12-Dec-2011
Helicopter caught fire shortly after landing. 13 POB all safe... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: Hindustan Times
Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan received the keys of a brand new US-made Sikorsky 76 last Tuesday. In a few weeks time, Chavan, governor K Sankarnarayan and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, will use the aircraft to fly to state functions and events. (see full story)Â File photo... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Orissa Diary
Tata Advanced Systems have made a presentation on UAV technology to a meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sri Bijay Kumar Patnaik (see full story)... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: Hindustan Times
The Indian Coast Guard has floated a global tender worth over $200 million to procure 16 light helicopters. The global Request for Proposal has been sent to three companies – Eurocopter, AgustaWestland and Sikorsky. Eurocopter are expected to bid with the AS565 Panther. (see full story)... Read more
20-Nov-2011
Emergency landing after unexpected vibration levels.  Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on board... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: HAL
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has bagged Raksha Mantri’s award for excellence in performance (2009-10). Shri P.V Deshmukh, Offg. Chairman of HAL received the award and citation from Hon’ble Defence Minister Mr A.K Antony in New Delhi. In recognition for achieving improved organisational performance excellence through Research & Development, improved production and financial performance, Export... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Times of India has reported that India is close to agreeing a follow-on contract for another 59 Mil Mi-17V5 transport helicopters. This news follows only days after Russian Helicopters announced delivery of the first batch from the current order for 80 such helicopters. Contract value is said to be around $1 billion, on the... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: HAL
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over a final dividend cheque for Rs. 123.17 crores for the year 2010-11 to the government. This is in addition to the interim dividend of Rs. 299.95 crores paid in February 2011, and the total dividend for the year works out to Rs. 423.12 crores (351.13 per cent... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Russian Helicopters
The first batch of Mi-17V-5 helicopters have been delivered to the Indian side under the contract signed by Rosoboronexport, JSC in December 2008 during the visit to India of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The helicopters are manufactured by Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters holding company. India is considered Russia’s a strategic partner... Read more
1-Nov-2011Source: Economic Times
Helicopters in Mumbai fly too close to the surface for comfort. Against a recommended altitude of 1,000 ft above the tallest building in an area (obstruction level), they fly at 500-700 ft from obstruction level and sometimes come as low as the height of the buildings. (see full story)... Read more
28-Oct-2011Source: HAL
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mishra has taken over the charge of Director Finance of HAL today. Earlier he was Executive Director (Finance) at HAL Corporate Office. He, with more than 30 years of service is highly experienced in various facets of financial management. He is adept at utilizing corporate resources to drive and deliver financial and... Read more
26-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Russian press agency RIA Novosti is reporting that the Mi-28N Night Hunder has lost an Inidan tender for 22 attack helicopters, leaving Boeing’s AH-64D Apache. They reported a source saying “We decided not to choose the Mi-28 for technical reasons. Our experts believe that the Mi-28N did not meet the requirements of the tender on... Read more
25-Oct-2011
The Dhruv crash near Ranchi that killed three crew members has prompted the BSF to revisit an old question: Is Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd capable of flying and maintaining choppers that are being used for anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand? (see full story)... Read more
19-Oct-2011
A BSF (Border Security Force) helicopter on anti-Naxal duty crashed on the outskirts of Ranchi today, killing two pilots and a technician on board. The Dhruv was going to Chaibasa from Ranchi when its engine caught fire and it crashed in Khunti jungle, a senior BSF official said. Aircraft completely burnt out. Pilot named as... Read more
14-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The current Chairman and Managing Director of Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, Mr R.K. Tyagi has been appointed as the next Chairman of the Bangalore headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (“HAL”). The Public Enterprises Selection Board recommended Mr Tyagi name as Chairman pf HAL after interviewing three other persons. The other contenders for the post were Mr... Read more
13-Oct-2011Source: Economic Times
Demand for non-schedule, private helicopter services on the rise – see full story... Read more
11-Oct-2011
Reported that solo student pilot probably lost control and grazed a high-tension wire, hurling the helicopter off balance and it came crashing down in the fields seriously injuring pilot Sudeep Vashist... Read more
8-Oct-2011
Precautionary landing due to weather en route Belgaum to Juhu on a ferry flight with 4POB after completing a filming job... Read more
29-Sep-2011
The public issue of Swajas Air Charters, a non-scheduled airline operator servicing a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters across India, will now close on October 5 with a revised price band of Rs 84 to Rs 90 per share, according to NSE (National Stock Exchange of India) website. The BRLM to the issue has... Read more
22-Sep-2011Source: UV India
Shephard and the Indian Military Review invite you to the UV India 2011 exhibition and conference, to be held on 13-14 October at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. With Shephards long history of producing UV events and IMR’s strong presence in India the event is attracting a distinguished level of speakers, exhibitors and visitors. BAE Systems 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
7-Sep-2011Source: HAL
Shri K Naresh Babu has taken over the vital appointment of Managing Director, Bangalore Complex, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), today. Prior to this, he was General Manager (Planning) at HAL Corporate Office. He has taken over as Managing Director, Bangalore Complex, heading nine full-fledged Divisions including one R&D Centre, engaged in manufacture, overhaul and supply... Read more
7-Sep-2011
Mil8 with 9 POB made emergency landing due to technical issue. After being checked over helicopter departed later with no further issue.... Read more
31-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In a bizarre twist, state owned Pawan Hans has asked the Indian Government (ultimately its owner) to waive customs duty on the import of new helicopters by the company. The company is arguing that lower purchase prices can be passed on to the passengers in a more reasonable ticket price, particularly in outlying areas like... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Pawan Hans Helicopters, India’s nationally owned helicopter operator, has been awarded the Best Aviation Company Promoting Pilgrimage Tourism 2011. The award was presented by the tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai to R.K. Tyagi, the Managing Director of Pawan Hans, at a function organised by the travel publication “Today’s Traveller” in New Delhi last week. The... Read more
22-Aug-2011Source: HAL
Sqn Ldr (Retd) Baldev Singh has taken over the charge of Director Corporate Planning & Marketing of HAL. Earlier to this, he was Executive Director Flight Operations and the Chief Test Pilot (Fixed Wing) at HAL Bangalore Complex. Highly experienced in various facets of aviation, he has a total Flight Test experience of over 6000... Read more
22-Aug-2011
Solo student pilot, seriously injured. Helicopter type TBA – although one report is now saying it was a fixed wing. We will monitor wires to decide and delete this record if appropriate... Read more
11-Aug-2011
Emergency landing in a paddy field during a post-maintenance ferry flight... Read more
2-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
While operator Pawan Hans has now restarted operations in the North Eastern Indian states of Tripura and Sikkim, the State of Meghalaya continues to block the company from flying within its boundaries. The cessation of flying started after the operator suffered two fatal accidents within a fortnight earlier this year to allow a period of... Read more
1-Aug-2011Source: Guardian Mobility
Guardian Mobility today announced the appointment of EXFAQ Systems Pvt. Ltd. of Mumbai as its sales representative for India and surrounding territories. The agreement, which is exclusive, covers all of Guardian’s Automatic Flight Following (AFF) solutions including the Guardian 3™, which provides simple and reliable flight following and tracking services. “We’re excited to have EXFAQ... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: Business Standard
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended all helicopter operations at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse here, after a safety audit revealed it lacked fire-fighting facilities and was functioning without required regulatory approvals. (Full story)... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
State-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, which suspended services in six northeastern states after Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others were killed in a crash, has resumed operations in all six states in the region. All services previously operated by single-engined helicopters will now be flown by twins, and a thorough check has... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: Mahindra
Mahindra Aerospace and Mahindra Satyam – representing the aerospace manufacturing and engineering capabilities of leading Indian industrial house, the Mahindra Group – today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a trade partnership with the Eurocopter Group and its Indian subsidiary, Eurocopter India. The partnership will be focused on manufacturing of sub assemblies, engineering and customization of... Read more
26-Jul-2011
Hindustan Aeronautics have flown the second LCH prototype from their Bangalore factory. It is said to be a significant improvement over the first prototype, photo’d here. It carries registration ZP-4602 (full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: Indian Army
The Army is moving closer to a decision on whether to invest in a new unmanned helicopter. The service expects to issue a “request for information” next week for a vertical-takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft, Army officials said during a June 23 conference call with reporters. As an interim step before it decides to... Read more
26-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Telegraph India has reported that India is preparing to withdraw the last four Mi-35 attack helicopters next month, citing strong domestic need for the aircraft. The contract with Monusco (the UN’s mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) expires in less than two weeks on 4th July. However, the Congo is heading towards a residential... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com
India will receive next year the first batch of the 12 helicopters for transportation of VIPs. Half the fleet is expected by the end of 2012 as the assembly of the first two helicopters has commenced at the manufacturer’s facilities in Europe. “We have started assembling the first two helicopters and will be soon moving... Read more
23-Jun-2011Source: MBDA
MBDA´s PARS 3 LR guided missile system has been short listed for the Indian Army helicopter future air-to-ground requirement. MBDA Deutschland has delivered proposals for its PARS 3 LR multi-target, long range weapon system for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH DHRUV) and for two attack helicopters, the KAMOV KA-52 and the MIL MI-28. Within the... Read more
19-Jun-2011
Helicopter ended up on its side in a jungle area. No initial indication as to cause... Read more
14-Jun-2011Source: Chardham Tours
The Chardham Pilgrimage Tours comprising of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri destinations started with the opening of portals of both Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on May 6, 2011. The holy sites adorn the beautiful destination Uttarakhand. The Kedarnath place is situated at a height of 3,584 meter in Rudraprayag district whereas Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines... Read more
1-Jun-2011Source: iSikkim
On 10th May the inspecting team from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) office carried out the inspection of helicopter and the heliport and till date no report on the resuming of heli service has been confirmed.... Read more
30-May-2011Source: Pawan Hans
An official team of Pawan Hans is scheduled to arrive at Imphal on May 28 to study feasibility report over the proposal of introducing Helicopter service in Manipur as well as to take stock of the passenger amenity facilities being developed. According to an official source in the Transport Department, the official team of Pawan... Read more
29-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
P Soundara Rajan, managing director of HAL’s helicopter complex, told an Indian newspaper that the company is looking elsewhere for a helicopter engine partner after Turbomeca asked for a higher fee to fit the jointly developed Shakti engine inot the new LUH helicopter. The LUH helicopter, which will be available in both civil and miltiary... Read more
16-May-2011Source: Times of India
A helipad alongside Panaji’s Mandovi bridge and five more across the state, including at Colva and Old Goa, are set to launch helicopter tourism in Goa.... Read more
13-May-2011Source: Telegraph India
The police’s only helicopter grounded since January and now awaiting repairs at a Bangalore hanger has finally received the attention of the Jharkhand government, which is setting up its own team of maintenance engineers since manufacturer HAL has refused help.... Read more
13-May-2011
A Border Security Force helicopter crashed in Sirohi district of Rajasthan killing the pilot and three others. The helicopter crashed at 3 pm near Bahadurpura village. A team of officials from Mount Abu reached the crash site and all the bodies, which are badly burnt, have been recovered. The killed are identifed as pilot Colonel... Read more
9-May-2011
Helicop Aviation, in association with Mauna Loa Helicopters of Hawaii, USA, has launched a fast track five-month course on Helicopter Pilot.... Read more
9-May-2011Source: Telegraph India
Six new Mi-17 helicopters could be making sorties to rebel hotbeds like Chattisgarh’s Abujhmad and Bengal’s Lalgarh by August, ministry sources said. The helicopters will be “wet leasedâ€.... Read more
6-May-2011Source: Times of India
Plans to construct a state-of-the-art heliport at Nerul in Navi Mumbai have got a major boost as the Indian military, which had earlier objected to the construction of heliports, has given its go-ahead... Read more
6-May-2011
Two Mi-17 helicopters deployed to ferry defence minister A K Antony and his high-level entourage to forward areas in Rajasthan developed technical snags, one after the other, on Monday.... Read more
6-May-2011Source: Hindustan Times
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) called a meeting of all helicopter operators, following the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash. DGCA has asked all helicopter operators to follow Civil Aviation Requirements and Aircraft Rules, especially when flying VIPs, sources said... Read more
6-May-2011
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has finally suspended commercial operations of Pawan Hans helicopters across the northeastern region, a move which came only after Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu died in a helicopter crash... Read more
5-May-2011Source: DNA India
In the wake of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu’s death in the crash of an AS350B3 last week, the opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has demanded that all helicopters belonging to the government-owned Pawan Hans be subjected to “thorough and rigid” inspection.... Read more
3-May-2011Source: Times of India
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has operationalized the on-line reservation system for availing helicopter services on Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra Sector.... Read more
2-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Thursday 28th, Pawan Hans issued an amendment to the documents issued in February, putting the closing date of the tender back by three weeks to 18th May. The tender reference is PHHL/CO/MKT/4817/51 and State owned Indian helicopter operator Pawan Hans has issued a tender document seeking two 2-3 seat helicopters, primarily for training use. ... Read more
2-May-2011Source: Assam Tribune
Assam Government has expressed its reservations on availing services of single-engine choppers for any of its future trips. Spokesperson Rockybul Hussain said that the State Government would now be “very cautious and selective” in chartering aircraft... Read more
1-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Media reports are saying that the Indian state of Meghalaya, in the north east of the country, have suspended Pawan Hans helicopter services in the state with immediate effect. This follows the crash of one of their Mi-17s on 19th April killing 17, and controversy surrounding one of their new AS350B3s which was reported missing... Read more
30-Apr-2011
Crashed in mountainous region. One passenger was Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu... Read more
29-Apr-2011Source: Helicop Aviation
Helicop Aviation is conducting an aptitude test for all those aspiring to be Helicopter Pilots on the 6th of May 2011 at Bangalore. Those achieving 95% and above would be sponsored to the pilot training schools in Hawaii or Philippians. Depending on the scores students would be eligible for up to 100% free scholarship. Eligibility... Read more
29-Apr-2011
Helicopter was being used by political figure and a flag being waved (or thrown?) by an enthusiastic supporter got caught up in the rotor blades. Helicopter grounded for engineers, Politician continued by road... Read more
28-Apr-2011Source: Indian Express
Local controversy surrounds the transfer of 30 acres of land between two organisations owned by the Indian Government. Pawan Hans plans a heliport and maintenance base on the site.... Read more
26-Apr-2011Source: Domain-B
Under the spotlight, state-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL), has rubbished allegations made by the Arunachal Pradesh state government about the airworthiness of its fleet.... Read more
26-Apr-2011Source: Indian Press Information Bureau
The Government has appointed a Committee of Inquiry headed by Air Marshal (Retd.) P.P. Rajkumar to Inquire into the circumstances of accident of Pawan Hans helicopter at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on April 19, 2011. The Committee comprises following members: Air Commodore (Retd.) Rai Krishan             – Member Wing Commander (Retd.) Rabinder Singh     – Member Shri... Read more
21-Apr-2011
“Though it seems that the helicopter had crashed owing to the inclement weather, a court of inquiry has been ordered,†quoting the Indian Army. Deceased quoted at pilots – Lt. Jepa and Lt. Col Bhatia of the Indian Air Force and soldiers Naib Subedar Rana and Naik Panth of 8 Gorkha Rifles... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com adds a separate page for every reported incident, including details of the particular helicopter and links to online reports of the event. see 19-Apr-11 Mil Mi-17 Tawang, India (17F)... Read more
19-Apr-2011Source: Eurocopter India
Dr Stolpe, chief flight surgeon and medical director of the biggest HEMS operator of Europe, Germany’s ADAC Air Rescue, will be in India for four days from April 19th – April 22nd, 2011 to support the urgent need to adopt HEMS in India. Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, is pleased to announce the ‘India... Read more
19-Apr-2011
Mi-17 hit a wall and burst into flames as it was trying to land in India’s remote northeast, killing 17 people [later revised to 18 after another passenger died]. It was on a regular passenger service from Guwahati. See also HeliHub.com story on appointment of a committee of inquiry... Read more
18-Apr-2011Source: Indian Express
The heliport proposed at the Hadapsar Gliding Centre would not disrupt gliding activity, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) E K Bharat Bhushan on Saturday dispelling fears that gliding activities will come to a stop.... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Indian Government is planning to create an online national register of pilots with a complete dossier on each one. The aim of this would be to eliminate pilots getting licences and jobs on the basis of falsified papers, adn the implied air safety issues therefrom. The director general of civil aviation, Bharat Bhushan, will... Read more
18-Mar-2011
The Chetak helicopter was on a routine sortie from the Bamrauli base, but had to make the emergency landing as a precaution due to a technical defect... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced today the signing of a contract to sell an S-76C++™ helicopter to the Maharashtra Government in India for VIP transport. The aircraft will join a growing fleet of Sikorsky helicopters operating in India or on order by Indian customers, including other S-76® family aircraft and lightweight S-300™ and S-330SP™ helicopters. ... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: SkyBanners
Soon the skyline of major cities in India will see an unusual sight – huge banners being flown by helicopters that can carry brand messages, announce new movies releases, in fact the scope is limitless. Making this possible is Oscean India, which has launched SkyBanners International in India. The company has tied up with Xtravision... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Anticipated by HeliHub.com’s report of Pawan Hans issuing a tender for two 2-3 seat helicopters which we reported late last week. It has now been confirmed that state owned Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd (PHHL) will open its new training academy in the city of Pune. PHHL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 7th... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
State owned Indian helicopter operator Pawan Hans has issued a tender document seeking two 2-3 seat helicopters, primarily for training use. The specification requires the helicopters offered to be in current production and to meet the requirements laid down in JAR Part 27, FAR Part 27, in section ‘G’ of British Civil Aviation Airworthiness Requirements... Read more
