17-Mar-2015Source: News
Ambulance helicopters will again be allowed to land at Royal Melbourne Hospital after a helipad was shut down due to nearby construction work. See Full Story... Read more
2-Mar-2015Source: PAG
Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry announced today that the company has obtained Part 145 approval from the Civil Aviation Service Authority (CASA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Australia after working closely with officials for the past 12 months.... Read more
2-Mar-2015Source: WA Today
Fiona Stanley Hospital management failed to finalise operating protocols for the RAC rescue helicopter to land at its new helipad, forcing a pilot to divert to nearby Jandakot Airport during an emergency airlift of two patients on Saturday. See Full Story... Read more
1-Mar-2015Source: RACQ CareFlight
RACQ CareFlight Rescue has airlifted a patient after he was bitten by what is believed to be a deadly Tiger Snake. The man in his 60s was struck on the left foot once while moving boxes in a shed at a property in Queensland’s South West. “The patient was initially treated on scene by QAS... Read more
1-Mar-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland and Australia’s Toll Group are pleased to announce the purchase of eight AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be operated to perform Emergency Medical Service (EMS) missions in the Southern Region of New South Wales from newly constructed bases in Bankstown (Sydney), Orange, Wollongong and from the existing base in Canberra as part... Read more
28-Feb-2015
During training operations, the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged, however both pilots were uninjured.... Read more
28-Feb-2015
Crashed into mudflats. Pilot out and OK.... Read more
26-Feb-2015Source: Airbus
Airbus Defence and Space has joined forces with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) of the Australian Ministry of Defence to improve the protection of wide-body aircraft and helicopters. In a joint development program they upgraded Airbus Defence and Space’s proven MILDS AN/AAR-60 Block II Missile Approach Warning system with a HFI (Hostile Fire... Read more
26-Feb-2015Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the delivery of two S-92® helicopters to Bond Helicopters Australia at the 2015 Avalon Airshow. Bond Helicopters Australia will operate a total of four S-92 helicopters, the first of its kind in this Australian fleet. Sikorsky will deliver the remaining two S-92 aircraft to Bond Helicopters Australia later this year.... Read more
24-Feb-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Following the issue of Emergency ADs over the weekend on all Robinson R44s with C016-7 “Dash 7” blades, new documentation has been issued by Australia and New Zealand with less onerous requirements. These helicopters are no longer grounded, but require inspection of the blades by the pilot before each and every flight. In issuing DCA/R44/32,... Read more
23-Feb-2015
Australia and New Zealand have prohibited Robinson R44 helicopters from further flight if they are fitted with main rotor blades with reference C016-7. This follows the fatal accident of an R44 in New Zealand last week from the fleet of Over The Top Helicopters, which killed one of their instructors and his 18 year old... Read more
17-Feb-2015Source: US DoD
Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded $10,464,556 for job order 0060 under previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00164-12-G-JQ66) for procurement of Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems Turret Units, electronic units and power converter units and data for the MH-60 Royal Australian Navy. This contract involves foreign military sales to Australia. The system is an airborne, electro-optic,... Read more
17-Feb-2015Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is delighted to announce that one of its apprentices has won a regional Apprentice of the Year award. James Clement (pictured), aged 23, who lives in Havant, has won the Outstanding Performance by a Final Year Apprentice award... Read more
11-Feb-2015
After landing, the pilot and passenger disembarked from the helicopter and left the engine running. The helicopter subsequently lifted off with nobody at the controls, and collided with terrain. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.... Read more
10-Feb-2015
During flight training, the helicopter collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries.... Read more
1-Feb-2015
After take-off, the helicopter lost lift and collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured.... Read more
28-Jan-2015Source: CASA
We repost in full the following advice from Australian regulator CASA Changes have been made to the flight crew licensing requirements for R22 and R44 helicopters, to make it easier for pilots operating these aircraft. New legislative instruments were registered on 5 January, with the following changes now in effect. The R22 and R44 are now... Read more
27-Jan-2015Source: Airbus
The first EC135 T2+ helicopter in a planned fleet of modern, twin-engine, rotary-wing aircraft being acquired by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for its new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), has successfully completed its first flight in Europe. Under the HATS project, a joint training scheme for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise some... Read more
23-Jan-2015
After take-off, the engine lost power and the pilot conducted a forced landing. The helicopter collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.... Read more
16-Jan-2015Source: SMH
NSW’s urban fire fighting force says it has been left under equipped after the state government decided to sell a helicopter used to battle extreme fires and rescue people from floodwaters. See Full Story... Read more
16-Jan-2015
While conducting aerial mustering at about 100 ft above ground level, the helicopter encountered a tailwind resulting in a high rate of descent. The helicopter collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured.... Read more
15-Jan-2015Source: Babcock
Following the acquisition of Avincis Group (Avincis) by Babcock International Group PLC (the Group) in May 2014, the process to integrate the business into the Group has progressed well and it is therefore appropriate to reflect this by taking the Babcock name. Avincis will therefore now become Babcock Mission Critical Services (Babcock). The local companies... Read more
9-Jan-2015
After taking off and clearing some trees, the helicopter began to lose rotor RPM and the pilot elected to land nearby. During the landing, the helicopter sustained some damage, but the helicopter remained upright and the pilot and passengers were uninjured. Helicopter was being used for a police search for a missing 23-year old who... Read more
6-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The State of Western Australia is currently without aerial law enforcement after both the Chief Pilot and Deputy Chief Pilot resigned, according to local press. The Western Australian added that “Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich denied last night the resignations were linked to personality clashes within the police Air Wing, despite rumours of tension and infighting”.... Read more
24-Dec-2014
During circuit training operations, the helicopter collided with terrain and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter was substantially damaged, however both pilots were uninjured.... Read more
22-Dec-2014Source: NSW Health
Contracts have been signed with the two preferred proponents to deliver the state’s new Helicopter Retrieval Network – one of the largest of its type in the world, Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced today. Mrs Skinner said the new network is made up of two regions, which will improve response times and deliver better patient... Read more
15-Dec-2014Source: SMH
The future of community helicopter rescue services in Queensland has been assured for a further 10 years. See Full Story... Read more
1-Dec-2014Source: NSW Police Force
The NSW Police Force has launched two new state-of-the-art additions to the Aviation Support Branch, PolAir 5 and PolAir 7. NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione, unveiled the new aircraft at the Aviation Support Branch at Bankstown Airport today (Sunday 30 November 2014). The Commissioner was joined by the Governor of NSW, His Excellency General... Read more
27-Nov-2014
Blown onto side in hail storm when parked on grass... Read more
27-Nov-2014
Tail boom damaged when parked inside hangar during a hail storm which ripped off the hangar doors... Read more
23-Nov-2014
The ATSB has commenced an investigation into a Forced landing and ground fire involving a Robinson R44, VH-YYS, 56 km E of Archer River, Queensland on 23 November 2014 During cruise, the pilot detected abnormal engine indications and received a low rotor RPM warning. He conducted a forced landing into long grass which was then... Read more
18-Nov-2014
The ATSB has commenced an investigation into a Collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22, registration VH-HPH, at Lavelle Station, Northern Territory on 18 November 2014. During air work at 1,000 feet, the tail rotor drive system failed. The helicopter commenced an uncommanded spiral and landed heavily. The pilot and passenger were not injured and... Read more
13-Nov-2014Source: Busselton Mail
The progress of a local helicopter company is at a stand still while the City of Busselton and owner can’t agree to terms. See Full Story... Read more
5-Nov-2014Source: 9News
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority cancelled the flight crew licences of Milton Jones, the star of short-lived Channel 10 reality program Keeping Up With the Joneses, after the show aired in 2011 due to regulation breaches, the Courier Mail reports. See Full Story... Read more
3-Nov-2014Source: Thales
Thales Australia and CareFlight Group (Qld) are set to launch Australia’s first AW139 civil helicopter training centre. Thanks to this partnership, the nation’s helicopter operators will benefit from world class full flight simulation training, tailored specifically to their air crew requirements. At the forefront of innovation in helicopter flight training, Thales’s Reality H Full Flight... Read more
31-Oct-2014Source: CASA
Mr Mark Skidmore AM has been appointed as the new Director of Aviation Safety at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The chairman of CASA’s Board Dr Allan Hawke AC announced the five year appointment today. Mr Skidmore has more than 30 years experience in both civilian and military aviation. “Mark Skidmore brings a wealth... Read more
28-Oct-2014
Helicopter clipped powerlines, causing it to crash. The accident caused a 30 acre grass fire... Read more
27-Oct-2014Source: Department of Defence
A modern helicopter training system for Navy and Army personnel has been approved by the Australian Government, Defence Minister Senator David Johnston announced today. Senator Johnston said the new training system would better prepare Navy and Army aircrew to transition to the ADF’s current combat helicopter fleet, as well as the advanced helicopters entering service... Read more
24-Oct-2014Source: The Chronicle
THE Federal Government has announced that some helicopter training will be pulled from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre and relocated to Nowra. See Full Story... Read more
17-Oct-2014Source: Gizmodo
Ordering a fancy Uber car with your phone and starting out at the plebs on in their normal cabs is already a pretty #firstworld experience, but Melbourne Uber users are about to take it to the next level on the weekend: you can order a helicopter with your phone to take you to the races.... Read more
14-Oct-2014Source: Bae Systems
The Australian Defence Forces recently concluded a highly successful trial of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWSTM) laser-guided rocket for use on its Army and Navy helicopters. The ground trial marks the first time the APKWS technology, which transforms a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70-millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided weapon, has been demonstrated... Read more
7-Oct-2014
The Bell 206 helicopter was conducting a passenger carrying charter flight with passengers and has collided with terrain on Mt Cook. The helicopter has rolled onto its side and there are two persons with serious injuries and two with minor injuries. One press report quotes the local Mayor saying that the helicopter was hovering close... Read more
2-Oct-2014Source: The Examiner
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois — affectionately dubbed the Huey — arrived yesterday on the back of a semi-trailer and Scottsdale RSL president Bruce Scott said that it would be taken to a secure location while its new home was being built. See full story... Read more
28-Sep-2014
“It appears the pilot had attempted a take-off, however clipped a tree on the way up which caused the helicopter to roll and crash,” police spokesman said. Pilot and his passenger/grandson not seriously injured... Read more
23-Sep-2014
While hovering to assess a potential landing site, the pilot received a LOW ROTOR RPM warning. The pilot then lowered the collective but the helicopter struck a tree and landed hard. Both occupants received minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
17-Sep-2014Source: AHIA
A recent NTSB report shows a US civilian accident rate of only 3.94 accidents per 100,000 hours. (A very good result). By comparison, the ATSB Transport Safety Report of October 2013 states our rate is10.8 accidents per 100,000 hours. Put simply, the FAA operators have an accident rate that is 2.74 times less than our CASA rotorcraft industry. The AHIA... Read more
14-Sep-2014
During the approach to a confined landing area, the pilot was alerted to an object to the left of the helicopter and while manoeuvring to avoid this object, the main rotor and tail rotor struck a tree. The pilot conducted a missed approach and after the subsequent landing, assessed the damage as minor and elected... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: Nautilus Aviation
The acquisition of Cape York Helicopters will broaden the diversity of Nautilus Aviation’s current operation and expand the current fleet of helicopters to 22. Nautilus Aviation continues to develop in to one of Australia’s leading rotary wing operators, providing exceptional customer service and raising industry standards. Aaron Finn, chief executive officer of Nautilus Aviation, has... Read more
4-Sep-2014Source: US DoD
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training, Owego, New York, is being awarded $8,879,035 for delivery order 4001 against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-14-G-0019) for non-recurring efforts for software modifications required for MH-60 Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS II) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast enhancements, including integration of the TAWS II software into... Read more
3-Sep-2014Source: The Australian
HELICOPTER operators will meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority representatives today in an 11th-hour attempt to resolve differences over new pilot licensing rules due to take effect next week. See Full Story... Read more
25-Aug-2014
During the ferry flight, the helicopter collided with terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by fire and the pilot died in the accident.... Read more
20-Aug-2014Source: The Murray Valley Standard
A final location for the Mannum hospital helipad is still up in the air with an agreement between the Mid Murray Council and Mannum Health Advisory Committee (HAC) yet to be reached. See Full Story... Read more
20-Aug-2014Source: The Recorder
Opening of Huey helicopter museum – Photos – See Full Story... Read more
20-Aug-2014
While conducting aerial agricultural operations, the helicopter struck a wire and subsequently collided with terrain. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries.... Read more
19-Aug-2014Source: Courier Mail
Iroquois aircraft are largely associated with the Vietnam War, but this helicopter was used in Egypt in the late 1970s for United Nations peacekeeping forces following the Arab-Israeli War until 1979, then used largely for the Australian Defence Force Helicopter School. See Full Story... Read more
14-Aug-2014Source: Airbus Group
North Queensland’s Nautilus Aviation has welcomed an Airbus Helicopters EC130 B4 as the newest member of its fleet of Airbus Helicopters aircraft.nautilus-112 The EC130 B4’s arrival continues Nautilus Aviation’s expansion since its beginning in 1988. Today, the company operates three Airbus Helicopters EC120s and one Airbus Helicopters EC130 B4 from their recently opened Cairns hangar,... Read more
13-Aug-2014Source: Morington Sanford Aviation
Richard Morington-Sanford visited CASA at oen fo their aviation training centres at Brisbane International Airport in Australia in the period 4th to 8th August 2014. Richard conducted theoretical and practical type training on the Robinson R22 and R44 for 19 of CASA’s maitenance field inspectors responsible for the continuing airworthiness maintenance standards throughout Australia. www.morningtonsanfordaviation.com... Read more
13-Aug-2014Source: Hawker Pacific
Hawker Pacific, the leading aircraft sales and product support company in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East has today announced a demonstration tour of a Bell 429EMS helicopter in EMS configuration across New Zealand and Australia – a first for the region. Arriving this week, the aero-medical configured helicopter will visit New Zealand in August... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: The Australian
Many of the claims made by the association were wide of the mark and do not reflect the close consultation CASA has been undertaking with the broader helicopter community, including association representatives. See full story... Read more
7-Aug-2014Source: ABC
The developers behind the $200 million Trinity Point Marina development have re-submitted plans for a helipad in Lake Macquarie despite community concerns about noise. “See Full Story“... Read more
4-Aug-2014Source: AHIA
Australian Helicopter Industry Association president Peter Crook has written to Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to request Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 61 not be implemented on September 1, only 20 working days from now. CASR Part 61 (Flight Crew Licensing) became law on February 14 last year with a start date of December 4 that year and a four-year transition period ending on December... Read more
1-Aug-2014Source: Royal Australian Navy
In the space of seven short months, NUSQN 725 has leapt from receiving their first MH-60R Romeo helicopters to firing the first Royal Australian Navy AGM-114 Hellfire missiles during a live fire exercise at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC) in the United States. It was smiles all round for the entire team,... Read more
21-Jul-2014Source: GO Light
An Australian pilot stands to revolutionise the global aviation industry with his world-first idea for a cockpit lighting system that could solve the problem of spatial disorientation. Pilot and businessman Russell Crane has received a provisional patent for the Green Orientation Light – or GO Light – a proposed system that some aviation safety experts... Read more
12-Jul-2014
While conducting a practice autorotation, the helicopter collided with terrain. The helicopter was substantially damaged and a pilot sustained serious injuries. As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview the pilot and gather additional information.... Read more
9-Jul-2014Source: ANAO
The Australian National Audit Office recently issued a report on their NH90 (known locally as ARH90) procurement program, and the contents give rise to a number of questions. See the summary or the full 232 page audit report... Read more
8-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
This order follows Australian Helicopters announcement in late April of the contract win. Five AW139s are needed, the sixth is assumed for maintenance cover. AgustaWestland and Australian Helicopters are pleased to announce the signature of a contract for AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters that will be operated for Ambulance Victoria under a 10 year agreement to... Read more
8-Jul-2014Source: KBR
KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today that it has been awarded an initial five-year contract (with options for four additional years) by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to provide the Capability Support Coordinator (CSC) services for the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. The CSC contract will provide configuration management, data management, maintenance monitoring, engineering... Read more
4-Jul-2014Source: Bristow
In preparation for the start of a new contract, Bristow’s Australia Business Unit (AUSBU) search and rescue (SAR) employees and CareFlight have been working together to become familiarized with the new equipment that will be used on Bristow aircraft. The training focuses on a variety of topics, and ensures that everyone involved will work as... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, is being awarded a $14,000,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order (#4004) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0004). This order provides for non-recurring efforts to incorporate the Engineering Change Proposal 4330AU into the Royal Australian Navy MH-60R aircraft for the government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales Program. In addition,... Read more
1-Jul-2014
Brisbane now has its own police helicopter, with Queensland Police unveiling its new eye in the sky. See full story... Read more
24-Jun-2014Source: Victoria Police
Three Airwing officers will receive commendations for courage following a daring mid-air rescue in Bass Strait last year. The trio, Constable Peter Dillon and Leading Senior Constables Mark Weekley and Bradley Pascoe, responded to a mayday call from a stricken Russian yacht stuck in stormy seas on 19 April. A 47-year-old Russian sailor was en... Read more
20-Jun-2014
While conducting sling load operations, the load at the end of the long line became tangled. The pilot attempted to land the helicopter, however when at about 10 ft above ground level, the line pulled tight. The pilot was unable to release the line, and the helicopter collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: Caboolture News
The chief pilot of Becker Helicopters has labelled some councillors as “piss-weak, rank amateurs”, after a vote to exclude helicopter training schools from the region’s airports passed 7-3. See full story... Read more
16-Jun-2014Source: ABC
The facility, to be built near HMAS Albatross south of Nowra, will be used to maintain 24 of the Royal Australian Navy’s new Seahawk Romeo helicopters. See full story... Read more
10-Jun-2014Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Financial Services, the leasing division of Vector Aerospace Corporation (“Vector”), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service, is pleased to announce the extension of leasing and support agreements for two (2) Vector-owned AS332L helicopters with Bond Helicopters Australia (Bond). “The Vector team understands the level of support our operations... Read more
