6-Feb-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Westchester County (NY) Police Department recently decided to equip their new Bell 407 patrol helicopter with the Becker Avionics Digital Voice Communication System, the DVCS6100. The aircraft currently is undergoing completion at Bell Helicopter Piney Flats, TN and will deliver in the first half of this year. Westchester County’s aircraft is the fist Bell 407... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: Our Colorado News
Sky Ridge officials celebrated the unveiling of a 6,300-square-foot helicopter hangar that is expected to help improve response time and provide a few comforts of home for the team on duty. AirLife medical personnel have been staying in a mobile trailer on the south end of the hospital’s property. It housed the crew, but did... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: Program Executive Office
The Product Office for the AH-64D Longbow Apache Block III (AB3) conducted a demonstration of a new capability that will enable collective Manned-Unmanned Teaming training using a manned helicopter. The demo was held on the campus of University of Alabama-Huntsville on Feb. 2. The AB3 National Airspace Trainer was demonstrated to the Program Executive Office... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: US DoD
PKL Services, Inc.*, Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $16,186,509 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for reset organizational level maintenance on the following Marine Corps aircraft platforms: AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Calif. (30 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent);... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: HeliFlite
For the month of February, HeliFlite is offering a “Half HeliCardâ„¢” (12.5 hours) as an introduction to the 25-hour HeliCardâ„¢ program. This is an outstanding opportunity for customers to enjoy significant, year round savings, while having guaranteed access to HeliFlite’s award winning helicopter service. At HeliFlite, HeliCardâ„¢ sales have grown dramatically as customers recognize they... Read more
2-Feb-2012Source: Cadorath Aerospace
Cadorath Aerospace President Gerry Cadorath announced plans to award $15,000 of free Bell repairs at February’s Heli-Expo 2012. “Each day at Heli-Expo we will be giving away $5,000; we want the Bell Service Centers and Bell Operators with overhaul shops to become familiar with Cadorath Aerospace. To be entered to win, they simply need to... Read more
2-Feb-2012Source: HFI
The HELI-EXPO 2012 exhibit floor will feature the inaugural HFI Heritage of Helicopters Display at static display #30 in Hall A of the Dallas Convention Center. The Helicopter Foundation International has secured the loan of these historic aircraft from several Texas museums, including the Cold War Museum in Lexington, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, and the Collings Foundation in Houston.... Read more
1-Feb-2012Source: Scott’s – Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) today announced their intentions to launch a Model 47 Upgrade Program at Heli-Expo in Dallas on February 12. This program gives customers the choice to have their existing Model 47 upgraded or to purchase a refurbished/upgraded 47G-2A configuration (narrow body) or 47G-2A-1 (wide body) configuration helicopter direct from the... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In the last few hours, Bell and Eurocopter have issued press releases (reproduced below) claiming they have both won the same court case, which was about copyright infringement of skid design used on the early Bell 429 prototypes. It would appear that Bell changed the design as soon as Eurocopter first issued an injunction. Thus... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: Cadorath Aerospace
Cadorath Aerospace’s list of Bell repair capabilities increased by 100% in 2011, making Cadorath the fastest growing “Bell shop†in the world. “At Cadorath, our commitment to excellence is moving us forward. Our vision of becoming a global company driven by integrity, solutions and satisfaction is being embraced by our customers because they see our... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced it has delivered the 4,000th commercial product since it began production at its Mirabel, Canada, facility 25 years ago. During a small ceremony at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Mirabel, long-time customer, Air Medical Group Holdings (AMGH), took delivery of the 4,000 aircraft – a Bell 206L4.... Read more
30-Jan-2012
The Kiowa, serialled 44072 and officially known as a Bell CH-136 light observation helicopter, belongs to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and is being restored for static display, in a unique partnership with Mohawk college. (see full story) File photo... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Mesa County Search and Rescue have recently added a second loan helicopter to their resources, thanks to a local telecom company. Based in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa County have struck a deal with CenturyLink, the third largest telecom company in the US following its combination with QWest. CenturyLink see the donation of their... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
We’ve speculated on what Bell is doing, and we ran this story on HeliHub.com recently detailing some of the trademark applications Bell have made. But more news comes in, thanks to a tip-off from local newspaper the Dallas Fort Worth Star-Telegram (affectionally known as the Startle-gram… ) of some further trademark applications. In particular, the... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: Cadorath Aerospace
Cadorath Aerospace developed 123 new Bell engineering repairs in 2011, giving Cadorath the fastest growing list of Bell and Rolls Royce rework capabilities in the industry. The Cadorath design and engineering department has developed more than 600 approved repairs for the Bell line to date. “Cadorath Aerospace has expanded on the Bell 206B, 206L, 407,... Read more
27-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bell have confirmed to the press that they will launch a “New Product” at 11.30am local time on Sunday 12th February. Press conferences fro the media will follow. From recent stories on HeliHub.com you will be aware that we expect this to be the 525 SMT “Super Medium Transport” – see also Bell looks to... Read more
27-Jan-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approval of DART Aerospace Ltd’s (DAS) stainless steel Run-on Landing Wearplates for the Bell 206L/L1/L3/L4 and 407 Standard Skidtubes and Float Skidtubes. DART Aerospace’s Ltd. (DAS) traditional wearplates and wearpads are designed for durability under normal wear conditions. However, training and run-on landings present... Read more
26-Jan-2012Source: Cadorath Leasing
Cadorath Leasing, a Subsidiary of Cadorath Aerospace, has delivered a Bell 206L-3 aircraft to Macaluso & Associates of Carlsbad, California. Macaluso & Associates replaced its Bell 206 Jet Ranger with the Bell 206L-3 in an effort to support and enhance its executive aviation department which now boasts fixed-wing aircraft. “The Bell 206L-3 meets our demands... Read more
26-Jan-2012Source: Scott’s Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) today announced that they have contracted with IAC Ltd. to develop new composite main rotor blades for the model 47 fleet. IAC is an internationally recognized main and tail rotor blade repair & overhaul service provider in Fort Worth, Texas with FAA certifications to inspect & repair all major... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: AAHP
The Association of Allied Health Professionals is voicing concerns on behalf of its members who operate the Medical Flight Program. The AAHP has been working with Eastern Health and the Department of Health and Community Services to have the safety issues addressed over the past few months to no avail. Sharon King, Executive Director stated... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
It sounds a bit like a couple of children playing – “you take me to court and I’ll take you to court in return”, but we’re sure that these two organisations are taking their legal stance very seriously. The current situations are:- In December, Vector took Bell to Alabama Middle Court (case ref 2:11-cv-01071) alleging... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: US Marine Corps
A Marine Corps sergeant in Afghanistan who unearthed a never-before-seen maintenance issue in a UH-1Y Huey was recently awarded by the Marine Corps for his potentially lifesaving find. The sergeant was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in a ceremony at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Jan. 12. Sgt. Christopher Lemke, a mechanic with Marine... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Discussion is going on in the internet domain industry about Bell Helicopter after they acquired the domain name BH.com from publishers Elsevier. Previously owned by Elsevier for their subsidiary Butterworth-Heinemann, it was sold to Bell between August 30th 2010 and September 7th 2011, when Bell Helicopter became the domain registrant (see below) The name BH.com... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: News4Jax.com
The family of one of the men killed when a helicopter chartered by Mayo Clinic crashed last month in Clay County is suing the operator of the aircraft. The children of 57-year-old David Hines are suing SK Logistics for wrongful death. They’re also suing Abraham Holdings, the company that owned the helicopter. (see full story)... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: Cherokee Nation Industries
Cherokee Nation Industries, the manufacturing and distribution division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is being recognized by Bell Helicopter as being in the top 10 percent of the company’s suppliers. The prestigious Bell Premier Supplier Award was presented at CNI’s facility in downtown Stilwell, followed by a luncheon honoring CNI employees for their success. “CNI laid... Read more
22-Jan-2012
Tail boom damaged. 4 POB not seriously injured... Read more
19-Jan-2012
Emergency landing while en route St Lucia to Tobago... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Kiddie Hawk Air Academy
The “Living Legends of Aviation”®, Bell Helicopter and ONEflight International have joined with title sponsor Bombardier Learjet in presenting the 9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards to be held January 20, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton. Every year the attendees describe the evening as a “WOW event.” This year’s awards program promises to be... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Providence Business News
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., was awarded a 10-year, C$640 million support services contract for the Canadian Forces CH146 Griffon fleet. (see full story)... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix announces the delivery of certified NVG cockpit upgrades for two Bell 412 helicopters owned and operated by the Toll Remote Logistics, Helicopter Division. Eagle Helicopters was contracted to provide comprehensive upgrades for the B412s and subcontracted NVG modifications and upgrades to Aero Dynamix. The upgraded B412s will be used for multi-mission operations. The... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded an $8,239,840 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of a Bell Helicopter Huey II aircraft with maintainer and pilot training. Work will be performed in Ozark, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. ... Read more
18-Jan-2012
Tourist flight. May be weather related. Pilot named as Henry Francisco Viana Arias, with passengers Adriana Recao, Carlos Garmendia, Alvaro Trayer y Gerardo Barreto... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Following our article on the potential Bell 525SMT yesterday, we are today exploring what Bell could be doing with the software trademark “MxLink”, which was applied for in summer 2011. Described as Computer software for use on portable computer devices, that includes biometric identification, used for interfacing, training, simulating, identifying and ordering parts, and tracking... Read more
16-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Just before Christmas, Bell filed a flurry of Trademark applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office. In particular, theses ones – each one listed as a trademark for a name of a helicopter or aircraft. – 525SMT – Super Medium – Super Medium Transport – Super Medium Class It’s obviously speculation as to what... Read more
16-Jan-2012Source: Research and Markets
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Key Global Helicopter Manufacturers – Strategic Initiatives, Developments, SWOT, Key Trends & Outlook for 2012” report to their offering. “Key Global Helicopter Manufacturers – Strategic Initiatives, Developments, SWOT, Key Trends & Outlook for 2012†The report brings to forefront & provides key insights as well as... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Helicopter of AAR Airlift crashed while operating for US Dept of Defense. 3 fatalities. Type/registration not known at this time.... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Emergency landing made, pilot and passenger then evacuated the helicopter hurriedly.... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Reports coming in of a Nassau County Police Dept helicopter “Helo 5” making an emergency landing at 00.36 local time at Southside Middle School,... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: St. Joseph
St. Joseph Health System is eager to announce two major initiatives to improve emergency and trauma medical care in the region. The first is a new affiliation with PHI Air Medical. St. Joseph AirMedical PHI has been our area’s air ambulance provider for more than six years. St. Joseph Health System, established 75 years ago,... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Atlantic Airways
Atlantic Airways has signed a four-year contract with the Faroese Ministry of Fishery and Ministry of Industry to provide helicopter search and rescue (SAR) and domestic transport to the most remote islands. The helicopter service will be provided by two Bell 412 helicopters and the contract includes considerable upgrade to the standard of SAR and crisis support. The agreement is worth a total... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: INAER
(Electronic translation from Spanish) Once the tender procedure for the program of life extension Agusta Bell 212 helicopters of the Spanish Navy, the Chief of Logistics Support (JAL) has awarded the program to the joint venture companies formed by SENER IngenierÃa y Sistemas e INAER Maintenance. The modernization program of the seven helicopters AB 212,... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it received Transport Canada approval for a 500 lbs. weight increase – to increase the maximum gross weight to 7,500 lbs – for the Bell 429. “This enhancement was the result of continued requests from our customers to yield additional performance from the Bell 429.... Read more
12-Jan-2012
Apparent mechanical failure at low level... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Helicopter NYC
With their new, more interactive website, Helicopter New York City has a new section devoted specifically for customer stories, experiences and review of their award winning helicopter tours. “We’re not only excited about the new look and feel of the website experience for our visitors,†states Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development at Helicopter New York... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Post-Standard
The FAA’s change in Onondaga County’s Air 1 license opens the way for the helicopter service to begin charging insurance companies to take accident victims to hospitals, Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh said (see full story) – see also the ongoing series of stories about the survival, some may consider “against the odds” of this operation... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: CPI Aero
CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero®â€) (NYSE Amex: CVU) today announced that its President & CEO, Edward Fred, will present at the Noble Financial Capital Markets Eighth Annual Equity Conference on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:30 am ET at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in Hollywood, FL. Investors will be able to access the... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Joystiq
Bell’s parent company Textron has hit EA with a trademark dispute over the company’s use of three different helicopter designs in Battlefield 3 without permission. In return, EA struck with a pre-emptive lawsuit against Textron claiming that the use of the helicopters is protected under the “First Amendment and the doctrine of nominative fair use.” (see... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Galaxy Technologies
Galaxy Technologies announced today the company has been awarded a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract from Bell Helicopter Textron to design and manufacture tooling to support Bell’s re-design efforts for the H-1 Cuff and Yoke program in Ft. Worth, Texas. Bell Helicopter was awarded the Naval Air Systems Command contract in 2011. “The Galaxy team did... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Star-Telegram
Breaking with its recent past, Bell Helicopter plans to produce its next new commercial helicopter, code named Magellan, at its military aircraft plant in Amarillo. (see full story)... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Fairfax County Police Department near Washington DC recently took delivery of the first of two new Bell 429 light-twin law enforcement/EMS helicopters equipped with Becker Avionics Digital Audio System, the DVCS6100. Fairfax’s new 429 was completed and delivered by Paradigm Aerospace Corporation / PAC International in Mount Pleasant, PA. Their second 429 is currently undergoing... Read more
8-Jan-2012
En route from Cartagena to an air force base in Puerto Salgar, helicopter landed heavily on edge of a flat roof with significant vertical speed, causing heavy impact damage. Impact reportedly included a small fire which was easily put out. 4POB injured.... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has been selected by the Turkish National Police from a field of several companies to enter final negotiations for an award for 15 Bell 429s with an option for five additional aircraft. “This selection represents the culmination of the efforts of a dedicated... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In a ceremony on Tuesday at Warsaw’s Okecie Airport, the Polish Air Force VIP squadron 36SPLT (Specjalnego PuÅ‚ku Lotnictwa Transportowego = Special Air Transport Regiment) was disbanded. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Czeslaw Mroczek, Chief of General Staff of the Polish Army General Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. pil.... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: CAE
CAE today announced that Mexico’s first business jet and civil helicopter training centre is open and ready for pilot training. New full-flight simulators (FFS) for the Bombardier Learjet 40/45 aircraft and the Bell 412 helicopter were recently qualified to Level D-equivalent standards by Mexico’s Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC). The new CAE training centre... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On December 26, 2011, at 0554 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N5016M, operated by SK Logistics, d.b.a. SK... Read more
5-Jan-2012
Field landing with no damage after reported tail rotor servo failure. 4POB, no injuries. En route to Virginia from joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Engineers from Fort Dix attended and helicopter flew again about 1 hour later... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $20,359,785 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-10-C-0035) to exercise an option for logistics products and services in support of H-1 helicopter upgrade program. Services to be provided include logistics management support; technical material for maintenance planning; design interface; supply/material support; technical... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co., Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded an $8,880,685 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0016) for 52 GEN II mission computers for the H-1 upgrades Lot 9 production aircraft. Work will be performed in Woodland, Calif., and is expected to be completed in January... Read more
1-Jan-2012
Crashed in a field (FAA reported this as 47J, but register says 47G2)... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Texas Christian University
Engineering students are getting real life career experience in their senior project for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, Tristan Tayag, professor of the engineering department, said. Bell propositioned half of the senior engineering class to create a heads-up display for a helicopter cockpit. Lauren Lueders, senior design project manager, said. The display would provide visual cues to... Read more
27-Dec-2011
Helicopter made precautionary landing in soccer field beside the Upper Room Fellowship church due to poor weather on ferry flight back to base after dropping patient at hospital. Landing site was soggy ground and helicopter started to sink, thus hovered short distance to parking lot and then ground handled to covered area... Read more
26-Dec-2011
3 died when their JetRanger crashed en route from Jacksonville to Gainesville to retrieve a heart meant for a patient at the Mayo Clinic, police and hospital officials said. The crash killed cardiac surgeon Luis Bonilla, procurement technician David Hines and pilot Hoke Smith shortly before 6 a.m. in a dense pine forest southwest of Green... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: US Navy
The Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD) at China Lake completed two major restoration projects for the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA), an AV-8A Harrier and a J-model AH-1 helicopter. Both aircraft are prominently displayed in front of the MAD headquarters at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS), China Lake. In 2010, MAD members and volunteers repainted the... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
One million members! The Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance company reached a milestone today with the announcement they have signed up their one millionth Air Evac Lifeteam member. “This is a great achievement for the company overall,” said Vice President of Membership Keith Hovey. “But more importantly, it means that a million people will not... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bell took one of their demonstrator aircraft to the Dubai airshow, and started a demo tour from there on. The helicopter entered UK airspace at Manston on Friday and is understood to be carrying out a demo flight for one specific potential customer in the Oxford area. Bell have confirmed to HeliHub.com that the aircraft... Read more
20-Dec-2011
Helicopter caught zip wire cable, causing it to crash. Sole occupant fatal, later named as businessman Arie Neven. Was reported as inbound from Wonderboom to pick up one person and then planned outbound to Bakubunt... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: University of Utah Healthcare
With the goal of better serving southern and central Utah regions, University of Utah Health Care’s AirMed and Mountain View Hospital welcomed guests today to celebrate AirMed’s new 24-hour aircraft base at Mountain View Hospital in Payson. The new base in Payson was a strategic move for AirMed, as the crew relocated to Mountain View... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered the first Bell 429 with a multi-mission configuration to Fairfax County, Virginia. This is the first of two Bell 429s being delivered to Fairfax County. Their second Bell 429 is expected to deliver in the second quarter of 2012. This multi-role Bell... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: USPTO
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,078,395) developed by Kenneth E. Builta, Euless, Texas, James E. Harris, Dalworthington Gardens, Texas, and Billy K. Gore, Euless, Texas, for a “control system for automatic circle flight.” The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A flight... Read more
15-Dec-2011
The City Council voted 6-2 Tuesday to approve a tax abatement for the expansion of Bell Helicopter’s headquarters in which the company will reap $13.5 million over 20 years if it meets requirements. (see full story)... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) and Methodist Healthcare (Methodist) announce the expansion of their partnership providing emergency helicopter service to include a second base in Pearsall, Texas, called Methodist AirCare 2. Service began on December 12, 2011. AirCare 2 will provide life-saving 24/7 emergency medical helicopter service from a base located 50 miles southwest of... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: University Centre in Svalbard
A helicopter crashed and sank in Adventfjorden in December 2003, never to be seen again – until last week. An underwater robot was cruising at 70 meters depth to take images of the ocean floor for a UNIS research project, when it hit upon the remains of the helicopter. The helicopter crashed and sunk in... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $13,919,264 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00019-11-C-0023) for the systems engineering/program management and engineering investigations for the H-1 upgrades production aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will... Read more
