5-Dec-2011
During flying training, the helicopter rolled over and subsequently impacted the ground. The two occupants were uninjured but the helicopter was seriously damaged.... Read more
1-Dec-2011
In a formal ceremony at the company’s facility in Brisbane, chief executive Dr Jens Goennemann said it was a great day for Australian Army Aviation, the ADF and Australian Aerospace. (see full story)... Read more
30-Nov-2011
We are receiving initial reports of a Black Hawk making an emergency landing in Headen Park on the northern outskirts of Sydney.  It was en route to Newcastle when a warning light came on. No damage, no injuries... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: CASA
Extract from the CASA Director of Aviation Safety’s monthly briefing:- The unmanned aircraft systems sector is to get better regulatory support. CASA has set up a project to review the rules currently covering unmanned aircraft systems and to develop a package of new guidance material. Six advisory circulars will be published to guide both the... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Rio Tinto’s sponsorship of $1M a year over the next 10 years will be in addition to what the State Government provides. EMQ are looking at using the first year of the Rio Tinto funds to increase the fuel capacity (and thus range) of their three AW139s. (see full story) Photos reproduced with prior permission... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: 9 News
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said on Monday the project had experienced delays of some two years with a risk of further delays and recently one aircraft suffered a major engine failure. (see full story)... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Two critically injured in crash of amateur-construction Safari helicopter. Rescuers had to pull pilot/owner Neville Walker from the wreckage after he suffered a heart attack.... Read more
28-Nov-2011Source: CASA
Special flight safety checks are being carried out at 15 aerodromes across South Australia in early December 2011. The checks are being conducted for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to make sure flight paths at the aerodromes continue to be safe. Checks will be conducted at: Adelaide, Cleve, Edinburgh, Kimba, Kingscote, Olympic Dam, Leigh Creek,... Read more
27-Nov-2011
During an approach to land, the low RPM light and warning horn activated and the helicopter made a hard landing.... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
With European EASA and Canadian TC certification of the R66 causing issues for customers in those countries, Australia is forging ahead with deliveries and there are now nine R66s registered there with CASA. The last six of these demonstrate a bit of trend – serial numbers 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 and 78 form an... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Heliflite
This month Heliflite was pleased to deliver a new R66 Turbine helicopter to The Salvation Army for its dedicated Outback Flying Service which is based in Mt Isa, Queensland. The new R66 Turbine will be primarily operated to support remote outback communities and stations in central and north Queensland which covers an extraordinary 800,000 square... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: ABC
The Health and Community Services Union’s Tim Jacobson says the $3.20 an hour members get on top of a base wage for helicopter shifts is not enough to recognise the extra training and work. (see full story)... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: Australian Flying
Hawker Pacific has added the Bell 429 Helicopter to its Bell Helicopter Customer Service Facility (CSF) at Bankstown Airport. (see full story)... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Herald Sun
Victoria State Government will save $3 million by dumping a giant firefighting helicopter in a move the firefighters’ union slammed as the most irresponsible decision in two decades. (see full story)... Read more
7-Nov-2011
During mustering operations, the main rotor blade struck the ground resulting in the helicopter coming to rest on its side.... Read more
1-Nov-2011Source: The Courier
THE state government is considering building the Ballarat Base Hospital helipad over Mair Street, as a structure similar to the one that exists at Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital. (see full story and poll)... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: Australian Aviation
The first two of 24 Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin MH-60R naval helicopters being acquired for the Royal Australian Navy under Air 9000 Phase 8 could be delivered as early as December 2013, according to Lockheed Martin (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: ABC
Western Australia’s State Government has announced helicopter shark patrols will begin along Perth beaches today, following three fatal shark attacks in WA in the past two months. Premier Colin Barnett says the Government will fund the helicopter for the next few weeks. This is a temporary arrangement until Surf Lifesaving’s helicopter arrives in the first... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Whitsunday Times
RACQ CareFlight are flying high after a $300,000 sponsorship deal was announced by mining company New Hope Coal (see full story)... Read more
10-Oct-2011
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority will get a state-of-the-art $4 million aerial command and control helicopter with the latest technology to battle the upcoming fire season. Heliwest are the chosen supplier with a Bo105. (Full story)... Read more
10-Oct-2011Source: Gold Coast City Council
A new police eye in the sky has taken a major step forward after the successful tender for a six month police helicopter trial was announced today. Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said Heliwest would operate a single gas turbine Bell R206 Longranger that would provide police with aerial surveillance capabilities. “Today’s announcement represents a... Read more
29-Sep-2011
During aerial mustering, the helicopter’s tail rotor collided with a tree and the helicopter landed heavily. The helicopter sustained serious damage.... Read more
16-Sep-2011Source: Australian MoD
A second diagnostic review of the MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program will begin next week, Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said today. This follows a review conducted in April which recommended that Defence work with the contractor, Australian Aerospace, to implement a remediation plan. At that time, Mr Clare said a second review would... Read more
14-Sep-2011Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Australia’s Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue research and development of clean, sustainable alternative aviation fuels. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Australian Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley signed the agreement today.... Read more
14-Sep-2011
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. agreed to settle Australian insurance claims stemming from a 2005 crash by a Royal Australian Navy helicopter in Indonesia in which nine people were killed. (see full story)... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Courier Mail
A high-speed car chase that allegedly saw a stolen yellow Porsche Boxster hit speeds of more than 150km/h underlines the need for a police helicopter for the Gold Coast, police say. See full story and video... Read more
11-Sep-2011Source: Heliflite
Heliflite is pleased to announce two new Robinson helicopter deliveries from its Western Australian helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport. Heliflite was proud to deliver a new R22 Beta II to Mark Bettini of “De Grey Stationâ€, who runs a family owned cattle property northeast of Port Hedlan. This is the second helicopter... Read more
9-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Sunshine Coast Airport in Ausralia’s state of Queensland is preparing to create new helipads to move the noise signature of rotary wing movements away from the east side of the airport, thus reducing the environmental impact on residential neighbours in the Pacific Paradise and Mudjimba areas. Major Projects Councillor Debbie Blumel said that the installation... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The ATSB has begun investigation AO-2011-110 following the crash of AS350B VH-RDU earlier today. The helicopter was being operated by Cairns based Heli Charters on a task linked to a communications tower on Double Mountain, near Shoalwater Bay in Queensland. Police reported that two of the three occupants died in the crash, with the third... Read more
8-Sep-2011
The helicopter was reported by a passenger to have crashed while conducting a communications tower maintenance task. The police have advised that of the 3 POB there are two deceased and one injured.... Read more
3-Sep-2011
The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger received minor injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. Pilot reported as Matthew Charles Wilson, 37, and his 23-year-old male passenger, an Irish backpacker working for a survey company, was seriously injured... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: ATSB
Incident referred to is in HeliHub.com accident data at 28-Aug-11 YJ-HEL Hughes 369D South Malakula, Vanuatu (1F) On 29 August 2011, the ATSB was notified by the Vanuatu Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of an accident that occurred on the island of Maleluka, Vanuatu on 26 August 2011 and involved Hughes 369D helicopter, registered YJ-HEL. It... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: Australian MoD
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today released the Request for Tender for the sale of the Navy’s remaining Sea King Helicopters. The Request for Tender includes: Five complete helicopters; Three airframes; A simulator; and Associated unique equipment and parts. “The Sea Kings will be withdrawn from service in December 2011,†Mr Clare said. “They’ve... Read more
30-Aug-2011Source: SEI Industries
SEI Industries Ltd. announces the retirement of a dedicated and long-term sales distributor in Australia. Kevin Gosling of Gosling & Associates was SEI’s exclusive sales representative in Australia for more than 20 years. GAAM Emergency Products is the new Australian distributor for SEI’s aerial firefighting Bambi Bucket including the prescribed burning and controlled burn Fire... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: Sikorsky
SHELTON, Connecticut – Sikorsky Helitech, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, announced today the signing of an agreement with FlightSafety International to provide maintenance training for customers in the Asia Pacific area. The three- year agreement is the first of its kind to offer Pratt & Whitney Canada Aircraft Engine maintenance... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Leading WA-based helicopter company Heliwest has won a long-term contract to provide emergency response services to Western Power in the southern half of the state. Heliwest already provides scheduled inspection flight services to Western Power and has now added emergency response flying to its operations. Heliwest chief pilot Captain Ashley Williams said the contract specified... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Standard
A Department of Planning and Community Development review of helicopter landing sites wants to ease the requirements for operators. The review suggests a permit should not be required where the hours of helicopter operation and frequency are limited and where there is a one-kilometre setback from a sensitive use. (Full story) Photo shows the Twelve... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it will use a Helimod helicopter simulator leased from Ryan Aerospace to help train Australian Army pilots to fly Bell 206B-1 Kiowa helicopters. Delivery is expected before the end of this year. “Under our Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract, Boeing has traditionally taught students to fly... 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
12-Aug-2011Source: Kelvin Hughes
Kelvin Hughes has developed an innovative helicopter landing solution on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy. The dedicated short range helicopter control radar (SRHCR) has recently passed factory acceptance testing and will now be integrated into the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks being built by BAE Systems Australia and Navantia. It’s expected that the ships will... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: ABC
Nauru government spokesman Rod Henshaw said the pilot, based on board a Taiwanese fishing vessel, was arrested by police when he landed on the beach near the island’s main supermarket. (Full story)... Read more
28-Jul-2011
During the cruise the helicopter experienced vibration, followed by a loud bang. The pilot conducted an autorotation and contacted the ground heavily. The helicopter was substantially damaged. There were no reported injuries.... Read more
27-Jul-2011
48-year-old Jill Jenyns was believed to be returning from mustering cattle when she crashed fatally into a sand hill on a trip from Big Rock Dam to her homestead at Brooking Springs Station near Fitzroy Crossing.... Read more
26-Jul-2011
The Gold Coast City Council voted unanimously to commit $500,000 to a six-month police helicopter trial. The State Government and Queensland Police Service also announced 50 uniformed officers would be brought in from other police regions for a one-month blitz on criminal and anti-social behaviour.... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: ATSB
You can now get the latest ATSB news and updates via our Twitter account:Â @ATSBinfo. We will use Twitter to tell you about a range of activities and initiatives, including: new and updated investigations investigation and research report releases new safety awareness products. Some things to keep in mind The ATSB will not guarantee responding to... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: ATSB
Robinson R22 helicopter pilots are being cautioned of a drive belt risk following a fatal accident in north-west Queensland. On 9 May 2011, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter crashed after its drive belts failed during mustering operations near Julia Creek (the drive belts transmit engine power to the helicopter’s main and tail rotor blades).... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: BAE Systems
WILLIAMSTOWN, Australia – The Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) at BAE Systems in Williamstown for the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) project is now complete. BAE Systems, Saab and L-3 Communications (L-3) completed the installation in July 2011 as a key milestone in the development of the integrated combat and communications systems. Director BAE Systems Maritime Business... Read more
25-Jul-2011
Bryan Law 57 from Cairns Peace by Peace and Graeme Dunstan, 67 of Peace Bus were both arrested and placed in custody after being allegedly involved with damaging a Tiger attack helicopter at Rockhampton airport on Thursday. Law will face five charges in a Rockhampton court on August 5, including two counts of wilful damage,... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Brisbane Times
The Gold Coast needs a police helicopter to fight crime and the council might help fund it, Mayor Ron Clarke says. Mr Clarke will today ask councillors to vote on a plan to partially fund a six-month trial. (Full story)... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Brisbane Times
The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia, which represents the aviation companies involved in firefighting, crop spraying and oil-spill clean-ups, warned the carbon tax was a “direct attack” on the industry for “absolutely no benefit”. Adding six cents a litre to aviation fuel, chief execctive Philip Hurst said that companies will struggle with the price hike... Read more
22-Jul-2011
Crashed and burned in bushland. Rescuers had to abseil 10m cliff to reach crash site. Pilot named as Colin Greenwood, age 35, and passenger was the helicopter’s owner Bruce Campbell, aged 65... Read more
21-Jul-2011
Helicopter attacked by peace activist while parked at Rockhampton Airport. See also our story here... Read more
21-Jul-2011
While taxiing at Port Keats airport, the helicopter collided with a light pole and rolled onto its side. The crew, passengers and a person on the ground sustained minor injuries.... Read more
6-Jul-2011Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Battles to establish a permanent heliport in Sydney have flared since the early 1980s when the heliport at Darling Harbour was removed in the redevelopment of the old rail yards. (Full story)... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Quickstep
Quickstep is now set to progress negotiations on its MOU with Sikorsky, following the Australian Government’s recent award of the Air 9000 Phase 8 naval helicopter contract to team Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky. The award of the contract to Lockheed/Sikorsky was a key pre-condition for the MOU Quickstep signed with Sikorsky during the Avalon Airshow in March 2011, intended to... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: HelicopterBuyer
HelicopterBuyer, Inc. has sourced two new 2011 Bell 412 EP helicopters for an Australian client. The sale was a result of their exclusive helicopter brokerage services for Toll Remote Logistics, Pty. Ltd. based in Essendon. Mark V. Clancy, president and CEO of HelicopterBuyer, stated “We have been working with Toll Remote Logistics for an extended... Read more
26-Jun-2011Source: Centroc
“I was surprised and concerned to see that Central NSW does not have a 24 hour helicopter medical retrieval service,†said Cr Phyllis Miller, Chair of Centroc and Mayor of Forbes. “The current contract CHC Helicopters has with Ambulance NSW for medical retrieval services by helicopter is for 12 hours a day and only during... Read more
20-Jun-2011
CHC Helicopter have launched operations in Australia by providing helicopter services for Woodside Energy’s Australian operations. In June, three EC225 aircraft began operations for Woodside based out of Karratha and Broome, with a fourth aircraft starting service in August 2011 out of the third Woodside base, Exmouth. The Woodside Energy contract, a five-year agreement plus... Read more
20-Jun-2011
Helicopter involved in agricultural work. Wire strike took out electricity in East Palmerston. Initial reports sketch as to whether wires were cause or effect... Read more
17-Jun-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Australian Aerospace today underlined its long-term commitment to the nation’s helicopter industry, in the wake of the Federal Government’s decision not to purchase the company’s NH90 NFH under Air 9000 Phase 8. Dr Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer Australian Aerospace said the company was disappointed with the decision, but has existing assembly and maintenance contracts... Read more
17-Jun-2011
A Bell 412 previously operated by New York Police Department has completed the trip from New York via Korea to Australia – See article... Read more
17-Jun-2011Source: Sikorsky
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy today announced the Commonwealth of Australia has selected the MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopter to fulfill the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 9000 Phase 8 requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. The Commonwealth will acquire the helicopters with associated training and logistical support via the U.S. Government’s Foreign... Read more
16-Jun-2011Source: Stock & Land
Yamaha’s Liam Quigley believes there is “a strong role†for the Rmax to be used anywhere for work that is “dull, dirty or dangerous†using a small spray boom to treat 7.7m wide swaths on each pass across a paddock. See article... Read more
15-Jun-2011Source: Partech Systems
Partech Systems is proud to announce it has been awarded a contract by Australian Aerospace Limited for an upgrade to MRH90 Software Support Centre, which will be expanded if the NFH90 (NATO Frigate Helicopter) is chosen for the Air 9000 Phase 8 tender. Partech, as leaders in the field of Avionics Test Equipment, was the... Read more
13-Jun-2011Source: Australian DoD
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare was at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra to announce that Sea King Shark 07 would be preserved at the Museum given the significant role the Sea King has played in Naval Aviation over the last 36 years. “The Sea King has served our nation well over the... Read more
12-Jun-2011
Precautionary landing.  Aircraft shut down without further incident in accordance with standard emergency procedures.  No personnel were injured during the incident. Being investigated by maintenance personnel from 817 Squadron.... Read more
3-Jun-2011
During a flight with two occupants on board, the helicopter collided with terrain and minor injuries were sustained. They activated a search beacon and were picked up by the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter... Read more
2-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Government of Australia’s New South Wales state has announced that a new Au$40 million helicopter testing facility will be built at Nowra, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Deputy premier Andrew Stoner and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock announced on Thursday that Nowra would be the site for the new facility, the first... Read more
1-Jun-2011
Four injured after helicopter hit powerlines and crashed into a field. Onboard were a charter pilot, two Queensland government employees and a Cairns Regional Council employee who were conducting aerial surveys of the area.... Read more
27-May-2011Source: Ryan Aerospace
Come and see the Helimod Helicopter Simulator at SimTect next week with a Bell 206 module attached. We will also be previewing a Kiowa variant. Dates: 30 May – 2 June 2011 (Exhibition is from 31 May – 2 June) Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Site: 37 City: Melbourne, Australia The Helimod is gaining... Read more
26-May-2011
Business growth has led to Commercial Helicopters, who are based at Mudgee Airport, to increase their fleet of 12 aircraft with the arrival of two Bell 212 helicopters on Monday. The pair were purchased from the Korean Government VIP flight.... Read more
26-May-2011Source: ABC
The commission has heard many communities struggled to access helicopters during the flood crisis. Dr Mark Elcock, a senior officer with the state’s emergency helicopter network, said there should be an ‘overarching’ group, which knows where all helicopters are and can deploy them more appropriately.... Read more
19-May-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Burbank Group of Australia has placed an order for one AW109 Power light twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform corporate transport missions. The contract also includes an option for one GrandNew light twin helicopter. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business unit, AgustaWestland... Read more
13-May-2011
Type not confirmed, crashed and burst into flames. A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the pilot, Peter Woodland (aged 64), managed to escape from the helicopter before it burst into flames.... Read more
10-May-2011Source: Snowy Hydro
At the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Gala Ball held at the National Convention Centre on Saturday night, Snowy Hydro Limited Managing Director, Mr Terry Charlton, announced a new 5 year, major sponsorship contract worth $2.5 million. Mr Terry Charlton said, at the function, attended by more than 500 people: “There could be no better way to... Read more
07-Sep-11
07-Sep-11
02-Sep-11
