9-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will have a strong presence at the 2012 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition(Airshow China) as it continues to enhance its position in the growing Chinese aviation marketplace. Airshow China will take place in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China Nov. 13-18, 2012. “China is facing an unprecedented demand for training,... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SAIT Polytechnic to make its classrooms and labs at SAIT’s Art Smith Aero Centre in Calgary, Alberta available for Bell Helicopter to use in the delivery of approved maintenance, repair training and certification programs. Bell Helicopter... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: US Army
Two U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilots from 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Drum, received the Cross of Military Valor with Silver Star, one of the highest French military awards, during a ceremony Oct. 23, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Capt. Benjamin H. March and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Keenan A. Bachmeyer each earned the... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co., Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $9,282,864 firm-fixed-price modification to a delivery order issued previously against basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0016). This modification provides for the procurement of 54 GEN II mission computers and trays for the H-1 upgrades Lot 10 production aircraft. Work will be performed in... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: Aeronautical Accessories
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced it has received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Radar Altimeter Mount Kit for the Bell 206L, Bell 206L-1, Bell 206L-3, and Bell 206L-4 helicopter models. The Radar Altimeter Mount Kit provides two flat mounting locations for installation of... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: TriCities
After headcount reductions in 2009 and 2010, Bell now appears ready to expand its “Edwards & Associates” completion/resale facility in Tennessee and is looking to City and State help to do so (see full story)... Read more
6-Nov-2012
Helicopter crashed during agricultural work. Pilot reported as Hernán Cabrera, age 47. Distant photo shows helicopter landed upright in the crop, although tail does not look quite right! Chilean sources are quoting the accident as a UH-1H, but we do not agree – see the two stabilizer end-plates, definitely a LongRanger!... Read more
5-Nov-2012
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has had a helicopter since 2001. It’s the only police helicopter in hundreds of miles, the next closest is in Albuquerque. The unit comprises just Gross, two deputies trained as tactical flight officers and a civilian contract pilot (see full story)... Read more
5-Nov-2012Source: KearneyHub
Good Samaritan Hospital’s AirCare medical transport service is upgrading to a Bell 429 helicopter in mid-November. Pilots from Rodgers Helicopter Services have begun training on the new aircraft at area airports. (see full story)... Read more
5-Nov-2012
“Hall Medevac 1” made emergency landing after bird strike while en route to pick up patient... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Emergency landing after bird strike – EMS unit “Pafford AirOne” with patient on board. We believe they operate either/both of LongRanger 4 N1813 (52335) and LongRanger 3 N3180L (51055)... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a $33,410,210 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of Bell Helicopter Huey II Aircraft and related support services. Work will be performed in Hurst, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army... Read more
1-Nov-2012Source: CAE
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Simulation has qualified the CAE Bell 412 full-flight simulator (FFS) in Toluca, Mexico to Level D, the highest standard for flight simulation training devices. The simulator was initially approved by Mexico’s Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). CAE Mexico is Mexico’s first helicopter training facility to use an... Read more
1-Nov-2012
Failed to gain height, and control very erratic on take-off from sports field. Put down safely, but not before damaging buildings with its downwash. Government minister on board... Read more
30-Oct-2012Source: Mecaer Aviation Group
Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) of Borgomanero, Italy, is continuing its recent growth by signing multiple contracts in advance of NBAA, 2012. Exhibiting at the convention in booth 4538, MAG will display a range of its landing gears, including those for the Eclipse E550 very light jet which launched initial production in June of this year... Read more
29-Oct-2012
Blade delamination caused unusual vibration levels which prompted crew to investigate and then change aircraft before they took off... Read more
23-Oct-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it will showcase two of its newest aircraft, the Bell 407GX and the Bell 429, at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) 2012 in Seattle, Oct. 22-24. The Bell 407GX and Bell 429 will be on static display, both configured for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), highlighting the capability of... Read more
23-Oct-2012Source: Wysong Enterprises
Wysong Enterprises (Wysong) announced today from the Air Medical Transport Conference in Seattle that they have completed their 5th EMS Equipped Bell 407 this year and signed contracts for four more 407 aircraft completions this week. In addition to the 407s, Wysong also will begin work on another EMS Eurocopter AS-350 in January. “We are... Read more
23-Oct-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), is participating in the voluntary flight demonstration (VFD) the week of Oct. 22 with the Bell Helicopter Block II OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. The U.S. Army is conducting these VFD’s as part of their effort to replace to the current OH-58D scout helicopter. Scout helicopters fulfill a vital... Read more
18-Oct-2012Source: Clarinda Regional Health Center
As of Monday, October 15th, Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) along with Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines and Air Methods launched MercyOne-Clarinda, a medical helicopter program based at CRHC serving all of southwest Iowa, northwest Missouri, and southeast Nebraska. MercyOne manages the medical portion of the program and Air Methods operates the helicopter. A ribbon cutting ceremony (click... Read more
18-Oct-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $391,426,326 firm-fixed-price modification to definitize a previously awarded advance acquisition undefinitized contract action (N00019-11-C-0023) to provide lot 9 long lead parts and components required for the manufacture of 15 UH-1Y new aircraft; three AH-1Z remanufactured aircraft; and seven AH-1Z new aircraft. Work will be... Read more
18-Oct-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded contract W58RGZ-12-G-0001-THBD. The award is a firm fixed price, sole source contract with a maximum $8,613,657 for blade assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using military service is Navy. There was one solicitation with one response. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Navy Working Capital... Read more
18-Oct-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded contract W58RGZ-12-G-0001-THBE. The award is a firm fixed price, sole source contract with a maximum $6,563,718 for yoke assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using military service is Navy. There was one solicitation with one response. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Navy Working Capital... Read more
18-Oct-2012Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts, the leading provider of night vision solutions, is pleased to announce it has completed delivery of a comprehensive night vision goggle training solution for SkyLife Air Ambulance. The new training enhances operational readiness for SkyLife to perform safe, efficient critical care transport services at night. “Although we are committed to excellence in... Read more
18-Oct-2012
Loud bang heard with an associated yaw to the right and loss of power. An autorotative landing was carried out into a nearby stream. The pilot and 1 passenger were uninjured. CADAORS ref 2012P1768... Read more
17-Oct-2012Source: US Army
With all of the innovations that have taken place on the battlefield and in the air over the last 37 years, it might be difficult for some to believe that the Army is still using helicopters that were in use during the Vietnam War. Yet, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter is still widely used... Read more
16-Oct-2012
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company announced in the case of Eurocopter vs. Bell Helicopter, a three Judge panel of France’s Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris recently ruled that the Bell 429 production skid gear does not infringe Eurocopter’s French landing skid gear patent. All Bell 429s have been and will continue to be... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: Bell
As predicted by HeliHub.com 24 hours ago, courtesy of the Star-Telegram….. Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), has commenced construction for its new global headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Governor Rick Perry, U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Mayor Betsy Price joined John Garrison, President... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: WSAZ
Residents in Lawrence County, Ohio will soon have an air ambulance helicopter to call their own. (see full story)... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: Star-Telegram
Bell Helicopter breaks ground on a new headquarters and administration building, part of the $235 million modernization of its aging east Fort Worth headquarters complex (see full story)... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
The Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently landed a new training tool that upgrades the helicopter maintenance courses it offers to students from Latin American partner nations. The arrival of an Army UH-1H helicopter at IAAFA’s 318th Training Squadron is expected to meet the growing needs of students who are here... Read more
13-Oct-2012
Heavy landing in cemetery. Tail boom sliced off by main blades. Starboard skid collapsed. Sgt. Gerald Wiltshire was pilot and Officer Tony Valdes serving as an observer ... Read more
12-Oct-2012Source: US Air Force
It’s been a fixture on the base’s flightline for decades, marked by its noticeable difference in design from the larger C-130s and elaborate CV-22s operated by 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen. Yet perhaps now the only way one can see a UH-1 Huey at Hurlburt Field will be the one honored in the base’s Airpark. The final flight of Huey,... Read more
12-Oct-2012Source: Industry Week
You might not consider Apple and Google to be competitors of a 75-year-old vertical-lift-aircraft manufacturer, but Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison does. (see full story)... Read more
11-Oct-2012Source: Scott’s – Bell 47
Rolls-Royce Corporation & Scott’s – Bell 47 Inc. (SB47) announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the application of its RR300 engine to the Model 47 multipurpose light helicopter. The RR300 engine embodies new technology and advanced design methodology. The engine draws on the proven record of other Rolls-Royce turbine... Read more
11-Oct-2012Source: US DoD
Rockwell-Collins Inc., Government Systems Division, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $17,172,085 requirements contract for the repair of navigational and communication components for the E2C, EA-6B, F/A-18, P-3, H-1, H-46, H45-D aircraft, and the H53 and H60 helicopters. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (80 percent) and Atlanta, Ga., (20 percent), and... Read more
11-Oct-2012Source: Star-Telegram
Count Bell CEO sounds the alarm about the likely consequences if Congress doesn’t act by early January to block automatic spending cuts from taking place (see full story)... Read more
10-Oct-2012Source: My Fox Austin
Travis County Commissioners approved a $2.4 million fire-fighting helicopter as part of its 2013 budget on Tuesday. Travis County Emergency Services has long requested the funds for an aircraft dedicated to fight fires. (see full story) File photo... Read more
10-Oct-2012Source: Nordic Rotors
Scandinavian MediCopter has been awarded the new EMS contract in Gotland. The agreement was initially presented in June, but it has now been sealed following the end of a recent appeal process. Gotland’s Muncipality (Region Gotland) has chosen MediCopter as its medical air service provider for the next 5+2 years, starting from 1 April 2014. The... Read more
10-Oct-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The Columbian Air Force has very recently taken delivery of a new Bell 412EP, with the aircraft being noted at various points on its ferry flight from Texas, including San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica on Sunday 7th October. The aircraft is a replacement for an earlier 412 which was damaged beyond... Read more
10-Oct-2012
The Detroit Police Department, after nearly a decade of pursuit, has been granted a helicopter from the U.S. Military. (see full story) File photo... Read more
10-Oct-2012
Helicopter crashed after hitting guy wire of radio tower. Sole occupant pilot (named as Hugh Clifton Kelley) killed... Read more
10-Oct-2012
Chin window damaged by patient trolley and helicopter taken out of service until new parts fitted. Life Link III operate five Bell 407s – N404LL through N408LL so presumably one of these was the subject aircraft... Read more
9-Oct-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Rogers Helicopters/Good Samaritan Hospital of Kearney selected the Becker Avionics Digital Audio System DVCS6100 for their new Bell 429 light-twin EMS helicopters. The completion of the new Bell 429 aircraft is currently underway at United Rotorcraft in Denver, a division of Air Methods (formerly the Products Division). The aircraft will be delivered to Rogers Helicopters/Good... Read more
9-Oct-2012
Available photos give no clues as the trees are likely to have had a significant effect on the level of damage. Weather reports include both rain and fog with visibility of less than a quarter of a mile. Pilot William Ellsworth and passenger Tighe Sulllivan were killed. The other passenger Stephen Barral survived but is... Read more
8-Oct-2012Source: US Army
It is often thought that a warrant officer in an Army Aviation unit is only a pilot. That is certainly not the case. The aviation field also demands that experts are on hand as maintenance technicians to ensure that those pilots have a working aircraft to fly. In the Kentucky National Guard, some aviation warrant... Read more
8-Oct-2012Source: US DoD
L3 Communication Systems — West, Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded a $14,519,316 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Level-2 manned-unmanned product improvement plan B-Kit production hardware. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2015. One bid was... Read more
7-Oct-2012
Emergency landing by fire-fighting helicopter. Pilot Cody Seeger (only person on board) not injured. The helicopter landed on its side in a forested hillside – trees surrounding the crash site may have softened the impact... Read more
6-Oct-2012
One of three helicopters fire bombed by terrorists at night while parked on the airfield. All three were on contract to Transportadora de Gas del Peru... Read more
5-Oct-2012
Safe emergency landing in field due to technical issue. No damage to helicopter or POB... Read more
1-Oct-2012
Contacted the ground during a sharp turn while spraying, causing the helicopter to crash. The pilot (the sole occupant) suffered minor injuries. The helicopter reportedly was substantially damaged. CADAORS ref 2012O2922... Read more
30-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bell have announced that building the new 525 Relentless in Amarillo will add 100 jobs. However, the military is looking at defence cuts, and it is feasible that this will mean workers transferring from military work to civilian. A reduction in force can also not be ruled out – Bell are just waiting to see... Read more
30-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Travis County in Texas has announced it will buy a military-surplus Bell UH-1H primarily for fighting wildfires. The helicopter will undergo a full refurbishment and fit-out as soon as the purchase order is signed. It would be expected to become operational in 3-6 months thereafter. The County already operates three EC145s for air ambulance and... Read more
28-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $27,293,685 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Funds will not be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed at Naval Air... Read more
28-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $19,637,400 for delivery order #7002 under previously awarded contract (N00383-11-D-012N) for the repair of 12 gearbox assemblies, 12 Cobra main rotor hub assemblies, 60 Cobra main rotor blades, 11 right hand stub wings, and 10 left hand stub wings required to support the H-1 helicopter. Work... Read more
28-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the seventh annual Jet Expo in Moscow, held September 27-29 at Vnukovo-3 Business Aviation Terminal. Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence as an exhibitor, with a Bell 429 in corporate configuration on static display. Bell Helicopter will highlight the power and... Read more
28-Sep-2012Source: DSCA
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Korea for 36 AH-1Z COBRA Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of 36... Read more
27-Sep-2012Source: Becker Avionics
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Aviation unit recently selected the Becker DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for their two Bell 407 helicopters. Wysong Enterprises Inc. in Blountville, TN completed an extensive avionics and mission equipment upgrade for both aircraft during the summer prior to the CM aviation unit’s demanding operations supporting the Democratic National Convention... Read more
26-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), and its exhibit partner Global Experience Specialists (GES) were recognized at the American Business Awards (ABA) for Bell Helicopter’s “Bell 525 Relentless†launch with a Gold Stevie® Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year in the Aerospace and Defense category. The award was presented at the 10th annual ABA new product... Read more
25-Sep-2012
Very heavy landing – main blades appear completely intact. All 4 POB injured, two seriously... Read more
23-Sep-2012
Main blades clipped pole while in low-level hover-taxi. From photos, this could well be PR-YRG (49084) but that is not confirmed... Read more
22-Sep-2012
Struck rotor blades on landing... Read more
21-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the Monaco Yacht Show 2012. Bell Helicopter will display a Bell 429 aboard one of the largest yachts afloat in Port Hercules with exclusive access for attendees. Bell Helicopter will have a significant presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, September 19-22, with... Read more
20-Sep-2012Source: Wysong Enterprises
The Democratic National Convention may be over, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will continue to experience the effects of it being held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wysong Enterprises, Inc. was tasked with providing essential modifications and installations to their fleet of Bell 407 helicopters for protection during the convention. “We have performed many installations and... Read more
20-Sep-2012Source: Kansas Adjutant General
The morning air was filled with the thumping of CH-47 Chinook blades as it sling-loaded a UH-1 Huey helicopter to the Crisis City’s training ground Sept. 6, near Salina, Kan. Provided on permanent loan to Crisis City by the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry... Read more
19-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
First first of two Bell 206L4 LongRangers has arrived in Lagos for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology – serial 52421 and still carrying registration N449XB. This aircraft is currently registered to Africair Inc and is expected to be cancelled by the FAA shortly and will take up local registration 5N-BZB. A second L4 is... Read more
19-Sep-2012Source: Concorde Battery
Concorde Battery is pleased to announce certification of the higher capacity RG-224 for the Bell LongRanger. Concorde’s sealed lead acid recombinant gas (RG®), absorbed glass mat (AGM) RG-224 is a 24Ah battery designed for improved performance and longer life in demanding applications. Many users are getting superior performance with the current 17Ah RG-222 however, the... Read more
19-Sep-2012Source: Simplex Aerospace
Simplex Aerospace has received FAA STC for a hover refill pump storage latching system, called the Aft Hook™. The Aft Hook™ allows firefighting helicopter operators to store the 5″ hover pump during flight and deploy the pump upon arrival at a water fill source. When installed on a Simplex Fire Attack system equipped helicopter, the... Read more
19-Sep-2012
Tail rotor struck ground. Helicopter had been working on powerlines at the time of the accident. Helicopter caught fire and burned out – also causing a 1.5 acre brush fire... Read more
19-Sep-2012
Struck power cables on climb out of field. The severed cables caused a small fire. Helicopter landed very heavily on its skids, starboard skid low CADAORS ref 2012C4146... Read more
18-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The Nigerian Police have recently added two more Bell 412EPs to bring their fleet of the type to six. Serials 36576 and 36577 – test flown as N455ZT and N4554L – arrived last week in Lagos after shipment across the Atlantic. Both aircraft are shown on the FAA register as 2011 builds and have yet... Read more
18-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced 18 employee winners of the 2012 Lawrence D. Bell Pioneer Award for innovation leadership. With this recognition, four Bell Helicopter teams will advance to the final stage of the Textron competition for the Chairman’s Award for Innovation. The Chairman’s Award honors employees whose exemplary innovations have led... Read more
18-Sep-2012
Crashed into lake after contacting zip wire which spans the lake. One drowned (named as Daniel Segundo Martinez), four survived. Helicopter was being used to capture video footage of the lake for use on a television program... Read more
18-Sep-2012
Tail rotor contacted crop during agricultural operations, pilot lost control and helicopter crashed. Aircraft destroyed.... Read more
