25-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
With a series of deliveries, Eurocopter has further extended its lead in Britain’s private/VIP market and once more confirmed the company’s role as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Two of the rotorcraft are the AS350 B3e evolved members of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, while the third is an EC120 B. [Editor note – Eurocopter has already issued... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: Daily Pilot
A 20-year law enforcement partnership that provided police helicopter patrols to Costa Mesa and Newport Beach touched down for the last time Thursday morning. (see full story)... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: The Baltimore Sun
Eighteen months after Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake voted to approve the purchase of four new helicopters for the Police Department, her proposed budget called for grounding one of them in a cost-saving move (see full story).... Read more
6-Mar-2013Source: Tech-Tool Plastics
Tech-Tool Plastics, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of helicopter windows for more than 45 years, has just introduced a unique window that is already getting noticed. Available exclusively from Fort Worth, Texas based Tech-Tool Plastics, the popular Cabin Comfort window is now designed for use on the Eurocopter EC120 and EC130 T2 aircraft. Featuring a... Read more
6-Mar-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter continues to lead the U.S. airborne law enforcement market, maintaining a 55 percent market share over the last decade with a product line that has become the industry standard. With 280 Eurocopter aircraft operating in federal, state and local law enforcement units, operators cite reliability, versatility and cost effectiveness as key factors in... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
With the recent certification of the 2nd Battery Installation for the EC130 B4 and the Cable Cutter installation for the AS350, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) has increased the range of kitted Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) for Eurocopter’s AS350, EC130 and EC120 product range. With the 2nd battery installation on the EC130, operators can benefit from... Read more
3-Mar-2013
Helicopter struck wire and fell into river, killing teenage passenger and injuring the other three on board. On report stated there were traces of alcohol on the 40 year old pilot... Read more
6-Feb-2013Source: CBC
According to police, AIR1 responded to 3,445 incidents in 2012, resulting in 185 arrests by ground patrol units. (see full story)... Read more
13-Jan-2013Source: SaxonAir
As part of their continued expansion, Norwich based air charter operator and flight support services company SaxonAir announces the appointment of a new CEO, Alex Durand, who takes up his new position within the company in early January 2013. Mr Durand, 43, brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the Business Aviation... Read more
6-Jan-2013Source: Kitchener Aero
Kitchener Aero Avionics (KAAV) – one of Canada’s premiere avionics and special missions modifiers – is pleased to announce another STC “first” with the completion of a “Glass-Cockpit” upgrade for the Eurocopter EC-120 helicopter. The heart of this mod is the Garmin G500H Flight Display system with Helicopter Synthetic Vision (HSVT), an Altitude Heading Reference... Read more
5-Jan-2013
Word reaching us that a Baltimore Police EC120 has made an emergency landing near the junction of Hanover Street and Reedbird Avenue in Baltimore at 0025 local time. Later flew back to base.... Read more
25-Nov-2012
German pilot Rico Steger was already the focus of “enquiries regarding the flying records and permit” three weeks prior to an accident which killed the three passengers aboard the EC120 he was flying. This local news report covers this aspect and various other details. The HeliHub.com accident page is at 20-Jul-12 N8899 Eurocopter EC120 Sri... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: Oryx Jet
London Biggin Hill based aircraft management and first class air charter company Oryx Jet is delighted to be able to offer helicopter charter as an additional method of transportation and onward carriage to complement its existing fleet of executive jets. Offering more choice to private business and leisure charter services both locally and internationally, our... Read more
28-Sep-2012Source: DCI
Helidax, a subsidiary of DCI and INAER, announces that it has exceeded 40,000 flight hours on EC120 Colibri aircraft, in their Calliope configuration, after 2 years of operation. Helidax is the first public-private partnership (PPP) launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 2008. This partnership concerns the supply of helicopter flight hours, for 22... Read more
15-Sep-2012
Skid caught ground on take-off – helicopter rolled-over onto its side... Read more
9-Sep-2012
Skid snagged ground taking off from sloping ground, causing helicopter to turn onto its side. Debris from helicopter killed... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Following the decision to replace their existing Eurocopter EC120 fleet, Baltimore Police have recently launched operations with the first of their four new helicopters – replacing the four old ones which are all at or close to their 12 year overhaul. By taking new aircraft, the Maryland city has also been provided the opportunity to... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] The Helibras will attend the 9th LABACE – Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, held at Congonhas airport in Sao Paulo, between days 15, 16 and 17 August. The company will deliver two new aircraft to Brazilian customers and make them their new building plans in the area of ​​services – technical assistance,... Read more
20-Jul-2012
Crashed into river, killing 3 – named as Siti Khuzaimah Anuar, Pepter Ato Mayau and Henry Lau Tee Yong. German pilot Rico Steger, 35, was the only survivor. Weather was reported as a factor (also cited in later report)... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: York Region
York Regional Police have confirmed the first of three possible one-year contract extension to the contract with National Helicopters to provide pilots and maintenance services. The deal is worth $568,908 excluding taxes. The region’s police services board also approved the 10-year overhaul valued at $709,000. (see full story). See also the recommendation document put forward... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: American Eurocopter
In October of last year, the Baltimore Police Department ordered four EC120® helicopters as part of a fleet renewal program for its current fleet of four EC120s that it has been operating since 2000. The delivery of two of the department’s new EC120s will take place in July, with the remaining two delivered in August.... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: American Eurocopter
At this year’s ALEA Conference in Reno, American Eurocopter will be showcasing the performance and technology available in its product offerings for airborne law enforcement. Two helicopters will be featured on American Eurocopter’s booth #112: an AS350® B3 from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit and an EC120® from the Fresno Police Department... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
You know how it is. You go down to the clubhouse to have a drink with some friends, and inevitably the conversation will turn to aviation. This time I was asked how I would compare the Eurocopter EC120 against a Robinson R66. So we resorted to a comparison by numbers using brochures etc – and... Read more
14-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
UK private operators and owners of light single-engine helicopters are to explore the advantages of Eurocopter’s EC120 during the company’s Discovery Weekend event, to be held at the Oxford Airport facilities of its Eurocopter UK affiliate on May 12. Attendees at the gathering will be given a first-hand look at the EC120 B Colibri in... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: CBC
Winnipeg Police have had their EC120 a year now, and the usage in 2012 at 40 hours a month is 50% higher than planned. Opposition councillors are calling for a second helicopter (see full story)... Read more
19-Apr-2012Source: Orange County Register
The helicopters were sold to Truscott Contracting, Ltd, said Newport police Chief Jay Johnson, who is also chairman of the ABLE Board of Governors. Truscott Contracting is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. (see full story) HeliHub.com Editor note – Trustcott Contracting currently owns one Robinson R44 II, registered C-FSRT... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Heli Gotthard has added a new Eurocopter EC120 to its fleet – a 2012 build aircraft with serial number 1667. Now registered HB-ZLR, it is owned by Automaten Meyer AG and will be operated by Heli Gotthard from their Pfaffnau base alongside two other EC120s. The company also operates four AS350B3 helicopters from... Read more
2-Mar-2012Source: Groiupe DCI
Helidax, a subsidiary of DCI and INAER, announces that it has exceeded 30,000 flight hours on EC120 Colibri aircraft, in less than 2 years of operation. Helidax is the first public-private partnership (PPP) launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 2008. This partnership concerns the supply of helicopter flight hours, for 22 years, to... Read more
21-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter, through its subsidiary Eurocopter South East Asia, takes an important step in its commitment to the Vietnam helicopter market as it partners with Vietnam Helicopter Corporation to develop a training centre in Vung Tau, Vietnam, for the ab-initio training of Vietnamese pilots. The great growth potential of the Vietnam helicopter market has prompted Eurocopter’s... Read more
19-Feb-2012
“Damaged the aircraft during takeoff after the transport skiers to the summit Karifuridake, the aircraft is rolling to the right”... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has exceeded 10,000 hours of flight time on its fleet of aircraft from American Eurocopter — three AS350 B2’s and one EC120. Since the delivery of the first AS350 in September 2002, the HCSO has utilized its fleet to answer more than 17,000 calls... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
As part of its 12-year Eurocopter-driven overhaul, York Regional Police are using the down-time on its EC120 to do some upgrades. Taken out of service at the end of November 2011, the three month grounding has provided the ideal opportunity for YRP to upgrade their moving-map system. The force flies C-GYRP, serial 1086, known as... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter generated a record high annual turnover in 2011 as the company benefitted from long-term strategies of investing in innovation to keep its helicopter product line at the forefront, growing the international footprint, developing services businesses and optimizing internal operations. The deliveries of 503 rotary-wing aircraft in 2011, along with Eurocopter’s enhanced support and services... Read more
12-Dec-2011Source: FAA
Cyclic control friction device... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Helipool Europe has this week added Eurocopter EC120B HB-ZMR to its fleet, having imported it from Mexico. It is expected to be based at Balzers. The company also owns an AS350B3 and an EC130B4 both of which are leased to Air Glaciers at Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland with it’s famous holiday resorts Grindelwald and... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: FDC/aerofilter
FDC/aerofilter is pleased to announce that the service life for the Eurocopter EC120B inlet barrier filter elements has been increased to 4500 hours, with no limitation on the number of cleanings. In addition, the recommended service interval has been increased to 300 hours. The FAA recently approved a revision to FDC/aerofilter’s Instructions for Continued Airworthiness,... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: FDC/aerofilter
FDC/aerofilter is pleased to announce that Eurocopter EC120B helicopters equipped with FDC/aerofilter inlet barrier filters may now operate in accordance with the basic rotorcraft flight manual. The FAA recently approved a revision to FDC/aerofilter’s rotorcraft flight manual supplement, allowing these aircraft to operate in accordance with the performance sections of the basic rotorcraft flight manual... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter successfully expands its footprint in China to the South Western region, with a landmark agreement signed with Xilin Fengteng for the sale of two helicopters – one EC120 B and one EC135 – for use in multiple general aviation missions. A signing ceremony was held on Sunday 20 November in Guanghan City between Sichuan... Read more
16-Nov-2011Source: Tech-Tool Plastics
European EC120 and EC130 operators have a new source for helicopter replacement windows following European Aviation Safety Agency approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate for Tech-Tool Plastics’ standard and special application replacement windows. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received. Available replacement windows include windshields, skylights and forward and aft door windows. The... Read more
7-Nov-2011
The three helicopters are the first Eurocopter models to be included in Wuhan Helicopter’s fleet, and comprise two AS350 B3e and one EC120 B. Intended for utility missions, they are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2013. A signing ceremony was held on Saturday, 5 November, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, between Wuhan... Read more
28-Oct-2011Source: 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 October 4, 2011, approximately 1250 central daylight time, N3925A, a Eurocopter EC120B, sustained substantial damage while making a... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: Baltimore Sun
Former officer Samuel K. Miller, wrote a memo in 2006 criticizing the Police Department for failing to properly train officers in the helicopter unit and to properly maintain the helicopters. The settlement includes a $120,000 payment to Miller and $125,000 in legal fees and other costs (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: American Eurocopter
What follows is the formal press release from American Eurocopter, issued today. However, HeliHub.com broke this story five weeks ago on 22nd September – see here. American Eurocopter announced today that the Baltimore Police Department has ordered four EC120’s to update its current fleet of four aircraft. The department is one of the leading law... Read more
23-Oct-2011Source: American Eurocopter
At this year’s International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) convention in Chicago, American Eurocopter will be prominently displaying an EC120 from Lake County Sheriff’s Department (Indiana). The aircraft will be featured on American Eurocopter’s booth #871. Lake County purchased the EC120 to rejuvenate its fleet of aging military surplus helicopters with the most modern... Read more
18-Oct-2011
Having taken off from Spa on a surveillance flight for the Fluxys company, helicopter crashed in a private garden killing 2 POB. The owner of the land described the weather as low cloud and windy gusts.... Read more
4-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In the last few weeks Eurocopter UK has sold not one but two Eurocopter EC120s, both of which have been stored for over three years awaiting a purchaser. Serial 1536 was yesterday registered to Eurocopter UK on the British register as G-CGYL, but arrived at their Oxford base in primer finish by May 2008. The... Read more
28-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Air Grischa Helikopter has purchased a Eurocopter EC120. Serial number 1434, a 2006 build, has been bought from French operator HeliStar. The helicopter adds to Air Grischa’s fleet which also includes one EC130, five AS350B3 Squirrels and a Guimbal Cabri G2. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
26-Sep-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s strong presence in the UK multi-mission helicopter marketplace will be demonstrated at the Helitech 2011 show and conference, which is to include this event’s first appearance of the EC145 T2 – the company’s new generation version of its workhorse twin-engine EC145. During the September 27-29 Helitech show at Duxford Airport, the EC145 T2 will... Read more
22-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In a major about-turn, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has this week approved the purchase of four new Eurocopter EC120s and support package for $9.5 Million. Less than two years ago, she had threatened to ground the Police Department in a budget reduction plan. Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III was on hand to thank the... Read more
11-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Czech operator DSA is adding a second Eurocopter EC120 to its fleet. Purchasing a burgundy coloured example from Hong Kong, the aircraft arrived this week at the company’s base in Hradec Kralove for reassembly, test flights etc and will be registered as OK-BST. This 2005-built aircraft, serial 1404 was previously operated by “Millenium Empire”. It... Read more
31-Aug-2011Source: DCI
Hélidax, the first public-private partnership (PPP) launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 2008, exceeded last June 20 000 flight hours on EC120 Colibri aircraft. A subsidiary of DCI and INAER, Helidax achieved this performance in less of 13 months of operation and trained two batches of trainees for the armed forces. Helidax’s example brought... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Aero Maintenance
Aero Maintenance Ltd of Walton Wood in Yorkshire have successfully carried out the first ever UK full 12-year overhaul of an EC 120, they’ve also given it an outstanding new interior and re-spray too! Previously, the 12-year inspection was to be carried out by Eurocopter only, but an amendment to the MSM (Master Servicing Manual)... Read more
17-Jul-2011
Heavy landing during operations for British Open golf championship, further details awaited... Read more
12-Jul-2011Source: Eurocopter
Hélidax, owned by DCI and INAER, has announced that it has passed the 20,000 flight hour mark with its fleet of Eurocopter EC120 Colibri aircraft—in under 13 months of operations. Hélidax was the first public-private partnership (PPP) to be launched by the French Ministry of Defense. Since May 2010, Hélidax has trained two graduated students,... Read more
2-Jul-2011Source: Daily Pilot
As of Friday, the John Wayne Airport hangar that housed ABLE’s three EC120 helicopters will become a storage space for the aircraft dubbed “Eagle,” which is jointly owned by Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Both cities have dismantled the shared police helicopter program, thus ending a 15-year partnership. Both city councils decided to cut ABLE... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Some controversy was raised in Gibraltar recently when two different officials gave opposing views on helicopter operations off the deck of a superyacht, according to “The Triton” website for operators of large private yachts. The captain of MY Calixe had sought approval to fly guests off their yacht, and received approval, only for it to... Read more
4-Jun-2011
The machine appears to have spun and caught the ground, leading to dynamic rollover,... Read more
26-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter has opened a new maintenance centre in Panama uNder the auspices of its Mexican subsidiary. Located on the premises of Heliflight Panama at Panama City’s Albrook Airport, the facility initially specialises in the AS350 and EC120 ranges “Customer care is a high priority for Eurocopter Mexico. We are very pleased to certify the new... Read more
19-May-2011
Peter Adderton has asked Costa Mesa City Council to give him a little time to put a deal together to provide helicopter service through a private company. He asked the Council to give him a little time to put a deal together to provide helicopter service through a private company.... Read more
9-May-2011Source: Orange County Register
On July 1, the ABLE helicopter program run by Newport Beach and Costa Mesa ends as a result of Costa Mesa’s cost-cutting measures. Assets must be sold and the proceeds split between the two cities.... Read more
4-May-2011
Chip light warning... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Franch operator Heli Horizon has launched an iPhone app “Helicopter Checklist” which they hope will be an indispensable assistant for pilots. The app has pref-flight check lists, separated out into Pre-flight, Before Starting, Start Engine and Stop Engine. The “basic version” (their description, not HeliHub’s) includes four checklists for R22 R44 helicopters EC120 and AS... 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
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In the last month, San Jose has proposed temporarily grounding its helicopter to save money, Costa Mesa has stopped flying, Long Beach is looking to downgrade to cheaper helicopters, and now it’s the turn of Fresno. The city operates two Eurocopter EC120s, as shown in the photo below The City of Fresno is cutting back... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Australian Aerospace Limited, supported by Eurocopter, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, brings an impressive line-up of aircraft from its rotary-wing family to the 2011 Australian International Air Show at Avalon. A total of seven helicopters will be at Avalon, ranging in size from the smallest family member, the Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, to the largest, the... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: SkyTrac Systems
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that the European Safety Agency (EASA) has issued installation approvals for its next generation automated flight following and satellite communications system on the following airframes: Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma Eurocopter EC 120 Eurocopter EC 135 Eurocopter EC 225 Bell 407 Bell 206 Steve Fuhr, VP and Director of... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: CBS San Francisco
A proposal would ground the San Jose Police Department’s helicopter for at least a year because of the city’s $110 million budget deficit.... Read more
