13-Apr-2011Source: EADS
The European aerospace and defence Group EADS further fostered its position as top employer by recently having been awarded in all its four European home countries. While the Group and its Divisions received the “Randstad†award in Germany, France, and Spain, the research institutes “trendence†and “Universum†ranked EADS as most preferred employer for engineers... Read more
13-Apr-2011Source: Cleveland Police
‘Helicopter Watch’ will be updated daily to give details of what operations the helicopter has been involved in and whereabouts in the Force area it has been. The new helicopter was delivered three months ago and since then has: Attended 550 incidents Airlifted 2 casualties to hospital Assisted in the arrest of 109 people Attended... Read more
13-Apr-2011
The high-profile presence of Eurocopter at this week’s LAAD Defense & Security 2011 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is focused on the growing importance of its Helibras affiliate in the manufacture, assembly, modernization and mission-outfitting of the company’s rotary-wing aircraft for Brazil and the Latin American marketplace. Among the helicopters spotlighted on Helibras’ exhibit (#G-30,... Read more
12-Apr-2011Source: US Coast Guard
HONOLULU – Coast Guard aircrews at Air Station Barbers Point received the second of four new multi-mission helicopters Saturday. The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, closely resembling an HH-65 Dolphin, includes a multitude of new equipment to further enhance mission capabilities. The new aircraft are replacing the four Dolphins currently in service at the air station. The... Read more
12-Apr-2011Source: Maverick Helicopters
The latest sightseeing excursion from Maverick Helicopters will give Las Vegas visitors a daytime view of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, as well as scenic surrounding desert and mountain areas. This newest expedition, Vegas Voyage, debuts today, Monday, April 11, 2011 and departs daily from Maverick Helicopters’ main termina, 6075 Las Vegas Boulevard South. “We... Read more
12-Apr-2011Source: Cambridge Airport
Cambridge Airport will be bolstering the full time presence of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) service when a new, dedicated operations centre is officially opened on 19 April 2011. The “Archie Morson Centre†has been equipped and decorated courtesy of The Marshall Group, and will be at the heart of all EAAA operations in... Read more
10-Apr-2011
Following the tail strike on 10 April, the helicopter landed in a river and the airframe is partially submerged. The pilot and all 4 passengers exited safely and uninjured from the aircraft... Read more
8-Apr-2011Source: Advantage Aviation Technologies
Advantage Aviation Technologies (AAT) of Cleburne Texas has announced an innovative repair that will save American Eurocopter operators and repair facilities thousands of dollars on what once was a needless expense. Up till now if an Oil or Hydraulic Tanks sight glass became broken, the entire tank was scraped. Not anymore! AAT has developed a... Read more
8-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
French newspaper Le Figaro yesterday reported that Eurocopter has secured French Government funding for the development of its new 4-tonne X4 model. With 550 million euros promised, the multi-national manufacturer and its partners will also develop an ambitious program in technology including engines, avionics, rotor blades, fuselage and so on. The four tonne market is... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Over 5,000 people in the Dutch military, both service personnel and civil servants, are facing compulsory redundancies. The government is expected to announce on Friday how it plans to make savings of €1bn in its defence budget. Sources are suggesting that the job losses will affect all ranks. Defence minister Hans Hillen also plans to... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: US Coast Guard
KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew trains with ski sleds installed on the Dolphin March 25, 2011, at Narrow Cape. The ski sleds were installed so aircrews will continue to have a current knowledge in landing a Dolphin on snowy or ice covered terrain and also supports the... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) have announced that they have surpassed their 100th AS350 cockpit modification. The 100th modification was completed for Advanced Helicopter Services’ customer the California Highway Patrol. “AS350’s can be found all over the world and are a very versatile aircraft,†said Mike Atwood founder and CEO of ASU. “Numerous law enforcement and... Read more
6-Apr-2011Source: London’s Air Ambulance
This agreement formalises the existing strong links between two long established providers of physician-led pre-hospital care. Both organisations are committed leaders in the field of quality improvement in pre-hospital care and place research and development high on their agendas. London’s Air Ambulance has an international reputation for clinical excellence and has trained the majority of... Read more
6-Apr-2011
Search for overdue helicopter found wreckage two days later. EMS operation with three killed – pilot and patient survived.... Read more
6-Apr-2011
Wreckage reported 6th April. Two bodies “may have been there a week” – thus date of accident unclear... Read more
6-Apr-2011
EC155 came down in wooded area of a mountainous region. Foggy conditions reported. One fatality, two injured. The three were Jesus Light, Ahmet Deniz, and Hadji Ahmed Maples.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Omniflight
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center has chosen Native Air as its air ambulance provider. This partnership will ensure that lifesaving air transport is readily available for the Sun City West and surrounding communities. “There are a number of reasons we chose Native Air,†said John Harrington, Jr., CEO, of the nonprofit hospital located at... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Helibras
(Electronic translation from original Portuguese press release) The shielding system of Squirrel helicopters produced by Helibras provides protection for crews and aircraft parts considered vital against light weapons with a caliber 7.62 and 5.56 mm level III, enhancing its ability to work in hostile environments. The installation consists of putting removable plates of material resistant... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: SEI Industries
SEI Industries Ltd. is pleased to announce the delivery of six Bambi Buckets to the AASF, Army Aviation Support Facility in Austin Texas for use in the new LUH, UH-72 Lakota aircraft program. The Bambi Bucket, 120 USG/460 Litres capacity model has been chosen as the Weapon of Choice for the UH-72 Lakota aircraft, the... Read more
5-Apr-2011
Helicopter damaged in hangar as a result of the local unrest in the country. Date is approximate, not confirmed. Helicopter returned to UK October 2012 showing damage to be superficial only.... Read more
4-Apr-2011Source: Sussex Police
A collaboration to share air support across the counties of Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire was officially launched Friday at Shoreham Airport. Although the South East Air Support Unit (SEASU) has been operational since October, today marked the start of operations under a single Police Air Operator’s Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Under the... Read more
4-Apr-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter has announced the delivery of another AS350 B3 helicopter to NS Air Leasing. NS Air specializes in working with customers on a lease-to-purchase basis and has now taken delivery of four AS350 B3s this year. The delivery took place during an event at American Eurocopter’s Delivery Center in Grand Prairie, Texas. “Our customers... Read more
2-Apr-2011
After landing, port side hydraulics compartment cowling was discovered open, and had contacted the main blades in flight – but only taking paint off, not damaging them. One camlock was missing from the cowling... Read more
1-Apr-2011Source: US DoD
EADS North American Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on March 28 a $21,468,420 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of four UH-72A light utility helicopters; four airborne radio communication 231 system production cut-in; and one engine inlet barrier filter production cut-in. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
On March 25, 2011, EADS and its subsidiary Eurocopter Group officially received the backing of the French authorities for their joint project to transfer some activities from Eurocopter’s La Courneuve plant, together with a part of EADS’ Suresnes-based research and development activities, to the city of Dugny. The two groups will lead the way for... Read more
31-Mar-2011Source: Discovery Air
Discovery Air Inc. subsidiary Great Slave Helicopters Ltd., working in partnership with 100% aboriginal-owned Dehcho Regional Helicopters LP, has been awarded a five-year contract to provide firefighting support and suppression services out of Fort Simpson, NT. Dehcho Regional Helicopters brings together the the business arms of the Fort Simpson Metis Nation; Liidlii Kue First Nation;... Read more
30-Mar-2011
4 died when EC135 crashed into a lake – check links for many photos and other info.... Read more
30-Mar-2011Source: Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters has been named 2011 SNHCA Choice Award winner for Best Tour Company in Las Vegas by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association (SNHCA). SNHCA, which was established in 1990, is an association of professional hotel concierge dedicated to providing the highest level of service to Las Vegas visitors. The association is honoring Maverick... Read more
30-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Work has officially started on the new base for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. Lord Lieutenant for Cornwall Lady Mary Holborow, as guest of honour, cut the first piece of turf at the site on Trevithick Downs on the south side of Newquay Cornwall Airport on Monday March 28th. Lady Mary was joined by charity... Read more
30-Mar-2011
Training flight out of Alpnach. Loadmaster slightly injured, two pilots seriously injured.... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Boston Globe
Military authorities have ended an investigation into a crash of a Puerto Rico National Guard helicopter that killed six people, saying they could not determine what caused the December accident. See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 20-Dec-10 07-02069 Eurocopter UH-72 Vieques, Puerto Rico (6F)... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Midlands Air Ambulance
Midlands Air Ambulance has awarded dedicated fundraiser Pat Stokes a very special life-time achievement award. Charity Director Hanna Sebright personally delivered the award last week to say thank you to Pat for dedicating almost two decades of her life to raising more than £1 million for the Charity. Mrs Stokes, of Bridgeford Avenue in Branston,... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: Specialist Aviation Services
UK based operator and support organisation Specialist Aviation Services has assisted South Georgia Heritage Trust in successfully completing the first phase of a 5 year project to eradicate rats which have decimated the island’s unique population of seabirds over recent decades. The project involves dropping special bait across areas of the island by helicopter for... Read more
28-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
The AS355 NP will be introduced into TRK Helicopter’s fleet in April 2011. The AS355 NP will be used for various types of flying missions including; tours and commercial operations. “The AS355 NP will be a welcomed addition into TRK Helicopter’s dynamic fleet of aircraft,†said Mr. Randy Marks, President, TRK Helicopter’s. “The AS355 NP’s... Read more
28-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
The enhanced AS350 B3e is the next generation aircraft in the proven Ecureuil family of helicopters. Officially launched at Heli-Expo, 2011 the new version features a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, a new digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data recorder. “The selection of the... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: PremiAir
As Long Run raced towards the finish line to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, PremiAir, the award-winning UK-based executive helicopter and corporate jet charter operator, was preparing to wrap up an extremely busy flying schedule last week. Each aircraft in the company’s executive charter fleet flew every day from locations in the UK and throughout Europe. ... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has announced an industry first iPad App now available to provide customers with a familiarization and training tool for installed equipment description, functionality and operation, among other uses. The company plans to include the Eurocopter AS350, EC130, EC135, EC145 and EC145T2 as well as the EC155 model type helicopters as part of... Read more
21-Mar-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, and Kuerzi Avionics AG, an industry leader in helicopter and aircraft services in Europe, have proudly teamed together to obtain European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the installation of the Garmin G500H glass cockpit in the Eurocopter AS350.... Read more
21-Mar-2011Source: US Coast Guard
Coast Guard Lt. Kelly Deutermann, 28, an MH-65C aircraft commander, has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Capt. Dorothy Stratton Leadership Award. Deutermann received the award at the 24th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium Tuesday in San Diego. Established in 2001, the Capt. Dorothy Stratton Leadership Award is named in honor of the... Read more
21-Mar-2011
The Idaho Army National Guard has added two new UH-72A Lakotas to its inventory to increase rescue and medical evacuations capabilities. The new choppers arrived at Gowen Field, south of Boise, on Friday 18th March.... Read more
20-Mar-2011
While loading patient, an ED technician dressed in a blue plastic gown came sprinting around from the far side of the aircraft. The pilot was able to intercept this individual but not before he had come under the rotor disk and near the tail. While loading patient at Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, CT, an ED... Read more
19-Mar-2011Source: WBAL 11 News
The state is looking into the possibility of billing each patient transported, according to 11 News reporter David Collins. This would be a huge departure from current policy, which uses tax dollars to fund the program, without charging patients.... Read more
19-Mar-2011
The pilot set down the helicopter in a field near the corner of Regal Row and Empress Row around 9:30 a.m. after smoke began to fill the cockpit. The problem turned out to be an air conditioning belt that overheated.... Read more
18-Mar-2011Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has been awarded almost £1 million of ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence investment to build a new base for the charity and its helicopter at Newquay Cornwall Airport. The investment amounts to £949,760 from ERDF Convergence with further costs for the capital project to be matched by reserved charitable funds... Read more
18-Mar-2011
Passenger struck fatally on head by main rotor when disembarking on sloping site. Pilot listed as Pablo Blanco Venegas... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that the Ontario (CA) Police Department has ordered its third AS350 B2. The aircraft, which will enter service in late spring, will primarily be used for aerial patrol and special operations surveillance throughout the department’s service area in and around Ontario, California. The single-engine AS350 B2 offers the best... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Lexington Institute
The Air Force is looking to buy a new fleet of utility helicopters to support its domestic operations. The Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP) will replace the aging UH-1 Huey helicopters which are employed to inspect and protect ballistic missile fields and transport senior Air Force and government officials around the country. It had... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: Ministry Health Care
Ministry Health Care announced that its Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation Service (Spirit) will begin to operate a helicopter ambulance from a Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital base in Rhinelander in June, 2011. In 2010, Spirit was unable to respond to 190 requests for air transport services due to other transports being already in process or to... Read more
17-Mar-2011
Bird strike on approach to land at base... Read more
16-Mar-2011
Double engine failure infilght at 5000ft with German Chancellor Merkel on board. Pilot restarted engine approx 1000ft agl from the ground... Read more
14-Mar-2011Source: EMTEQ
Working with Eurocopter in Germany, EMTEQ has developed an LED map light holder to replace older technology. The LED version offers many advantages over previous bulb versions including lower power consumption, extended reliability, lower weight, robust design resistant to vibration, and elimination of NVG filters. The dual mode map light is suitable for both civil... Read more
14-Mar-2011Source: Trakka Corp
Trakka Corp, a leading manufacturer of high intensity searchlight technology, has recently signed a contract as a certified Supplier to Eurocopter to supply its innovative Trakkabeam® A800 searchlight to the helicopter giant worldwide. “This contract is the direct result of an enormous investment in man-hours and over 24 months from both Eurocopter and Trakka Corp.... Read more
14-Mar-2011
Senok Aviation has got the approval of Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority to import two Eurocopter AS350B3 Squirrels... Read more
14-Mar-2011Source: AC&S
AC&S Ltd, an aerospace consulting and services company based in the north west of England have received an order from the Metropolitan Police for a number of mission computer and symbol generators for use in their EC145 helicopters. The Mission Computer and Symbol Generator (MCSG) is an extensible mini PC for use in non-essential airborne... Read more
14-Mar-2011
“They made a precautionary emergency landing due to an equipment malfunction, and they had a patient on board,” said Cpl. Kelly Matthews with the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office.... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: Janes
Eurocopter Indonesia is looking to expand its industrial partnership with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to enable the state-owned aerospace manufacturer to undertake substantial production of EC225 and EC725 models... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: WES Ebert Electronic Systems
(electronic translation of German press release) Nidderau 10 March 2011 – start flying, landing, react to an engine fire or prepare an air ambulance: flight simulators to provide realistic tasks without risk. To prepare the pilots and technicians working on the complex processes in the cockpit, is the helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter flight procedures including devices... 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
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Damaged beyond repair by tsunami... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Landed hard during precautionary landing... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter booked 68 new orders and agreements during this week’s Heli-Expo 2011 exposition while also unveiling a range of new and enhanced helicopter products, confirming the company’s highly competitive position for the expected upturn in the world’s rotary-wing aircraft sector. New business concluded during this industry event in Orlando, Florida involved eight of Eurocopter’s helicopter... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Transportes Aéreos Pegaso, who already operate one of the largest Eurocopter fleets in Latin America, have placed an order for five Ec145s to fulfil a transportation contract with CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). The customer is the national electricity company for Mexico. Pegaso already operates six EC145s, including the one shown in the photo below... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Bond Air Services has placed orders for eight Eurocopter EC135 T2e enhanced versions. This new model take the maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg and offers a 40-kg. gain in payload and allowing an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Currently, Bond Air... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
A compact ground-based simulator for the AS350 B3 has made a big impact at Heli-Expo 2011, where this procedural training device attracted significant attention from operators of the high-performance member in Eurocopter’s AStar/Ecureuil helicopter family. The device was developed by Indra Systems as a supplement to the AS350 Level B full-flight simulator, and was delivered... Read more
10-Mar-2011
All the three crew members aboard a military helicopter survived when it crashed Thursday morning in the southern part of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad near Burma Bridge... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 2nd March, a Czech Police Eurocopter EC135T2 suffered a heavy landing on a night training flight at approx 20.00 hours local.  A photo of the result can be seen here on the Planes.CZ website. Local press reports say that the Czech Police only insure themselves for damage caused by third parties. HeliHub.com adds a... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: Able Aerospace Services
Operators of Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 407 and 206 helicopters can realize overhaul and repair savings ranging from 35 to 70 percent using Able Preferred™, a new program from Able Aerospace Services. Able Preferred offers a full range of safe, FAA-approved dynamic component overhauls for these helicopters. Able Preferred overhauls are an alternative to OEM... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
With hurricane season looming around the corner and officials preparing for statewide disaster response exercises, the Louisiana National Guard has added four new medical evacuation helicopters to its fleet. The helicopters, LUH-72A light utility Lakotas, are new multi-mission aircraft that combine operational capability, reliability and affordability, while fulfilling all of the Army’s requirements for speed,... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Russia’s UTair Aviation today signed a firm contract for the acquisition of 15 EC175 helicopters, extending its long-term strategic partnership with Eurocopter and the Eurocopter Vostok subsidiary in Russia and the CIS. This agreement, which firms up a letter of intent announced at Heli-Expo in 2008, covers the deliveries of 15 EC175s in 2013 and... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) can confirm it has terminated its contract with Sterling Aviation with immediate effect. The charity will continue to operate two helicopters across the four counties it serves and these will be provided by Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded. Steve Whitby,... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Authorities were alerted after the non-arrival of a helicopter due from a short flight in Cumbria. Local press reports give the owner/pilot’s name as Mark Weir.... Read more
8-Mar-2011
Sudden white-out when flying at 150ft agl then rolled-over after hitting the ground. Believed to be weather-related and not mechanical. Visibility in the area was reduced to 1.6 km by blowing snow and the temperature was -24 C – -38 C with the windchill. Occupants got out OK but then post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Extends training relationship that has lasted more than 20 years and implements AEC’s AS350 Level B Full Flight Simulator as an integral part of the department’s training program American Eurocopter announced today that the Texas Department of Public Safety has signed a simulator training contract with the company’s Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo booth #4637, American Eurocopter announced that Air Medical Resource Group has signed an agreement to purchase seven AS350 B3e helicopters, making it the U.S. launch customer for this enhanced rotary-wing aircraft. These helicopters will be a core part of an initiative to consolidate Air Medical Resource Group’s business lines and to expand... Read more
