9-Jan-2013
Helicopter landed on ice floe, which then collapsed and the helicopter sank. Pilot rescued. Local temperature with windchill around -50C CADAORS 2013C0108... Read more
8-Jan-2013
Helicopter on agricultural ops crashed near HWY 41 and Harlan Ave. near the Fresno Co and Kings Co border... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: Kiddie Hawk Air Academy
The 10th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation”® Awards, presented by Bell Helicopter and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, announce some of this year’s honorees. The awards will be held January 18, 2013, at the Beverly Hilton. The 10th annual awards will be hosted by John Travolta, “The Official Ambassador of Aviation”®, and will celebrate a decade of recognition during aviation’s second hundred years. The program... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, under its Aeronautical Accessories brand, announced it received FAA/STC approval for an HF Antenna for the Bell 407 helicopter model. The HF antenna is designed to interface with many types of HF radios, thereby increasing reception in remote areas, improving safety and communications. A “towel bar style,” the HF antenna runs the full... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: The Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum came alive with the sounds of “Action!” and “Cut!” last week as a small film crew recorded a number of scenes for their début feature using one of the more iconic aircraft in the museum’s vast collection. With the use of some clever lighting angles and a large Green Screen backdrop, the... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: Oklahoma ANG
The Oklahoma Army National Guard announced today they will receive four UH-72A “Lakota” helicopters this year. The helicopters will replace four OH-58C “Kiowa” helicopters that have been in service for more than 30 years. The first two Lakotas are scheduled to arrive in Oklahoma in April with the final two following in May. The UH-72A... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: LifeTeam
A local press report confirms that LifeTeam from Kansas have this week launched operations from Central Nebraska Regional Airport with a Bell LongRanger IV helicopter [editor note, N45EA, serial 51104]. The following is text of a LifeTeam press release from May 2012 when they announced their plans:- When faced with a medical emergency, Nebraska residents... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: BLR Aerospace
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has approved the BLR Aerospace FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation on Bell 412EP helicopters. Nagano FFDR (Fire Fighting, Disaster, Relief, and Rescue) has selected the FastFin System for its Bell 412EP helicopter and will become the nation’s first operator to install and use the system. Nagano... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Douglas County Sentinel
The base is being temporarily housed at Tanner Medical Center while company officials seek a permanent location. (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2013
Iran has unveiled its latest combat helicopter Toufan 2 during a ceremony attended by the country’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi. (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2013
Hit powerlines (note, reg assumed correct but FAA accident report states it is a 47J whereas register and MSN suggest G5A)... Read more
2-Jan-2013
Three killed in night time accident north of Ventura – pilot Gene Grell, nurse Shelly Lair-Langenbau and paramedic Russell Piehl. Reports state it was the helicopter based at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Post impact fire. Was en route from Mason City to Emmetsburg.... Read more
2-Jan-2013
Helicopter was one of a pair on low level frost control flight over a vineyard. Weather reported as foggy. Pilot named as Karen L. Johnson, age 62... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $418,851,869 modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-0009) to provide additional funding for the procurement of long lead parts and components required for the manufacture of 15 Lot 10 UH-1Y and 10 Lot 10 AH-1Z helicopters for the Marine Corps. Work will... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: USPTO
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,336,815) developed by Richard Rauber, Arlington, Texas, Frank B. Stamps, Colleyville, Texas, and James Lee Braswell Jr., Colleyville, Texas, for a “constant-velocity drive system for gimbaled rotor hubs.” The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A constant-velocity... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Republic of Turkey Undersecretariat for Defence Industries for the supply of five Bell 429 aircraft. The Bell 429s will be operated by the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry (TGDF) to protect forest resources and coordinate firefighting operations.... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement with Air Methods for the supply of 20 Bell 407GX aircraft. Air Methods will dedicate the helicopters to air medical transport for critically ill and injured patients throughout the United States. “Air Methods’ order for 20 new Bell 407GXs is part of our... Read more
31-Dec-2012
Emergency field landing. Cause not yet advised, as press report of “blown off course” seems so improbable... Read more
30-Dec-2012
Damaged in emergency landing near Vaishno Devi shrine – remaining mostly undamaged and relatively upright into the trees/shrubs into which it fell. Minor injuries to 7 POB, named as pilot A S Parmar and passengers Anita Puri, Meenakshi, Arun Kumar, Arti Devi, Raj Rani and Chetan Kumar. Sources vary, but most report a technical issue... Read more
29-Dec-2012
Emergency landing, Tail boom sliced, damage to main blades. Helicopter remained upright. No Fire. Patient on board... Read more
28-Dec-2012
“Guardian One” Helicopter fell off side of ground handling trolley during run up, causing tail to contact the ground... Read more
24-Dec-2012
While in the hover, boom struck blade(s) of parked helicopter during a pedal turn... Read more
21-Dec-2012Source: Dynamatic Technologies
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. Company (NYSE: TXT), has signed a Memo of Understanding (MoU) with Dynamatic Technologies to explore establishing Dynamatic® as a sub-contractor for its Bell 407 Air Frame Cabin Assembly, Air Frame Component and Details. The estimated business volume of the work proposed is approximately $243 million USD over a ten year... Read more
21-Dec-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a $15,307,118 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-0009) to provide systems engineering and program management services in support of the H-1 Upgrade Program. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas and is expected to be completed in December 2013. Contract funds... Read more
20-Dec-2012Source: Bell
See story from six weeks ago where HeliHub.com noted Bell’s consideration of this expansion program Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it will expand its completion and customer delivery facilities located in Piney Flats, Tenn. This announcement represents a $10.1 million investment by Bell Helicopter and was achieved through collaboration with... Read more
20-Dec-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (INAC) has validated the Bell 429 to operate in Venezuela. Additionally INAC has endorsed the operation of the Bell 429 at 3402 kg (7,500 lbs.). This approval, based on Transport Canada’s certification, makes Venezuela the thirteenth country to endorse... Read more
20-Dec-2012
Pilot decided for an emergency landing. Heavy landing, bounced up into the air and back down on its side. Main rotor mast incl. gear box were separated from fuselage and found 10m from wreckage. All 4 POB safe, left wreckage by themselves and to hospital. One minor hand injury.... Read more
19-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Pawan Hans has revealed plans to expand its helicopter services in Uttar Pradesh, with continued focus on passengers with pilgrimage and religious interests. The Indian operator has already launched a daily helicopter service between New Delhi and Vrindavan in Mathura district and is planning to serve the Buddhist Circuit spread over Eastern Uttar Pradesh and... Read more
19-Dec-2012Source: Matrix Composites
Matrix Composites, Inc. announced today the award of a significant contract from Materials Sciences Corporation (MSC) to produce carbon fiber reinforced composite Hardback assemblies for the U. S. Army’s Reduced Weight Missile Launcher (RWML) Program. The project was awarded to Matrix Composites to continue the US Army’s Armed Scout Helicopter (ASH) and Joint Attack Munition... Read more
17-Dec-2012
Star Helicopters, one of the leading helicopter tour operators in Los Angeles, is proud to begin operating charter and air taxi helicopter rides with an FAA Part 135 certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft operators carrying passengers for hire in point-to-point helicopter rides or charters and commuter flights must carry this... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In late July 2012, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lebanon for six Huey II helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $63 million. Full details of the DSCA request can be viewed here. HeliHub.com can... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: ATK
ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received a $48-million production contract from the U.S. Navy for the manufacturing of the AAR-47 Missile Warning System. The award encompasses production of new assemblies, including optical sensor converters and computer processors, as well as options for retrofitting weapon replaceable assembly upgrades and delivery of ATK’s Countermeasures Signal Simulator (CSS) to... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Able Aerospace Services
Able Aerospace Services, a leader in dynamic component repairs, overhauls, and approved replacement part solutions, announced today the availability of a new Bell 206 Main Rotor Strap Fitting and Pin replacement part (PMA). Operators of Bell 206 helicopters can now further reduce operating costs by utilizing these exclusive FAA-certified PMA parts along with other cost-saving... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Reuters
Industry executives said the Air Force bidding rules were so narrowly framed that they effectively excluded their aircraft from the competition. They said the terms favored Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and would not reward extra capability offered by bigger aircraft. (see full story)... Read more
12-Dec-2012
Commissioned into service Monday at Santa Ynez Airport, state-of-the-art Copter 3 is able to provide law enforcement functions as well as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, air ambulance service, and the transport of Special Enforcement Team (SET) members. (see full story) File photo... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Aero Design
AERO Design Ltd. proudly announces Transport Canada certification of our Replacement Cyclic Friction Assembly for the Bell 206B, 206L Series, and 407, Supplemental Type Certificate SH12-59. The Replacement Cyclic Friction Assembly is a direct replacement for the original knob and shaft assembly used to tighten the cyclic friction. The replacement part removes the typical wear... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that a Bell 412, owned by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, flew along the shore of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while displaying the world’s largest aerial banner in celebration of UAE’s National Day on December 2. “This is our 5th year of flying... Read more
10-Dec-2012Source: Deaconess Hospital
The Evansville, Indiana, Air Evac Lifeteam base has been selected as the company’s 2012 National Community Service Base of the Year. The Community Service Base of the Year Award is presented to the base in the Air Evac Lifeteam system that has shown outstanding community service in its market area. Lonnie Dardeen, program director for... Read more
6-Dec-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc has purchased the first Bell 429 to be operated in Great Britain. The aircraft will be used for inspection and maintenance of power lines. “We required a versatile and reliable aircraft to support our mission, which is providing power... Read more
5-Dec-2012Source: Helihub.com
The first Bell 407GX in the Commonwealth of Independent States has been delivered into the Ukraine. Challenge Aero took delivery this week of UR-CLM, serial 54340 in a blue and white scheme. The helicopter is in a VIP configuration for corporate transport, and was delivered to Challenge by Jet Transfer, the Bell representative in Russia... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Textron
Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter, Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) companies, announced today the opening of the Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab and Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Lab. Based at Textron Systems’ Huntsville, Ala., location, these labs combine live data feeds, high-fidelity simulated environments and field equipment to enable rapid... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: ExecuJet Africa
ExecuJet Africa has teamed up with Acher Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations, to offer a range of services including helicopter management and charter, as well as specialised support to the oil, gas, mining and resource exploration sectors. ExecuJet’s fleet now includes three helicopters from Acher Aviation, including a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of the first Bell 429 from its new Singapore facility. The corporate-configured Bell 429 was delivered to PT Whitesky Aviation in Jakarta, Indonesia. With the latest delivery, PT Whitesky Aviation operates a fleet of five Bell Helicopter aircraft, including two Bell 429s and... Read more
1-Dec-2012
Crash into forest area killed pilot Thomas Slocum, 49, and injured passenger Matt Williams, 28... Read more
29-Nov-2012Source: PrensaLibre
Guatemala has this week received a gift of two Bell UH-1H helicopters from Taiwan. (see full story) File photo... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Tiger Tugs
Tiger Tugs announces the introduction of their new model 8.0B helicopter transporter. The new Tiger Tug Model 8.0B is specifically designed for the Bell 429. Special outrigger arms reach out and down to gently lift the 429 using the ground handling wheel bolts. With our unique wireless remote control system, you can maneuver your helicopter in tight... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: General Dynamics
General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies has delivered the 1,000th precision-machined beryllium sensor housing to DRS Technologies, Inc. DRS integrates the sensor housings into the Mast Mounted Sight (MMS) for the U.S. Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter. “We are very proud of the continued hard work and dedication exhibited by our employees on this project,” said... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., doing business as Aeronautical Accessories, announced today the release of its new website http://www.aero-access.com, a redesigned internet presence that provides current and prospective customers access to numerous tools and technical resources and simplified purchasing options. In addition to a refreshed “look and feel,” the new website offers an expanded search capability of... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012
A lot of the repairs were “cosmetic,” he said. Many of the plastic fittings had melted and were changed out. The wiring harness from the control panel of the cockpit was changed. Fibreglass windows were replaced. The craft’s blades were changed out as well – the work cost around $250K (see full story) The story... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Air Ambulance Victoria
Air Ambulance Victoria has marked its 50th year of flying patients in critical life-threatening emergencies with a special celebration at Essendon Airport. Over 100 people attended, including Minister for Health David Davis, Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella, past patients and their families, past and current staff including flight paramedics, pilots, navigators and members from emergency... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Barfield
The U.S. Army Contracting Command, global contracting support provider for the Army’s tactical aircraft, awarded Barfield a 5-year contract for the maintenance of its Alkan Electro Mechanical Release units, placed on the US Army’s Bell 406 Helicopters. Within the scope of this contract, Barfield will provide depot level repair solutions from its facility in Miami... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: URS Corporation
URS Corporation has been selected by the U.S. Army to provide Rotary Wing Flight Training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) in Fort Rucker, Alabama. Under the contract, URS will provide undergraduate helicopter training to more than 1,200 U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and international military aviators annually. Commenting on the contract,... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AirCare 4 in Virginia – based Front Royal-Warren County Airport – have recently changed helicopter type. Operator PHI Medical has swapped out the Eurocopter EC135 they had previously used and repplaced it with a Bell 407. PHI spokeman Glenn Deaton is quoted in local media saying it was “purely a business development decision to move... Read more
22-Nov-2012Source: US DoD
Simmonds Precision Products Inc., doing business as Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems, Vergennes, Vt., is being awarded a $6,879,152 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-12-F-4003) to exercise an option for the procurement of 28 integrated mechanical diagnostic and health usage monitoring system kits in support of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircrafts. Work will... Read more
20-Nov-2012Source: PCS Aerospace
PCS Aerospace & Marketing is pleased to announce that it has been chosen to handle the overhaul and upgrade of six Bell 212 helicopters, including airframe, components, MANT turbines for the company of the Republic of Congo. It’s a big step for our company growth, establishing important precedents quality aviation industry, civil, commercial and military... Read more
19-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced that it has signed purchase agreements for 16 aircraft during the 2012 China International Aviation HAerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), held in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, Nov. 13-18, 2012. “Customers are excited about the high quality products and support that Bell Helicopter is bringing to the Chinese market,”... Read more
19-Nov-2012
Post flight inspection revealed damage following bird strike... Read more
18-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
A pair of law enforcement Bell OH-58s came into contact with each other on Saturday, just as one was in the process of landing and the other taking off. Pasadena Police are now two helicopters down, but still have four others immediately available according to a local television interview. Both helicopters ended up on their... Read more
17-Nov-2012
Low level collision between one helicopter landing and the other taking off from the adjacent pad. N911FA ended up on its skids, main blades missing and damage to rear cabin area after apparently being hit by main blades of N98BM. Boom of N911FA still attached (just) but fallen to ground at tail. Six to hospital,... Read more
17-Nov-2012
Low level collision between one helicopter landing and the other taking off from the adjacent pad. N98BM ended up on its skids, main blades missing and damage to front cabin area after apparently being hit by main blades of N911FA. Six to hospital, two in each helicopter plus two on the ground. On Monday 19th,... Read more
15-Nov-2012
Force landing after striking power lines. Wire strike system successfully cut cables and helicopter landed safely. This report suggests that the helicopter was flying at 80-100 ft altitude, and thus the crew “were acting outside the scope of their employment and in violation of Federal Aviation Regulations, company operational specifications and policies.”... Read more
14-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has appointed H&P General Aviation Service Co., Ltd. (H&P) in Guangzhou, China as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facility (CSF). H&P is authorized to perform field maintenance on Bell 407 aircraft. “We are pleased to appoint H&P as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer... Read more
14-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has appointed Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co., Ltd., (Kingwing GA) as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facility (CSF). Kingwing GA currently provides charter, training, leasing overhaul and operational management from five bases in Eastern China. As a Bell Helicopter authorized CSF, Kingwing is... Read more
14-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assist with the establishment of a maintenance training facility for Bell 206L and 407 helicopters in the Guangdong province of China. Bell Helicopter and Guangzhou Civil Aviation College (Guangzhou College) signed the MOU at Airshow China... Read more
14-Nov-2012
Struck wires in poor visibility and crashed after rescuing five from a minibus road crash. A further five crew on board were killed. Extensive photo cover in news agency photo albums here , here and here... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the addition of Chris Jaran as managing director in China. In this role, Jaran is responsible for all marketing and sales activities within China as Bell Helicopter continues to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region. He brings more than 30 years of total aviation... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Coastal Courier
Air Evac Lifeteam hosted a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Liberty Regional Medical Center on Oct. 30 at 462 E.G. Miles Parkway in Hinesville. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell has announced that China has approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429. The Civil Aviation Administration of China’s (CAAC) approval makes China the twelfth country to endorse the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada’s certification. The increase in the maximum gross weight of the Bell 429... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter is making it easier for Chinese-speaking journalists to access information and visual media through a streamlined online news room in Chinese launched in conjunction with Airshow China The news room is a central hub that provides quick, easy access to the Bell Helicopter media relations team, approved digital assets including video with Mandarin... Read more
11-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the addition of Ryan Denton and Will Fulton as regional sales managers in North America. In these roles, Denton and Fulton are responsible for sales activities within their respective regions in North America. “Ryan and Will are outstanding additions to our Commercial Helicopter Sales team.... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: KOAA
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has cited a medical helicopter pilot from Arizona for harassing wildlife after a group of hunters observed him flying his ship very low over an elk herd in a canyon southwest of Grand Junction. (see full story) Classic Lifeguard fly four Bell 407s and four fixed-wings ... Read more
9-Nov-2012
The pilots, flight nurses and paramedics who work at Tennessee’s first Air Evac station celebrated a major milestone — more than 5,000 missions flown safely. (see full story)... Read more
