27-Jan-2011Source: San Angelo Standard Times
Police identified the pilot as Richard Zane Whitesides, aged 21. The R22 was impounded, and contained both firearms and several empty beer cans. Dusty Whitaker, prinicpal of Whitesides’ employer Texas Extreme Helicopters said the flight was not authorized. Whitesides was fired the next day... Read more
27-Jan-2011
Eurocopter will not, at the customer’s request, reveal the identity of the country nor the number of helicopters being acquired. The programme involves the supply of Eurocopter EC635 light attack helicopters, fitted with weapons systems equipped with 20 mm cannons, unguided rockets and guided missiles.... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Janes
AVIC is preparing proposals, in partnership with existing partner US Aerospace, to bid for the US Navy’s VXX helicopter programme as well as a current fixed-wing requirement... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/idINLDE70P05020110126
The French Government is reported to have already offered Eurocopter €400M in aid for the X4 program, but the manufacturer is holding out for €550M. The X4 is seen as the successor to the EC155/AS365 range.... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: MetroNews
A spokeswoman for Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose says Sikorsky’s request for Ottawa to excuse the latest delay for delivery of the Cyclones has been formally refused. The company has appealed the refusal and a senior civil servant will make the final call on whether it must pay $45,000 per day for up to 120... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Helo Holdings
The Northeast corridor, and especially Manhattan, is the busiest helicopter environment in the world. In December 2010, Helo Holdings Inc. opened the first new commercial heliport in more than 30 years – aimed squarely at the turbine helicopter community. The 7.26 acre “Helicopter-Only†FBO, is located in Kearny, New Jersey at 165 Western Avenue (just... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: NTM-A
The first two Afghan Air Force helicopter pilots to complete basic pilot training in the U.S. recently began the “Initial Mi-17 Qualification Course†meant to convert them into Mi-17 helicopter pilots at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul. A hybrid of Croatian and U.S. helicopter training syllabi, the course is a six-month evolution that... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Heli-One
Heli-One continues to cement its reputation as a major maintenance support company in the Brazilian helicopter market after agreeing to provide new tip-to-tail power-by-the-hour (PBH) and upgrade services to a number of Brazilian offshore operators. Heli-One was chosen to provide tip-to-tail PBH services to Omni Taxi Aereo Brazil’s S76C++ fleet and to Omni’s additional S61... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Hong Kong CAD
In accordance with Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, an inspector’s investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances and causes relating to the accident involving a Eurocopter AS332 L2 helicopter (registration mark B-HRN) operated by Government Flying Service that made an emergency landing in Shing Mun Reservoir on December 27, 2010. The... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Dalje
Russia and France have agreed to build four helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy, European media reports say... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Next week one AW101 Merlin and five AS550 Fennec helicopters will travel from Denmark to Norway to practice landings in the snow Crews from 722 and 724 Squadrons are off to practice landings in the snow during the exercise appropriately called Exercise White Out. Rescue helicopter Squadron 722, had a need arise to be able... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Boeing
Representatives of Boeing [NYSE: BA], its suppliers and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence marked the first flight of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) CH-47F (NL) Chinook heavy-lift helicopter in a ceremony Jan. 25 at Summit Aviation in Middletown, Del. The aircraft made its first flight on Dec. 8 and is scheduled to complete its... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: SureFlight
The aviation refinishing company, SureFlight, LLC has achieved ISO 9001:2008 & AS9100:Rev.B Quality Certification from third party registrar World Certification Services Ltd. SureFlight completed its Phase II audit on December 20, 2010 and received official certification on January 20, 2011. “Obtaining ISO 9001:2008 & AS9100:Rev.B & Certifications is one more step in SureFlight’s continuing objective... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter has delivered two AS350 B3 helicopters to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Section. These are the first AS350 B3’s in the Aircraft Section’s all-Eurocopter fleet, which includes 13 Eurocopter AS350-series AStar helicopters and one EC145. The new AS350 B3’s provide increased power and performance and build on the proven reliability... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: World Bulletin
A recent report prepared by the State Audit Institution (DDK) on a 2009 helicopter accident that killed six people, including Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader Muhsin YazıcıoÄŸlu, has found the deaths “suspicious.â€Â HeliHub.com page for this accident is here. File photo... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Times of India
This is an odd one. Given it’s a scheduled flight which has evidently been operating for some time, why would they reach a point where the pilot refused to land the helicopter due to the size of the helipad? There’s no indication of the operator using a different size of helicopter, for instance. it’s feasible... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
French manufacturer Helicopteres Guimbal is preparing to deliver the first Cabri G2 into the Australian market. Bankstown-based HTT (Helicopter Transport and Training) has two on order following the November 2010 type approval by CASA (see certificate here). We await with interest how the Cabri performs for this operator, who is well versed in flying the... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Perla Group
Perla Group International Inc., (PINKSHEETS: PERL) an emerging leader in the international military, police and security solutions sectors, today announced it will deliver two of its proprietary AK1-3 helicopters to the United Sates within the next few weeks. This marks the U.S. debut of the lightweight, versatile aircraft to the world’s largest helicopter market. Both units were... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today reported 2010 fourth quarter income of $0.19 per share, compared to a loss of $0.23 per share in the fourth quarter of 2009. Excluding special charges, the company reported income from continuing operations of $0.33 per share, up from $0.15 per share in the fourth quarter of 2009. Revenues were... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Marataizes
Thge television station AS350B2 – known as “Globocop” – was hit by three rifle shots at about 7:30 am. The reporter Karina Borges, the system operator and the pilot Roberto Mello Kings Antonio Ramos was not injured. one of the bullets hit the floor, the second, the central region, and the third, the tail of the... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Stratus Helicopters
Through an agreement with Shelby Energy Cooperative, Stratus will be flying over 1200 miles of power lines in multiple counties in Northern Kentucky for inspections starting in February. These inspections can take hundreds of man hours done from the ground. Stratus can accomplish the same with only two observers and a pilot in a matter... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Marine Institute
The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland today announced a $2.4 million donation by Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) towards the installation of new, state-of-the art simulation training equipment at the Institute’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre (OSSC) in Foxtrap, NL. “A commitment to safety is something we value and... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today it will release financial results for its fiscal year 2011 third quarter ended December 31, 2010, after the market closes onWednesday, February 2. In conjunction with the release, Bristow has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: CAE
CAE USA has been awarded a contract valued at approximately US$44 million to design and manufacture two MH-60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFTs) for the United States Navy. The first simulator will be a fixed-based MH-60R TOFT delivered to Naval Station (NS) Mayport near Jacksonville, Florida in mid-2013. The other MH-60R TOFT, which will also... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Times Live
Denel Dynamics says the Mokopa is a precision-strike, multi-purpose 10 km plus surface-target missile, that can be fired from the ground, helicopter and fighter jet.... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bruno Giumbal proudly announced yesterday the certification by EASA of floats for his G2 Cabri light helicopter. Bruno’s company Helicopteres Guimbal has been working on this certification for tWo years, although that length of time has been due to the other priorities they have had in getting new helicopters delivered. The result is worthy of... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Business Standard
State-run Pawan Hans Helicopters, which has emerged as Asia’s leading helicopter, is working towards building a fleet of 500 helicopters. That’s a huge increase over its current fleet strength of 41 helicopters... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Lockheed Martin
A Joint Tactical Radio Internet-Protocol (IP) communications network has successfully transmitted data and video to ground-based radios from its first airborne platform. The Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS) team, with support from Boeing, conducted this significant test that provides a new capability to connect joint forces on... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: AEX
Court case was prompted by the fatal accident in January 2009 which killed 7, and subsequent photos showed carcases of animals which are subject of hunting bans [file photo]... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Samaa
Pakistan Army has started a helicopter service from Parachinar to Peshawar for hundreds of thousands of tribesmen who continue to remain stranded in restive Kurram Agency.... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Flightglobal
The UK’s requirement to modernise its training system for military helicopter crews has drawn initial bids from two contenders, industry sources say. A final RFP is scheduled for release in March, with this to require the companies to submit final bids. A decision is expected in late 2011 or early 2012... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HelIHub.com
The independent Public Provincial Hospital of them. Pope John Paul II Hospital in the Polish city of Zamosc isproposing a helipad to allow them to accept patients by air. Local newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza believes it will be constructed with EU funds, and will allow 24 hour operations. Tenders to proposed construction companies are already being... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Avinco
Avinco achieved an impressive 24 helicopter sales in 2010 once again proving its ability to perform in spite of a challenging market. Avinco sold 23 pre-owned helicopters in the course of 2010, four of which from its own portfolio, confirming its position as worldwide market leader in the secondhand helicopter trading segment. Despite a slow... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Zhejiang Public Security Bureau in China has placed an order for two helicopters comprising one AW119Ke single engine and one AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. The helicopters will be used for law enforcement and fire fighting duties. These two AgustaWestland helicopters were selected to serve... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Eyewitness News
The Pretoria News has reported that CCTV footage and Global Positioning System (GPS) data has been sent overseas for forensic analysis. See HeliHub.com accident page at 23-Jul-10 ZS-HMY Eurocopter BK117 Witbank, South Africa (7F) [File photo]... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: MSN
Two navy helicopter crew members were Tuesday named to receive Naosena Medal for gallantry for carrying out a daring rescue of sailors of a naval submarine who were washed overboard in a freak mishap 100 km off Mumbai in August last year.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: The Mercury
Project manager Wolfgang Rechberger said a value-management study was still being carried out to ensure the AW139 announced by Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne was the most appropriate for the job or whether a smaller, cheaper model would be suitable.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Amarillo College officials are to be presented with a state grant from the Texas Workforce Commission of more than $160,000 to support a Bell training program. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday on the second floor of the College Union Building on their Washington Street Campus. Texas Workforce Commission’s Chairman Tom Pauken is... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Miami Herald
As part of a plea agreement reached last month, 43-year-old Frank Newton Anderson pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of interfering with the operation of an aircraft. Authorities say Anderson temporarily blinded the helicopter pilot with a laser device last April.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland announced the selection of Instrument Tech Corporation of Addison, TX as the Authorized Service Center in North America for the THOMMEN line of Helicopter Searchlights in North America. First production deliveries of the HSL-1600 are scheduled for 2nd Quarter 2011. “Instrument Tech has been the Authorized Service Center for all... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: SK Logistics
SK Logistics was recently awarded an exclusive use helicopter contract supporting DOD agencies at Eglin and Tyndall Air Force Bases. The contract was awarded in December 2010 and will be active for six months. Department of Defense agencies under this contract will be utilizing SK Logistics’ helicopter for prescribed burning, fire suppression and numerous other... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: PAvCon Police Aviation Conference
The PAvCon 2011 website and associated information files has been launched at www.pavcon.org and www.policeaviationconference.com At the site you will find the following: – PAvCon The Event – an introduction to the event, the venue and the host city. Booking Form Delegate 2011 – Currently in faxback PDF format but interactive version due. Booking Form Exhibitor 2011... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: HAI
Streaming video of the HAI Public-Aircraft Forum held on Jan. 20 in Alexandria, Va. is now available online at rotor.com. The forum addressed matters of confusion surrounding the distinction between publicly owned and operated aircraft (such as military aircraft) and aircraft which operate under an FAA certificate but may be contracted at times for public-use.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Chester Chronicle
Joseph Standish, aged 27, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Hindustan Times
The helicopters that are being called back have to undergo overhauling, including the changing the UN colours. The Indian Air Force has 11 Mi-17s and eight Mi-35s in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Sudan, the IAF has deployed six M-17s.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced the ahead-of-schedule delivery to the U.S. Navy of the company’s 2,000th Viperâ„¢ laser which provides the jamming energy for the company’s battle-proven infrared countermeasures (IRCM) applications. The Department of the Navy Large Aircraft IRCM (DoN LAIRCM) system currently employed on U.S. Marine Corps helicopters protects aircrews and aircraft from... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: GKN Aerospace
Following a recent and detailed assessment of the business, Bell Helicopter has awarded GKN Aerospace in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK, the coveted ‘Premier Supplier’ rating. Bell Helicopter has only awarded this to approximately 10% of its suppliers and GKN Aerospace is the first ever UK-based supplier to receive the award. This accolade... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a contract to provide Specialized Test Equipment (STE) and related training support for the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter program at the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. Northrop Grumman’s Navigation Systems Division will provide the STE and training for U.S. Government technicians, subcontracting to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), Â prime... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: CHC
When it comes to safety, where does corporate responsibility end and personal accountability begin? It’s a question that aviation companies around the world struggle with daily. It’s also the theme of one of the world’s largest aviation safety conference, being held March 28-30 in Vancouver, BC. “Because aviation is so highly regulated, most companies live... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: US Air Force
The Iraq Army Aviation Command accepted delivery of four new Mi-171E helicopters at its headquarters in Taji, as two were delivered Jan. 16 followed two more Jan. 23. This latest delivery brings Iraq Army Aviation Command’s total inventory of Mi-171E helicopters to 14, as part of a foreign-military-sales purchase made by the Iraqi Ministry of... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: DRF
In 2010 the air rescue organisation DRF Luftrettung flew a total of 36,900 rescue missions, involving helicopter missions at 31 HEMS bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark as well as worldwide repatriations with its ambulance aircraft. In Germany alone the crews were alerted to 33,861 missions, meaning a rise of 10 % compared to 2007... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its Boeing Defence UK subsidiary today announced that the Boeing UK Rotorcraft Support team has begun flight testing the first Chinook Mk4 helicopter for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The first flight took place on Dec. 9 in Hampshire, England. “Project JULIUS, as the Mk4 program is known, will modernize the... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Eurocopter
Paris, January 24, 2011 Eurocopter generated an increased turnover in 2010 with the delivery of 527 helicopters. The year also was marked by achievements in innovation, new products, services and the company’s SHAPE transformation program – all of which position the group for a future upturn of the civil and military rotary-wing marketplace. The 2010... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: AirMed International
Award-winning air ambulance company, AirMed International (airmed.com), has announced the creation of WeatherTurndown.com, a new website for use by all air medical transport programs, including rotor and fixed-wing. Weatherturndown.com is a free service allowing medical transport programs to share current information regarding delays or cancellations due to weather. The term “weather turndown” has long been... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Travira Air
We are an Indonesian air charter company with more than twenty years of operational experience in the aviation industry. Travira Air has emerged as one of the most respected air charter companies in Indonesia today. We are seeking the highly qualified candidates for our helicopter pilot scholarship program : Helicopter Pilot Scholarship Program General requirements... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: MLive.com
USCG plans to use the specially designed hangar at the Norton Shores airport through September. But the federal budgeting process holds the fate of funding for helicopter operations beyond that. This SAR facility has been on the federal chopping block in previous years... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: SkyTrac Systems
SkyTrac Systems will be exhibiting at the Mineral Exploration Roundup 2011 from January 24-27 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Roundup is the world’s premier technical mineral exploration conference presented by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia. Roundup will bring together organizations and people representing all components of the global mineral exploration and mining sector.... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed with Rega, the Swiss SAR and EMS provider, for the supply of a state-of-the-art advanced simulator to meet the training requirements for Rega’s new fleet of Da Vinci and GrandNew light twin helicopters. The simulator, designed and produced by AgustaWestland in... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Royal Navy
Two of the Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) Squadrons based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose are currently tasked for operations in Afghanistan. Between deployments the crews undergo a thorough training programme, building on their maritime experience and adapting to new procedures and skills necessary for the hostile environment of Afghanistan. A vital part of... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Manchester Evening News
Mobisir Ali, 23, fired the green-coloured light beam from a hotel window as the Greater Manchester Police helicopter was flying at 1,000ft over Oldham. Magistrates in the town were told the pilot lost his night vision and he was unable to see his instruments or the skyline for several seconds.... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker announced the latest release of their innovative LIFE CYCLE COST 2011 Volume I. The most comprehensive aircraft budget and financial analysis tool available, LIFE CYCLE COST from Conklin & de Decker, provides aircraft owners, operators, flight department managers, and aircraft consultants with extensive ownership and operating cost data for more than... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: BBC
Cdr Louis Wilson-Chalon, 44, from Yeovil, will now be in charge of 815 Squadron, based at RNAS Yeovilton. Mr Wilson-Chalon was inspired by his father who was a flight test engineer that helped to build the Lynx helicopter at Westland’s Yeovil factory more than 40 years ago.... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters is pleased to announce that the international risk management firm Det Norske Veritas recently registered the Oregon-based company to the aerospace quality standard of EN/AS9110. This certification establishes quality standards for work performed by aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations within the United States. Columbia Helicopters’ certification also recognizes that the company... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Orlando Sentinel
A man accused of firing at and Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter last year was found guilty on Friday. 26-year-old Jason Dennis McGuire now faces at least 10 years in federal prison... Read more
24-Jan-2011
[We include this Sikorsky press release merely for completeness. HeliHub.com reported this story over seven weeks ago here] The Department of State has delivered three UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters to the Government of Mexico’s Federal Police (FP). Designed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), the aircraft are the first... Read more
23-Jan-2011
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) delivered a completed Eurocopter AS350B3 to Hospital Wing of Memphis, TX on Friday January 14, 2011. The AS350B3 helicopter was customized for air medical operations. The avionics and communications integration included a Garmin GNS 530AW, Garmin GNS430AW NAV/Comm/GPS, GTX330 Transponder, the GEA-43 Encoder, Honeywell Radar Altimeter along with the Technisonic TFM500... Read more
23-Jan-2011Source: Taipei Times
National Airborne Service Corps has abandoned its UH-1 upgrade project and will instead take on charge 15 of the 60 UH-60 Black Hawks currently being procured (see HeliHub.com story on that order)... Read more
23-Jan-2011Source: Stuff
Strong bidding interest from overseas and New Zealand for South Canterbury Finance asset Helicopters NZ has receiver Kerryn Downey optimistic of a NZ$90M+ sale within three months... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: US Navy
The celebration of 100 years of naval aviation is set to kick off aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in San Diego, Feb. 10. The “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 – due to deployment commitments – will be honoring the milestone at sea while aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). “It’s... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: Eurocopter
Stéphane Chéry will join Eurocopter to head the Group’s International Media Relations beginning on February 1, 2011. He replaces and will now report directly to Cécile Vion-Lanctuit, who was appointed Vice President of Corporate Communications in May 2010. Stéphane Chéry, 37, was until now a partner at Publicis Consultants. He joined the agency in May... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: Sikorsky
Washington, D.C. – The Maritime Helicopter Support Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. [NYSE: UTX], has received a $1.4 billion firm fixed price contract from the U.S. Navy to continue providing performance-based logistics support for more than 490 in-service H-60 SEAHAWK® helicopters.... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: Domain B
India’s indigenously developed attack helicopter, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), will make a demonstration flight at the upcoming AeroIndia show here, to be held from 9-13 February.... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: US Coast Guard
As harsh winter weather causes Alaskans to pack up their boats until spring, the Alaskan crab and groundfish fleets brave fierce storms and icy temperatures in search of the big catch. As the fishing fleet gets underway, they can take comfort in the knowledge that Coast Guard search and rescue teams will be protecting them... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: World Bulletin
Turkey has demanded one more Sikorsky S-70B helicopter from the company as a fine for not delivering the helicopters on time, a Ministry of Defense official told Cihan news agency, speaking on the condition of anonymity.... Read more
21-Jan-2011Source: US Air Force
The Afghan air force reached a new milestone with the opening of the pilot training program recently here. The first Afghan pilots began their eight-week instruction course early in January with a four-day academic schedule before beginning flight instruction on the Mi-17 Hip H. “We are helping the Afghans develop a training program that’s going... Read more
