16-Sep-2012Source: Australian Aviation
RACQ CareFlight Rescue has welcomed a partnership with Aviation Australia what will see the Queensland non-profit reimbursed for $15,000 per year worth of underwater escape training at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane Airport facility. (see full story)... Read more
16-Sep-2012
Students in the aircraft technician training program learn their trade on a variety of aircraft, including a Boeing 727, Cessna 150, 175 and 310, and 150, and a Piper Aztec and Cherokee 140. And now a OH-58 helicopter has been added (see full story)... Read more
15-Sep-2012
Helicopter was subject to small arms fire from the ground and was badly damaged. Four of the nine passengers sustained gunshot related injuries. CADAORS ref 2012C4147... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), continues to increase its sales and customer support activities in Europe delivering seven aircraft and signing nine contracts within the last three months, as well as launching Bell 407GX and Bell 429 flight demonstration tours, and gaining EASA approval for a new customer support facility. “Bell Helicopter... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: EHS Today
EHS Today announced today that eight companies – ABB Inc., BASF Corp., Bell Helicopter, General Cable, Honeywell International Inc. – Honeywell Aerospace, Life Technologies, Ordnance and Management Solutions – URS, and Total Safety – have been named the 2012 America’s Safest Companies. Combined, the 2012 America’s Safest Companies employ more than 100,000 employees and contractors... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: Law360
The Federal Circuit has recently allowed Textron Innovations Inc. to pursue its patent suit against Eurocopter over the design of the Bell 429’s skids, overturning a lower court ruling it said misinterpreted the application outlined by the patent. (see full story) See also the HeliHub.com story filed 31-Jan-12 Bell and Eurocopter decide to behave like... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: SAM, Inc
Surveying And Mapping, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Corporate Aircraft Solutions, LLC, also know as Oasis Services, for the exclusive use of a rotary wing aircraft as a platform for airborne LiDAR deployment. The aircraft, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, is based near SAM, Inc. headquarters in Austin, Texas and will allow the company... Read more
11-Sep-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of two 407GX aircraft to Helicopter Flight Services, Inc., a New York based company offering tours, charters, aerial photography, lift work and custom projects. Helicopter Flight Services is the first to operate a Bell 407GX in a sightseeing capacity. Helicopter Flight Services operates... Read more
9-Sep-2012
Lost power and forced to land in a field. Main blades hit tail boom... Read more
7-Sep-2012Source: Star Gazette
It will be a few weeks yet before the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center is open to the public at its new location. But museum officials want to let people know that more than a year after they had hoped to reopen, that long-anticipated date is almost here. (see full story) File photo... Read more
6-Sep-2012
Night bird strike, cracking search light housing. Landed safely... Read more
5-Sep-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
5-Sep-2012
“An ISAF helicopter has crashed in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in two ISAF fatalities. We are investigating,” a spokesman for NATO’s U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force said. The two casualties were later named as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose L. Montenegro Jr., 31, of Houston, Texas, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thalia S. Ramirez, 28, of... Read more
4-Sep-2012Source: Research and Markets
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6h46ws/worlds_5_leading) has announced the addition of the “World’s 5 Leading Helicopter Manufacturers – Strategic Initiatives, Developments & Focus – Q1-Q3 2012 – Eurocopter, Bell, AgustaWestland, Sikorsky, Boeing” report to their offering. This report will be useful for… Comprehensive Strategic & Competitive Assessment of these 5 Key Industry Players Identification & Analysis of Imminent Market Opportunities... Read more
4-Sep-2012
Substantially damaged in training accident. The Instructor and student were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and were later released with minor injuries.... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: Defensa.com
The National Public Procurement of June 12 this year has been declared illegal by the Paraguay Government. The award made to Proibérica of $15M for three Bell UH-1H for the National Police is at the centre of the controversy (read full story, electronic translation)... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $38,283,186 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to provide hardware, support equipment, and non-recurring engineering in support of the Helmet Display Tracking System (HDTS) on the AH-1W helicopters. This contract includes cabling (P-Kits), fixtures, tooling, and non-recurring engineering associated with modifying the helmet design, adding moving map and other... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a $59,036,571 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide modification of an existing contract in support of the OH58-A to OH58-D Cabin Conversion Program. Work will be performed in Hurst and Amarillo, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited, with one... Read more
31-Aug-2012
State Police Trooper/pilot Trooper Thomas A. Shultz, 41, was injured in a very heavy landing after “he experienced an in-flight mechanical emergency.” Photo shows skids splayed out after landing in a wooded area... Read more
30-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been named number one in product support in Aviation International News’ 2012 Product Support Survey for the seventh consecutive year. Bell Helicopter topped the scores in nine of 10 categories surveyed and strengthened its position by 4% from 2011. Consistently named the industry leader in customer... Read more
30-Aug-2012
Emergency landing after loss of engine power while on agricultural operations... Read more
29-Aug-2012Source: Aero-Smith
Aero-Smith, Inc. is very pleased to announce that it has been chosen by Bell Helicopter to support their product in Singapore. Aero-Smith will be tasked with providing flight training, maintenance training and new aircraft acceptance flights in Singapore and throughout eastern Asia in support of Bell Helicopter. Bell Helicopters has a support system for their... Read more
29-Aug-2012Source: Cadorath Group
Cadorath Group and Meridian Aviation Consulting LLC have joined forces to establish Meridian Helicopters LLC. The new venture will focus on providing reworked parts distribution support as well as consulting, brokering and technical support for the global Bell Helicopter network. “Our goal is to be the most trusted and valued parts supply chain partner in... Read more
29-Aug-2012Source: Lee County
Aeromed has relocated its emergency medical helicopter from LaBelle to Fort Myers as of 10 a.m. today to provide coverage in Lee County while MEDSTAR is out of service. Lee County Emergency Medical Services temporarily suspended its MEDSTAR flight operations on Tuesday, August 21 to begin reconfiguration toward national accreditation standards. MEDSTAR is expected to... Read more
29-Aug-2012
Helicopter landed with considerable forward speed and cartwheeled over its nose on landing – indicating skids possible dug into ground. Helicopter destroyed but all 5 POB (including spiritual leader Asaram Bapu) safely exited with only minor injuries... Read more
28-Aug-2012Source: US Marine Corps
Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 gained proficiency in the new UH-1Y “Venom†Hueys by practicing flying and landing in confined areas aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 9. The UH-1Y is the newest model of the Huey, and is commonly referred to as the ‘Yankee’ for the letter ‘Y’ in its... Read more
28-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of the first Bell 429 configured for emergency medical services (EMS) in Europe to Air Zermatt in Switzerland. Air Zermatt, in need of a rugged and reliable aircraft for rescue missions, selected the Bell 429 for its unmatched ability to operate at high... Read more
27-Aug-2012
Pilot Bill Cavanaugh, was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital following crash on agricultural operations. His son told a TV station that his father had over 20,000 hours of flying experience... Read more
26-Aug-2012
Safe night emergency landing made in sports field after bird strike caused 24 inch diameter hole in windshield... Read more
25-Aug-2012
Helicopter crashed about 6 miles from the Iraqi border in northwestern Iran. Four killed – one Revolutionary Guard member and three crew members. Bell 214 as a type is not fully confirmed... Read more
24-Aug-2012
Crashed into lake shortly after take-off around 10.20pm – after dropping off six passengers at helicopter owner’s home. Sole occupant pilot was named in local press as Bill R. Starnes, 64 (see obituary)... Read more
20-Aug-2012Source: Helihub.com
It is unlikely to have slipped the attention of most industry observers that Bell is seeking to get the gross weight of the Bell 429 increased from 7,000 to 7,500 pounds. In fact they have been quite vociferous about it, issuing a new press release seemingly every time another country agrees, often without even a... Read more
19-Aug-2012
Loss of control landing in strong winds – main blades hit building... Read more
18-Aug-2012
Lack of fuel. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom, forward of the tail rotor assembly.... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Friends of Henry 1
Launched by a cross-section of Sonoma County professionals in early 2012, Friends of Henry 1 seeks to ease budget challenges which threaten the continuation of Henry 1, the North Bay Region’s rescue helicopter program, operated by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Friends of Henry 1 actively seeks public and private donors to keep this vital... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Arkansas Matters
The City of Little Rock is bolstering it’s police force with yet another crime-fighting tool. The department is re-introducing it’s helicopters to deter crime from above. (see full story). Although the report does not mention the helicopter type, HeliHub.com research notes that the city Police Department has had two Bell OH-58s – registered N900PD and... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: US DoD
PKL Services, Inc.*, Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $16,079,221 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for organizational level maintenance on the following Marine Corps aircraft platforms: Â AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E. Â Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (48 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent); Iraq/Afghanistan (22 percent);... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: BLR Aerospace
 The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has certified the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation and flight on Bell 204, 205 and 212 helicopters. ANAC certification for BLR’s Bell 412 FastFin system is forthcoming. Brazilian operators of these Bell medium helicopters may now join their worldwide counterparts in realizing significant performance... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has installed a Helicrew simulator at the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre in order to enhance the capabilities of BDA flight instructors. The Helicrew allows BDA Qualified Flying Instructors to further hone and test their training procedures through a variety of simulated situations. Helicrew is designed to... Read more
14-Aug-2012
Force landed and tipped over... Read more
13-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that National Airways Corporation, a Bell Helicopter independent representative, delivered the first Bell 407GX to be operated in Africa. The 407GX will be operated by a private customer in a corporate capacity. “The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the helicopter industry,â€... Read more
13-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has received its airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the Bell 429. The certification follows the first complete assembly and successful flight testing of a 429 at a CAAC 145 service facility. “We are very excited to see... Read more
13-Aug-2012
Tail rotor struck wire on approach after crew were distracted by vehicle on ground potentially entering landing zone. Landed without further incident... Read more
7-Aug-2012
Landed in a field and rolled onto its side. Helicopter was on a test flight – reportedly for development of the main rotor system for the Bell 525 Relentless... Read more
5-Aug-2012
Damaged skid and had to make emergency landing on mattresses to minimise damage... Read more
4-Aug-2012
B407 carrying the Secretary of Public Security of Veracruz, Arturo Bermudez Zurita, and the Undersecretary Jose Nava Holguin, made a forced landing. Pilot was Alfonso Diaz Pineda... Read more
3-Aug-2012Source: Ahlers Aerospace
Ahlers Aerospace has been selected by Bell Helicopter as the supplier of the Dual Tachometer for the Model 407. Ahlers designs and manufactures new instruments and electronic devices for the aviation industry. Ahlers is also a certified repair station for instruments and accessories. For more information contact Ahlers at 972-567-9852 or visit our website at www.ahlersaerospace.com... Read more
3-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Air Zermatt has taken delivery of the first Bell 429 to be registered in Western Europe – the 67th production example and now flying as HB-ZSU. Painted all red, the helicopter has a hoist fitted to the starboard side and would thus be used for mountain rescues. In Eastern Europe there are already... Read more
3-Aug-2012
Field landing after wire strike... Read more
2-Aug-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the addition of Raymond Leduc as vice president of Value Streams at its facility in Mirabel, Canada. In this role, he is responsible for the manufacturing activities of the Mirabel plant and for leading the value stream organization towards operational excellence in an ever increasing... Read more
2-Aug-2012Source: FB Heliservices
Cobham Aviation Services joint venture FB Heliservices has been awarded a two year contract to provide helicopter flying training to the Albanian Ministry of Defence. FB Heliservices will provide a series of courses which will provide multi-engine type conversion, glass cockpit familiarisation, instrument flying and Search And Rescue training to 12 Albanian Air Force pilots... Read more
2-Aug-2012
Loss of engine power at low level while crop spraying. Badly damaged landing in the crop... Read more
1-Aug-2012Source: GamePolitics.com
A federal judge has denied a motion by Electronic Arts to dismiss counter-claims in a trademark lawsuit filed by Textron Innovations and Bell Helicopter Textron related to helicopters depicted in its popular Battlefield games. (see full story)... Read more
1-Aug-2012Source: Ducommun
Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) has received a contract from Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), to produce titanium firewall and baffle assemblies for the AH-1Z Cobra – the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest attack helicopter. Ducommun AeroStructures will produce the assemblies at its Coxsackie, N.Y. facility through 2013. “We’re very pleased to expand our relationship with Bell Helicopter to support the AH-1Z program,”... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, in partnership with Cessna Aircraft Company, opened a new regional service center in Singapore at Seletar Aerospace Park. Bell Helicopter and Cessna are Textron companies (NYSE: TXT). The new state-of-the-art facility offers customers a one-stop shop for comprehensive repair, completion, fulfillment, maintenance and customization solutions. “The grand opening of our Asia Pacific service... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: DSCA
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today 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. The Government of Lebanon has requested a possible sale of 6 Huey II helicopters, spare and... Read more
30-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Last Thursday 26th July, East Anglian Air Ambulance had some demo flights with the Bell 429 demonstrator aircraft which was in the UK for the recent Farnborough airshow. Registered C-FTNB, the helicopter did a number of flights from EAAA’s operational base at Norwich Airport. The same helicopter was also noted on 18th July at North... Read more
27-Jul-2012Source: Commercial Appeal
Memphis Police have a fleet of three Bell 206 JetRangers an a Eurocopter AS350. Each is currently grounded by a maintenance requirement (see full story)... Read more
27-Jul-2012
Weather conditions were described as adverse with winds up to 80km/h. The helicopter was dousing veld fires in the mountains on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs... Read more
27-Jul-2012
Kevin C. Rossan, 35, from Troy, Mich., was transported to the King’s Daughters Hospital in Madison after his Bell 47 crashed in a field while on spraying operations after the main blades came into contact with the ground. Helicopter ended upright, but badly damaged (see photo)... Read more
25-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil in Argentina has joined the growing number of countries who have approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada’s certification. Transport Canada approved operation of the Bell 429 at 7,500 lbs. in... Read more
25-Jul-2012
Tail separated during agricultural flight... Read more
23-Jul-2012Source: Mecaer Aviation Group
Mecaer Aviation Group Wins Contract to Design and Manufacture the Wheeled Landing Gear System for the New Bell Helicopter 525 “Relentlessâ€. Italy based Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) has capitalized on its experience in building helicopter, business and general aviation landing gears to become a key supplier to, industry leader, Bell Helicopter Textron of the complete... Read more
23-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that 429 launch customer Mercy One of Des Moines, Iowa will receive a second Bell 429 helicopter from Air Methods. Mercy One currently operates an air medical critical care configured Bell 429 and will add a second helicopter, equipped with United Rotorcraft emergency medical services... Read more
21-Jul-2012
One killed and two injured when helicopter crashed into reservoir. Operator flies at least two LongRanger IVs – B-7712 (52305) and B-7715 (52357)... Read more
20-Jul-2012
2 survived, 12 killed in crash. Helicopter was en route home with three members of the crew and 2 trainers, 1 staff and 8 Officer Cadets, Officer Cadet School after a jungle training camp. The Defence Ministry later stated “The main cause of the aircraft crash was due to human error. The aircraft was involved... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: Amarillo Globe News
During a meeting Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved a $5-million Amarillo Economic Development Corp. incentive package for a Bell Helicopter expansion to bring manufacturing of the company’s newest civilian craft — the 525 Relentless — and 100 jobs to the city. (see full story)... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace has been selected to provide Bell Helicopter with key metal and composite structures across the new 525 Relentless helicopter fuselage. This major work package includes composite and aluminium fuselage panels and structural parts installed in the cockpit, cabin and tailboom. Manufacture will begin in late 2012 with initial deliveries scheduled for 2013 and... Read more
17-Jul-2012Source: Pacifica Engineering
-Pacifica Engineering, Inc. today announced that it has been selected as a key supplier for Bell Helicopter’s new 525 Relentless program. Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, engaged in an extensive selection process of which Pacifica Engineering, Inc. participated throughout the process. Bell Helicopter has developed an industry leading Helicopter in the 525 Relentless, and will... Read more
16-Jul-2012Source: KUKA Systems
Bell Helicopters has named KUKA Systems, the global leader in assembly line design, as its supplier partner for developing the manufacturing line for the new Bell 525 Relentless super medium-class commercial helicopter. “The production line will assemble the entire airframe – from ‘nose cone to tail cone’ “, says Robert Reno, Group Vice President, Aerospace Division, KUKA Systems Corporation... Read more
10-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). FCPD’s second multi-role Bell 429 is configured for both law enforcement and emergency medical service operations. “We rely on the power, speed, size and accessibility of the cabin, and the exceptional... Read more
10-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval to provide pilot training on Bell 429 helicopters. The Bell 429 pilot training program blends theoretical knowledge instruction with specific aircraft training tasks that are conducted in the advanced flight... Read more
