AgustaWestland AW139 – the first corporate example of the type on the British register. Serial number 31353 and registered G-OAWL, it will replace his N3 Dauphin G-DOLF and operate alongside his Bombardier Challenger G-OXRS. Given... Read more
7-Jul-2011Source: Ornge
Ornge, the provider of transport medicine services for Ontario, is pleased to announce the opening of a new satellite medical helicopter base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport later this year. The new facility, which will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week, will be the home to Ornge paramedics, pilots and a new,... Read more
6-Jul-2011Source: CAE
Professional Way Sdn Bhd, a Malaysia-based company, has purchased a CAE 3000 Series full-flight simulator (FFS) replicating the AW139 aircraft. The simulator will be deployed to a new training centre to be established by Professional Way near Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. Professional Way will then deliver AW139 simulator training for AgustaWestland’s recently... Read more
5-Jul-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter. The IBF prevents engine damage in adverse and ramp environments alike, and is also compatible with the AW139 Full Ice... Read more
5-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the SESAR Programme has paved way to enhanced helicopter operations. Patrick Ky, Chief Executive of the SESAR Joint Undertaking, met with helicopter manufacturers and operators to review the progress made since the inclusion of the rotorcraft sector in the SESAR programme. ‘The involvement of Rotorcraft operators... Read more
5-Jul-2011
While cruising at 150 kt at 750 ft agl a bird struck and shattered the left windshield. The commander, seated in the left seat, suffered minor injuries so the co-pilot took control and made a successful emergency landing. The Agusta A109C’s windshield is not designed to withstand bird strikes and the regulations do not require it to... Read more
4-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
From Friday 1st July, full responsibility for SAR work in the Netherlands passed from 860 Sqn in the Navy to 303 Sqn in the Air Force. 860 Squadron has operated Westland Lynx helicopters in this role since the late 1970s, when they superceded Wasps. The Lynx helicopters will continue with 860 Squadron in other roles,... Read more
4-Jul-2011Source: DeBeers
The idea, which ensures that South Africans in the remotest regions of the country will have access to an emergency helicopter service without equal, is the brainchild of Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers and an intrepid young doctor, Dr Anchen Laubscher, Medical Director of Netcare 911. Dr Laubscher, who was a flying doctor at the... Read more
3-Jul-2011
A woman holding an infant was injured by a sign that came loose when a helicopter was practising its landing at the Summerside, P.E.I., waterfront Sunday before being used to transport visting royalty. The AW101 is known locally in Canada as the CH-149 Cormorant... Read more
30-Jun-2011
Pilot and two trainees on board, first flight of day. Aborted take-off and tail section separated from helicopter in subsequent very heavy landing... Read more
29-Jun-2011Source: Simplex
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted STC# SR02351LA to Simplex Manufacturing for a fire attack system for the Agusta Westland AW139. The Model 326 tank is a 1st generation fire fighting water tank for the AW 139. This STC is the newest Simplex product in addition to a collection of over 150 US and foreign... Read more
29-Jun-2011Source: STARS
Lloydminster, SK, June 27, 2011 – Husky Energy reached a donation milestone today after presenting the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $250,000 cheque toward the establishment of the STARS air ambulance program in Saskatchewan. The donation places Husky’s cumulative giving to STARS at over $1 million. “Our partnership with STARS reflects the... Read more
29-Jun-2011Source: Hong Kong Civil Aviation Dept
In accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, an inspector’s investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident involving an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter (registration mark B-MHJ) operated by East Asia Airlines at Victoria Harbour on July 3, 2010. According to the requirements of Annex 13 to... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Eastbourne Herald
Eastbourne District General Hospital is the most-used landing site for air ambulance and other emergency helicopters of any hospital in Sussex. The new pad can now accept helicopters both day and night from Air Ambulance, Police, Coast Guard, Air-sea Rescue and the military. The largest it generally takes is the Coast Guard AW139, but it... 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
28-Jun-2011Source: MCA
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy has recently been presented at the Air Leagues Annual Awards Ceremony at St. Jamess Palace by His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy is awarded to winchmen and winch operators from the Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Royal... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
One of the pledges made by Barack Obama prior to being elected President was to was to cancel the presidential VH-71 Kestrel helicopter program – which had been awarded by his predessor George Bush after British prime minister Tony Blair had cosied up to him on behalf of AgustaWestland. However, Bush’s administration then changed the... Read more
26-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Caverton Helicopters of Nigeria has recently signed a contract for three AW139 medium twin engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used for offshore transport duties in support of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. This order further strengthens the presence of AgustaWestland in Nigeria where... Read more
26-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it is expanding its customer support network with the expansion of its authorised service centre network and blade repair centres which now exceed 70 across the globe. Ten new AgustaWestland Authorised Service Centres are now in the process of being approved, including ones in Russia, Portugal and... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
India will receive next year the first batch of the 12 helicopters for transportation of VIPs. Half the fleet is expected by the end of 2012 as the assembly of the first two helicopters has commenced at the manufacturer’s facilities in Europe. “We have started assembling the first two helicopters and will be soon moving... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, a leading, worldwide manufacturer of filtration systems and parts, announced that Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, centre of competence for air management systems within the Aerospace and Transportation Systems division of the Liebherr Group, has selected the company to supply the air filtration technology for the T129 combat... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
Today at the Paris Air Show AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Terma signed a cooperation agreement in order to jointly explore business opportunities in the fields of aircraft survivability equipment, 3D-Audio, advanced aero structures and other equipment. The cooperation will include joint marketing activities worldwide. The two companies already have cooperated successfully on the AW101... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On June 16, 2011, the French Navy’s 34F squadron celebrated its 100,000 flight hours on Alouette III and Lynx at Lanvéoc-Poulmic base. Present were pilots, crew members, technicians, past and present – to celebrate this important event with nearly 13,000 flight hours performed on Alouette III and 87,000 on Lynx . Vice Admiral Olivier de... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that PZL-Swidnik has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INAER of Spain to expand both companies’ businesses in the fire fighting market over the next ten years, in particular in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. The MoU is focused on the specialised W-3A Sokol medium twin... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that INAER, the global provider of aerial emergency services and aircraft maintenance, has signed a contract for ten AW169 helicopters. These aircraft will be used for various applications across INAER’s markets. The contract marks another outstanding success for the all new AW169 model, just a few months... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Exclases Holdings Ltd. has signed a contract for eight AW139 medium twin helicopters. These aircraft add to the two units ordered in May this year and more AW139s are expected to be ordered in the near future. This latest contract brings the total number of AW139s... Read more
22-Jun-2011Source: The Helicopter Museum
The World’s Fastest Helicopter returns to The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare in July, following a four year restoration to its original 1986 World Speed Record configuration by Apprentices at the AgustaWestland factory in Yeovil, Somerset. This August marks the 25th Anniversary of the Lynx helicopter setting up the new record at an average 400.87kmph (249.1mph). ... Read more
22-Jun-2011Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (subsidiary of JSC UIC Oboronprom, part of Russian Technologies State Corporation) and AgustaWestland (a Finmeccanica company) are pleased to announce the signing of the final agreements for the firm establishment of HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland “equal†joint venture. HeliVert is intended to set up and run a final assembly line plant... Read more
22-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the AW149 military medium twin helicopter is making its first ever public appearance at the Paris Air Show this week. Previously shown in mock-up form at the 2009 Paris Air Show, two years later the second AW149 prototype “P2†is on show having performed its maiden... Read more
22-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the fleet of eight AW109 Power light twin helicopters of Kocoglu Aviation Inc. of Turkey has achieved the milestone of 10,000 flight hours in just two years. The eight AW109 Powers, operated by Sky Line Transportation Trade Inc., a Kocoglu Group company, have been successfully operating... Read more
21-Jun-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is proud to unveil the AW189, a new generation affordable multi-purpose twin-engine 8-tonne class helicopter designed in response to the growing market demand for higher payload, longer range and higher productivity. The AW189 complements the modern range of AgustaWestland commercial helicopters and will be certified in 2013 and enter service in... Read more
