5-May-2011Source: DNA India
In the wake of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu’s death in the crash of an AS350B3 last week, the opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has demanded that all helicopters belonging to the government-owned Pawan Hans be subjected to “thorough and rigid” inspection.... Read more
2-May-2011
Reported as mechanical failure by the general media... Read more
1-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Media reports are saying that the Indian state of Meghalaya, in the north east of the country, have suspended Pawan Hans helicopter services in the state with immediate effect. This follows the crash of one of their Mi-17s on 19th April killing 17, and controversy surrounding one of their new AS350B3s which was reported missing... Read more
30-Apr-2011
Crashed in mountainous region. One passenger was Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu... Read more
24-Apr-2011
Helicopter shot at from the ground by an automatic weapon, and fuel tank reportedly struck. Emergency landing made at nearby Van Nuys airport without further incident... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Franch operator Heli Horizon has launched an iPhone app “Helicopter Checklist” which they hope will be an indispensable assistant for pilots. The app has pref-flight check lists, separated out into Pre-flight, Before Starting, Start Engine and Stop Engine. The “basic version” (their description, not HeliHub’s) includes four checklists for R22 R44 helicopters EC120 and AS... Read more
10-Apr-2011
Following the tail strike on 10 April, the helicopter landed in a river and the airframe is partially submerged. The pilot and all 4 passengers exited safely and uninjured from the aircraft... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) have announced that they have surpassed their 100th AS350 cockpit modification. The 100th modification was completed for Advanced Helicopter Services’ customer the California Highway Patrol. “AS350’s can be found all over the world and are a very versatile aircraft,†said Mike Atwood founder and CEO of ASU. “Numerous law enforcement and... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Helibras
(Electronic translation from original Portuguese press release) The shielding system of Squirrel helicopters produced by Helibras provides protection for crews and aircraft parts considered vital against light weapons with a caliber 7.62 and 5.56 mm level III, enhancing its ability to work in hostile environments. The installation consists of putting removable plates of material resistant... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Discovery Air
Discovery Air Inc. subsidiary Great Slave Helicopters Ltd., working in partnership with 100% aboriginal-owned Dehcho Regional Helicopters LP, has been awarded a five-year contract to provide firefighting support and suppression services out of Fort Simpson, NT. Dehcho Regional Helicopters brings together the the business arms of the Fort Simpson Metis Nation; Liidlii Kue First Nation;... Read more
28-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
The enhanced AS350 B3e is the next generation aircraft in the proven Ecureuil family of helicopters. Officially launched at Heli-Expo, 2011 the new version features a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, a new digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data recorder. “The selection of the... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has announced an industry first iPad App now available to provide customers with a familiarization and training tool for installed equipment description, functionality and operation, among other uses. The company plans to include the Eurocopter AS350, EC130, EC135, EC145 and EC145T2 as well as the EC155 model type helicopters as part of... Read more
21-Mar-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, and Kuerzi Avionics AG, an industry leader in helicopter and aircraft services in Europe, have proudly teamed together to obtain European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the installation of the Garmin G500H glass cockpit in the Eurocopter AS350.... Read more
19-Mar-2011
The pilot set down the helicopter in a field near the corner of Regal Row and Empress Row around 9:30 a.m. after smoke began to fill the cockpit. The problem turned out to be an air conditioning belt that overheated.... Read more
18-Mar-2011
Passenger struck fatally on head by main rotor when disembarking on sloping site. Pilot listed as Pablo Blanco Venegas... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that the Ontario (CA) Police Department has ordered its third AS350 B2. The aircraft, which will enter service in late spring, will primarily be used for aerial patrol and special operations surveillance throughout the department’s service area in and around Ontario, California. The single-engine AS350 B2 offers the best... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Ministry Health Care
Ministry Health Care announced that its Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Service (Spirit) will begin to operate a helicopter ambulance from a Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital base in Rhinelander in June, 2011. In 2010, Spirit was unable to respond to 190 requests for air transport services due to other transports being already in process or to... Read more
14-Mar-2011
Senok Aviation has got the approval of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority to import two Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrels... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter booked 68 new orders and agreements during this week’s Heli-Expo 2011 exposition while also unveiling a range of new and enhanced helicopter products, confirming the company’s highly competitive position for the expected upturn in the world’s rotary-wing aircraft sector. New business concluded during this industry event in Orlando, Florida involved eight of Eurocopter’s helicopter... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
A compact ground-based simulator for the AS350 B3 has made a big impact at Heli-Expo 2011, where this procedural training device attracted significant attention from operators of the high-performance member in Eurocopter’s AStar/Ecureuil helicopter family. The device was developed by Indra Systems as a supplement to the AS350 Level B full-flight simulator, and was delivered... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: Able Aerospace Services
Operators of Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 407 and 206 helicopters can realize overhaul and repair savings ranging from 35 to 70 percent using Able Preferred™, a new program from Able Aerospace Services. Able Preferred offers a full range of safe, FAA-approved dynamic component overhauls for these helicopters. Able Preferred overhauls are an alternative to OEM... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Sudden white-out when flying at 150ft agl then rolled-over after hitting the ground. Believed to be weather-related and not mechanical. Visibility in the area was reduced to 1.6 km by blowing snow and the temperature was -24 C – -38 C with the windchill. Occupants got out OK but then post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Extends training relationship that has lasted more than 20 years and implements AEC’s AS350 Level B Full Flight Simulator as an integral part of the department’s training program American Eurocopter announced today that the Texas Department of Public Safety has signed a simulator training contract with the company’s Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo booth #4637, American Eurocopter announced that Air Medical Resource Group has signed an agreement to purchase seven AS350 B3e helicopters, making it the U.S. launch customer for this enhanced rotary-wing aircraft. These helicopters will be a core part of an initiative to consolidate Air Medical Resource Group’s business lines and to expand... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
A comprehensive evolution of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line was announced at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, providing enhanced operating capabilities, improved mission effectiveness and increased efficiency across four families in the company’s light, medium and heavy rotary-wing aircraft categories. These enhanced helicopters result from Eurocopter’s continuing major investments in innovation, and respond to... Read more
7-Mar-2011
pilot made a “precautionary†landing around 9:35 a.m after an engine warning light switched... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
“The selection of a second AS350 B3 was easy – the aircraft is well suited for our operations in mineral exploration and our customers have come to count on the performance and lift capability†said Frank Kelner, CEO of V. Kelner Helicopters.  “The AS350 B3 provides excellent handling characteristics, great visibility and delivers customers with... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, is pleased to announce that one of its most popular products for helicopters is being used by one of the world’s largest tour operators. Blue Hawaiian, the largest Hawaiian helicopter operator and Hollywood’s first-call helicopter company, is in the... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada confirms the sale of three AS350 B2’s, two EC130 B4’s and one AS350 B3 aircraft with Capitale Hélipro based in Quebec City. With the delivery of six new helicopters by July 2011 from the Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, Capitale Hélipro will have a total fleet of 11 Eurocopter... Read more
6-Mar-2011
The pilot of the Air Operations Center (Nuopa) of the Traffic Department would identify a mechanical problem and made an impromptu landing on the ground. The trio ended up injured when the aircraft crashed into the ground.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Hidden away on Eurocopter’s website is a brief note on the helicopters they have on the show floor at Heli-Expo in Orlando, and they are… EC175 mockup in offshore configuration – expect some Gulf of Mexico orders to be announced EC130 for Air Methods in an all-blue scheme with Life Flight titles – registration N506LF... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Eurocopter Ec135 of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Airborne Response Team “D-HART” made a precautionary landing at the busy Boston Logan Airport today after the pilot reported difficulties with one engine. Airline operations were not affected in the way that Britain’s London City Airport came to a standstill yesterday after a similar emergency. It was on its... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Helinet
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today its selection by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to develop and support a comprehensive microwave downlink system for the Department’s new fleet of 14 patrol helicopters. Created in partnership with the LASD’s Aero Bureau,... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Latitude Technologies
Latitude Technologies, a leading provider of satellite based communication, tracking and onboard aircraft data systems announced that their SkyNode® S100-001 satellite based tracking/messaging device has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate number SR02872NY covering Bell Helicopter Textron models 206, 206A, 206A1, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4. Certificate number SR02875NY covers Eurocopter models AS350B, AS350B1 AS350B2,... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Australian Aerospace Limited, supported by Eurocopter, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, brings an impressive line-up of aircraft from its rotary-wing family to the 2011 Australian International Air Show at Avalon. A total of seven helicopters will be at Avalon, ranging in size from the smallest family member, the Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, to the largest, the... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: Banyan Air Service
Banyan’s avionics team recently completed work on a Sikorsky S76, Agusta 109, and an American Eurocopter AS-350. Upgrades included Garmin GNS-430W, GMX-200, Avidyne EX600 and Honeywell MK-22 EGPWS Safety Package installations. “We’ve been providing rotorcraft services for several years and have decided to become more aggressive in marketing our capabilities in this market,†said Brian... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All but emergency flights are now banned due to budgetary constraints... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: Soloy
Soloy Aviation Solutions announces the approval and availability of a 200 amp generator for installation on the Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 engine used in the Soloy AS350SD2 engine conversion kit for AS350B2 helicopters. It is approved as an option for the standard 150 amp unit on the existing engine conversion STC (SR01647SE). The STC optional kit is... Read more
23-Feb-2011
L.A. County sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker said the pilots were conducting a training exercise “simulating a hydraulic failure” when the Eurocopter AS350 went down.... Read more
17-Feb-2011
Heliski operation. All six occupants airlifted to hospital in Sion.... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
DECATUR, TX, FEBRUARY 15, 2011:Â United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered a second customized Eurocopter AS350B2 to Veracity Aviation of New Braunfels, TX on February 11, 2011. URS completed the avionics and communications integration with the Honeywell KY196A Comm, the Garmin GNS430W Comm/NAV/GPS, GMX200 MFD, GTS800 TAS, GMA340 GTX327 Transponder and a GMA340 Audio control and... Read more
13-Feb-2011
Australian pilot reported missing feared dead after helicopter crash in PNG.  It is understood the man is an experienced pilot who has been working in the mining industry for a number of years. Oil slick and floating debris reported. Update – Search for pilot Lloyd Lester has been abandoned... Read more
12-Feb-2011
Tail rotor strike... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Eurocopter
The acquisition of five AS350 B3 helicopters by three Indian customers was announced by Eurocopter and its Eurocopter India subsidiary at the Aero India 2011 exhibition in Bangalore. Three of the rotary-wing aircraft were ordered by Global Vectra, whose fleet will grow to seven AS350 B3s; while Summit Aviation and SS Aviation each purchased one.... Read more
9-Feb-2011Source: Soloy
OLYMPIA, WA – Soloy Aviation Solutions along with Ultra Electronics Flightline Systems (Victor, NY) is preparing to release a new digital engine instrument option for Soloy’s popular Honeywell LTS-101 engine conversion kit for Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopters. The state of the art electronic engine instrument display will replace the VEMD unit in late model B2’s and... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: Eurocopter
The AS550 C3 Fennec recently completed field trials with full mission equipment for the Indian Armed Forces’ reconnaissance and surveillance applications, demonstrating its capabilities as the successor to the country’s existing fleet of Indian-produced Cheetah and Chetak helicopters – both which are based on Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft. “We are very happy with the Fennec’s performance... Read more
2-Feb-2011Source: Alakai Technologies
Alakai Technologies (http://www.alakai1.com) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of Alakai’s digital Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems and wireless internet units on Eurocopter AS350 and EC130 helicopters. The AS350 and its derivatives, with over 4,000 helicopters sold are used by police, forest service, oil exploration, flight-seeing... Read more
31-Jan-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services and its subsidiary Geneva Aviation have completed an agreement with Flightcell® International, Ltd., that will enable commercial helicopter operators to install satellite telephone capabilities quickly and easily in rotorcraft. DART and Geneva Aviation have pending Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Flightcell “Iridium†Satellite Phone... Read more
31-Jan-2011Source: Contra Costa Times
Police officials want to buy the helicopters from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at a cost of up to $3.5M. The City Council will decide whether to approve the purchase at its Tuesday meeting. The city purchased the current EC130s, for $5.7M in 2001... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter has delivered two AS350 B3 helicopters to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Section. These are the first AS350 B3’s in the Aircraft Section’s all-Eurocopter fleet, which includes 13 Eurocopter AS350-series AStar helicopters and one EC145. The new AS350 B3’s provide increased power and performance and build on the proven reliability... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Marataizes
Thge television station AS350B2 – known as “Globocop” – was hit by three rifle shots at about 7:30 am. The reporter Karina Borges, the system operator and the pilot Roberto Mello Kings Antonio Ramos was not injured. one of the bullets hit the floor, the second, the central region, and the third, the tail of the... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Eurocopter
Paris, January 24, 2011 Eurocopter generated an increased turnover in 2010 with the delivery of 527 helicopters. The year also was marked by achievements in innovation, new products, services and the company’s SHAPE transformation program – all of which position the group for a future upturn of the civil and military rotary-wing marketplace. The 2010... Read more
24-Jan-2011
Thge television station AS350B2 – known as “Globocop” – was hit by three rifle shots at about 7:30 am. The reporter Karina Borges, the system operator and the pilot Roberto Mello Kings Antonio Ramos was not injured. one of the bullets hit the floor, the second, the central region, and the third, the tail of the... Read more
23-Jan-2011
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered a completed Eurocopter AS350B3 to Hospital Wing of Memphis, TX on Friday January 14, 2011. The AS350B3 helicopter was customized for air medical operations. The avionics and communications integration included a Garmin GNS 530AW, Garmin GNS430AW NAV/Comm/GPS, GTX330 Transponder, the GEA-43 Encoder, Honeywell Radar Altimeter along with the Technisonic TFM500... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) was recently awarded a FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) their Lead Acid Battery Maintainer for the Eurocopter AS350 series helicopters. Designed specifically for Air Medical and Airborne Law Enforcement, the maintainer increases battery life and can be left on without harming the battery. The system has the provisions for shore power... Read more
20-Jan-2011Source: Hangar One Avionics
Hangar One Avionics, a division of Schubach Aviation specializing in repairs and installation services for government and private aircraft, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to transform its new fleet of 14 Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopters into mission-ready aircraft. Per the contract, Hangar One will... Read more
20-Jan-2011
One of the Air Force Fennec helicopters struck Thursday two electrical wires near Klovborg. The helicopter’s wire cutter entured that it carried on flying, but the pilot landed immediately as a precaution, following standard procedures. No persons were injured.... Read more
20-Jan-2011
Accident while landing in windy conditions. Five occupants OK... 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
10-Jan-2011
The report said that the main cause of the accident was the inability of pilots to notice and arrest the lateral drift of the chopper to its left due to lack of ground reference until the main rotors came into contact.  See HeliHub.com page at 07-Nov-10 9N-AIX Eurocopter AS350 Solukhumbu, Nepal (2F)... Read more
10-Jan-2011
Camera operator and the pilot suffered minor injuries. AS350 was operating for television station TVI. Location was a field adjacent to the A2 motorway... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced today that pilots from the Utah Highway Patrol Aero Bureau have completed the inaugural training course conducted in the company’s new AS350 Flight and Mission Simulator. The Aero Bureau is the first customer to utilize the new simulator in support of their training efforts. The AS350 Flight and... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Helibras sold a total of 35 helicopters in 2010, significantly up from 2009’s total of 14. Of these, 25 were to the civilian market, up from 5 in 2009 – showing the difference as 10 military helicopters compared to 9. All of these were AS350 Squirrel models, branded “HB350 Esquilo” locally. Production in Eurocopter’s Brazilian... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Eurocopter
The Helicópteros do Brasil (Helibras) subsidiary of Eurocopter signed a contract for a major upgrade program on the Brazilian Army’s fleet of 36 AS350 Ecureuils. This modernization includes the rebuilding of three of these aircraft. This activity, involving AS350s operated by the Brazilian Army Aviation Command (Comando de Aviação do Exército), will begin during 2011... Read more
31-Dec-2010
Precautionary landing on Highway 12 due to weather. Patient on board.... Read more
19-Dec-2010
Reported as engine failure at 200ft on take-off and very heavily subsequent landing with skids failing and fuselage impacting the ground. Helicopter remained upright. 3 injured... Read more
13-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
In the last week, the Public Security department of Tocantins has taken delivery of its first helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350B3 from the local Helibras factory. This will be operated in partnership with the National Secretariat of Public Security (SENASP) and will be available to the Civil Police, Military Police and Fire Department. Secretary of Public... Read more
7-Dec-2010Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
DECATUR, TX, DECEMBER 7, 2010: United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered a completed Eurocopter AS350B2 to Veracity Aviation of New Braunfels, TX. The helicopter was outfitted with a full VIP leather interior to include a quick-change rear bench from three seats with arm rests to four seats and includes a CD Player, AM/FM radio and MP3... Read more
7-Dec-2010
The helicopter had been chartered by the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes. On board was the pilot, a geologist from the General Council and an employee of the company “Heaven Climber”, specializing in work in steep areas.... Read more
1-Dec-2010Source: Sun Valley Heli Ski
Sun Valley Heli Ski Guides has selected Reeder Flying Service as their helicopter provider for the 2010/11 ski season. Sun Valley Heli Ski is the oldest heli ski operation in the continental US and is celebrating its’ 45th year of operation. It operates out of Sun Valley Resort and the Smoky Mountain Lodge; the only... Read more
29-Nov-2010Source: Clic RBS
500 calls, 334 flight hours and 414 victims assisted. These are the numbers of Battalion Operations Firefighters of Santa Catarina using a helicopter Archangel, from January to November this year.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: Gazettes
According to Lt. Richard Rocchi of the Long Beach Police Dept, it may not be too long before the unit receives two well-maintained used Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopters from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.... 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
17-Nov-2010Source: Flightcell International
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has announced the selection of the Flightcell DZM2 system for their new fleet of 14 Eurocopter AS 350 B2 patrol helicopters. The aircraft are currently undergoing completion at Hangar One, Carlsbad, CA and will be specifically tailored to the needs of the LASD Air Support Unit. The DZM2... Read more