15-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Industry sources are telling HeliHub.com that Eurocopter have started production of the 500th EC145 at their plant at Donauworth, with the forward frame holding the windows for serial number 9500 already on the production line. The landmark aircraft is expected to take to the air in approximately three months from now. This figure does not... Read more
14-Sep-2011
Tail rotor struck a cable while on a reconaissance flight. Two occupants thrown clear of the helicopter and two trapped inside. Piloting the helicopter was Jacques Fouque, an experienced pilot and mountain guide, the engineering director of the Emosson dam Regis Desmus, Jean-Marc Mermillod, from IG3M a company specialising in lifts and cable work and... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Indian Coast Guard is progressing its tender for 12 helicopters, with three bids received by the cut-off date. The three are Sikorsky offering the S76 OSS Air, working with AgustaWestland and their AW109 Indocopter, working with Eurocopter The latter two are their tied manufacturers’ local representatives. The tender calls for the helicopters to be... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Federal Police Force in Argentina (local name “Policia Federal Argentina”) has recently taken delivery of their second EC135T2+, two years after the first arrived. The new aircraft carries fleet code H12, and joins the existing H11 which we feature in the photos accompanying this article. H12 carries the civil reqistration LQ-CQN and is Eurocopter... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Metro Aviation
HeliHub.com was the first aviation news website to identify the sale of these EC135s into Korea – see story here Metro Aviation, Inc. completed two EC135 aircraft for the Republic of Korea. These aircraft are not only the first Eurocopter EC135 aircraft in country, but will become the first civilian operated EMS aircraft to be... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has entered into a contract with ERA in Lake Charles, LA, to complete three Eurocopter EC135 aircraft. The completions will include installation of single pilot IFR kits, air conditioning, and DART emergency floatation systems. The helicopters will also include additional custom equipment installations specified by the end user. Metro Aviation, Inc. was... Read more
13-Sep-2011
On final approach to Miami Valley Hospital’s south helipad, the aircraft struck a bird. The pilot continued with his landing. The aircraft was inspected and no damage was found. It was returned to service.... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter has signed a contract to supply an EC225 helicopter for Spain following its recent success in the country’s competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control operations. This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to be implemented by the Spanish Maritime... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: Eurocopter
Air Greenland has placed its first order for Eurocopter’s EC225 medium twin-engine helicopter, acquiring two of these rotary-wing aircraft for duties that are to include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather passenger transportation missions. With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland, Air Greenland’s decision validates the EC225’s role as a preferred helicopter for... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Mountain Flyers 80 has acquired a 2004-build Eurocopter AS350B2 from Italy, where it was operated by Eurojet Italia. Previously registered I-BLBU, serial number 3816 is now registered in Switzerland as HB-ZTM, and is being financed by the German company Kunert Aircraft Asset GbR. It replaces sister ship HB-ZAM which was written off in... 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
11-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Everjets, part of clothing company Ricon Group, has recently bought Dauphin G-DPHN. It was previously operated in the UK by Starspeed for a Surrey-based owner who had upgraded from a Twin Squirrel. The Dauphin currently remains on the Britsh “G” register. Everjets is a startup operator whose name appeared in May of this year at... Read more
11-Sep-2011
Tail rotor gear box chip light indicator illuminated shortly after take-off from emergency scene. Precautionary landing made, and patient transferred to another helicopter... Read more
10-Sep-2011
Engine problems during lifting operation over VW car factory. Emergency landing on factory roof. Damage to boom and blades, but helicopter looking remarkably intact for what has happened... Read more
9-Sep-2011Source: North West Air Ambulance
The North West Air Ambulance Charity is proud to announce the appointment of Darryl Cooke as their new Chairman of the board. Darryl has been involved with the North West Air Ambulance Charity for over 3 years and is a strong advocate of all its functions. As chairman of the board he will be responsible... Read more
9-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
New Vietnamese operator Vinacopter will start operations by the end of October in what is believed to be the country’s first private helicopter service. Despite the claims of other companies to be the first in the air, it appears that others have been non-starters. Vinacopter is working with Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO) under Vietnam... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: Eurocopter
The Dalian Municipal Public Security Bureau in northeast China is acquiring two EC155 helicopters from Eurocopter for police missions, with the initial rotary-wing aircraft deployed during an upcoming meeting of the World Economic Forum. To be delivered early this month, the first EC155 will be utilized for VIP transport and security patrols during the World... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group, the first global finance company focused exclusively on the helicopter and private jet markets, announced today the lease to Transportes Aereos Pegaso (Pegaso) of four new Eurocopter EC-145 helicopters. Pegaso, a leading Mexican air transport company and long-standing Eurocopter customer, will use the four helicopters to serve its new long-term contract with... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The ATSB has begun investigation AO-2011-110 following the crash of AS350B VH-RDU earlier today. The helicopter was being operated by Cairns based Heli Charters on a task linked to a communications tower on Double Mountain, near Shoalwater Bay in Queensland. Police reported that two of the three occupants died in the crash, with the third... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics is pleased to announce the recent delivery by Eurocopter Germany GmbH of the 1000th EC135 to ADAC Air Rescue with a Becker Avionics digital audio and intercom system, DVCS6100, installed. The EC135 light twin-engine multi-purpose helicopter, along with the Becker DVCS have been very successful products over the last decade. ADAC Air Rescue... Read more
8-Sep-2011
The helicopter was reported by a passenger to have crashed while conducting a communications tower maintenance task. The police have advised that of the 3 POB there are two deceased and one injured.... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce that CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS raised the single largest dollar amount ever in one day for STARS with a record-breaking $1.3 million. STARS partnered with five prominent Calgary-based CEOs and dropped them in Kananaskis Country, 25 kilometres northeast of Canmore, just... Read more
6-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Significant effort has been put into promoting the Hermes Edition of the Eurocopter EC135. Eurocopter aimed this project at the high-end corporate market where they partnered with the French couture house to come up with a distinctive design, mainly in the aircraft’s interior – see below. Some external features were also added, particularly the skid... Read more
5-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The husband of a female patient killed in recent EMS AS350 crash has filed a lawsuit against operator Air Methods, saying the company took an unnecessary risk by flying with low fuel. Victor Tacoronte’s wife, Terry, and three other people were killed on 26th August when a LifeNet helicopter crashed near Mosby, about 20 miles... Read more
2-Sep-2011
Helicopter made contact with a wall and crashed onto rocks close to the shoreline. The crash killed pilot Lt. Šahbaz Belhadin (44), Major Ivan Obradovic (36) and Vidoje Tomic (35), a sergeant first class.... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: FAA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011-0596; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-37-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO 105 LS A-3 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Canada Ltd.... 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
31-Aug-2011
During landing aircraft tipped forward onto toe of the skids. Minor damage to the nose of aircraft.... Read more
29-Aug-2011
A Coast Guard MH-65 on hoist training out of CGAS Humboldt Bay safely completed an emergency landing in a parking lot near Arcata Bay following an electrical malfunction caused a significant amount of smoke in the cabin. All four members aboard the helicopter have been reported safe and without injuries.... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Around 7pm local time on Friday evening, an Air Methods AS350B2 crashed in an open field killing the 58-year old female patient and three male crew. As with all helicopter accidents and incidents this is recorded in our Safety pages. The helicopter was operated in the colours of LifeNet. For more information on this specific... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
With 1,000 aircraft produced, it seems a little surprising that no Eurocopter EC135s have yet been registered in South Korea – that is, until last week. Serial number 0942, a Pratt & Whitney engined EC135P2+ was registered last week to Korean Air as HL9496. HeliHub.com has approached the operator for more information on the expected... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Houston Chronicle
Life Flight was created 35 years ago this month, the brainchild of Dr. James “Red” Duke (who is still Life Flight’s medical director) and the late Lester “Whitey” Martin, former Houston Fire Department deputy chief and a champion of HFD’s early EMS services. (full story)... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Leading WA-based helicopter company Heliwest has won a long-term contract to provide emergency response services to Western Power in the southern half of the state. Heliwest already provides scheduled inspection flight services to Western Power and has now added emergency response flying to its operations. Heliwest chief pilot Captain Ashley Williams said the contract specified... Read more
26-Aug-2011
A Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) employee has said relocating from an airfield that is due to close will have a “substantial impact” on services. The service is based at Filton airport near Bristol, which is to close from the end of 2012 following a review of its commercial and economic viability. (see story)... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics, partner with Axnes Aviation AS for sales and marketing, as well as product support services for the Polycon Wireless Intercom Extension System for North and South America, now offers the Polycon Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (AWIS) solution for the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter model. The Polycon AWIS is compatible with... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Pilot had reported that he was calling in to a nearby airport for refuel shortly before. Air Ambulance crashed in open countryside killing the three crew – Randy Bever, 47, a nurse, Chris Frakes, 36, a paramedic, and James Freudenberg, 34, the pilot – and the patient Terry Tacoronte, 58... 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
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
Helicopter landed hard after a hydraulic failure. There were 5 people on board, including 4 passengers from Alberta Forestry Dept. The pilot received a broken collarbone and the helicopter was substantially damaged (CADORS 2011C3219)... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: EADS North America
EADS North America has achieved another milestone on the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program as the company has delivered more than half of the planned 345 Lakotas to the U.S. Army. The UH-72A Lakota, built by the company’s American Eurocopter business unit, is one of the U.S. Army’s most successful acquisition programs and... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: WCSC
Following their announcement of the contract with MUSC, Med-Trans have recently started operations of a new EC135P2+, registration N452MT and Eurocopter serial 0974 out of Charleston. A profile of the new operation can be found here... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Collier County EMS pilot suspended in July for leaving his running helicopter has won his appeal. Mark Holmes was suspended without pay July 28 and ordered to complete a safety course and pass a test before returning to work, which he immediately passed. The suspension involved an incident on July 14, when Holmes was... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: HeilHub.com
The Rio Grande Valley’s longest-running helicopter ambulance will be permanently grounded this autumn, thanks to Texas state budget cuts. The South Texas Emergency Care Foundation has operated Valley AirCare since 1995, but operating their AS350B2 in recent years has been an increasing challenge as cost reimbursements continued a downward slide and fuel prices soared. With... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Courier Gazette
Profile article on the PHI Air Medical base at McKinney TX is featured here. The base operates a Eurocopter EC135P2+, registered N325PH... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Saab
The defence and security company Saab has recently signed a framework agreement with Eurocopter for support of their NH90 helicopters. Eurocopter is the largest owner in the consortium NHIndustries, which designs and produces the NH90 helicopter. NHI has contracts for more than 500 NH90 helicopters, with European defence forces comprising the majority of customers. Saab... Read more
23-Aug-2011
The new EC145 boasts several new state-of-the-art features, including NVG capability, several global positioning units, terrain avoidance technology, onboard weather systems and a glass cockpit that Sgt. John Ratliff said was the “latest and best technology.â€Â (Full story) The particular aircraft is registered N39VA, serial 9384. File photo... Read more
22-Aug-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
nited Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) recently refurbished two Eurocopter EC135s for Air Methods Corporation. The renovation included a complete re-upholster of the interior, sanding, repairing and repainting the exterior and performing major maintenance inspections and clearing of discrepancies. The work on both helicopters was completed on schedule. “Performing the inspections and clearing all discrepancies is important... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), is helping one of the nation’s leading local law enforcement agencies improve the safety, efficiency and cost-effective operation of its aviation unit. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) Aero Bureau selected the company to provide inlet barrier filters (IBF) for the Bureau’s... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Eurocopter
Following intensive relief operations after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, the Japan Coast Guard, Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Japan have signed a tripartite contract for the supply of three additional EC225 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard. These aircraft will be the first civilian helicopters to be equipped with the most advanced mission... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Eurocopter Vostok
Eurocopter has delivered the first of 20 Ecureuil family helicopters contracted last autumn by Russia’s UTair Aviation in the largest acquisition of its kind for the Russian and CIS market in the lightweight helicopter segment. The initial helicopter provided in this order – which was signed with the Eurocopter Vostok subsidiary – is a single-engine... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Eurocopter Vostok
Eurocopter is highlighting the capabilities of its helicopter product line for the Russian and CIS market with the company’s participation at this week’s MAKS Aviasalon industry event, being held at Zhukovsky Airfield near Moscow. Exhibiting with its EADS parent company (Hall F3, exhibit stand A1), Eurocopter is showing scale models of the single-engine AS350 B3,... Read more
20-Aug-2011
Two crew killed when Gazelle went down close to Libyan border in south of Tunisia... Read more
20-Aug-2011
Emergency landing due to a generator failure, but the warning light on the annunciator panel had not illuminated... Read more
18-Aug-2011
Night take-off in helicopter VFR equipped. Ground impact and ensuing fire left very few pieces. The helicopter was carrying experienced journalist Paul Lockyer, cameraman John Bean, and pilot Gary Ticehurst.... Read more
18-Aug-2011
Emergency landing after crew smelled smoke inside the helicopter. Operated by South Texas Emergency Care, whose helicopter is flown as “Valley AirCare”... Read more
17-Aug-2011Source: Daisychain Benevolent Fund
Some of the staff and volunteers from the Worcester and Malvern shops went to the Midlands Air Ambulance valuation day to present a cheque for over £97,000. Henry Sandon was present at the event and even valued some of the more unusual donations that had been kindly donated. We also got to see a real... Read more
17-Aug-2011
Lost altitude suddenly after having poured the water on the flames while firefighting... Read more
15-Aug-2011Source: IDA
Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer and part of the EADS Group, has established a new international customer technical support centre, based in Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre.  The creation of Eurocopter International Services (EIS) represents a major step in the development of Eurocopter’s activities in Ireland and will contribute to the achievement of the... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: WLWT
The helicopters will still be able to fly to airports and hospital helipads in the dark, flights that do not require NVG use. (full story) University Air Care operates BK117s from two bases in Ohio... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Eurocopter
Namibia’s Ministry of Safety & Security has ordered a Eurocopter EC145 to expand the capabilities and reach of the Namibia Police Force’s (NAMPOL) Air Wing. This new twin-engine helicopter will complement Namibia’s existing fleet of Eurocopter Ecureuil AS350 B3s in providing comprehensive multi-mission civil protection capabilities in one of Africa’s largest countries. Manufacture of the... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Daily Independent
Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau has ruled out the possibility of taking the analysis of the fatal OAS Eurocopter AS350B2 accident abroad (full story) See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 29-Jul-11 5N-BKA Eurocopter AS350B2 Ife-Odan, Nigeria (3F)... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Avera McKennan
The Careflight air transport program at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center is celebrating its 25th year in service. In honor of the occasion, Aug. 12 has been proclaimed “Careflight Day†in South Dakota by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Francie Miller, assistant vice president for Emergency Services at Avera McKennan, was instrumental in developing the... Read more
9-Aug-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that the Ontario (CA) Police Air Support Unit has taken delivery of its third AS350 B2. The aircraft is scheduled to join the fleet in December when it will go into service performing patrol and surveillance missions for the City of Ontario, California. “The AS350 family of helicopters is recognized throughout... Read more
9-Aug-2011Source: FlightSafety
[HeliHub.com editor note – while mainly dedicated to business jet training, the Tucson center also has capability to train on Eurocopter AS350 FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that Kelly Allender has been promoted to Manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona. “Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to respond to the needs... Read more
9-Aug-2011
Footage released of rioter pointing gun at helicopter... Read more
8-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
East Anglian Air Ambulance “EAAA” have had a rough time in recent months, starting with their previous vendor Sterling Helicopters losing their operating certificate after internal procedural irregularities (see story). Sterling owned and operated the two Eurocopter BK117s that EAAA used, and thus the air ambulancd charity without a ride. Within a couple of weeks,... Read more
