16-Dec-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and its affiliates (“Blue Hawaiian”), a helicopter tour operator based in Hawaii. Founded in 1985, Blue Hawaiian is one of the world’s largest aerial tour operators and is the premier helicopter... Read more
16-Dec-2013Source: Bond Air Services
We note that Eurocopter has today issued a Safety Information Notice 2673-S-28 to operators of the EC135 across the world confirming that some of their aircraft have a fault in the fuel indication and alert system which means that warning system may not work properly. This was a fault discovered by Bond during normal service operations on Wednesday 11th,... Read more
16-Dec-2013Source: Eurocopter
Dalian Municipality has taken delivery of its second EC155 B1 for missions ranging from surveillance, rescue and anti-terrorism, to fire-fighting, troop airlift and the transportation of personnel. This new EC155 B1 is well-equipped for its multi-role duties – outfitted with an electro-optical FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera, searchlight, loud speakers, rappelling ropes and hoist. It also... Read more
15-Dec-2013Source: Thales
Thales is pleased to announce that the EC635 helicopter Full Flight Mission Simulator (FFMS) delivered to the Swiss Air Force has achieved JAR FSTD-H* Level D certification issued by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). The Thales simulator, which is in service at Emmen Air Base, Switzerland, has therefore achieved the highest possible level... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: BALPA
In response to Bond Air Services decision to ground its fleet of EC 135s, BALPA said: “Pilots are looking to the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to take charge and provide the industry with the information that has informed the decision to ground the Bond EC-135 fleet. Flight safety... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: Pentastar Aviation
Pentastar Aviation has completed three 600-hour inspections on EC-155 aircraft in a medical configuration. These are the inaugural inspections on EC-155’s used in air medical transport. The inspections, led by Rotor Wing Maintenance Manager Bryan Clay, were performed by a team of five mechanics, who completed the three EC-155 aircraft inspections in succession. By the... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: Australian Aerospace
Eurocopter’s latest addition to its family of high-performance, lightweight, single-engine helicopters, the EC130T2, has begun a demonstration visit to Australia prior to delivery to its new owner and launch customer. A technologically-advanced version of the EC130B4, the world’s best-selling, high-performance, single-engine helicopter, the EC130T2 variant incorporates a package of advanced technologies that reinforce the family’s... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Air Services, the operator of the Scottish Police EC135 which had a tragic accident on 29th November, issued the following statement on Thursday 12th:- “During normal operations yesterday, one of our EC135 fleet has experienced an indication defect that requires further technical investigation. Therefore as a precautionary measure we have temporarily suspended service operations... Read more
13-Dec-2013
Two EC225s delivered yesterday are the initial Eurocopter-built aircraft in the portfolio of Waypoint Leasing, a leading global helicopter leasing company. Waypoint has signed an agreement to provide the aircraft to Avincis Group’s subsidiary, Bond Helicopters Australia, to use for offshore crew change missions. The EC225 handovers to Waypoint Leasing occurred at Eurocopter’s Marignane, France... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: Eurocopter
Germany’s Landespolizei Baden Württemberg has ordered six Eurocopter EC145 T2 helicopters, becoming the first law enforcement customer for this evolved version of the popular EC145 twin-engine rotorcraft. When delivered in 2015-2016, these EC145 T2s will provide the southwestern German state‟s police force with a highly capable multi-role fleet to replace a mixed fleet of two... Read more
12-Dec-2013
Substantially damaged during training flight – helicopter ended up on its skids but with tail boom dropped to the ground and main blades damaged.... Read more
11-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
University of Utah AirMed held an opening ceremony yesterday for their new base at Tooele in Utah. AirMed will be basing a Eurocopter EC145 there now. University of Utah Healthcare’s Air Medical Transport Team. AirMed was established in 1972 as the 8th air medical transport program in the nation. The University hospital provides services for one... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The AAIB has in the last three hours published an initial summary of their findings to date of the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135 accident in Glasgow on 29th November. The accident killed the pilot from Bond Air Services, and the two police offciers in the helicopter – and a further six on the ground. The... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: Christie
Christie®, who introduced the world’s first DLP® simulation projection system with LED illumination, the Christie Matrix StIM™, today announced that Frasca International, manufacturer of flight training equipment for airlines, flight schools, and military organizations worldwide, has awarded Christie the contract to provide 12 simulation projection systems for the German Federal Police’s (BPOL), two new Eurocopter... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Austrian operator Wucher Helicopter has this week started its seasonal operation of the “Gallus 1” emergency helicopter. Eurocopter EC135 OE-XHZ is the subject helicopter, and the winter season was launched on Friday 6th December from a base at Zürs. With the beginning of the winter season, “Gallus 1” starts is now on standby at Zürs... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: STARS
As you may have seen in recent media reports, the Manitoba government, in consultation with STARS, has made a decision to temporarily place the Winnipeg base out of service. This has been done to allow the government to conduct a review of an interhospital transport mission that occurred on Thursday, November 28th. The care and... Read more
9-Dec-2013
EMS helicopter crashed with pilot and two paramedics on board. Helicopter on its side. Boom broken off at root and tail is lying next to rotorhead... Read more
9-Dec-2013
During landing at a private property, the helicopter skid and main rotor contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side. The occupants were able to exit uninjured but the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
8-Dec-2013
Emergency landing with no apparent damage. TV reports stated helicopter had been “smoking” and that it remained in place and was blocking a taxiway.... Read more
6-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Argentine Coast Guard – or Prefectura Naval Argentina to give them their local name – are reportedly in negotiations for two Eurocopter EC225s and an option for a third aircraft. They are expected to replace the 1980 delivered SA330 Pumas, of which they have two currently on charge – serialled PA-11 and PA-13. A... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: Eurocopter
Participants of the Oil & Gas Symposium had a great night networking during a party organized at the Sky Bar, on level 33 of the Traders Hotel after the first day of presentations and workshops. It was a great vantage point from which they had a panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline. The... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: TSB
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A12P0079) into a fatal collision with terrain involving a Eurocopter AS350 operated by Bailey Helicopters Ltd. on 1 June 2012 in Terrace, British Columbia. The helicopter was on a local mountain training flight in daylight conditions under visual flight rules with three crew members on board. Approximately 45... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: Eurocopter
Under the overcast skies at Subang, the rain threatened to wreak havoc on a day when the EC175 is set to show its might to experienced offshore pilots, many of whom arrived from all over Asia to attend the 2-day Oil & Gas Symposium organized by Eurocopter, in addition to the demo flights. Fortunately for... Read more
4-Dec-2013Source: Regina Qu’Appelle
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is ready to land at Regina General Hospital now that Transport Canada has certified the new $3.4 million rooftop heliport for use. “Landing directly at Regina General will allow our emergency services to get patients in southern Saskatchewan to a critical care team about 15 minutes faster,” Health... Read more
4-Dec-2013
Training situation – hydraulic failure exercise. After the instructor has reset the hydraulic circuit, the pedals remain blocked causing loss of control and impact with terrain... Read more
3-Dec-2013Source: Eurocopter
Two of Eurocopter’s newest members in its twin-engine helicopter family – the next-generation EC175 and evolved EC145 T2 – are coming to Asia for a three-week demonstration tour with operators in the oil and gas, VIP, corporate, charter, military and law enforcement segments. In addition to providing opportunities to experience the performance and capabilities of... Read more
3-Dec-2013Source: Manitoba Health
Following a recent patient transportation incident with STARS air ambulance service and advice from medical professionals, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today the temporary suspension of STARS. “On the advice from medical professionals, I’ve instructed my department to take this action. Up until now, I’ve been assured that STARS is providing appropriate emergency care, but... Read more
3-Dec-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
One of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters, has won its first dedicated firefighting contract. Australian Helicopters has been awarded a three-year contract with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to be delivered through the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) following a tender process. The agreement, which includes two one-year extension... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
A further body has been recovered from the Clutha Vaults bar in central Glasgow following the accident involving the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135T2i on Friday evening. This brings the death toll to nine, of which six were in the bar and three in the helicopter – Bond Air Services pilot David Traill and police officers... Read more
2-Dec-2013
Two helicopters flying in tandem and one experienced issue which led to hard landing and all three occupants injured. Crew from second helicopter on hand to ensure injured kept safe and warm until further rescue arrives. The two are operating for the Australian Antarctic Division... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: St. Mary's of Michigan
A new FlightCare helicopter is now flying the skies over the NE Michigan region to transport critically ill or injured patients to St. Mary’s of Michigan. St. Mary’s has partnered with Med-Trans Corporation to grow their air ambulance program. With this new partnership, Med-Trans is providing a new helicopter and assuming business operations. The new, state-of-the-art... Read more
29-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
The Paramount Group has donated a Gazelle helicopter to South African National Parks to fight rhino poachers in the Kruger national park, South Africa’s largest game reserve. See full story [File photo]... Read more
29-Nov-2013
EC135 helicopter crashes onto roof of a crowded bar during a live music gig at approx 10.25pm. Ten fatalities – the three in the helicopter and seven on the ground. 32 to hospital, of which 14 with serious injuries. Statements issued so far include those from Scottish Police, helicopter operator Bond Air Services, manufacturer Eurocopter,... Read more
27-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) has delivered the first complete main fuselage assembly it has produced for Eurocopter EC725 and EC225 helicopters, marking a significant milestone in the companies’ industrial partnership. This no. 1 assembly – consisting of the integrated upper and lower fuselage sections – was built at IAe’s Bandung, Indonesia facility in West... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: RAF
Pictures released today show crews from 33 and 230 Squadrons carrying out training flights of the upgraded aircraft from their base at RAF Benson in Oxford. The multi million pound upgrade means that the helicopters benefit from new engines which give them 35 per cent more power and improved fuel efficiency to allow them to... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada has delivered an EC130 single-engine helicopter to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). The aircraft will be used to support various missions across Ontario including; forest fire suppression, wildlife management and utility operations. With delivery of the EC130, OMNR will operate a Eurocopter fleet of seven EC130’s and an AS350 B2. OMNR’s... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Helibras held, on Thursday (21) at its factory in Itajubá (MG), the first flight of a unit of EC725 completely produced in the company in Brazil. The flight took place two months before the deadline for the schedule of activities of the EC725 project. The BRA 17 inaugurates the third stage of the program... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: Royal Malaysian AF
Chief of Air Force, elect Jen Tan Sri Dato ‘Sri Rodzali bin Daud Force has completed the signing of Transfer of Ownership EC725 aircraft, M55-09, M55-10 and M55-11, held in Eagle Nest, the Defence Ministry. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Chief of Air Force, Chief of Operations, Chief of Air Support, AKS PPO... Read more
24-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
Maintenance support provided by Falcon Aviation Services for Eurocopter helicopters in the United Arab Emirates and Middle East will be continued with today’s renewal of the two companies’ services agreement. This will ensure the sustainment of top-level maintenance services within Eurocopter’s global support network from such providers as Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services , and... Read more
24-Nov-2013
Helicopter carrying relief supplies crashed into Manila Bay. Two occupants – named here as Captain Irene Dornier and Captain James Eagles – both rescued by US Marines involved in the post-typhoon relief effort... Read more
21-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
Maintenance support provided by Falcon Aviation Services for Eurocopter helicopters in the United Arab Emirates and Middle East will be continued with today’s renewal of the two companies’ services agreement. This will ensure the sustainment of top-level maintenance services within Eurocopter’s global support network from such providers as Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services, and enhances... Read more
21-Nov-2013Source: Trade Arabia
The continuation of this agreement with Eurocopter further enhances GAL as a provider of routine and urgent customer support services for the UAE Joint Aviation Command See full story... Read more
21-Nov-2013Source: AMMROC
AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center) LLC and Eurocopter have successfully completed the overhaul, modification, and delivery of the first Eurocopter AS565 (PANTHER) aircraft to the UAE Joint Aviation Command (JAC). AMMROC, a joint venture company owned by Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi based investment and development company, Sikorsky Aerospace Services, and Lockheed Martin... Read more
20-Nov-2013Source: AMMROC
AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center) LLC has secured the contract to complete the overhaul of Eurocopter AS350 aircraft for the UAE Joint Aviation Command (JAC), with a contract valued at AED 11.5 million. The announcement by AMMROC, a joint venture company owned by Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi based investment and development company,... Read more
20-Nov-2013Source: WUFT
To reduce emergency response times, Air Methods recently moved the base location of its medical service helicopter from Cross City to Bronson. The helicopter provides medical assistance to Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties. See full story... Read more
20-Nov-2013
The donation from Fueling California, a nonprofit advocacy group for major fuel consumers, was presented Friday in a ceremony that included LBPD Chief Jim McDonnell See full story... Read more
20-Nov-2013
The LH sliding door flown off during flight causing damages to tail structure. The helicopter made an emergency landing on nearby helipad at Chowra island.... Read more
19-Nov-2013Source: AKV
AKV, Inc. is pleased to announce their ETM1000 Exceedence and Data Trending system has received EASA STC approval No. 10046919 on November 5th, 2013. The ETM1000 provides monitoring and recording of the drive train for trending purposes, as well as being configured to emulate the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and record exceedences based on the operating... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and its affiliates (“Blue Hawaiian”), a helicopter tour operator based in Hawaii. Founded in 1985, Blue Hawaiian is one of the world’s largest aerial tour operators and is... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s EC175 – which opens new standards for the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment – has achieved two time-to-climb records, further validating its performance as the rotorcraft’s flight manual is submitted to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as part of the certification process. These milestones have occurred as Eurocopter targets EASA certification in early... Read more
15-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
With a Dubai Airshow presence dedicated to its customers, Eurocopter will showcase the company’s highly-capable military helicopters – represented at this biennial industry event by the combat-proven EC725 and efficient NH90 – and latest generation of corporate aircraft, including the new EC145 T2 and executive version EC175 being presented for the first time in the... Read more
12-Nov-2013Source: Uralhelicom
[Electronic translation] “Ural helicopter company – URALHELICOM”carried out the acceptance helicopter EC145 Eurocopter , which took place at the plant Eurocopter in the German town of Donauwörth. Customer helicopter was the government of Krasnodar region in the face of KSU QC “Kubanavia” in preparation for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014. The new EC145 presented in VIP configuration and will be... Read more
12-Nov-2013Source: Seattle PI
Violeta Escobar filed a lawsuit in federal court in Hawaii last week against EADS (and subsidiaries) and the leasing company owner of the helicopter, claiming defective design caused the crash. See full story HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 10-Nov-11 N11QV Eurocopter EC130 Molokai, US-Hawaii (5F)... Read more
12-Nov-2013Source: EADS
From commercial and military aircraft to satellites and secure communications systems, EADS and its Divisions – Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – will present a broad selection of cutting-edge products, technologies and services at Dubai Airshow from 17 to 21 November 2013 at Dubai World Central (DWC) located in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Dubai Airshow is... Read more
12-Nov-2013
Helicopter was involved in loadlifting work in connection with the construction of a ski lift... Read more
11-Nov-2013Source: Vogue
Sources say the suit will contain bombshell claims — including questioning whether the passenger was at the controls when the AS355 crashed. See full story HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 22-Nov-12 C6-APV Eurocopter AS355F1 Great Guana Cay, Bahamas (1F)... Read more
11-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Blackcomb Aviation’s EC135’s will be based in Pemberton, British Columbia and provide support for the company’s numerous multi-year contracts with organizations requiring state-of-the-art twin engine aircraft. This will include ongoing support for an extensive range of power utility (hydro) missions in western Canada. “With safety and efficient service at the core of Blackcomb Aviation’s principal... Read more
11-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Yellowhead Helicopters’ AS350 B3e will be based in Valemount, British Columbia, one of many bases situated in Alberta and British Columbia. The aircraft will be delivered in December 2013 and will be used for heliski Operations at the Mike Wiegele world class Heli-sking destination for helicopter skiing, located in Blue River, BC. “The Ecureuil family... Read more
10-Nov-2013
During a low altitude flight with external load, the pilot heard a strong noise coming from the tail rotor blades, followed by a tendency to turn to the left. He depressed the right pedal completely and reduced power in order to diminish the torque. He managed to touch the ground in a stabilized manner, but after hearing a highpitch... Read more
9-Nov-2013
Pilot and two engineers uninjured in crash on post-maintenance test flight. Helicopter ended up on its side. Helicopter is contracted to Shreveport-based Life Air Rescue... Read more
8-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada promotes the light twin-engine product range and highlights performance of the EC135 with flight demonstrations and dedicated product briefings. Eurocopter has the most diverse and versatile helicopter range in the world for Civil and Para-public customers; comprised of three light twin-engine helicopter models with proven reliability and performance. They are quickly becoming the... Read more
7-Nov-2013Source: Regina Qu'Appelle Health
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) in Regina has become the first air medical service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. This new approach, spearheaded by Regina General Hospital Transfusion Lab staff, allows the helicopter emergency medical service to begin a blood transfusion early. The... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: INAER
INAER France, part of the Avincis Group, the world’s leading provider of aerial emergency services, has won the tender for the operation of SAMU helicopters in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region. The regional contract is the first of its kind for the French Ministry of Health. Five helicopters for PACA FROM 1st January, 2014 The... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Lifesaving charity Wales Air Ambulance has installed portable incubators in its three aircraft, helping seriously ill infants receive the critical care they need by air. The ‘Babypod’ is the first of its kind in Wales and can be installed on each helicopter within minutes, saving precious time in a paediatric emergency. Wales Air Ambulance airlifts... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: Eurocopter
The Peruvian Interior Ministry has received the first of four twin-engine Eurocopter EC145 helicopters that are set to modernize the fleet of the National Police of Peru. The formal handover was attended by French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who took the occasion of his official visit to Peru to reiterate the cooperation between France... Read more
6-Nov-2013
Shortly after takeoff from an off-shore platform at night, the helicopter entered a series of extreme pitch excursions which resulted in the airspeed reducing below 20 kt, followed by a descent. The flight crew were eventually able to recover to normal flight. The helicopter had descended to within approximately 50 feet of the sea surface.... Read more
5-Nov-2013
Emergency landing after damage to main rotor blades. Helicopter was patrolling very close to the Mexican border when it was reportedly struck by rocks launched from the Mexican side. Safe landing, no injuries... Read more
3-Nov-2013
Benefis Mercy Flight has an EC135P2 to serve north-central Montana, recently upgrading from an AS350 – both being operated by Metro Aviation. The aircraft being used is N135GF, serial 0249. See full story... Read more
31-Oct-2013Source: Landsorganisasjonen i Norge
[Electronic translation] The purchase of new rescue helicopters must provide added value and jobs in Norway, says Hans Christian Gabrielsen, 2 Deputy Chairman of the LO. The reason for the statement is the government’s imminent election of the new rescue helicopters. The procurement of 16 new rescue helicopters to replace the Sea King, which has... Read more
31-Oct-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (“HS-NA”), has signed a five-year agreement with Era Helicopters LLC (“Era”) for repair and overhaul of dynamic components for Era’s Sikorsky S76 and Eurocopter AS350 fleets. As per the terms of the five-year agreement, HS-NA will provide Era with inspection, repair, overhaul, testing, modification and other services as... Read more
30-Oct-2013Source: Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University Medical Center will participate in a national trial to see if outcomes for critically injured patients with uncontrolled bleeding can be improved by administering plasma to these patients while in flight to the hospital. In a first-of-its-kind study, randomized patients who are at risk of hemorrhaging and flown to Vanderbilt University Hospital via... Read more
30-Oct-2013Source: WBTW
Air Methods has held its Open House/Ribbon Cutting/Barbeque on the grounds of the Conway Airport . See full story... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: Eurocopter
Following the HeliHub.com report on 24th October, Eurocopter issued the following on 28th:- Eurocopter will supply three AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopters to the Lithuanian Air Force for a renewed countrywide search and rescue service with around-the-clock availability, adding another customer to the list of global operators using this twin-engine rotorcraft for vital life-saving missions. The... Read more
29-Oct-2013
Substantially damaged on landing. Two people were aboard the aircraft. One was taken to the hospital with complaints of back pain, while the other was uninjured,... Read more
28-Oct-2013Source: Irwin Mitchell
An offshore oil worker seriously injured in a fatal Super Puma helicopter crash off the coast of Shetland in August has spoken of his need for answers about the cause of the tragedy, as a memorial service is held to remember those who died in the incident. James Nugent, 41, from Newquay, suffered a spinal... Read more
