20-Jul-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Australia Limited announced today the signing of a four-year agreement with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for ongoing logistics and engineering support for the Commonwealth of Australia’s fleet of BLACK HAWK (S-70A(TM)) and SEAHAWK® (S-70B(TM)) helicopters. Valued at more than $120 million, with six annual renewable options, the contract is a follow-on agreement... Read more
12-Jul-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is proud to announce that Linfox has signed a contract for three AW169 helicopters in full VIP configuration. The aircraft will be used to perform corporate transport missions in the Melbourne area of Australia. This order marks the entrance of the AW169 into the Australian corporate/VIP transport market and continues the growing success of... Read more
12-Jul-2012Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), a leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today that it has secured several major new multi-year contracts for the provision of a total of 20 large aircraft that are expected to generate in excess of $2 billion in revenue. In Europe, Bristow has been particularly successful with a number... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Australian Army
Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters have been handed over to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Townsville. The Chinook provides the ADF with an outstanding battlefield lift capability and has provided excellent service to Army for more than 25 years.... Read more
29-Jun-2012Source: US DoD
Simmonds Precision Products, doing business as Goodrich Corp., Sensors and Integrated Systems, Vergennes, Vt., is being awarded a $9,568,407 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 120 various Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic System kits in support of the MH-60R/S helicopters for the Navy and the government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales Program. These kits include... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Westpac Life Saver Rescue
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher recently announced $1.5million in funding for Surf Life Saving NSW to assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. “This funding will ensure this vital search and rescue helicopter service continues to provide a 24/7 service in the Greater Sydney Region and a... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Australian Army
The suspension was put in place following the precautionary landing of a helicopter at the Shoalwater Bay training area on 25 June after the aircraft’s two-man crew detected fumes in the cockpit. The aircraft landed safely with no injuries to the crew or further damage to the aircraft. Defence is presently investigating the cause of... Read more
25-Jun-2012
Fumes in the cockpit – led to fleet grounding (for second time)... Read more
19-Jun-2012
During the cruise, the pilot and passenger detected fuel fumes in the cockpit and conducted a precautionary landing. After landing, the helicopter caught fire and was destroyed. Pilot named as Barry Thompson (52) and passenger aged 23... Read more
18-Jun-2012Source: Amels
The iconic Amels 73.7-metre gets a new helipad and pool with movable floor The beautiful 73.7m motoryacht ILONA set sail again in May, after a very successful eight-month refit. While the yacht has been functioning perfectly since her launch in 2004, the owner wanted a major re-design to accommodate some new ideas into ILONA, as... Read more
18-Jun-2012
During a simulated forced landing, the helicopter landed heavily and rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged and one crew received minor injuries.... Read more
12-Jun-2012Source: Spika
Spika Welding and Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer of aircraft maintenance platforms and maintenance support equipment, announces that it has been awarded a contract with the Australian Government Department of Defence to supply Black Hawk maintenance stands for Army Aviation facilities in Sydney and Townsville. Spika won the contract, valued at over $500,000 (USD), after... Read more
12-Jun-2012Source: ABC
The heliport will enable passengers to embark directly from the company’s facility to their offshore workplace, rather than from Karratha’s main airport terminal. (see full story)... Read more
12-Jun-2012Source: Adelaide Advertiser
Kangaroo Island’s first permanent helicopter joyride operation lifts off in September at a cost of $700,000 – partly funded by the SA Tourism Commission. (see full story)... Read more
12-Jun-2012
After takeoff, the helicopter struck a single power line and the helicopter subsequently impacted the ground.... Read more
11-Jun-2012Source: US Dept of Defense
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $19,098,095 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0010) for non-recurring engineering efforts to support delivery of 24 baseline Future Naval Aviation Combat System MH-60R helicopters for the government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Stratford,... Read more
11-Jun-2012
Landed heavily with 4 POB while transporting spectators for the Finke Desert Race. 2 Minor injuries.... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: North West Telegraph
Newman Airport will receive $827,000 from the State Government to upgrade general aviation services. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: Morning Bulletin
MEMBER for Rockhampton Bill Byrne spoke yesterday in the Queensland Parliament about the pressing need for an emergency helicopter landing area at the city’s hospital. (see full story)... Read more
29-May-2012
Rescue helicopter made emergency landing at night using NVG after indications of a major hydraulic failure during an EMS flight, with patient on board. Patient moved to second helicopter (BK117 VH-EHQ) to reach hospital. See also press release... Read more
24-May-2012Source: ABC
Darwin Magistrates Court has heard 41-year-old Mark Sullivan strapped a power generator filled with fuel into an empty passenger seat of the helicopter and failed to comply with a number of procedures outlined in an operations manual. (see full story)... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow yesterday returned a Eurocopter EC225 to the British register as G-ZZSH, having previously been flying it in Australia for two years as VH-ZFH. However, it is unusual for such ferry flights to be done by air, as was the case here. The EC225 finally landed at Aberdeen around 2pm on Tuesday, and while we... Read more
23-May-2012Source: Australian Aviation
Lockheed Martin has confirmed it is not bidding for the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) project. (see full story)... Read more
23-May-2012Source: Thales
Sydney’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has received a boost with the supply of an advanced thermal imaging camera from Thales Australia. The camera, from the company’s Sophie range of world-leading thermal imagers, will be used to help rescue crews detect and identify people in need of assistance. The camera works by identifying body... Read more
17-May-2012Source: The Islander
Helicopter joy flights could start from Hanson Bay by spring, with the court appeal by EcoAction discontinued. Heliexperiences director Guy Maine said he was delighted that all actions ihad been concluded and there were now no impediments to the launch of the business. (see full story)... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Australian DoD
The Australian Army has suspended Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter flying operations for training activities due to a concern following the detection of fumes in the cockpit of one of the aircraft. The Australian Army has a fleet of 22 Tiger helicopters, 19 of which are in the fully capable configuration operating in the fleet. The... Read more
16-May-2012
Fumes in the cockpit – led to fleet grounding.... Read more
15-May-2012Source: The West Australian
Western Australia Police are on the point of replacing their BK117 with a new AS365N3 Dauphin, subject to completion of paperwork with CASA regarding installed equipment. (see full story). The Police Air Wing also operate three fixed wing aircraft – two Pilatus PC12 and a Cessna 182.... Read more
13-May-2012Source: CAE
CAE Â announced today on the eve of the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) that it will begin training pilots and maintenance technicians this summer for Gulfstream G450 and G550 business aircraft operators in Asia at the Shanghai Eastern Flight Training Centre (SEFTC), located in Shanghai Pudong Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. Shanghai is CAE’s... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Heliflite
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Queensland Government
The Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Helicopter Rescue service will receive a boost to its frontline operational capabilities including faster response times with today’s opening of its new $1.6 million hangar at Archerfield Airport. Community Safety Minister, Jack Dempsey said the new hangar, which connects to the existing hangar at Archerfield by a taxiway, will provide... Read more
2-May-2012Source: Raytheon Australia
Raytheon Australia’s new Bell 429 helicopters have commenced activities with the Royal Australian Navy under the RAN’s Retention and Motivation Initiative 2 (RMI 2) Program. This milestone was marked by the achievement of the In Service Date for the RMI 2 Program. Operating since 2007, the Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI1) provided the Navy with... Read more
26-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
RLC have recently sold two JetRanger 3 and two LongRanger 3 helicopters to Australia as part of their continual fleet renewal program. All four were cancelled from the FAA register on 11th and 12th April, but have yet to be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia – the JetRangers are serial... Read more
25-Apr-2012Source: US DoD
The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $9,611,350 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the addition of a rotor brake system on the Australian Defense Force CH-47 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2015. One bid was solicited, with one bid... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: Raytheon Australia
Raytheon Australia today announced that it has submitted its tender for the Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) competition. The Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Mr Michael Ward, said that the company’s team that included Bell Helicopter, Milskil, Nova Systems and Virtual Simulation Systems was pleased to present the Commonwealth with an... Read more
23-Apr-2012Source: Queensland Government
Ed: Background to this press release is that Queensland has recently gone through elections, and the incoming administration have fulfilled a manifesto pledge by taking this action Police Minister Jack Dempsey has secured South East Queensland’s police helicopter. The Gold Coast-based police helicopter, which was originally funded by the Gold Coast City Council, will now... Read more
21-Apr-2012Source: US DoD
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $126,512,656 modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-11-C-0020) to provide for the production and delivery of 24 mission avionics systems and common cockpits for the MH-60R for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. In addition, this... Read more
20-Apr-2012
Police reported “A man believed to be in his 50’s has died when the single seat experimental helicopter he was operating crashed on a property north of Eromanga”. Helicopter type may be a Masquito. Another report noted he was mustering at the time.... Read more
13-Apr-2012Source: Brisbane Times
At some stages of the chase, officers in the central police communications centre were forced to rely on footage of the chase being broadcast live via media helicopters in order to relay the location of stolen cars to police on the ground. (see full story). Short on proper equipment to do the job, perhaps?... Read more
13-Apr-2012
During jammed pedal recovery practice, the helicopter collided with the ground and rolled over. One crew member sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
11-Apr-2012Source: Royal Australian Navy
Chief Petty Officer Simon Hustwit’s years of experience manoeuvring a 22.15 metre helicopter were obvious when he reverse-parked Sea King Shark 07 at the Fleet Air Arm Museum yesterday. The Sea King is the latest addition to the Museum’s collection and has been installed in time for Easter and school holiday visitors to take enjoy... Read more
29-Mar-2012Source: Australian MoD
The Australian Defence Force’s CH-47 “Chinook†helicopters have returned to duty in Southern Afghanistan, providing medium lift transport capability to Australian and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) units. The helicopters will be operated by the men and women of Rotary Wing Group 7 (RWG 7) who recently commenced their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation... Read more
19-Mar-2012Source: Australian MoD
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today confirmed that Australian manufacturing company Ferra Engineering has been awarded a $6 million contract by Lockheed Martin to supply weapons pylons and mission kits for the MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ naval combat helicopters. “This is a great example of an Australian manufacturing company winning work in the supply chain... Read more
16-Mar-2012Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded a $27,609,320 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the advanced procurement funding services in support of the Royal Australia Navy MH-60R program. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The... Read more
9-Mar-2012Source: NSW Police
NSW Police have hosted a Helicopter Tactical Training Course, presented by a world-class tactical flight officer. The three-day ‘Kevin Means: Tactical Flying’ course was held in Parramatta between Monday (5 March 2012) and Wednesday (7 March 2012) and attended by Aviation Support Units from police forces across Australia. Kevin Means is regarded as the world’s... Read more
8-Mar-2012
Agricultural operations – helicopter hit powerlines... Read more
27-Feb-2012Source: Queensland Labor
A new Labor Government will invest $7.5 million over the next three years to provide a permanent police helicopter for the Gold Coast. Premier Anna Bligh said the trial of a police helicopter currently underway on the coast had proven the use of the aircraft was beneficial to fighting crime in the area. “In July... Read more
27-Feb-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics announced today that its Digital Audio System, the DVCS6100, was selected for the Royal Australian Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) program. The three (3) Bell 429s will be provided to the Royal Australian Navy’s through Raytheon Australia. The RMI program provides the Royal Australian Navy with supported aircraft to allow junior qualified... Read more
21-Feb-2012
During mustering operations, the helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot was not injured, however the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has appointed Airflite Pty Ltd. to provide sales representation covering the Australian and New Zealand regions. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp Airflite Pty Ltd,is an Australian company with headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. Airflite will support sales initiatives on the S-76® and S-92® helicopters, with a focus on... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: FTA
FTA is delighted to announce that Derek Pratt has been appointed as the new Helicopter Chief Flying Instructor for FTA. On making the appointment, Pine Pienaar, FTA’s CEO, said ‘Derek’s appointment further strengthens our ability to provide the legislative and operational oversight for our ever expanding helicopter business. Derek has been with FTA since August... Read more
10-Feb-2012Source: TracPlus Global
TracPlus Global is proud to announce that theNational Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) of Australia has renewed their AFAMS data integration contract with TracPlus Global. The contract, first issued in 2010, Â saw the establishment of the Australian Fire Aircraft Monitoring System (AFAMS) which intregrates tracking data from all contracted firefighting aircraft and deliveres it in... Read more
8-Feb-2012Source: Cirrus
Cirrus Managing Director Mr. Peter Freed has announced that Cirrus has delivered a Helicopter Control Officer Simulation Trainer (HCOTS) to helicopter specialists Prism Defence under a contract awarded in July 2011. The HCOTS is based on Cirrus’ Simulation Training Network and Sensor Simulation Engine (STN & SSE) technologies – these technologies have also provided the... Read more
6-Feb-2012Source: Raytheon Australia
Raytheon Australia has announced the beginning of acceptance activities of its first Bell 429 helicopters to be utilised under the Royal Australian Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative 2 (RMI 2) Program. The Retention and Motivation Initiative provides the Navy with supported aircraft to allow junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills prior to... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: ABC
Mick Wilson, 41, was being winched to an injured canyoner at Carrington Falls on December 24 when the cable was cut and the paramedic fell to his death. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says it has completed examinations into the helicopter and winch and found that neither could have contributed to the accident. (see full... Read more
4-Feb-2012
Crashed during take off, subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. Passenger named as film maker Mike DeGruy and pilot was the aircraft owner, Andrew Wight, of Great Wight Productions P/L.... Read more
2-Feb-2012Source: Australian MoD
Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) fleet of Chinooks has increased to seven following the arrival of two additional CH-47D Chinook helicopters in Townsville. In November last year, the Government approved the purchase of the two ex-United States Army Chinooks following the loss of one ADF Chinook on operations... Read more
27-Jan-2012Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia today named the Eurocopter EC135 as the preferred platform for their bid on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Project AIR 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS). “Boeing and Thales’ individual expertise and shared strengths, as well as a strong working relationship... Read more
25-Jan-2012
During the return from crop spraying operations, the engine lost power, resulting in a forced landing. The pilot was not injured, however the helicopter caught fire and was destroyed.... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: Australian Dept of Defence
Army’s Black Hawk helicopters have returned to full flying operations following the lifting of the recent suspension. The suspension was put in place on 19 January following the identification of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check. The Commander of Forces Command, Major General Michael Slater, as the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority... Read more
23-Jan-2012
The pilot of the Robinson R44 took avoiding action when the Piper PA-28 passed in close proximity. No radio broadcasts were heard from the PA-28 and the pilot did not respond to radio calls.... Read more
22-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The Australian Army has temporarily grounded its thirty Black Hawks after fractured bolts were found during routine maintenance.  “The precautionary suspension will remain in place to allow an investigation into the cause of the fracture to be completed,” Colonel Stephen Evans (Acting Director-General of Aviation) said. Three Black Hawks currently operating for in East Timor... Read more
19-Jan-2012
Crime Reporter for ABC News Perth reported this on Twitter “Helicopter pilot makes emergency landing in paddock near Forrestdale Lakes. All on board safe. #perthnews“... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Lone Eagle Aviation Services
Lone Eagle Aviation Services, one of the largest helicopter operators in North Australia, launches its website, www.loneeagle.com.au, to showcase their fleet of aircrafts and for easy accessibility of their clients. Featuring a gallery of their helicopters and services offered, their online site provides clients a view of what they can look forward to with Lone... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: The Australian
Milton Jones is going to the High Court to block air safety investigators from viewing uncut footage allegedly showing him piloting a helicopter after drinking alcohol, leaving children at an aircraft’s controls and unlawfully taking crocodile eggs from their nests. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: SLSWA
Surf Life Saving WA’s new Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has commenced patrols of Perth’s metropolitan coast. The aircraft arrived last week from New Zealand and was purchased by SLSWA who have now moved to an owner operator model for the service, thanks to the philanthropic support of Tim Roberts. “The assistance and support of Tim... Read more
3-Jan-2012
After takeoff, the helicopter lost power and the pilot made a forced landing. The helicopter rolled onto its side and was destroyed in a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries.... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: US DoD
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $103,500,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-09-G-0005) for mission avionics and common cockpit non-recurring engineering, program support, and associated efforts required for the production and delivery of 24 MH-60R helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy under the Foreign... Read more
24-Dec-2011
During winch operations, something occurred at the bottom of the line which has necessitated the cutting of the winch line and releasing it from the helicopter. As a result, paramedic Michael Wilson on the end of the line received injuries from which he died. No implication on the helicopter itself, more about the environment.... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: ALAEA
Members would be aware that negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) for Engineers at Bristow Helicopters have recently commenced. The first EA meeting was held at the Bristow HQ in Perth on 22nd November and at this meeting the ALAEA and EC bargaining reps presented to the Company our bargaining claim. A further EA... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Aviation Business
Australian Aerospace has become the first civil helicopter maintenance training organisation in the Asia-Pacific region to successfully transition from the previous maintenance regulations and be granted approval to operate under Australia’s new and tougher maintenance safety regulations. (see full story)... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: Royal Australian Navy
Residents of Sydney, Canberra and the Shoalhaven had their last chance to see the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea King helicopters in the air today as they said farewell to the nation with a formation flypast. The formation launched from the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross in Nowra at 10:00am, proceeded north up the NSW... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Local defence manufacturer, Australian Aerospace, yesterday delivered the 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter), tail number 014, to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) – the second such handover in two weeks following signing of an agreement to overcome Program issues and ensure timely delivery of the world’s most advanced helicopters. Australian Aerospace’s production facility on Brisbane Airport... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Emergency single-engine landing after chip light illuminated. Aircraft was en route to pick up patient.... Read more
07-Sep-11
07-Sep-11
07-Sep-11
07-Sep-11
