24-Feb-2013
Helicopter suffered gunshot damage in bungled prison breakout... Read more
18-Feb-2013Source: Simplex
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has completed the validation of the Model 510 FAA STC. On February 8th, the Simplex Model 510 powerline insulator and windmill cleaning and de-icing system was granted EASA certification (EASA # 10043539) for installation and operation on AS 350 and AS 355 series aircraft. Simplex received an FAA STC... Read more
26-Jan-2013
When on finals, pilot noticed master caution light illuminated, and an indication of low oil pressure in engine No.2. Shut down immediately, got out and noticed fire from the exhaust – used extinguisher to quell the fire but was not fully successful. N2 turbine had got jammed.... Read more
5-Dec-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce their receipt Mexican approval (DGAC) for Vertical Reference Floor Window Kits fitted for AS350 and AS355 series of helicopters. The DART Vertical Reference Floor Window Kits are available in three sizes to fit various operational requirements. You can now look through the floor window with ease for vertical... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Guernsey Post
Guernsey Post has finalised the details of its contingency plans developed in response to Guernsey’s airport closures on 27th & 28th November and 4th & 5th December 2012. Dave Bynam, Head of Network and Planning at Guernsey Post said: “Our contingency plans for the airport closures in November and December are largely based on the... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Two Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Twin Squirrels have arrived for Pacific Aircraft Services at Christchurch. On the right in the photo is OK-BIC (c/n 5388) which originally with the Guardia Nacional de Venezuela as GN-8884 followed by a spell as F-WQED before moving to the Czech Republic. On the left is OK-AIA (c/n 5512) which is... Read more
4-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Aerial application specialists Airbourne Solutions have acquired a second Twin Squirrel from PremiAir Aviation at Blackbushe, taking their fleet to three. The three helicopters involved are N30LG AS355F2 (5065) acquired July 2008 and not flown since (photo above) G-VONG AS355F1 (5323) acquired recently – airworthiness documents expired Feb-12 G-VONK AS355F1 (5325) acquired late 2011 –... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Loss of control in the hover during post-maintenance test flight, and hit hangar. 3 injured, aircraft total loss.... Read more
17-Oct-2012
Crashed 500m from an early morning take off, killing the sole occupant pilot – named as Doug Brigham... Read more
2-Oct-2012
Minor damage in field landing... Read more
15-Sep-2012
Crashed into cornfield, burning out and killing sole occupant pilot named as Michael Scarfia.... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Maxcraft Avionics
Maxcraft Avionics Ltd., an established Avionics company located on Pitt Meadows Airport near Vancouver, B.C., has announced that they have received Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH12-43 for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System in Eurocopter AS355 models E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP rotorcraft. Approval for the G500H allows installation of... Read more
30-Jul-2012Source: UTair
UTair Aviation has attracted financing from British bank HSBC on a security of French insurance agency COFACE. The deal presupposes delivery of 19 new Eurocopter AS 350/355 helicopters. The airline already operates five helicopters of this type. By the end of 2012 UTair will operate another four helicopters, while in 2013 the airline will take... Read more
4-Jul-2012
Pilot had difficulty adjusting power. Skid hits edge of helipad when landing, causing it to roll over onto its side... Read more
2-Jun-2012
Helicopter landed on beach after encountering fog... Read more
6-May-2012Source: Paravion Technology
Paravion® Technology, Inc. announces that their highly successful compact ground handling wheel product line has been expanded for use with the Eurocopter AS350/355 rotorcraft, in addition to the Bell 206L/407 rotorcraft already available. The CGHW-100 kit is a pair of compact hydraulic ground handling wheels which easily stow in a small area of the baggage compartment... Read more
5-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
British operator Starspeed is moving its base from Blackbushe to Fairoaks, nearly 15 miles closer to central London. The company only offers twin-engined helicopters, and apart from a single Sikorsky S76C++ flies a fleet of around ten Eurocopters which it manages on behalf of their owners. Some of these allow the company to charter them... Read more
22-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Moscow-based newspaper Vedomosti is today saying that Russia is preparing to order over 100 Eurocopter AS350 and AS355 helicopters to train military pilots. The initial phase is a public procurement notice filed on Friday 17th February for 15 single- and 30 twin-engined helicopters, but with pricing to be based on an eventual order for over... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Summit Aviation added as service center in key northeast region From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced today that it has reached an agreement that will add Summit Aviation, based in Middletown, Delaware, to its extensive network of independent service centers across North America. “Providing our customers with the service and... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: Summit Aviation
Summit Aviation, a Greenwich AeroGroup Company, announced today they have signed a long term agreement with Sikorsky Global Helicopters to manufacture, assemble and test transmissions for new production Schweizer 300 CTM aircraft and aftermarket support. “We have had a long standing relationship with Sikorsky,†said President of Summit Aviation Bob Fitzpatrick. “For the last five... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter generated a record high annual turnover in 2011 as the company benefitted from long-term strategies of investing in innovation to keep its helicopter product line at the forefront, growing the international footprint, developing services businesses and optimizing internal operations. The deliveries of 503 rotary-wing aircraft in 2011, along with Eurocopter’s enhanced support and services... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announce Transport Canada, FAA, EASA and Brazilian approval of DART Aerospace Ltd.’s (DAS) Deluxe Skidtube for Eurocopter AS350/AS355 aircraft. DART’s Deluxe Round-I-Beam™ Skidtubes come straight from the factory with the most popular options pre-installed to save installation time and increase customer convenience. The Deluxe Skidtube feature DAS’s patented... Read more
23-Dec-2011
Police Service of Northern Ireland say that having a helipad in County Fermanagh will mean the aircraft can be refuelled at any time without having to return to its base. Two other remote landing pads are in operation – at Mahon Road in Portadown and Maydown, near Londonderry. (see full story) CAA photo... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: Eurosafety
EuroSafetys iSafety App is ESI’s latest effort in their goal to improve airframe knowledge and safety in the helicopter community. The iSafety App is designed to provide a method to review caution panel emergency procedures from various aircraft. The first version of the app contains the caution panel procedures for the AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, EC130B4,... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Simplex
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted an STC for Simplex Aerospace’s new power line insulator and windmill cleaning system for the Eurocopter AS350 and 355 series. The STC, number SR02207SE issued on 12-15-2011, is the newest product in the company’s 65 year history of innovation. The Aerial Cleaning system represents the third generation of aerial cleaning... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: FAA
Supercedes AD 2003-22-06. Tail rotor pitch control rod... Read more
3-Nov-2011Source: Cobham
In a significant development for hundreds of South American aircraft owners, Cobham’s 3D Synthetic Vision EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) has received Brazilian validation for AS350/355 model series helicopters, allowing for aftermarket installation in that country. The EFIS had previously received validation for Bell 206 and 407 aircraft. The fully-digital EFIS from Integrated Systems, a... Read more
20-Oct-2011
Belarus Border Guard AS355NP crashed and caught fire, killing all 5POB including three television crew named as Vitaly Prochkovsky, 36; Sergei Shamalov, 39; and Yulia Shaternik, 28. The crew were reported as Andrew Pekarsky (32 years) and Igor Skvortsov. They operate three AS355NPs – EW-308BH (5773), EW-309BH (5774) and EW-310BH (5781)... Read more
18-Aug-2011
Night take-off in helicopter VFR equipped. Ground impact and ensuing fire left very few pieces. The helicopter was carrying experienced journalist Paul Lockyer, cameraman John Bean, and pilot Gary Ticehurst.... Read more
2-Aug-2011Source: PremiAir
PremiAir, the award-winning UK-based executive helicopter and private jet charter operator, has reported a steady growth in its aircraft management activities, generating confidence that the industry may be seeing some recovery from the economic downturn. With a growing managed private jet fleet and maintenance bases at Oxford and Biggin Hill, PremiAir is strategically positioning itself... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Rail.co
Network Rail runs the railway infrastructure across the UK, and employs two AS355s on contract from PDG Helicopters. See this article for a profile of this operation... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: Eurosafety
EuroSafetys iSafety App is ESI’s latest effort in their goal to improve airframe knowledge and safety in the helicopter community. The iSafety App is designed to provide a method to review caution panel emergency procedures from various aircraft. The first version of the app contains the caution panel procedures for the AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, EC130B4.... Read more
14-Jun-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART announces that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries has received EASA approval for their Emergency Float System for Eurocopter AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, NP model helicopters. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received. Apical’s AS355 Emergency Float System consists of six Floats which attach to the skidtubes and the skid extensions provided... Read more
24-May-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART is pleased to announce that they have received approval to add the AS 355 NP models to their Eurocopter product line on STC’s from Transport Canada, the FAA and EASA. Recently updated with the AS355NP models are the following STC’s: From Transport Canada Round-I-Beam Skidtube™ Bearpaws Cargo Mirror Crosstube Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basket™ From the... Read more
23-May-2011Source: UTair
The company officially concluded its audit of the Eurocopter training center for personnel (LAC), OAO UTair »(UTair Aviation), affirming the right of center to train pilots and mechanics in Russian program Eurocopter. Executive vice president of technical support and maintenance of Eurocopter Group Sharplz Derek (Derek Sharples) on May 19 awarded General Director of UTair... Read more
17-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
We have noticed that a total of seven helicopters on the UK Civil Aviation Authority register have last week had a change of address to a finance company. The seven are:- * Bell 206 – G-CBYX, G-TTMB * Bell 206L – G-MAAX, G-OHHI, G-OLDN * Eurocopter AS355F – G-BSYI, G-ICSG All seven continue to be... Read more
5-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HH Helicopters, based at Cotswold Airport (aka Kemble) in the UK have big expansion plans. Currently operating R44 and JetRanger types, they have now added an Agusta A109 and are expecting a Eurocopter AS355F2 Twin Squirrel next week. The addition of these aircraft to the fleet, each expecting to fly 200 hours a year with... Read more
6-Apr-2011
Search for overdue helicopter found wreckage two days later. EMS operation with three killed – pilot and patient survived.... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: PremiAir
As Long Run raced towards the finish line to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, PremiAir, the award-winning UK-based executive helicopter and corporate jet charter operator, was preparing to wrap up an extremely busy flying schedule last week. Each aircraft in the company’s executive charter fleet flew every day from locations in the UK and throughout Europe. ... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Vector Aerospace
Langley, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading independent providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has recently been granted a Federal Aviation Administration amendment to its existing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC); #SR02341AK, to provide an Integrated Cockpit... 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
17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The BBC is tonight reporting that Norfolk Police will stop using their leased Eurocopter AS355F2 Twin Squirrel at the end of the current fiscal year – 31st March 2011 – and that it is trying to buy a block of 220 hours a year from neighbouring force Suffolk Police. The vicarious benefit in doing this... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Ontario Provincial Police are on the point of adding a Eurocopter EC135P2+ to their fleet, perhaps two. In recent days, two new EC135s have been added to the Canadian register, including one as C-FOPP – a registration previously used by an AS355F2 of the Ontario Provincial Police which has in turn been transferred to C-GJYH. ... 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
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
20-Jan-2011
Loss of control due spatial orientation in limited visibility and” whiteness “of the underlying surface, not being able to continue the flight under visual flight rules, which led to reduce the uncontrolled collision with a roll and a helicopter with ice-covered surface of the lake. 1 killed, 5 injured... Read more
10-Dec-2010
Made emergency landing after striking flock of birds on climbout from Trenton Airport... Read more
28-Oct-2010
The pilot lost control of the helicopter whilst manoeuvring at low speed to approach a hilltop landing site in quite strong wind conditions. The investigation determined that an error of judgement or perception led the pilot to attempt a downwind approach. A combination of human factors was thought to have contributed to the accident.... Read more
25-Oct-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received approval to add the AS 355 NP models to their Eurocopter product line on 8 STC’s from Transport Canada, the FAA and EASA. Recently updated with the AS355NP models are the following STC’s: From Transport Canada * Bearpaws *... Read more
23-Oct-2010
Out-of-control golf buggy struck tail rotor during start-up... Read more
29-Sep-2010Source: Eurocopter
Russia’s UTair will acquire 20 AS350/AS355 light helicopters in a new agreement that extends this leading rotary-wing aircraft operator’s long-term strategic relationship with Eurocopter. The acquisition contract was signed by Andrey Martirosov, the Director of UTair Aviation, and Eurocopter Vostok CEO Laurence Rigolini, in the presence of Christian Gras, Executive Vice president – Customers –... Read more
28-Sep-2010Source: DART Helicopter Service
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approvals for their Quick Release Heli-Utility Basket™ for the AS350/AS355 models of helicopters that is compatible with Eurocopter Squirrel Cheeks. DART’s new quick release baskets are lighter weight and easier to install than its... Read more
28-Sep-2010Source: PremiAir
PremiAir, the UK’s leading executive helicopter charter company and the supplier of helicopter services to the 2010 Ryder Cup, is now fully booked on its charter fleet for helicopter transfers to and from golf’s most prestigious golfing tournament, which takes place next month. From October 1st to 3rd, the Ryder Cup returns to the UK... Read more
25-Sep-2010Source: KKTV
The pilot of the helicopter that crashed on Pikes Peak is still recovering. It was a dramatic crash. and now for the first time since the accident the pilot is talking on camera about what happened. Â See also HeliHub.com accident page here... Read more
2-Aug-2010Source: AVE
Belarus Border Guards have announced that on the night of July 29-30, they performed their first night training flights using their recently acquired Eurocopter AS355NP helicopters.... Read more
26-Jul-2010Source: 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 EASA Supplemental Type Certificate number “10030644† covering Bell Helicopter Textron models 206, 206A, 206A1, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4 and 407. Certificate numbers “10030640†and “10030765†cover Eurocopter... Read more
6-Jul-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Geneva Aviation has received EASA approval of their Tail Camera Mount for AS350/355 series helicopters. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it provides a stable wide-angle view. News helicopters have relied on this Tail Camera for more than 13 years to... Read more
22-Jun-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approvals for their Quick Release Heli-Utility Basket™ for the AS350/AS355 models of helicopters. DART’s new quick release baskets are lighter weight and easier to install than out original baskets and provide increased volume and... Read more
2-Jun-2010Source: Guardian Mobility
Brazil aviation authorities have granted Guardian Mobility a Brazilian Supplemental Type Certificate (CHST) for its line of Guardian 3 flight tracking products on Eurocopter AS 350 and 355 model aircraft. This CHST will complement existing FAA and Transport Canada STCs on the same model aircraft which are used by operators worldwide. Numerous Brazilian operators have... Read more
20-May-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Following an audit by Eurocopter, UTair Engineering in Russia has been approved as an authorised maintenance centre by the Euroopean manufacturer. This approval covers the AS350, AS355 and Bo105 products. This is the second manufacturer approval of UTair Engineering – they had previously achieved R44 approval from Robinson.... Read more
20-Apr-2010
The Western Australian headquarters of Heliwest has undergone a $1-million upgrade at its Jandakot facility in Perth’s southern suburbs. The centerpiece of the revamp is an Elite Twin Squirrel Flight Simulator... Read more
13-Apr-2010Source: 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 Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate number “SH10-16†covering Bell Helicopter Textron models 206, 206A, 206A1, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4 and 407. Also included in this new STC... Read more
25-Mar-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter, or predecessor Aerospatiale to be precise, started the AS350 serial numbers at 1001 and have in recent months been fast approaching 4999. The manufacturer then faced a dilemma, as the AS355 numbers start from 5001 and are currently approaching 5800, with production continuing and could potentially exceed 1,000 units taking the serial numbers over... Read more
2-Mar-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries Inc., has received Transport Canada approval of their Cylindrical Emergency Float Systems with & without Liferafts for the Eurocopter AS355E, F, F1, F2, N & NP models. Apical’s Eurocopter AS355 Cylindrical Emergency Float Systems are the only float systems certified for take-off... Read more
22-Feb-2010Source: Aspen Avionics
pen Avionics, Inc., manufacturer of the award-winning Evolution Flight Display System, and Chippewa Aerospace, a leading aerospace engineering service firm, announce their partnership to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of the Aspen Evolution EFD1000H Pro Primary Flight Display (PFD), the EFD1000H Multi-Function Display (MFD), and the EFD500H MFD on the Robinson R22... Read more
22-Feb-2010Source: Guardian Mobility
Guardian 3 tracking devices have been granted FAA certification Guardian Mobility announced that its Guardian 3 tracking devices have been granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval by the FAA for installation in Eurocopter AS350 and AS355 model aircraft. Guardian GPS tracking devices are used in thousands of aircraft worldwide to report on their status and... Read more
7-Feb-2010Source: Eurocopter
Vinacopter orders four helicopters to develop commercial helicopter market in Vietnam Eurocopter Southeast Asia (ESEA), subsidiary of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, today announced that it has signed its first contract with Vinacopter for the purchase of four helicopters. This sale is a vote of confidence for Eurocopter’s proven product offering in a rapidly developing... Read more
4-Feb-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Heli-Alps, based at Sion Airport, have recently acquired their first twin-engined helicopter – a Eurocopter AS355NP Twin Squirrel. The helicopter is leased from Sable Air, a Danish registered company owned by a private owner based in the UK, and this aircraft used to be his private aircraft. HeliHub.com notes that he while he... Read more
1-Feb-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Geneva Aviation has received Brazilian approval of their P130 High Back Pilot Seat for AS30/355 helicopters. FAA, Transport Canada and EASA approvals have been previously received. The High-Back Pilot Seat is a comfortable seat, which provides improved back support and allows you to have... Read more
14-Jan-2010Source: Dart Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approvals for their Sliding Door Hinge Kit for the AS 350 / AS 355 series of aircraft. The DART Sliding Door Hinge Kit modifies the OEM sliding door to a forward opening hinge door. ... Read more
11-Jan-2010Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc. announced that its new replacement cargo hook kit for the Eurocopter AS355 aircraft has been certified by the FAA and is currently in production. Onboard has also submitted the kit to Transport Canada and EASA for certification in Canada and Europe, respectively. Vancouver, WA (PRWEB) January 11, 2010 — Onboard Systems... Read more