12-Mar-2011Source: TBO
Pasco County Sheriff have opened a new 10,000 sq.ft building, which will house their four helicopters. By use of inmate labour, the Sheriff saved roughly $700K of construction costs... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: The Australian
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority is probing complaints claiming he broke a multitude of safety rules during filming of Network Ten’s 15-episode program – including using a helicopter to pull a skier along the water... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: WES Ebert Electronic Systems
(electronic translation of German press release) Nidderau 10 March 2011 – start flying, landing, react to an engine fire or prepare an air ambulance: flight simulators to provide realistic tasks without risk. To prepare the pilots and technicians working on the complex processes in the cockpit, is the helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter flight procedures including devices... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The UK CAA this week visited Shobdon airfield and were so alarmed by what they found that they issued a NOTAM there and then, closing the airfield. However, exactly why such this action was taken is not yet known, although it has been the subject of plenty of speculation on the Flyer forum frequented by... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) announced today that they have surpassed a major industry milestone by exceeding 500 Night Vision Goggle Cockpit Modifications. “Reaching 500 modifications is a major accomplishment,†said ASU president and Founder Mike Atwood. “At ASU we have a team of dedicated employees that understands just how important safety and night vision are. ... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board, Angel Flight, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will hold a volunteer pilot safety stand down seminar at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia on March 25, 2011. Below is the seminar’s agenda: Keynote Address: Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, National Transportation Safety Board 9:00-9:30 am. Sessions: NTSB · Four... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Winnipeg police made a quick arrest after someone directed a laser beam at their helicopter. The EC120 was flying over a downtown neighbourhood when it was targetted by a laser pointer. Officers quickly pinpointed the house where they believed the beam was coming from and made an arrest. The man was later released, but only... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International this week produced a fast-paced, record event with the 63rd edition of HELI-EXPO®, held at the Orange County Convention Center here. At HELI-EXPO 2011, manufacturers conducted more than 90 customer demonstration flights from the convention center’s own private heliport, which HAI oversaw during the show. A total of 625 companies and organizations... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the world, reported revenue and net income for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010. For the year, revenue increased 9% to $562.0 million compared to $514.3 million in the prior year. Net income increased 52% to $44.1 million, or $3.50 per diluted share,... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge William Dorsey ruled in favor of helicopter mechanic Mark Van who was fired by Portneuf Medical Center (an Idaho hospital) for repeatedly raising concerns about violations of FAA safety standards in their helicopter air ambulance program.... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it received 41 signed contracts at HELI-EXPO 2011 in Orlando, Fla., this past week. “This was an exceptional show for Bell Helicopter,†said John L. Garrison, president & CEO, Bell Helicopter. “Spending time with our customers and listening to their needs and direct feedback is... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Dynamic roll-over... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Landed hard during precautionary landing... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Schweizer 269C-1, G-CEAW on 22 May 2010 at Liverpool Airport, Merseyside Schweizer 269C-1, G-LINX Correction on 22 September 2009 at East bank of River Wyre, near Stalmine, Lancashire... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter booked 68 new orders and agreements during this week’s Heli-Expo 2011 exposition while also unveiling a range of new and enhanced helicopter products, confirming the company’s highly competitive position for the expected upturn in the world’s rotary-wing aircraft sector. New business concluded during this industry event in Orlando, Florida involved eight of Eurocopter’s helicopter... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Guimbal Helicopteres has today delivered its first Cabri G2 to Switzerland, the 22nd aircraft off the production line. Its operator will be Procopter at Grenchen, who will begin to operate this helicopter immediately, including participation in a major air show this weekend, or 10,000 people are expected. Procopter becoming our distributor for this region, and... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Transportes Aéreos Pegaso, who already operate one of the largest Eurocopter fleets in Latin America, have placed an order for five Ec145s to fulfil a transportation contract with CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). The customer is the national electricity company for Mexico. Pegaso already operates six EC145s, including the one shown in the photo below... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Bond Air Services has placed orders for eight Eurocopter EC135 T2e enhanced versions. This new model take the maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg and offers a 40-kg. gain in payload and allowing an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Currently, Bond Air... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Russian Helicopters
The Russian all-weather coaxial Ka-32A11BC helicopter equipped with a horizontal firefighting system is an efficient tool in combating fires on top floors of high rise buildings and skyscrapers, including the densely populated regions of the world’s largest cities. The helicopter can be used in fighting fires that ground apparatus cannot reach or has difficulty in... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Daily Courier
With very little discussion, the Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a consent agenda item for a contract between the county and Prescott Wing & Rotor for the overhaul of a R44 Raven 2 helicopter donated to the county by Guidance Helicopters Inc. of Prescott.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: North Flight Data Systems
NORTH Flight Data Systems LLC is pleased to announce that the company has completed its acquisition of the OuterLink Flight Data System and has begun deliveries from their new headquarters in Arlington Texas. “This product line acquisition is not merely a separation from OuterLink,†says President and CEO Jeffery Warner, “it is a continuation of... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Jackson County Times-Journal
The Life Air ambulance bases, located in Portsmouth and Chillicothe, will continue to operate under the Life Air name, and according to Air Evac Lifeteam President and CEO Seth Myers, operations should continue seamlessly... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Post-Journal
WCA Hospital and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department celebrated a milestone with the Starflight program when it received certification to be considered an air carrier Thursday.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: US News LV
Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuesday launched the “Sky Police†which will conduct aerial anti-crime and surveillance patrols in Metro Manila and its nearby regions using three recently-acquired Robinson R44 Raven II helicopters.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Heli-One
Heli-One is pleased to announce it has established full Arriel 2 overhaul capability at its Heli-One America Support LLC in Fort Collins, Colorado. After installing full Arriel 2 overhaul capability at Fort Collins, Heli-One can now service all Arriel 2 types in its state-of-the-art engine workshop. This will allow Heli-One to maximize the potential of... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, introduced its new cargo hook suspension system for the AgustaWestland A109/119 helicopter models today at the Heli-Expo Convention in Orlando, Florida. The new A109/119 system is pending FAA approval and is expected to be available for installation by the summer. EASA and Transport Canada... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
A compact ground-based simulator for the AS350 B3 has made a big impact at Heli-Expo 2011, where this procedural training device attracted significant attention from operators of the high-performance member in Eurocopter’s AStar/Ecureuil helicopter family. The device was developed by Indra Systems as a supplement to the AS350 Level B full-flight simulator, and was delivered... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Zero Motorcycles
Neal Saiki, the co-founder of Zero Motorcycles, will be leaving his operational duties at the company to pursue his dream of designing and building the first human-powered helicopter, the company announced Tuesday. Saiki will be re-entering the Igor I. Sikorsky Human Powered Helicopter Competition, which offers a $250,000 prize to the first designers who can... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: AAMS
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is proud to announce a strong renewed commitment to the safety goals of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). Launched in 2005, this worldwide effort led by the IHST has been centered on uncovering the means to drive down the universal helicopter accident rate. The objective is to... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company, received multiple awards at the Rolls-Royce FIRST Network Recognition Reception. Awards included the Customer Satisfaction Award and the Going the Extra Mile Award. “StandardAero is proud of its long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce and being recognized for our achievements in customer service by such a well-respected market leader is... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
As part of its 100th birthday celebration, StandardAero donated a check in the amount of $1,750 to Copters For A Cause during this year’s Helicopter Association International (HAI) HELI-EXPO 2011. The donations were part of a market research study conducted by the company contributing $25 for every completed survey. As part of this year’s show... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: HFI
A visit to Helicopter Foundation International’s (HFI) booth, #2206, at HELI-EXPO® is a great way to learn about the helicopter industry’s past and how the organization helps to educate present and future generations of helicopter professionals. HELI-EXPO® opened on March 5 and runs through March 8. Once again the event is well attended, and there... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero announced today that it has signed an exclusive five-year contract for Model 250 engine repair and overhaul services with the City of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department. All work will be performed at StandardAero facilities in Winnipeg, Canada and Concord, N.C. Repair and overhaul services will be performed on the police department’s seven-helicopter fleet comprised... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 2nd March, a Czech Police Eurocopter EC135T2 suffered a heavy landing on a night training flight at approx 20.00 hours local.  A photo of the result can be seen here on the Planes.CZ website. Local press reports say that the Czech Police only insure themselves for damage caused by third parties. HeliHub.com adds a... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: Able Aerospace Services
Operators of Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 407 and 206 helicopters can realize overhaul and repair savings ranging from 35 to 70 percent using Able Preferred™, a new program from Able Aerospace Services. Able Preferred offers a full range of safe, FAA-approved dynamic component overhauls for these helicopters. Able Preferred overhauls are an alternative to OEM... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero announced today that is has signed Servicio Tecnico Aereo de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (STAM), of Mexico City as an Authorized Support Center (ASC). The agreement is for one year and includes optional one-year extensions at the end of each expiry date. “Today’s announcement symbolizes StandardAero’s increased presence within the Mexican Model 250 market,â€... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
British oil & gas helicopter support operator Bond Offshore Helicopters signed a new Support-by-the-Hour® contract with Turbomeca UK for their four new AS365N3 Dauphins, powered by the Arriel engine. The helicopters’ Arriel 2C turbines will be maintained by Turbomeca UK which supports nearly 700 engines powering British and Irish-owned customers’ helicopters. Two of the new... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Sikorsky S76 operated by Rotorcraft Leasing made a wheels up landing last Saturday at Capt G Allan Hancock Field (akak KSMX Santa Maria Public Airport). HeliHub.com adds a separate page for every reported incident, including details of the particular helicopter and links to online reports of the event. see05-Mar-11 N5402T Sikorsky S76 Santa Maria,... Read more
9-Mar-2011
Extremely erratic take-off from elevated hospital helipad caught on video. According to the company, the pilot could bring the machine under control. CEO Roy Knaus blamed the incident on “a combination of circumstances”... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero announced today that is has signed HeloAir Inc., of Richmond Va. as an Authorized Support Center. The agreement is for one year and includes optional one-year extensions at the end of each expiry date. “Today’s announcement reflects our growing footprint in the U.S. and establishes a three-fold strategic alliance between the end operator, StandardAero... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora Flight Sciences announced that it has been named “Supplier of the Year” for its work on aerostructures by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The award was announced by Al Altieri, Sikorsky Vice President of Supply Management on January 28, 2011 at Sikorsky’s annual supplier conference. “Aurora is proud to receive this recognition for our dedicated efforts... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), has added 21 new capabilities to the S-92® medium lift helicopter encompassing navigational, communications and airframe improvements, the company reported during the Heli-Expo industry show. “These new capabilities are enabling our customers to respond to operational demands in challenging new environments and represent Sikorsky’s... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Era Group (Era) has been appointed an AgustaWestland Authorized Service Centre in Lake Charles (Louisiana, USA) for the range of AgustaWestland commercial helicopters including the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power light twin and the AW139 medium twin models. This latest step further expands the partnership... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of contracts for eight more AW139 medium twin helicopters in Japan through its distributor Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. The new helicopters will be operated by the Japan Coast Guard and the Japanese Fire Fighting and Disaster Relief Organisation. With these contracts Mitsui Bussan Aerospace increases the... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that Firefly S.p.A of Chile has taken delivery of an AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The aircraft will be used to perform corporate transport missions. The delivery marks the entrance of the AW119Ke into the Chilean helicopter market. AgustaWestland has previously sold and delivered to the Carabineros de... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sergei Sikorsky, son of aerospace pioneer and Sikorsky Aircraft founder Igor Sikorsky, was inducted as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) by its Board of Directors at the Heli-Expo industry show this week in Orlando. The honor was bestowed March 7 at the HAI “Salute to Excellence Dinner.” Sikorsky Aircraft is... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Mexican businessman Fernando Reina Iglesias broke the world speed record for barefoot water skiing on 2nd March, it has emerged. Towed behind an AgustaWestland AW119 in Acapulco, Reina reached 153mph, breaking the previous record of 135mph set by American skier Scott Pellaton 22 years ago. Public notary Manlio Favio Pano witnessed the event, helping the... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) can confirm it has terminated its contract with Sterling Aviation with immediate effect. The charity will continue to operate two helicopters across the four counties it serves and these will be provided by Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded. Steve Whitby,... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
The Global Support Agreement, signed today between Turbomeca USA and ERA Helicopters LLC* will provide proximity based engine support services covering ERA’s fleet of 43 engines which includes, Makila 2A and Makila 2A1 engines and Arriel 1S1 and Arriel 2S2 engines. Under this Agreement Turbomeca USA, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, will be responsible for... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft’s newest commercial rotorcraft, the S-76Dâ„¢ helicopter, continues to progress steadily toward FAA certification this year, having performed more than 225 test flights and meeting performance, reliability and pilot workload expectations, the company announced today at the Heli-Expo industry show in Orlando.  Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The two test... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Thales
hales announced today that it has been working on significant functional enhancements on its TopDeck avionics suite in order to anticipate operators requests, which will contribute to further improving the helicopter’s performance. Previously selected by Sikorsky to equip the new version of it’s S-76D commercial helicopter with the TopDeck avionics suite, Thales is now enhancing... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics today unveiled www.beckerusa.com/polycon , its new product portal for the professional wireless headset communication system, PolyconTM, designed and produced by Axnes Aviation. The dedicated product website is specially designed to provide aviation professionals with easy access to product information on the PolyconTM wireless communication system. Brett Gardner, Director of Sales and Marketing stated, “We... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins today announced the successful installation of its proven Pro Line 21™ Integrated Display System (IDS) into a Sikorsky S-61 long-range helicopter. This retrofit, which was a collaborative effort with Toronto, Canada-based Vector Aerospace, is the first installation of a Pro Line 21 avionics system on a rotary wing aircraft. Helicopter pilots using Pro... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it received 13 orders on the first day of Heli-Expo 2011 in Orlando, Fla. The 13 orders were received from the following customers. Deliveries are expected in 2011 and 2012. Urban Development Group, located in Panama, a 407GX Alvac, located in Idaho, a 407GX Helicopter... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., now offers custom designed Heli-Utility-Baskets™ and Heli-Utility-Pods™ for airborne data collection. Available for: Agusta A119/AW119MKII, Bell 206A/B/L/L1/L3/L4 & 407, Bell 205/210/212/214/412, Eurocopter AS350/AS355, Eurocopter EC130 DART’s custom modifications allow for specialty requirements such as surveying, GPS, aerial photography, LIDAR, mapping equipment,... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, in a global effort to constantly further enhance its Customer Support and Services’ capabilities worldwide, is pleased to announce the expansion of its support activities in North America through a number of initiatives. Thanks to renovation and process enhancements during 2010, AgustaWestland Customer Support has recently re-opened to full capability the... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today the expansion of the S-92A® helicopter’s operating envelope with approval by the Federal Aviation Administration to execute Category A vertical takeoffs and landings from ground-level helipads. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), announced the new certification at the Heli-Expo industry show in Orlando. To receive this certification, a... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced at the Heli-Expo trade show today that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved an advanced and highly integrated, all-weather operating system that enhances the S-92® helicopter’s already proven search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The approval follows previous certification of... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Able Aerospace Services
While consistently maintaining its focus on helping operators reduce aircraft operating costs with safe, approved value-driven component repair, overhaul and replacement part (PMA) solutions, Able Aerospace Services is a company on the move. Even as Able closes out its most successful year to-date it has mapped out an aggressive plan to achieve 300 percent growth... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Authorities were alerted after the non-arrival of a helicopter due from a short flight in Cumbria. Local press reports give the owner/pilot’s name as Mark Weir.... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Press report states “tail boom separated”... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Sudden white-out when flying at 150ft agl then rolled-over after hitting the ground. Believed to be weather-related and not mechanical. Visibility in the area was reduced to 1.6 km by blowing snow and the temperature was -24 C – -38 C with the windchill. Occupants got out OK but then post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Crashed in a clearing close to a second R22 which was carrying out a deer recovery operation. Subject helicopter was observing, initally from 15m up, just prior to it coming down. Pilot aged 64 OK, passenger aged 55 needed medical treatment. Both from Warkworth, north of Auckland... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Extends training relationship that has lasted more than 20 years and implements AEC’s AS350 Level B Full Flight Simulator as an integral part of the department’s training program American Eurocopter announced today that the Texas Department of Public Safety has signed a simulator training contract with the company’s Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo booth #4637, American Eurocopter announced that Air Medical Resource Group has signed an agreement to purchase seven AS350 B3e helicopters, making it the U.S. launch customer for this enhanced rotary-wing aircraft. These helicopters will be a core part of an initiative to consolidate Air Medical Resource Group’s business lines and to expand... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Robinson
Torrance, CA— Robinson Helicopter Company is now delivering the R66 with optional air conditioning. The simple, lightweight system provides air conditioned comfort and reduced humidity throughout the five-seat cabin. An overhead console provides vents for each seat with 250 CFM total airflow. The 42 lb air conditioner uses the latest automotive refrigerant and has 17,000... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the world, announced today the acquisition of United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) by its Products Division. URS is a full-service helicopter and fixed-wing completions center and Maintenance Repair Operation (MRO). Founded by Dave and Traci Brigham in 2005, URS initially served the very unique demands... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: CAA
Planned airspace security restrictions covering the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012 were announced today by the UK Government, as part of its commitment to deliver a safe and secure Games. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), air traffic control provider, NATS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), will now work with the aviation... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: JSSI
Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the largest, independent provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, recently announced new JSSI programs for the Eurocopter EC-135 and the EC-145. The JSSI hourly cost maintenance program for the EC-135 provides coverage for the Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 and Pratt & Whitney PW206B2 engines. The offering... Read more