23-Jul-2010Source: Wired
The company announced Project Firefly at the Farnborough Airshow outside London and says the electric helicopter will be unveiled at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh next week.... Read more
23-Jul-2010Source: Star-Telegram
Bell has landed only 22 confirmed “money-in-the-bank” orders since the Bell 429 light twin-engine helicopter was certified by U.S. and Canadian regulators a year ago... Read more
23-Jul-2010Source: SkyTrac
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by VIH Helicopters Ltd (formerly Vancouver Island Helicopters) to provide its next generation flight following and SatCom solutions. VIH Helicopters will equip its diverse fleet of Sikorsky, Kamov, Eurocopter, and Bell helicopters with SkyTrac’s next generation ISAT-200 system. SkyTrac Systems will provide VIH Helicopters... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Washington Post
Michael E. Promisel, 18, was charged after officers on the ground were called to search for the source of the laser allegedly aimed at the helicopter as it passed over Mantua Elementary School on Horner Court shortly before midnight July 15, police said.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that Sloane Helicopters Ltd has signed a contract for ten additional helicopters comprising AW109 Power and GrandNew light twin engine models. This latest order extends to 2012 the multi-year multi-aircraft contract and distribution agreement signed in February 2006. This purchase marks the entrance of the GrandNew light... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Bloomberg
Mori Building City Air Services Co., the operator of a helicopter service between downtown Tokyo and Narita airport, may add a third aircraft after tie-ups with airlines boosted traffic.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Press and Journal
Crews onboard the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter had told air traffic control they would be carrying out a winching exercise in West Voe, flying at what air traffic controllers “assumed†would be no higher than 100ft.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: L-3 Avionics Systems
L-3 Avionics Systems announced today the release of a new, higher performing version of the company’s TACAN Tactical Airborne Navigation System unit, the TACAN+. With more power and increased functionality, TACAN+ is a feature-rich navigation system that remains the smallest and lightest TACAN available. TACAN+, which is available immediately, will be on display at the... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Absolute Fire Solutions
Absolute Fire Solutions, (AFS) announced today that the innovative actuator and control technology that allows cockpit volume control and multi-drop capabilities with no weight penalty, which was previously patented in Australia, has now received patents in both Canada and the United States. The proprietary control system design distinguishes FAST Bucket from older technology bucket products because... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Max-Viz
Max-Viz and One Sky Aviation completed a successful series of tests on the performance of the Max-Viz EVS-1500 dual optical field of view sensor on wildfires in central Alaska. “This important testing was necessary to confirm performance expectations of the EVS-1500 sensor over its predecessor, the EVS-1000, specifically in a fire environment†states Bob Yerex,... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by Broward County Sheriff’s Office for integration into their new multi-mission EC135 helicopter. The aircraft will soon undergo completion at Southeast Aerospace and will be specifically tailored to the needs of Broward’s Air Support Unit. The DVCS6100 was chosen due to its unique ability to effectively... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: KOLD
Using both aerial and land-based, highly-sensitive cameras Ohio-based company Persistent Surveillance Systems is able to monitor 16 square miles at any given time.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Your Nabe
Joseph Purdon, 46, has been arrested after he went out into his backyard around 1 a.m. on Thursday, July 1 and shined a huge, “twenty-five million candle power spotlight†at the chopper, according to a police report.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Live Mint
Ratan Tata, head of the Tata group, is set to be the chairman of the country’s first private helicopter assembly line, Indian Rotorcraft Ltd. The firm is a joint venture (JV) between holding company Tata Sons Ltd and Italy-based Finmeccanica SpA’s helicopter unit AgustaWestland. The Tata group has a 74% stake.... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada Customer Service Centre Europe GmbH (P&WC CSC Europe), a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH, significantly expanded a Fleet Management Program (FMP® program) contract with INAER Aviation. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. Under a new, 13-year event cost plan (ECP) contract,... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: Outerlink
Outerlink Corporation, a leading provider of satellite-based mobile asset management solutions, announced today that it has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the installation of their Flight Data System in the Eurocopter EC135 helicopter series aircraft. The Flight Data System satisfies two of the top four recent NTSB... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that it has sold one AW119Ke single engine and one Grand light twin helicopter in Chile. These two contracts mark the entrance of the AW119Ke and the Grand into the Chilean helicopter market. Both the AW119Ke and Grand will be used by private customers for corporate transport... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the AW119Ke single engine helicopter has been awarded civil certification in Russia. This adds to the civil certification already received for the AW109 Power and the Grand light twin models in Russia. Orders for nine AW119Ke helicopters have been placed by Russian customers so far and significant further opportunities... Read more
22-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, and Osprey Training of Sweden are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for the establishment of a fully integrated Search and Rescue Training Centre in Sweden, based on the AW139 medium twin turbine helicopter. Under this agreement, the Centre will provide AgustaWestland accredited training services to pilots, crewmen... Read more
22-Jul-2010
Abrupt manoeuvre by pilot (allegedly to demonstrate a coyote hunt according to the NTSB report) when it struck trees. Pilot and one paramedic killed. The other paramedic, who was still in the process of fixing his seatbelt, survived by being thrown clear in the impact.... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, working in cooperation with Esterline CMC Electronics, has developed and flight tested a new generation global positioning system (GPS) sensor to replace existing high-cost Doppler or inertial velocity sensors used in automated approach-to-hover and hover-hold systems. This new product is anticipated to be available for installation on... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Income Fund (the “Fundâ€) (TSX: CHL.UN) announced today its monthly distribution of $0.091875 per unit covering the period of July 1 to July 31, 2010, will be paid on August 13, 2010 to unitholders of record at the close of business July 30, 2010. Through Canadian Helicopters Limited, Canadian Helicopters Income Fund is... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., has unveiled an X2 TechnologyTM Light Tactical Helicopter (LTH) simulator that will provide potential customers with a tangible experience of the significant benefits of X2 Technology. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). X2 Technology combines an integrated suite of technologies to advance... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Government of Rwanda has recently taken delivery of a Grand light twin and an AW139 medium twin helicopter. Both aircraft will be operated by Akagera Aviation. The Grand will be used to perform emergency medical service operations while the AW139 will carry out government transport... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Sasemar, the Spanish Marine Safety Agency, has placed an order for one more AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used for a range of roles including SAR and water pollution detection. This order will bring Sasemar’s fleet of AW139s up to eight. The progressive expansion... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland and UI International (UII) are pleased to announce that the Korea National Police Agency (KNPA) has recently taken delivery of an AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The aircraft will perform law enforcement duties. The contract was signed in August 2009 by the Korean Public Procurement Services in order to support an on-going programme to modernize... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the “Alessandro Marchetti†Training Academy headquartered in Sesto Calende (Italy) has been awarded Flight Training Organisation (FTO) certification by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority). Becoming a FTO in accordance with JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) standards will enable AgustaWestland to further expand its range of training solutions,... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Samsung Techwin Co. of South Korea has taken delivery of a second AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. A ceremony on the 30th June 2010 held at Samsung facilities in Seoul Gimpo airport was held to mark the entry into service of the second AW139 helicopter. This... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line. An additional two helicopters will be delivered later... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that an AW139 medium twin helicopter operated in the Netherlands by the CHC Helicopter group of companies is the first to achieve the milestone of 5,000 flying hours. CHC is the largest AW139 operator worldwide with 34 units in service or on order. CHC introduced the AW139... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Herald Mail
Air Methods, has been in negotiations with West Virginia’s air medical service to provide service out of Martinsburg after commencing service from Hagerstown Regional Airport last fall. No deal has yet been struck... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
Air Evac Lifeteam is now the largest air medical company to complete implementation of night vision technology at all of its air ambulance bases. Air Evac Lifeteam, the largest independently-owned and operated air medical service in the United States, operates 92 bases in 14 states, including Illinois. Marion and Mount Vernon are among the closest... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: TheIndyChannel
After exploring various options to fund air support operations, officials determined the best option would be to sell the police MD600 and two Hughes helicopters to free up money to operate the remaining aircraft.... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced that its popular MD 500E to MD 530F helicopter conversion program has added a new member. The San Diego County Sheriffs Department’s A.S.T.R.E.A (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies) division took delivery of its freshly converted MD 530F helicopter early this month. The helicopter, purchased new by the Sheriff’s Department... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) has announced the delivery a new MD 500E® to the Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena, California. The Pasadena Police Air Support Unit conducted substantial research to identify helicopters that could operate with reduced noise and meet their law enforcement needs. According to Pasadena Air Operations OIC, Captain Bob Mulhall, “The MD 500E... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Flightglobal
Brazil will become Eurocopter’s “fourth home country”, after France, Germany and Spain, as the helicopter manufacturer ramps up its industrial presence and sales there, predicts CEO Lutz Bertling.... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Flightglobal
Flightglobal reviews the potential growth areas in the global market... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Eurocopter
At the Farnborough Air Show today, Shigeru Murayama, President of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Aerospace Company (KHI) and Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter, signed a new cooperation agreement for the EC145, a new evolution from the BK117 helicopter family. After more than 30 years of successful cooperation in the BK117/EC145 programme, today’s signature will... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: News On 6
One of Tulsa’s police helicopters went back up in the air last week, and TPD says it is paying dividends. It has already assisted on a number of calls, but none more dramatic than a high-speed chase this past weekend.... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: St Petersburg Times
Pilot Preston Ewen, who apologized for making a mistake while filming a watercraft advert, committed no violations, according to FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Air Comm
Air Comm Corp. today announced that it is offering a unique new extended warranty program to all new Air Conditioning and Heating system owners. The new extended warranty program applies to units purchased after June 1, 2010. The program offers the same exceptional warranty service Air Comm provides as part of its existing free, one-year... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: BLR Aerospace
Bell Helicopter today announced its intent to install BLR’s FastFin™ Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System as standard equipment on new Bell 412 helicopters. This announcement coupled with the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent certification of its Bell 412 FastFin System, has officials at BLR Aerospace flying high. “We are proud to partner with Bell Helicopter... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries has received FAA approval of their Cable Cutters Kit for the EC135 P1, T1, P2, T2, P2+, T2+ models of aircraft. Transport Canada and EASA approvals are pending. The EC135 kit is a new addition to the previously received Cable Cutters Kit... Read more
21-Jul-2010Source: Indra
Indra, the premier IT company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe, is working on the development of a new simulator supporting the EC225 passenger transport helicopter. The simulator will be implemented at Eurocopter UK’s service and training centre in Aberdeen (Scotland). The system, in its final development stage, will back up the... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Romiley
Christopher Jermaine Jones (DOB 6/5/87) pled guilty today to 35 counts of aggravated assault, vehicular theft, unlawful flight, leaving the scene of an accident, endangerment, criminal trespass, and criminal damage. The charges stem from a July 2007 incident in which Jones stole two vehicles and fled police, ultimately resulting in a high-speed chase. Jones was... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Aerolite
Aerolite Max Bucher AG and its U.S. subsidiary, Aerolite America LLC, have presented a $40,000 donation to MedEvac Foundation International, as part of the companies’ dual commitment to advancing air-medical safety worldwide through national and international research and education projects and globally focused air-medical-transport-related charity endeavors. “As a leading independent designer and manufacturer of helicopter... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Boston Globe
Connecticut’s Supreme Court says the state owes almost $1 million to Sikorsky Aircraft for denying the helicopter maker a tax exemption it deserved.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Bell
National radio talk show host Mike Gallagher is pleased to announce the generous support from Bell Helicopter for his non-profit, Gallagher’s Army: Fallen Officer Fund. This donation reinforces the two entities’ dual commitment to supporting the nation’s law enforcement officers. Bell Helicopter’s $25,000 donation will help support the families of police officers killed in the... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: SkyBooks
SkyBOOKS, Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and affiliate of Bell Helicopter, Release 4.4 adds management functionality to its Electronic Record Keeping Program. New management features include: Pilot Currency Functionality Enhancement Custom pilot currencies designed to fit unique flight operations New functionality to track precision and non-precision approaches Capability to add a currency for... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Tundra Drums
LifeMed Alaska has acquired ambulance firms with operations in Anchorage and other communities. They becomes the only service in Alaska providing fixed wing, rotor wing, and ground services.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Pall Corp
Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL), a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, has been authorized by Eurocopter, the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer, to sell the Centrisep engine advanced protection system (EAPS) directly to EC135/635 helicopter operators. Until now the environmentally sustainable system has only been available to the operators via Eurocopter Germany. Pall Aerospace will... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Metro Aviation
In the wake of another recent contract award for law enforcement completions from The State of Texas Department of Public Safety, Metro Aviation continues to refine its expertise in the market segment with new and innovative equipment integration and installation techniques. The company was also recently received competitive bid awards for law enforcement helicopter completions... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: MSN
Publicly-listed Hoa Phat Group, is buying a Eurocopter EC135P2+, due for in-country delivery in the next week [File photo]... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today the signing of an agreement with Deccan Charters Ltd. of Bangalore, India, that appoints their Mumbai facility as an authorized Customer Service Center (CSC) to support the Sikorsky S-76® helicopter platform. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).... Read more
20-Jul-2010
Russian Helicopters is examining the technological possibility of a helicopter which can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, company spokesman Roman Kirillov told RIA Novosti on Friday... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Business Standard
The recent diktat of the Ministry of Environment and Forests not to allow private helipads on rooftops and in the city would prove detrimental for the Indian helicopter industry, which depends on private sorties for 60% of its revenues.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: DefenceWeb
SAAF is flying the shuttle service for Government-owned PetroSA with effect from July 1. A spokesman added “We complied because part of our mandate is to assist other government departments†, also confirming the flights were infrequent.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Spidertracks
Aircraft tracking company spidertracks has launched the next generation aircraft emergency location system, specifically designed for GA pilots. Spidertracks Aviator is a complete safety solution that turns on automatically, tracks the aircraft from take-off to landing, with position reports sent via the Iridium satellite network, to the Aviator website. It will automatically send emergency SOS... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: The Age
Taxpayer funds were used to buy the helicopter for the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad in 1994. But the group claims the chopper is theirs, not the government’s, and they can do what they want with it.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: medevac-foundation
A study assessing critical care transport (CCT) crews’ success rates with managing the airways of patients while enroute to the hospital by air or ground ambulance has revealed that those rates were favorable, and, more importantly, were similar to findings reported in acute-care hospital settings. Results of the study, which was fully funded by a... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Washington Post
FAA officials say they aren’t liable for injuries suffered by the sole survivor of a 2008 Maryland Medevac crash in which air traffic controllers provided outdated weather information.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Flightglobal
Flightglobal consults its crystal ball... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
20-Jul-2010
PHI Air Medical cited the poor economy as its reason for last week’s closure. Former PHI paramedic Fernando Medina said some 13 employees at the base were notified that they were out of jobs.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Aviation Week
Although a deal is not set, yet, Turbomeca is likely to provide the powerplant for Eurocopter’s dauphine replacement program, the X4.... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Passur Aerospace
PASSUR Aerospace, Inc. announced that Tina W. Jonas has joined the PASSUR Aerospace Management Team. Tina joins PASSUR as Executive Vice President, Operations from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, where she worked as Director, Operations Planning & Analysis since September 2008. In that role, she was responsible for leading and managing Sikorsky’s global planning for production and supply... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: NY Daily News
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey grounded its helicopter fleet Thursday, admitting that the $3.7 million it spends every year on security flyovers is a waste of money in tough times.... Read more
19-Jul-2010Source: Robson Helimagic
Robson Helimagic refines heli-skiing formula: Smaller groups, lower cost, relaxed pace defines “boutique†heli experience. In an industry dominated by high-volume operators, Robson Helimagic has refined “boutique†heli-skiing in Canada and true mountain ambience. From its base in the Canadian Rockies in Valemount B.C., just south of majestic Mount Robson, RHM provides a semi-private experience... Read more
19-Jul-2010Source: Eurocopter
On July 19, a brand new EC135 P2i was handed over to Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Sharon Rowe, on the EADS/Eurocopter booth No. G12 in Hall 4 at the Farnborough International Air Show. The order for this aircraft had been placed in September 2009. Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Ltd.,... Read more