6-Mar-2013Source: Becker Avionics
The Sacramento Metro Fire Air Operations unit recently received a grant to upgrade its avionics and selected the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control system for one of its UH-1 multi-mission helicopters. The aircraft is currently undergoing an avionics upgrade at Advanced Helicopter Services (AHS) facility in Woodland, CA-near Sacramento. The popular Becker DVCS6100... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today introduced an upgrade to one of the company’s most versatile and reliable helicopters – the new Bell 412EPI. The upgrade improves the Bell 412EP platform with the Bell BasiX ProTM fully integrated glass flight deck, which provides critical flight information at a glance for greater situational... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), introduced today at HELI-EXPO 2013 the new Bell 407GT, the armed version of the Bell 407GX, its state-of-the-art light commercial helicopter. The commercially qualified Bell 407GT incorporates the performance and reliability of the Bell 407 platform with the Garmin G1000HTM flight deck, providing critical flight information at... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: BAE Systems
BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS®) is headed for a new platform. A Bell Helicopter test pilot fired seven APKWS 70-millimeter rockets from a Bell Helicopter 407GT at Yuma, Arizona, as part of a qualification of the weapon’s safety and suitability on that platform. By completing the guided shots, Bell has qualified the... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Bristow Academy
Bristow Academy announced today an agreement with Aero Dynamix to use Aero Dynamix night vision systems to enhance its night vision training program, as well as offer the installation of Aero Dynamix night vision systems to its customers worldwide. Both companies are industry leaders in night vision applications – Bristow Academy in rotary pilot training... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), is pleased to announce a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the Bell 206L/LR helicopter. The IBF provides critical year-round engine protection in all environments, from typical ramp operations to off-airport and remote... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
BLR Aerospace opens Heli-Expo 2013 with 600 FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability Systems sold to date, and a rapidly expanding military presence. Overall, the company continues to deliver strong growth. Sales increased over 30 percent in 2012, and BLR’s global military footprint skyrocketed with large fleet-wide conversion sales to Colombia, Peru, Pakistan, and the... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: ASU
ASU announced today that they received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Bell 205A-1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new STC was completed for the San Diego Sherriff’s Department. This aircraft will be used for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement and hoist equipmen. “This is the seventh aircraft modification... Read more
3-Mar-2013Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International announces that it now offers training for Bell Helicopter operators at its newly expanded Learning Center in Dallas, Texas. “The relocation of our Bell Helicopter training programs to the Dallas Learning Center will significantly enhance the service our Customers receive and further increase the quality and value we provide,” said David Davenport, Senior... Read more
3-Mar-2013Source: Ravco
Eight Foreign National military pilots graduated with flying colors today from RAVCO’s inaugural Spanish language mountain helicopter course at its Leadville Mountain/High Altitude Training and Test Site. The three week training program featured advanced instruction and techniques flying in some of most technical and demanding flying environments available in the United States. “This is graduate... Read more
3-Mar-2013
Bird strike to side of helicopter very shortly after night take-off... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Bell 429 has earned Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) type acceptance to operate in Israel, as well as approval to fly at an increased maximum gross weight of 7,500 lbs. Israel marks the sixteenth country to approve the increased maximum gross weight.... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will showcase a number of aircraft and program updates at HELI-EXPO 2013, the world’s largest helicopter trade show and exposition, hosted by Helicopter Association International (HAI) in Las Vegas March 5-7. Bell Helicopter invites show attendees to its opening event on March 5, at 11:30 a.m., where... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: Astronics
Astronics Corporation’s Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system has received approval by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for retrofit installation in Bell B206B/206L-4/407 helicopters. Astronics Executive Vice President Elliott Troutman said, “Astronics concurs with Bell Helicopter’s assessment that China will be the world’s strongest helicopter growth market with a need for 2,000 aircraft during the... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: HFI
At HELI-EXPO 2013, Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is proud to again feature a Heritage of Helicopters display in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. HFI has secured the loan of these historic aircraft from several museums and foundations, and curators from these museums will speak about their respective rotorcraft and their unique... Read more
28-Feb-2013
WCAU-TV, the NBC owned and operated station in Philadelphia, has rolled out a newly-added LongRanger 4 (see full story). HeliHub.com editor note – this is a 2004-build aircraft, operated by Helicopters Inc... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: STS Component
STS Component Solutions is pleased to announce the expansion of their service and support offerings into the helicopter and business jet markets. This growth is a result of the development of some new OEM partnerships that have been established with the Donaldson Company, Skurka Aerospace and Esterline Mason in addition to increasing our current portfolio... Read more
25-Feb-2013Source: Bell
Four weeks ago, HeliHub.com ran two stories on Bell 429s being delivered into Nigeria Jan 23 –Nigerian Police receive a Bell 429 Jan 24 –First EMS Bell 429 arrives in Nigeria for NEMA And then on Friday February 22nd, Bell issued the following:- Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery... Read more
25-Feb-2013
Helicopter from Minot AFB made emergency landing, which injured two of the five occupants... Read more
24-Feb-2013Source: Scott’s – Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) announced today a change of leadership related to the successful completion of their start-up phase, after acquisition of the Bell 47 Type Certificates in 2010. Chris Meyer, formerly of Northwest Airlines Corp, has been appointed General Manager of SB47, and Neil Marshall is departing from his full time role... Read more
21-Feb-2013Source: LA Times
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Acton this month had his pilot privileges suspended twice in the last decade, according to FAA records (see full story). Details on the accident referred to can be found at 10-Feb-13 N59518 Bell 206B Acton, US-California (3F)... Read more
21-Feb-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has validated the Bell 429 for operation in Nigeria and endorsed the Bell 429 gross weight increase to 3402 kg (7,500 lbs.). Nigeria is the fifteenth country to approve the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: Cadorath Aerospace
Cadorath Aerospace announcedit’s development of 178 new Bell Helicopter repairs in 2012. The Cadorath Aerospace design and engineering department continues to develop approved repairs for the Bell Helicopter line numbering close to a total of 900 repairs now available. Cadorath Aerospace completed a long list of new extended repairs throughout 2012 on the Bell Helicopter... Read more
19-Feb-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), revealed its exhibitor booth on opening day at the IDEX Air Show in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Bell Helicopter prominently displayed 1/10th scale models of a V-22 Osprey, AH-1Z, 407AH and UH-1Y in its booth, in addition to a UH-1Y Yankee utility helicopter on static display. A new... Read more
18-Feb-2013
Ted McBride, 74, died after contact with a power line during agricultural operations... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
South African operator Starlite Aviation are leasing in two Bell 412s from Falcon Aviation Services in the UAE, with delivery expected imminently. The pair have been leased in for an initial twelve months to support an offshore oil exploration contract off the coast of Namibia, starting in March 2013. They will initially be based at... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)
Check out our new Helicopter Flashcards for the Robinson R22 and TH-67 training helicopters. Civilian and military students, instructors, and pilots of all levels will find these flashcards serve to greatly facilitate memorization and understanding of the systems and functions of each aircraft. The R22 Helicopter Flashcards Study Guide contains nearly 400 flashcards covering the... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: Arizona Daily Sun
Flagstaff Medical Center’s air arm is stepping in to help with search and rescue missions in northern Arizona at a time when the state Department of Public Safety’s Flagstaff-based helicopter is grounded much of the time due to budget constraints. (see full story) Editor note – the helicopter at this hospital is a Bell 407... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: Meridian Helicopters
Meridian Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Cadorath Group, has moved into a new facility in Lafayette, Louisiana. Meridian Helicopters provides reworked parts distribution support, consulting, brokering and technical support for the global Bell Helicopter network. “Our new facility provides us the ability to have five helicopters in progress at any one time. Meridian Helicopters business... Read more
15-Feb-2013
Five POB – pilot and four tourists, including two from Ukraine. No injuries... Read more
14-Feb-2013
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement with LifeFlight Eagle for the supply of two Bell 407GX aircraft. LifeFlight Eagle will utilize the helicopters to transport critically ill and injured persons in the Kansas City, MO area. “Our current fleet of Bell 407’s has demonstrated a high degree of safe,... Read more
14-Feb-2013Source: US Marine Corps
Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter 269 bid fair winds and following seas to the UH-1N Huey as it completely transition to the new up-to-date model UH-1Y Huey, Feb. 5. The squadron held a “sundown” ceremony for the aircraft to commemorate its final flight with the squadron. Col. Scott S. Jensen, Marine Aircraft Group 29... Read more
14-Feb-2013Source: US Marine Corps
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 provided command and control functions as well as strike and escort support during an exercise for various 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing assets Jan. 31. The exercise was conducted to prepare Marines for the Weapons and Tactics Instructors course, where pilots from every branch of Marine aviation learn how to... Read more
14-Feb-2013
Four injured in emergency landing in a garden. Pilot Eduardo Augusto Ospina was flying three military personnel – mobile brigade commander 29, Colonel Carlos Salamanca; Corporal Hector Fabio Sogamoso, and professional soldier Jaider Cardenas Posso.... Read more
14-Feb-2013
Substantially damaged after tail rotor failure... Read more
13-Feb-2013Source: RSG
In December 2012, RSG received its first two Bell 429s for completion at their Fort Worth, Meacham Field location. The first 429 will departed in January for a Latin American customer and the second will depart for Europe this month after a signature, first class RSG completion treatment. The aircraft arrived green from Bell’s, Mirabel... Read more
11-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization has recently published details of an application from Bell for “An aft-loading aircraft with a twin T-tail assembly is provided. In one example embodiment, the aft-loading aircraft includes a fuselage portion having an aft opening with a cargo door, a first and second vertical stabilizer attached to the fuselage... Read more
11-Feb-2013
Substantially damaged in force landing – helicopter ended up on its side. Aerowest Helicopters operating for New Mexico Dept of of Game and Fish. All three occupants injured – one Game & Fish officer, one veterinarian and the helicopter pilot reported minor injuries.... Read more
10-Feb-2013
Three killed when a JetRanger went down at 3.42am on a reality TV shoot on a remote ranch. Helicopter had been supplied via Crossbow Helicopters, who act as brokers between film companies and helicopter operators. Photos posted of this 206 on Orbic Air’s website (example) in the last few weeks indicate that it carried their... Read more
10-Feb-2013
Helicopter destroyed per FAA data... Read more
6-Feb-2013Source: Canadian military
The Flight Safety Investigative Report and Epilogue of the fatal air accident involving the Griffon helicopter CH146434 that occurred on July 6, 2009, near Kandahar Air Field, is now available on the Air Force Directorate of Flight Safety website. The Flight Safety Investigative Report describes factual data and includes a comprehensive analysis of all factors... Read more
6-Feb-2013
DeSoto County Sheriff is buying a 1976-build Bell Jet Ranger helicopter from the Georgia State Highway Patrol (see full story) File photo... Read more
5-Feb-2013Source: US DoD
PKL Services Inc.,* Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $16,321,932 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for reset organizational level maintenance services in support of Marine Corps AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E aircraft platforms. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (30 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent); Iraq/Afghanistan... Read more
4-Feb-2013Source: ExecuJet Africa
ExecuJet Africa, the continent’s leading business aviation company, is once again exhibiting at the Mining Indaba 2013 event from 4-7 February in Cape Town. The company will be showcasing its full suite of business aviation services, including helicopter charter solutions. ExecuJet Africa will be at stand 1919 highlighting its services of helicopter management, rotary wing... Read more
4-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bell is waiting until Heli-Expo at the start of March to release detailed figures on its 2012 production, but HeliHub.com can reveal that the output from its civil helicopter lines was up just over 50%, rising from 125 helicopters in 2011 to 188 in 2012. These high-level figures have been put together from press releases... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: Transwest Helicopters
Transwest Helicopters Ltd, who in October 2011 relocated from the Chilliwack Airport in Southwest British Columbia to the Oliver Airport in the Southern Interior, is pleased to announce that the company has won a contract to overhaul two Bell 412 helicopters at its brand new hangar facility in Oliver British Columbia Canada this winter. These... Read more
1-Feb-2013Source: Law360
A Texas federal judge on Wednesday shot down Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.’s bid to block an aircraft repair company from selling a fuselage repair fixture (see story)... Read more
31-Jan-2013Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC -0.64% has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command to provide Gen II mission computers for the H-1 Upgrade helicopter program. Under the $9.3 million firm-fixed-price order, Northrop Grumman will supply Gen II mission computers and trays for the H-1 Upgrade program’s Lot 10 production aircraft. Deliveries... Read more
30-Jan-2013
Helicopter blown onto its side by high winds... Read more
28-Jan-2013Source: St. Vincent Health
St. Vincent Health officials have announced plans to expand access to its air medical program with the opening of a new air medical base of operations to be located at Rush Memorial Hospital in Rushville. The new StatFlight base, scheduled to open in late spring 2013, will place a new state-of-the-art helicopter, a Bell 407,... Read more
25-Jan-2013Source: US Army
The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command with U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and Program Executive Office Aviation facilitated and delivered three Bell 407 Scout helicopters to Iraqi Army Aviation today. This marks the sixth completed delivery of Iraqi Armed 407 Scout helicopter through Foreign Military Sales that began in 2010. “Many of the organizations... Read more
24-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday we recorded a Bell 429 arriving in Nigeria last Thursday for the Nigerian Police – but actually it was one of a pair arriving on the same shipment. The second, in a striking orange and white scheme is for NEMA – the National Emergency Management Agency – and is in an EMS configuration. Still... Read more
24-Jan-2013
Precautionary landing on sports pitch. probably weather related... Read more
23-Jan-2013Source: Stabroek News
The potential for commercial helicopter services in Guyana is a goldmine of opportunity, says Air Services Limited (ASL) General Manager Annette Arjoon-Martins (see story). Air Services Limited currently operates a fleet of 23 aircraft of six different types and one Bell LongRanger IV which are flown by a flight crew of twenty-four experienced pilots. The... Read more
23-Jan-2013Source: Cobham
Cobham Commercial Systems has announced a significant milestone for their HeliSAS™ Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot. The Civilian Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) #VSTC0591 to Cobham, allowing installation of HeliSAS on hundreds of Bell 407 helicopters in that country. With more than 100 systems installed in the United States,... Read more
23-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The first Bell 429 arrived in Nigeria last Thursday, marked up in the colours of the Nigerian Police. Still lacking blades, boom and with plenty of packaging still in place, the helicopter was photographed out in the open at Lagos Airport pending a short land trip to the Police hangar read for preparation and test... Read more
23-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Bell Helicopter Asia, its maintenance service facility in Singapore, has received a Part 145 Maintenance Organization Approval certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). This certification allows Bell Helicopter to complete comprehensive repair, completion, maintenance and customization solutions for its expanding fleet... Read more
21-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), honored Air Methods founder Roy Morgan with the first Bell Helicopter Vertical Flight Hall of Fame award at the 10th annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills on January 18. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the rotorcraft industry. “To be... Read more
21-Jan-2013
Crashed and hit house killing one of four on board... Read more
19-Jan-2013
During low-level aerial filming operations, the helicopter rotated quickly to the right and descended. The pilot made an emergency landing on the sloping terrain. The helicopter rolled over and was subtantially damaged with minor injuries to the occupants.... Read more
18-Jan-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd (AHPL) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) have joined forces to provide emergency medical evacuation during Australian Army training exercises in remote areas. The partnership between the two organisations will ensure that Australian soldiers receive the best possible care and support, according to AHPL Managing Director, Scott Swift.... Read more
18-Jan-2013
Pilot heard a change in the engine pitch and managed an emergency landing before the helicopter burst into flames. Agricultural ops... Read more
17-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today delivered the 100th of a planned total of 349 H-1 helicopters during a ceremony at its Amarillo Assembly Center. The US Marine Corps H-1 helicopter program is comprised of both the UH-1Y utility helicopter and the AH-1Z attack helicopter. John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter said, “We are... Read more
17-Jan-2013
Emergency field landing, with no damage to aircraft. Press reports “sawdust in the gearbox”….... Read more
15-Jan-2013Source: ABC7 Amarillo
Amarillo City commissioners have approved a 10-year property tax abatement for a new military assembly center for Bell (see full story and video)... Read more
15-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) has validated the Bell 429 for operations in Chile. Additionally, DGAC has endorsed the operation of the Bell 429 at 3402 kg (7,500 lbs.). This approval, based on Transport Canada’s certification, makes Chile the fourteenth country to increase the maximum... Read more
15-Jan-2013
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation and flight on Bell 205 helicopters. BLR Aerospace recently received EASA approval for FastFin on Bell 212 helicopters and certification efforts are underway for the Bell 412. Following up on the successful FastFin certification for Bell 212s,... Read more
15-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Classifieds website Craigslist is currently hosting the following advert (here) “Timberline Air Service is a complete turn-key external load helicopter company that is currently operating Bell UH-1Ls. Timberline has been operating since 1983, the company includes complete ground support equipment, extensive spares inventory to support both UH-1Ls. Timberline has an excellent work history and potential... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Elbit
Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) recently announced that it was awarded two follow-on contracts by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (“IMOD”) for the operation and maintenance of the Israeli Air Force’s (“IAF”) Flight Academy trainer aircraft and helicopters. These contracts were part of the Company’s December 31, 2012 announcement regarding contract awards by the IMOD... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Euravia
EURAVIA is pleased to announce the signing of a two year teaming agreement with SIKORSKY HELITECH, Australia to provide P&WC PT6T engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Lancashire, England, EURAVIA specialises in aftermarket services for a wide range of P&WC PT6 engines. The strategic partnership will support... Read more
11-Jan-2013Source: ABC7 Amarillo
Amarillo City commissioners approved a 10-year property tax abatement for a new military assembly center for Bell (see full story)... Read more
11-Jan-2013Source: Newton County Times
Boone County base flight nurse Lee Bailey recently completed his 1500th flight for Air Evac Lifeteam (see full story)... Read more
11-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches,... Read more
10-Jan-2013Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to offer Red Barn Machine’s Field Maintenance Tool Kits for Bell 407 aircraft. The Bell 407 Field Maintenance Tool Kit comes in a flyaway case with easy layout guide and includes over 30 tools to perform routine maintenance on your Bell 407. Tools come packaged in a sturdy Pelican case... Read more
10-Jan-2013
Emergency landing in field off Espinoza Road... Read more