7-Mar-2011Source: JSSI
Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the largest, independent provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, recently announced new JSSI programs for the Eurocopter EC-135 and the EC-145. The JSSI hourly cost maintenance program for the EC-135 provides coverage for the Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 and Pratt & Whitney PW206B2 engines. The offering... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
A comprehensive evolution of Eurocopter’s helicopter product line was announced at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, providing enhanced operating capabilities, improved mission effectiveness and increased efficiency across four families in the company’s light, medium and heavy rotary-wing aircraft categories. These enhanced helicopters result from Eurocopter’s continuing major investments in innovation, and respond to... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
The newest member of Eurocopter’s helicopter family was formally launched today with the unveiling of its EC145 T2 – an evolved version of the popular twin-engine EC145 that incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, along with the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s new EC145 T2 helicopter, which was unveiled with fanfare today at Heli-Expo 2011, has attracted three U.S. operators as its launch customers: Metro Aviation, Lewis Energy Group and Leading Edge. Metro Aviation signed for five of the rotary-wing aircraft to be used in emergency medical services (EMS), continuing the company’s nearly three-decade relationship with... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
As the result of a recent competitive bid award, Metro Aviation, Inc. will finish three Eurocopter EC155B1 critical care transport helicopters for The University of Michigan Health System Survival Flight program. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Survival Flight will enter service with their first EC155B1 in September 2011 and will replace the current fleet of... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter has launched a fenestron-tail EC145 under the name of Ec145T2 – previously it had been touted as being the EC146 and Eurocopter did actually register that name as a trademark. Underneath, the certification name for the regulators is the BK117D2 There’s a video of the reveal on YouTube here... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is well positioned for the U.S. helicopter sector’s recovery –benefitting from its continued civil market leadership position, and ready to build on the company’s capabilities in engineering, certification and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul). Speaking during the opening day press briefing at Heli-Expo 2011 in Orlando, Florida, American Eurocopter President & CEO Marc... Read more
7-Mar-2011
pilot made a “precautionary†landing around 9:35 a.m after an engine warning light switched... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has joined with aircraft maintenance company Patria Helicopters AB to mark an important milestone reached by the helicopter squadron of the Swedish Police. EC135P2 helicopters operated by the Squadron and equipped with P&WC’s PW206B2 engines have now recorded a remarkable 40,000 in-flight hours. The milestone was announced at the Swedish... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has delivered its first PT6C-67E production engine for the Eurocopter EC175 helicopter, a medium-size utility helicopter for multi-role civilian and parapublic applications. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “This first production engine marks another milestone in our relationship with Eurocopter,” said Richard Dussault, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. “The... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) presented Med-Trans Corporation (Med-Trans) with a commemorative plaque at a ceremony here today marking the delivery of the 1,000th PW206B2 engine aboard Eurocopter’s EC135P2 helicopter. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “This is another major milestone in our ongoing relationship with Med-Trans, with whom we already have long-term... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Vector Aerospace
Langley, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading independent providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has recently been granted a Federal Aviation Administration amendment to its existing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC); #SR02341AK, to provide an Integrated Cockpit... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
“The selection of a second AS350 B3 was easy – the aircraft is well suited for our operations in mineral exploration and our customers have come to count on the performance and lift capability†said Frank Kelner, CEO of V. Kelner Helicopters.  “The AS350 B3 provides excellent handling characteristics, great visibility and delivers customers with... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, is pleased to announce that one of its most popular products for helicopters is being used by one of the world’s largest tour operators. Blue Hawaiian, the largest Hawaiian helicopter operator and Hollywood’s first-call helicopter company, is in the... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
During the Turbomeca press conference at Heli-expo, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) was recognized for signing a second Support By the Hour contract with Turbomeca. This contract provides modular maintenance and dedicated customer service supporting all 244 engines at 18 Air Stations throughout the United States. The contract will benefit the USCG by maximizing... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
Recently, STAT MedEvac, major EMS operator in the USA, received the 1,000th Arrius 2B engine to power their latest EC 135. Today, STAT Medevac’s fleet is composed of 14 EC 135s and seven EC 145s (Turbomeca Arriel 1E2). All their new airframes will have Turbomeca engines and most of their current fleet has Turbomeca engines.... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada confirms the sale of three AS350 B2’s, two EC130 B4’s and one AS350 B3 aircraft with Capitale Hélipro based in Quebec City. With the delivery of six new helicopters by July 2011 from the Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, Capitale Hélipro will have a total fleet of 11 Eurocopter... Read more
6-Mar-2011
Escalating oil prices are putting South West air ambulances under increasing pressure and could cost lives as aviation fuel costs hit the half-million pound mark for the first time. Both operators fly the EC135, with Cornwall having one and Devon two.... Read more
6-Mar-2011
The pilot of the Air Operations Center (Nuopa) of the Traffic Department would identify a mechanical problem and made an impromptu landing on the ground. The trio ended up injured when the aircraft crashed into the ground.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Quality Aviation Instruments
Quality Aviation Instruments (QAI) received notification recently that they were awarded a five-year contract by the United States Coast Guard to repair new and older generation hover lights. “We are thrilled to be awarded this contract,†said President of QAI Robert Sieber. “For 14 years we have been providing quality support to both the rotorcraft... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: ABC-7
This small piece of equipment called “Heli-TAWS” – or Terrain Avoidance and Warning system. “It’s extremely important. This is a probably the best piece of technology we could put in the aircraft, besides the night-vision goggles we have,” Collier County Flight Operations Director Steve Adams explained.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The centre piece of Eurocopter’s booth at Heli-Expo is wrapped up for a theatrical reveal on show open morning tomorrow. The manufacturer will not be drawn on exactly what is under the wraps, but industry speculation points to the new EC146, which in very simplistic terms is an EC145 with a fenestron tail rotor. Stay... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Business Week
“We chose not to take this trip,†Chief Executive Officer Sean O’Keefe told reporters in Washington today. The “sheer amount of integration effort†required for the new program didn’t match the company’s core skills, he said.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
American Eurocopter will be giving away 7 iPads throughout the Heli-Expo. Only persons residing in United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter, so that counts out getting on for half of the show visitors from outside the US. Sweepstakes Starts March 02, 2011 @ 12:30 pm (CST) and ends March... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Hidden away on Eurocopter’s website is a brief note on the helicopters they have on the show floor at Heli-Expo in Orlando, and they are… EC175 mockup in offshore configuration – expect some Gulf of Mexico orders to be announced EC130 for Air Methods in an all-blue scheme with Life Flight titles – registration N506LF... Read more
5-Mar-2011
Warning light came on mid-air while transporting patient from Mudgee Hospital to Lithgow Hospital. Emergency crews were in attendance for its arrival, which passed off without incident. Helicopter checked over and returned to its base at Orange... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Eurocopter Ec135 of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Airborne Response Team “D-HART” made a precautionary landing at the busy Boston Logan Airport today after the pilot reported difficulties with one engine. Airline operations were not affected in the way that Britain’s London City Airport came to a standstill yesterday after a similar emergency. It was on its... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter will unveil its newest helicopter and launch a comprehensive enhancement of the existing product line at Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation for the improved operating performance, efficiency and maintainability of its rotary-wing aircraft. The new helicopter is to be revealed at Eurocopter’s exhibit stand (#4637) at 11:30... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Information is still coming in on an accident involving a French military Eurocopter AS532 Cougar helicopter. Shortly after take-off, a crew member noticed the door was not correctly closed and went to adjust it. In the process of this manouevre, he was sucked out of the aircraft. A second crew member went to help and... Read more
4-Mar-2011
A Eurocopter Ec135 of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Airborne Response Team “D-HART” made a precautionary landing at the busy Boston Logan Airport today after the pilot reported difficulties with one engine.... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics, a leading provider of Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)/Emergency Radios, is pleased to announce that the Polish Ministry of Heath has chosen the MR510 Personal Locator Beacon/Emergency Radio, with embedded GPS receiver technology for their EC135 air medical helicopter fleet. The Polish Ministry of Health air medical helicopter fleet provides high-quality HEMS service to... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Helinet
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today its selection by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to develop and support a comprehensive microwave downlink system for the Department’s new fleet of 14 patrol helicopters. Created in partnership with the LASD’s Aero Bureau,... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Atlantic Health
Atlantic Ambulance Corporation, a subsidiary of Atlantic Health, the parent company of Morristown Memorial Hospital and Overlook Hospital, is marking half a decade of service with Atlantic Air One, its medevac helicopter based in northern New Jersey, while seeking to duplicate that success with a new, twin helicopter, Atlantic Air Two, in the southern region... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In the last month, San Jose has proposed temporarily grounding its helicopter to save money, Costa Mesa has stopped flying, Long Beach is looking to downgrade to cheaper helicopters, and now it’s the turn of Fresno. The city operates two Eurocopter EC120s, as shown in the photo below The City of Fresno is cutting back... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Latitude Technologies
Latitude Technologies, a leading provider of satellite based communication, tracking and onboard aircraft data systems announced that their SkyNode® S100-001 satellite based tracking/messaging device has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate number SR02872NY covering Bell Helicopter Textron models 206, 206A, 206A1, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4. Certificate number SR02875NY covers Eurocopter models AS350B, AS350B1 AS350B2,... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Narooma News
The Westpac Life Saver has completed its first summer on the NSW south coast, finishing its season on Monday night. But word has come through of government funding that will keep rescue chopper 3 in Narooma district skies.... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: EADS North America
The UH-72A Lakota has once again demonstrated its capabilities in a rescue scenario, with a Lakota mission that saved the life of a man trapped by unseasonably-heavy rainfall in San Bernardino, Calif. This rescue was completed by an EADS North America-produced UH-72A operating from the U.S. Army’s National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment at Ft.... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Australian Aerospace Limited, supported by Eurocopter, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, brings an impressive line-up of aircraft from its rotary-wing family to the 2011 Australian International Air Show at Avalon. A total of seven helicopters will be at Avalon, ranging in size from the smallest family member, the Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, to the largest, the... Read more
2-Mar-2011
Shortly after take off from the military base of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, a door of the aircraft opened. One occupant tried to secure it, but appears to have dragged out by suction, falling into the waters of a pond. A second crew member went to assist and was also sucked out. One later died in the hospital... Read more
2-Mar-2011
Heavy landing during night training flight. Accident occurred around 2000 hours local. Skids collapsed. Tail boom failed at root, but did not separate from the cabin. Helicopter shipped back to manufacturer for checks (see here)... Read more
1-Mar-2011
A court in Munich on Tuesday handed down a one-year suspended prison sentence to an Austrian soldier for providing the Russian secret service with secret information on a subsidiary of defense giant EADS.... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: SkyTrac Systems
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that the European Safety Agency (EASA) has issued installation approvals for its next generation automated flight following and satellite communications system on the following airframes: Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma Eurocopter EC 120 Eurocopter EC 135 Eurocopter EC 225 Bell 407 Bell 206 Steve Fuhr, VP and Director of... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: Banyan Air Service
Banyan’s avionics team recently completed work on a Sikorsky S76, Agusta 109, and an American Eurocopter AS-350. Upgrades included Garmin GNS-430W, GMX-200, Avidyne EX600 and Honeywell MK-22 EGPWS Safety Package installations. “We’ve been providing rotorcraft services for several years and have decided to become more aggressive in marketing our capabilities in this market,†said Brian... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: CBS San Francisco
A proposal would ground the San Jose Police Department’s helicopter for at least a year because of the city’s $110 million budget deficit.... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All but emergency flights are now banned due to budgetary constraints... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: DCI
DCI announces that a new outsourcing contract has been granted, following the outsourcing contract on the fleet of helicopters from the French Army’s light aviation school in Dax. A call for tenders was launched concerning the outsourcing of in-service support related to French civil defense and gendarmerie EC 145 helicopters. This outsourcing concerns 51 helicopters... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: South Dakota National Guard
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard’s aviation community and members of the Lakota Nation will be celebrating the arrival of the state’s newest helicopter, named “Lakota†by the U.S. Army, at a ceremony scheduled to be held at the Crazy Horse Monument near Custer on May 14, 2011. Several... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: Herald Online
The S.C. Army National Guard will break ground within two months on a $26M facility in Greenville County to house six CH-47 Chinook and four UH-72 Lakota helicopters... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: DCI
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has entrusted  DCI-NAVFCO, the naval branch of DCI group, with the training of its flight crews for the use of the helicopters PANTHER N3 Search and Rescue. This training takes place in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and in Toulon (France). DCI-NAVFCO has sent 6 instructors and provided operational means in... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Western Coal Corp today announced a five-year, $500,000 commitment to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). Mr. Keith Calder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Coal, is presenting a cheque to STARS Grande Prairie Base Major Gifts Manager Glenda Farnden in the community of Tumbler Ridge on February 23, 2011. “In December 2010,... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: Soloy
Soloy Aviation Solutions announces the approval and availability of a 200 amp generator for installation on the Honeywell LTS101-700D-2 engine used in the Soloy AS350SD2 engine conversion kit for AS350B2 helicopters. It is approved as an option for the standard 150 amp unit on the existing engine conversion STC (SR01647SE). The STC optional kit is... Read more
23-Feb-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) was recently awarded separate contracts to customize two Eurocopter EC135’s for executive transport. The first helicopter to deliver will be outfitted with a full VIP leather interior to include tinted windows, enhanced soundproofing and a cabin/cargo separation wall. An Air Comm air conditioner will also be installed. The avionics and communications... Read more
23-Feb-2011
L.A. County sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker said the pilots were conducting a training exercise “simulating a hydraulic failure” when the Eurocopter AS350 went down.... Read more
22-Feb-2011Source: Australian Aerospace
Premier Anna Bligh today backed a bid by Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace for a lucrative Australian Navy Contract that would create hundreds of Queensland jobs. The Federal Government currently is considering two rival bids to provide Australia’s new naval combat helicopter under the Air9000 Phase 8 tender – one from Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace who would assemble... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: Helihub.com
Two French registered Super Pumas have arrived in Malta, apparently “escaping” the crisis in Libya where they have been based at Tripoli International Airport since July 2005. The pair are both operated by Heli Union. The Times Of Malta is reporting that their departure from Libya was so hurried that only one passenger of seven... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The NHS Ambulance Trust has praised the ‘remarkable speed’ in which the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) solved a potentially difficult air operations issue this weekend. Late on Friday afternoon the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Norwich-based firm Sterling Aviation due to procedural issues. This meant the two... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: Edmonton Journal
The helicopter crew narrowed the source of the light to a city home where police confiscated a laser pointer from a 10-year-old boy. His parents were home, but hadn’t realized what their son was up to.... Read more
20-Feb-2011Source: Eurocopter
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 February 2011 – Eurocopter’s commitment to meeting the operational requirements of governments and armed forces and civil operators in the Arab world with its broad helicopter product line will be highlighted at next week’s International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi (EADS exhibit stand, Booth B10, Hall 8). More... Read more
20-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has activated a contingency plan due to operational issues with the current supplier of its aircraft, Sterling Aviation. Sterling is temporarily unable to provide the EAAA with an air ambulance service, so, as an interim measure the charity will continue to operate using alternative aircraft from a different supplier, Bond... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Apache Corporation presented the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $400,000 cheque today at the STARS Calgary Base. The cheque presentation elevates Apache’s total cumulative financial support of STARS to more than $1 million since 1990. Approximately $200,000 is being directed to the STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) work site registration program. The... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter pays its respects to its long-time test pilot Jean Boulet. His legendary piloting skills and passion for flying established the Group’s place in the history of rotorcraft. First hired in 1947 by the SNCASE, which would later become Sud Aviation and then the Helicopter division of the Aerospatiale Group, Jean Boulet was one of... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: Systems Interface
East Midlands Police Force Air Support Unit required a solution to provide exceptional lighting and control capabilities for pilots during rescue, security and patrol operations. Systems Interface delivered the industry leading renewable power and lighting solution – the Avlite Systems AV425-RF radio-controlled solar LED helipad lighting system. The Air Support Unit’s chief pilot, Captain Graham... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The BBC is tonight reporting that Norfolk Police will stop using their leased Eurocopter AS355F2 Twin Squirrel at the end of the current fiscal year – 31st March 2011 – and that it is trying to buy a block of 220 hours a year from neighbouring force Suffolk Police. The vicarious benefit in doing this... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: Long Beach Post
A 34-year old Long Beach woman has been arrested for pointing lasers at Police and Sheriff helicopters while they conducted a search for suspects in an unrelated incident in January. Kelly Ann Smith has been charged with two felony counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft.... Read more
17-Feb-2011
Heliski operation. All six occupants airlifted to hospital in Sion.... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Late Tuesday evening, the Costa Mesa city council voted 4 to 1 in favour of cutting its “Eagle One” police helicopter program and eliminating two jobs which paid a total of almost $275,000. Costa Mesa has been one of the two major partners with Newport Beach in the ABLE “AirBorne Law Enforcement” program, which operated... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Karlsruhe DRF base has hosted the visit of a high profile political figure on Monday 14th February. The Baden-Wuerttemberg Interior Minister, Heribert Rech was briefed on the duties and responsibilities of the Karlsruhe rescue helicopter. Among others, he was accompanied by another Member of Parliament, Katrin Schütz. At helicopter’s base, Heribert Rech met board... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
DECATUR, TX, FEBRUARY 15, 2011:Â United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered a second customized Eurocopter AS350B2 to Veracity Aviation of New Braunfels, TX on February 11, 2011. URS completed the avionics and communications integration with the Honeywell KY196A Comm, the Garmin GNS430W Comm/NAV/GPS, GMX200 MFD, GTS800 TAS, GMA340 GTX327 Transponder and a GMA340 Audio control and... Read more
15-Feb-2011
The EC 135 replaces one of the two aircrafts currently in Mercy’s fleet, with traffic collision warning systems common on commercial airlines, advanced weather indicators and night vision goggles.... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
DRF has announced that it’s Dortmund base has recently changed callsign to “Christoph Dortmund” with agreement of the local police and fire/rescue services. All public safety radio communciations will now use this new tag. The Dortmund EMS base flies a Eurocopter BK117, operated by HSD for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The BK117 is... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Dutch aviation magazine Scramble has alerted HeliHub.com to the news that two air ambulance helicopters in their country will start true 24×7 operations from today, 14th February 2011. THe bases at Amsterdam and Groningen will bring the night operations under ANWB up to four, adding to bases at Rotterdam and Nijmegen which already have this... Read more
13-Feb-2011
Bird strike... Read more
13-Feb-2011
Australian pilot reported missing feared dead after helicopter crash in PNG.  It is understood the man is an experienced pilot who has been working in the mining industry for a number of years. Oil slick and floating debris reported. Update – Search for pilot Lloyd Lester has been abandoned... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Russian subsidiary Eurocopter Vostok has handed over a new EC135 to airline ChelAvia. Sherbank Leasing provided the finance. ChelAvia is “one of the leading private aviation companies on the GA market. The main activities – training civil aviation pilots, performing aerial work, as well as promotion of aircraft Tecnam Italian concern in the Russian market.... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Following an order announced in October 2009, the Royal Thai Police have recently taken delivery of three Eurocopter Ec155B1 helicopters. These 3 new medium weight twin-engine helicopters will be dedicated to VVIP missions, and add to two others which have been operated since early 2005. When the order was announced at the Asian Aerospace event,... Read more
