5-Dec-2012
Heli Trans AS350 took off from Lübeck in Germany, destination Halmstad in Sweden, but did not arrived at the expected time. 2 POB – Heli Trans pilot and a passenger who was not one of their employees.... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Rega
On Monday, 3 December 2012, Swiss Air-Rescue Rega put its new dispatch system into operation. The changeover to the new infrastructure went off without a hitch. The introduction of this new system represents a key milestone within the major project, REMICO (Rega Mission Control), which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: ExecuJet Africa
ExecuJet Africa has teamed up with Acher Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations, to offer a range of services including helicopter management and charter, as well as specialised support to the oil, gas, mining and resource exploration sectors. ExecuJet’s fleet now includes three helicopters from Acher Aviation, including a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: EADS
Further to recent press reports and speculation, EADS NV confirms that key shareholders are discussing potential changes in the company shareholding structure and corporate governance. The company is participating actively in such discussions, as appropriate, with the support of its Board of Directors, with the objective to preserve and enhance, where appropriate, the interests of... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Wales Air Ambulance’s Swansea based air ambulance attended its 8,000th mission on the 28th November 2012. The service has now been in operation for 11 years from Fairwood Airport, Swansea, starting as a 5 day service which was launched on St David’s Day 2001. Wales Air Ambulance has since expanded to having three helicopters across Wales which... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Eurocopter
The initial two Eurocopter EC725 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force were formally presented today during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, with the first unit being delivered on time and the second unit coming three months ahead of schedule. Malaysia is to receive a total of 12 EC725s through 2014, creating a highly capable... Read more
30-Nov-2012Source: Helibras
[Electronic translation] The Helibras handed, on Wednesday (28), an AS350 helicopter B3e for the Civil Police of Rio Grande do Sul – the first aircraft to be operated by the corporation in the State. She was delivered by Government Market Manager, Mauro Ayres, and was received in Porto Alegre, the governor Genro. The acquisition is due... Read more
29-Nov-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce FAA Approval of their Fresh Air Vent Kits for EC130 model helicopters. EASA approval is already underway and is expected to be received by end of fourth quarter. Transport Canada approval is expected first quarter of 2013. Improve your air ventilation with DART’s Fresh Air Vent Kit. This... Read more
29-Nov-2012Source: AAIB
Report name: S7/2012 – EC225 LP Super Puma, G-CHCN Registration: G-CHCN Type: EC225 LP Super Puma Location: In the North Sea, approximately 32 nm southwest of Sumburgh, Shetland Islands Date of occurrence: 22 October 2012 Category: Commercial Air Transport – Rotorcraft Summary: This Special Bulletin contains information on the progress of the investigation into identifying... Read more
29-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
The Bangladesh Army has marked its formal service introduction of two new Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters, which will be deployed on United Nations humanitarian missions and operated in multi-role transport duties for the republic. Supplied through the Eurocopter South East Asia subsidiary, these are the first Eurocopter-built rotorcraft to join the Bangladesh Army’s aviation... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Armée de l'air
[Electronic translation] From November 12 to November 21, 2012, the squadron of helicopters (EH) 1/67 “Pyrenees” in Cazaux Air Base 120 has led his second campaign refueling HAAR ( Helicopter Air to Air Refuelling ) in closely with the 46 th Brigade transport of the Italian Air Force based in Pisa (Italy). During this period,... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: American Eurocopter
As we reported three days ago (see Star-Telegram’s loss is American Eurocopter’s gain), American Eurocopter have now issued this formal press release American Eurocopter, the number one commercial helicopter manufacturer in the United States, has named Robert “Bob” Cox as Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations. “We are extremely pleased to have Bob join the... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: NBC2
Charlotte County commissioners in Florida gave Aeromed the green light to base a medical helicopter in Punta Gorda. (see full story) Aeromed currently has two EC135s and three BK117s – operated for them by Air Methods... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: Philips SAR Trust
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Scotland has previously been covered from the air by two Eurocopter EC135s, operated by Bond Air Services on contract to Gama Aviation who hold a contract with Scottish Ambulance Service. This is the only EMS operation in the UK funded by central government, and it is planned to upgrade from EC135 to EC145T2 in due... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that is has issued a Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) with concurrence from the FAA for the installation of the Trakkabeam A800 Searchlight System on the AS350 B3 helicopter. The A800 searchlight, as installed, provides a compact and modern solution for law enforcement and other operators. Advantages of the Trakkabeam A800 searchlight... Read more
27-Nov-2012
Accident occurred when helicopter went to rescue the crew of a Chinese K8 trainer jet which crashed during an air show. One report suggests a parachute became tangled in the tail rotor... Read more
25-Nov-2012
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: German Army
[Electronic translation from German] Finally it’s done. After a demanding mission preparation, the first support Tiger helicopter go later this year to Afghanistan. There they will protect German soldiers from the air. Is the main task of the Tiger combat helicopter regiment 36 from Fritzlar be the first aerial reconnaissance. Furthermore, the Tigers afford fire... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Guernsey Post
Guernsey Post has finalised the details of its contingency plans developed in response to Guernsey’s airport closures on 27th & 28th November and 4th & 5th December 2012. Dave Bynam, Head of Network and Planning at Guernsey Post said: “Our contingency plans for the airport closures in November and December are largely based on the... 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
25-Nov-2012
Azur Helicopter and its Chairman were found guilty on 10th October of “manslaughter by breach of an obligation of safety or prudence.”. This week they have been given a fine of €80,000 (see full story). The accident is in the HeliHub.com accident database at 20-Jun-09 F-GTRF Eurocopter AS350B2 Mount Cordon, France (7F)... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Australian Aerospace
The world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter, is to provide a major boost to Australia’s booming off-shore oil and gas industry with the commissioning of a modern facility in Perth to support customer helicopters operating within Western Australia’s North-West Shelf region. At present, several companies operate more than 25 17/19-passenger helicopters of Eurocopter’s Super Puma family.... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AirCare 4 in Virginia – based Front Royal-Warren County Airport – have recently changed helicopter type. Operator PHI Medical has swapped out the Eurocopter EC135 they had previously used and repplaced it with a Bell 407. PHI spokeman Glenn Deaton is quoted in local media saying it was “purely a business development decision to move... Read more
25-Nov-2012
Two Super Puma helicopters were at the centre of fresh safety fears. The Bond aircraft, which were travelling independently to different offshore installations, were both forced to return to the heliport in Aberdeen following concerns. (see full story)... Read more
24-Nov-2012Source: UTair
[Electronic translation from Russian] In the village of Rostov region Olginskaya airline “UTair” (UTair Aviation) and flying club “Affordable sky” made a presentation of a new joint project “Air Taxi Helicopter Eurocopter». The event was introduced air taxi service on a light multipurpose helicopter Eurocopter AS 355N “UTair”. Invitation of the test flights, assessing the merits of this vehicle. Helicopter... Read more
23-Nov-2012
Approx date. Autorotation landing to uneven ground in open field. Helicopter ended up tail low on its skids, and witness reported blade damage. 3 POB not injured... Read more
23-Nov-2012
Tail boom damaged in off airport landing... Read more
22-Nov-2012Source: County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal
HeliHub.com Editor note – We just HAD to change the title of this press release. A case of PR agency not engaging brain, in fact. They sent this press release out with the title “Southampton General Hospital helipad celebrates well over 300 successful landings in its first year of service” – Of course they were... Read more
22-Nov-2012
1 killed (named here as Lance Valdez) and 4 injured including billionaire Jeffery Soffer, Dan and Paula Riordan and an unnamed pilot... Read more
21-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
Please find below the latest information following a meeting with the Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) on November 15, with the participation of Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling and Eurocopter Executive Vice President Engineering Jean-Brice Dumont. The goal of this meeting was to provide more information on the current investigation and the ongoing tests... Read more
20-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
China’s CGAMEC (COHC General Aviation Maintenance & Engineering Company) joint venture has broadened its helicopter support and services with rotor blade repair approval by Eurocopter, further developing this company’s capabilities as the rotorcraft sector continues to develop and mature in China. The blade repair builds on CGAMEC’s previous qualification as a Eurocopter-approved center for a... Read more
20-Nov-2012
Helicopter was involved in low-level aerial work to drop rabies vaccines for foxes as part of a Health Authority program. AS350BA crashed into field close to houses after hitting high voltage cables, killing both occupants – pilot Silvio Botto Steglia, 37, and Felice Faivano, 35. Two houses damaged (see photo essay). Some local reports cite... Read more
19-Nov-2012Source: YES Communications
On Friday, November 16, 2012, an El Paso, Texas jury found a defective flight control component caused the fatal crash of a U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopter on May 22, 2007. The crash killed the pilot and critically injured the other crewmember. The two-week trial centered on claims by the pilot’s... Read more
19-Nov-2012
Ground cargo-handling personnel injured during lifting operation... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
Appearing at Airshow China – to be held November 13-18 in the Zhuhai Airport Exposition Center – are two Chinese-registered Eurocopter rotorcraft in the Squirrel product line: an AS350 B3 flown in charter service by the CITIC General Aviation Co., Ltd.; and an EC130 B4 configured by ZOECO for VIP transportation. Included on the Airshow... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: EADS North America
The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a $181.8 million contract option to deliver 34 additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters, bringing the total aircraft ordered to date to 312. Army plans call for procuring 347 Lakotas through 2016. EADS North America has delivered 243 Lakotas – all on time and on budget – from its... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that the Alaska Department of Public Safety has purchased an AS350 B3e to support operations of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and State Troopers. The new AS350 B3e will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska, bringing enhanced capabilities to the agency’s existing helicopter fleet, which also includes an AS350 B3. “When we decided... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: Turbomeca
During the Air Show China, Turbomeca China (Safran group) and Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS), celebrate 10 years of SBH® (Support By the Hour) contract. 100% of GFS helicopter, powered by Turbomeca engines, is under SBH® contract. The main mission accomplished by GFS is Search & Rescue (SAR), GFS providing a 24 hours air... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: Turbomeca
During the Air Show China, Turbomeca is proud to celebrate 10 years of successful cooperation with the China Rescue & Salvage, Ministry of Transport (CRS-MOT). 100% powered by Turbomeca, the helicopter fleet of MOT is dedicated to salvage and rescue missions for the coastline of China. The eight Makila 2 and 16 Arriel 2S Turbomeca... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: Turbomeca
During the Air Show China, Turbomeca China (Safran group) and Citic Offshore Helicopter Co Ltd (COHC) celebrate the 400,000 cumulative operation hours of Turbomeca engines powering COHC fleet. Today, COHC is the biggest civil helicopter operator in South-east Asia. Lin Yang, Turbomeca China Customer Support & Sales Director, said: “COHC is one of our most... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Voxy
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services is delighted to congratulate the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) on winning an Air Ambulance Team Award from the Ambulance Service Institute. The award, presented at a ceremony in London earlier today, recognised MAAC’s exemplary response to an incident in Lucton, Herefordshire in February this year, when all three Midlands Air Ambulance... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: UPI
The system is being assembled at Eurocopter Malaysia’s new Simulation Center at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor, near Kuala Lumpur and where Eurocopter Malaysia is based. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today it was selected as the air medical operator and began service for St. Mary’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center’s CareFlight program in Grand Junction, Colorado. This new contract has significant historical relevance since St. Mary’s was Air Methods’ first-ever air medical program... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Philippine Star
The inter-agency Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) has rejected a request by the Department of National Defense (DND) to acquire 10 attack helicopters from France through negotiated procurement. (see full story) We assume these would be Tiger helicopters... Read more
12-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
With Sikorsky putting lots of research money into the X2 and it’s follow-up S-97 Raider, and Eurocopter widely broadcasting its X3 concept, it was only a matter of time before China followed suit. A concept model has been shown for the first time at the Zhuhai Air Show, which opened this morning. The fuselage of... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Two Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Twin Squirrels have arrived for Pacific Aircraft Services at Christchurch. On the right in the photo is OK-BIC (c/n 5388) which originally with the Guardia Nacional de Venezuela as GN-8884 followed by a spell as F-WQED before moving to the Czech Republic. On the left is OK-AIA (c/n 5512) which is... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter and Starlite Aviation Group have signed a contract for the acquisition of two AS332 C1e helicopters, the latest version of the popular Eurocopter Super Puma medium weight helicopter. The contract also includes an option for two additional aircraft. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following EASA and FAA certification. The... Read more
8-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In an extract from the Q2 results notice, Bristow announced the following when commenting on the current EC225 situation:- “In order to minimize or eliminate the impact on our clients, we have increased utilization of other in-region aircraft and have implemented contingency plans designed to mobilize additional available aircraft, including entering into an agreement on... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Delivery of the first helicopter model Panther K2, modernized for the Brazilian Army, next December, will mark the beginning of an important phase for Helibras. In addition to celebrating the completion of an important business model – the retrofit of military aircraft, already adopted in several countries – the company also completes another... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
On October 22, 2012, during a flight to an offshore platform, a controlled ditching was performed with an EC225 helicopter. No one on board was injured and everyone was brought back to land safely. The helicopter remained afloat thanks to its emergency floatation gear and was recovered by a ship. An emergency lubrication warning light... 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
7-Nov-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] The Helibras delivered in October, two new helicopters for the Air Taxi Helisul, enjoying the celebration of 40 years of activity of the company, which operates in all markets by leasing aircraft and chartering. The models were delivered one AS350 B2 Squirrel and one EC130 B4 in the same family, they become part of... Read more
7-Nov-2012
Emergency landing in field. No damage... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
The capabilities of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line to meet Indonesia’s defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue mission needs will be displayed at this month’s INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum in Jakarta. Eurocopter is to exhibit scale models of the EC725, EC145, AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MB Panther rotary-wing aircraft at INDO DEFENCE... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: Cassidian
Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, joins forces with Brazilian systems specialist ATECH, São Paulo, to equip the new EC725 helicopters of the Brazilian Navy with an advanced mission management system. As part of the procurement of 50 EC725 helicopters by the Brazilian armed forces, Eurocopter and its Brazilian subsidiary Helibras signed a... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The ÖAMTC rescue helicopter “Christophorus 11” is relocating to a new 4,000 sq.ft facility at Klagenfurt airport, with costs part-funded by the province of Kärnten. Moving away from the previous arrangement sharing a base with the federal police with reportedly save Eu100,000 per year in fuel and landing fees. Base manager Michael Umschaden says it... Read more
4-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Aerial application specialists Airbourne Solutions have acquired a second Twin Squirrel from PremiAir Aviation at Blackbushe, taking their fleet to three. The three helicopters involved are N30LG AS355F2 (5065) acquired July 2008 and not flown since (photo above) G-VONG AS355F1 (5323) acquired recently – airworthiness documents expired Feb-12 G-VONK AS355F1 (5325) acquired late 2011 –... Read more
4-Nov-2012Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Lifesaving charity Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) has successfully launched a ‘new generation’ helicopter at its Mid Wales base, completing its fleet of three advanced air ambulances for Wales. The new aircraft, which will operate from Welshpool Airport from 2nd November, supersedes the charity’s 20 year-old model to become one of the most cutting-edge operations in... Read more
4-Nov-2012
A third “fumes in the cockpit” situation, repeating incidents from May and June... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Loss of control in the hover during post-maintenance test flight, and hit hangar. 3 injured, aircraft total loss.... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: Night Vision Awards
The Night Vision Awards selection committee presented its final Night Vision Awards for 2012 at the Air Medical Transport Conference held in Seattle, Washington. “We had a great year for the Night Vision Awards,” said ASU Marketing Director Hannah Gordon. “We had representatives from the Irish Air Corps that came to the show to be... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: Kenya Broadcasting
Kenya Police are considering taking Eurocopter to court. The basis is apparently that the manufacturer supplied a newer AS350B3e model and not the older AS350B3 that the police contracted for. (see full story) see also 10-Jun-12 5Y-CDT Eurocopter AS350B3e Ngong Hills, Kenya (6F)... Read more
31-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced Brevard County, Florida, has purchased two AS350 B3e helicopters. The aircraft will be utilized for mosquito control, firefighting and herbicide application throughout the county, which is located along Florida’s east coast, replacing an AS350 B3 and two 206Bs currently being used. “We carefully considered our options before making the purchase,” said... Read more
31-Oct-2012
During take off phase, near miss with landing Japan Air Commuter Dash-8 JA849C... Read more
31-Oct-2012
Loss of control during takeoff after refuelling and ended up on its starboard side. Badly damaged... Read more
31-Oct-2012
Heavy landing and ended up colliding with firefighting equipment that was in the area. The helicopter sustained serious damage to its tail rotor, to the right hand side baggage compartment, and to both landing skids.... Read more
30-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced Speedway Aviation in New Hampshire has placed the first U.S. based order for the new EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter, featuring an exclusive, special edition package like nothing seen before in the helicopter industry. The aircraft is the result of a collaborative effort between Eurocopter, the world’s leading producer of corporate and... Read more
30-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter, one of the nation’s leading providers of helicopters for the corporate and VIP market in the U.S., will be showcasing a Lewis Energy EC145 on its booth (#2546) and performing demonstrations with an EC135 and EC155 at this year’s NBAA show October 30-November 1 in Orlando. Lewis Energy utilizes its helicopters for corporate... Read more
29-Oct-2012Source: Winnipeg Sun
We understand the importance of the life-saving service that STARS provides and the need for this vital assistance to be available 24/7 (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter, the number one commercial helicopter manufacturer in the United States, has named Jennifer Hardcastle as Sales Manager, Air Medical Specialist. “We are very pleased to have Hardcastle join the American Eurocopter sales team,” said American Eurocopter Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Treg Manning. “Her extensive experience in the air medical market... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
ProMedica Air is adding a new EC135 P2e to its fleet. The aircraft is slated to go into service in April 2013, joining ProMedica Air’s Toledo, Ohio-based EC135 and BO105. “ProMedica Air looks forward to the addition of a second EC135 to our fleet,” said ProMedica Transportation Network Administrative Director, Jack Morasch. “The EC135 format... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
OSF Aviation has added four new EC145s to their fleet. The new aircraft were placed into service this summer as part of a fleet replacement program initiated last fall. OSF Aviation is a part of Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare and provides air medical support services to eight hospitals and their communities throughout OSF HealthCare’s Illinois service... Read more
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