13-Nov-2022Source: RHC
On November 12, 2022 Robinson Helicopter Company bid a final farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson. Robinson, 92, passed away peacefully at his Rolling Hills, California home. One of the most recognizable names in the helicopter industry, Frank Robinson was a pioneer, a man not driven by reward or accolades but by a vision that... Read more
14-Mar-2022Source: SRT Helicopters
SRT Helicopters of Bakersfield, California, has lost a cherished member of its team. “It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our senior instructors, Matt Novellino,” said company CEO Chris Gadbois in a statement. “Matt was indispensable and wore many hats. We offer our condolences to all his family and... Read more
8-Dec-2021Source: Russian Helicopters
The Russian Helicopters holding of Rostec State Corporation expresses deep condolences to the family and friends in connection with the death of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Honored Test Pilot of the Soviet Union, Adviser to the General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding on flight safety Gurgen Rubenovich Karapetyan. “The whole life of... Read more
19-Jul-2021Source: MWHS
Mike Wiegele, whose passion and gritty determination both created and fulfilled the world’s heliskiing dreams for more than 50 years, has died aged 82. The entire team of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) extend their deepest sympathies to the Wiegele family, most notably Mike’s wife Bonnie, their daughter Michelle and their grandson Charlie. Mike’s close... Read more
28-Oct-2020Source: HeliHub.com
It was with great sadness that the HeliHub.com office heard of the passing of Dennis Kenyon. Many people across the UK helicopter industry have been touched by Dennis’ enthusiasm over many years, and rotary wing aviation is the poorer after his death today in Herefordshire after a short illness. As we have exchanged anecdotes with... Read more
12-Dec-2017Source: AHS
Gerald Dean Carico, 73, a US Navy aerospace engineer, passed away on Nov. 18, 2017. Carico was a driving force in Navy and Army rotary wing flight test, and especially dynamic interface simulation, for more than 40 years. At the time of his retirement, he was the senior aerospace engineer at Rotary Wing Ship Suitability... Read more
11-Dec-2017Source: AHS
Dr. Barnes Warnock McCormick, Jr., Boeing Professor Emeritus at The Pennsylvania State University, passed away on Oct. 29 at the age of 91. At Penn State, McCormick’s impact on academia, industry and government spanned nearly 60 years, and his teaching inspired and guided the careers of countless engineers at work today in the global vertical flight technical... Read more
5-Oct-2016Source: AHS
Jim Kagdis, 59, passed away on Sept. 15, 2016, after a 20-year battle against pheochromocytoma (PCC), a rare tumor of the adrenal glands. Raised in Edison, New Jersey, James Ayoub Kagdis graduated from St. Pius X High School and earned his BA in History from Wagner College on Staten Island, New York; he was a... Read more
30-Sep-2016Source: Kaman
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing over the weekend of my predecessor as CEO, Paul Kuhn. Paul, who joined Kaman in 1999, served as Chairman, President and CEO, retiring in February 2008. He had the unenviable task of succeeding Mr. Kaman after his fifty-five years as CEO. Paul led... Read more
16-Sep-2016Source: AHS
Santino Pancotti, former technical lead for Agusta and AgustaWestland, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016. He was 75. Pancotti was born in Dec. 1940 and joined Agusta in 1958. Initially he worked on Bell 47s licensed from the Fort Worth manufacturer. As a junior designer, he worked on the development of the A102, A103,... Read more
24-Jun-2016Source: HAI
Wanda Lee Rogers, former chairman of HAI’s Board of Directors and the longtime president and CEO of Rogers Helicopters, in Clovis, California, passed away last month at the age of 83. Rogers, who died May 26, founded the company with her husband Harry in 1962 with a Hiller 12E and a Hiller 12A, “minimal capital... Read more
14-Jun-2016Source: WAI
We are deeply saddened to learn of WAI Pioneer Mary Feik’s passing June 10, 2016. Mary, WAI #53, was a maintenance instructor for the US Army Air Corps, and later became the first woman engineer in R&D for the USAF Air Technical Service Command. She was a renowned ambassador for the Civil Air Patrol, the... Read more
12-Jun-2016Source: AHS
Glidden (Glid) Sweet Doman, 95, a pioneer in the American helicopter industry, died Monday, June 6, 2016. He was an Emeritus Member of AHS International, having joined the then-American Helicopter Society in 1945. Doman was born in Syracuse, NY on January 28, 1921 and grew up in nearby Elbridge. In his teens, he built motorized... Read more
22-Feb-2016Source: HeliHub.com
British pilot Eric “Winkle” Brown has died at the age of 97. A pioneer in every sense of the word, Brown holds the record for having flown 487 different aircraft types, a world record that is unlikely to ever be matched – and only includes basic types (he flew 14 different marks of Spitfire/Seafire, for... Read more
12-Feb-2016Source: via BDN Aerospace Marketing
The family of Jeff Pino today issued a statement about the loss of their beloved son, brother and friend on February 5. “While our hearts are broken, we are comforted by the outpouring of support from people who knew, loved and respected Jeff. He has touched so many lives in so many ways and, though... Read more
8-Feb-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The following statement has been issued by Sikorsky’s current President, Dan Schultz The Sikorsky family is saddened to learn of the sudden loss of former President Jeff Pino. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers of sympathy and support to his family and friends during this difficult time. During his six years as President of... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: HAI
Jim Ricklefs — founder of Ricks Helicopters, the last surviving founding member of the California Helicopter Association (which would grow to be HAI), and the first president of that association — passed away last Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. He was 101. “The loss of Jim Ricklefs is the loss of part of our institutional heritage,”... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: KTLA 5
Two people were killed, including the Chairman of Los Angeles-based Helinet Aviation, when a plane being used by a crew filming a new Tom Cruise movie crashed in Colombia, the company confirmed to KTLA on Friday night. See full story ... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Chron
Dr. James “Red” Duke Jr., Houston’s iconic, cowboy-style doctor who delivered homespun health advice on nationally syndicated television and founded the Life Flight helicopter ambulance system, died Tuesday. He was 86. See Full Story... Read more
30-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Mark Hammond, 46, died in an accident outside of Dar Es Salaam on Tuesday March 17. Appointed Chief Pilot of Everett Aviation in August 2013, Hammond had lived in the Tanzanian city for a year and was riding a motorbike on his way home from work when the accident occurred. Hammond is survived by sons... Read more
8-Dec-2014Source: Western Gazette
The man who broke the world speed record for flying a helicopter has died aged 81. See Full Story... Read more
28-Oct-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Press in New Zealand is reporting the death of Peter Robb in a helicopter accident earlier today. See our page for this accident at 28-Oct-14 ZK-ITJ MD Helicopters MD500E Brunswick, New Zealand (1F) Multiple sources are quoting the helicopter contacted wires while spraying at low level, causing it to crash onto a road Mr Robb’s... Read more
9-Oct-2014Source: AHS
It is with great sadness that AHS International recognizes the passing of one of the rotorcraft community’s pioneers, Ray Prouty, who passed away on Friday, September 26. He was 88. In addition to his achievements in the technical field, Prouty was known for his generosity and commitment in sharing his knowledge with others, in particular... Read more
4-Aug-2014Source: Flying TV
From Flying TV’s website:- Mike Smith 1955-2014 It’s with enormous sadness and regret that we share with you the passing of our founder and MD, Mike Smith. Mike died on Friday 1st August in hospital, following complications from major heart surgery. His wife Sarah, his family, Mona and JP were with him. One of his... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: LAFD
The Los Angeles Fire Department is saddened to announce the off-duty death of LAFD Fire Helicopter Pilot / Firefighter Paramedic Brian Lee. On Monday, June 9, 2014, around 11:15 a.m, Brian and a civilian passenger were involved in the crash of a fixed wing aircraft at the northwest end of El Mirage Dry Lake. Off-duty... Read more
20-Mar-2014Source: HAI
Brian Patrick McMahon, president and founder of McMahon Helicopter Services, Inc. and cofounder of the Michigan Helicopter Association, passed away February 9. He was 63. As an entrepreneur, innovator, inventor, professional aviator, and flight instructor, Brian was recognized by many as a pioneer in helicopter aviation. Brian became involved with helicopters during service as a... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Italian military has reported the untimely death of Major General Feltrinelli Calligaris, head of Italy’s Army aviation unit. The General was the instructor in an Agusta-Bell JetRanger which crashed on Mount Martha, near the Viterbo military base. Student pilot Lieutenant Paolo Tozzi was also killed in the accident. Major General Calligaris was appointed to... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: Modesto Bee
Robert “Harry” Rogers and his wife, Wanda, founded Rogers Helicopters in 1962 in Clovis and stayed there for three decades before moving the operation to Fresno Yosemite International airport. See full story... Read more
19-Sep-2013Source: Russian Sport Ministry
[electronic translation] On Monday, 16 September, in the course of the search and rescue operation in the area of the village Selco Staritskogo region Tver region Internal Affairs Ministry and the Emergencies Ministry found the wreckage of helicopter AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances on Saturday, September 14. The pilot of the crashed helicopter... Read more
8-May-2013Source: STARS
He was an engaging storyteller, a master at delivering puns and always good for a funny joke or two. John Panton’s dedication, devotion and admiration for STARS, however, were no laughing matter. “Without John’s support, and that of others from the Lions Club and community, STARS wouldn’t be here,” said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS founder.... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Twirly Birds
Twirly Birds announces the passing of longtime member, Mr. Osvil “Ozzie” York on 25 MAR 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma following a brief illness. Mr. York was 92 years old and had recently driven from his home in Oklahoma to attend the annual meeting of the Twirly Birds held during the HAI Heli-Expo in Las Vegas,... Read more
7-Mar-2013Source: AHS
Col. Robert Lee McDaniel, 88, a retired officer of the U.S. Army, veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and pioneer in the growth of modern Army aviation, passed away February 9th Alexandria, VA. Bob McDaniel (or “Mac” as he was often known) was born on July 13, 1924 as an Army brat at Fort Bliss,... Read more
10-Dec-2012Source: LA Times
John D. Silva was the chief engineer for KTLA-TV in 1958 when he outfitted a helicopter with a TV camera and changed television news coverage forever. (see full story)... Read more
20-Oct-2012Source: FlightSafety International
LA GUARDIA AIRPORT, New York (October 19, 2012) – A.L. Ueltschi, founder of FlightSafety International, passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida last evening. He was 95. A message from Bruce Whitman, CEO: All of us with FlightSafety are deeply saddened by Al’s passing and have expressed our deepest sympathy and condolences... Read more
30-Sep-2012Source: Princeton University
Howard “Pat” Curtiss Jr., an authority on the aerodynamics of helicopters who helped design generations of vertical-takeoff aircraft for many companies, died Sept. 20 at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. He was 82 and the cause was bladder cancer. Curtiss, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University for 33 years, earned... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: AHS
Charles C. Crawford, Jr. passed away on August 14, 2012. He was 81. Crawford graduated in 1954 from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He worked from 1955 to 1962 for the U.S. Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards AFB, CA as a flight test engineer. He became the chief of the rotary wing engineering branch in... Read more
8-May-2012Source: HAI
Philip J. Landi, 89, a helicopter industry pioneer, former HAI Director, and former Manager of Heliports and Helicopter Operations for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Landi flew into the Guinness Book of World Records in September 1976 when he made the first helicopter landing... Read more
25-Apr-2012Source: HAI
HAI is saddened at the passing of long-serving member of the HAI Safety Committee, Bruce L. Gillaspie, Sr., who died January 21, 2012 in Lafayette, La. He was 68. Born in Battle Creek, Mich., Gillaspie served in Vietnam as a U. S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot before flying oil and gas operations for PHI, Inc.... Read more
7-Mar-2012Source: HAI
HAI has learned that Tom Marlow, who served as Chairman of the HAI Board of Directors in 1996, passed away just prior to HELI-EXPO 2012. His wife, Deanne, shared the news with HAI President Matt Zuccaro. “This is indeed sad news and a loss to our industry. It was my good fortune to have served with... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Charles D. “Chuck” Perriguey Jr. died July 16, 2011 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif. at the age of 66. Chuck was born in Glendale, Calif. on Feb. 15, 1945. He attended the San Gabriel High School and East L.A. College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. Chuck was selected for... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Los Angeles Fire Dept
Glenn Victor Smith was only 54 years old when he lost his courageous battle with cancer. He will be remembered first and foremost for being a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather to his family. To everyone else that was fortunate enough to have known Glenn personally or worked around him, he was many things.... Read more
4-Jul-2011Source: Calgary Sun
Calgary’s emergency services community is in mourning after a trail-blazing paramedic Eric Arnestad who helped lift STARS off the ground was killed in a Montana motorcycle crash. (Full story)... Read more
13-May-2011Source: HeliValue$, Inc
Dear Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we post this letter. Â Our friend, colleague, and mentor, Ed Mahood, passed away last Saturday night, May 7, 2011. As many of you know, Ed has been a part of the aviation profession for a long time. His dream growing up was to be an aviator.... Read more
21-Mar-2011Source: Ornge
On behalf of the Ornge Board of Directors, it is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own, Mr. Lorne Crawford. Mr. Crawford was a tireless supporter and champion of access to healthcare, especially for people living in Northwestern Ontario. “We at Ornge are deeply saddened to learn of 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
1-Feb-2011Source: Kaman
Kaman Corporation (NASDAQ-GS:KAMN) released the following statement today from Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “It is with great sadness that we announce today the passing of our founder and Chairman Emeritus, Charles H. Kaman. Mr. Kaman passed away peacefully this morning. “Charlie Kaman, as he was affectionately known by so many, was... Read more
29-Jul-2010Source: PHPA
FLYING HIGHER – AL BROUSSARD, PHPA MEMBER, AND BELL 47 PILOT EXTRA ORDINAIRE On Saturday, July 25, 2010, the PHPA lost a long time, true and valued member, Al Broussard from Granada Hills, CA. in a helicopter accident in Minnesota. Al got his wings in 1966 and has been flying and fixing aircraft ever since. ... Read more
21-Jun-2010Source: Q13Fox
The Tuskegee Airmen Association said Thursday that Holloman died Friday 11th in Renton after suffering a heart attack. He was a St. Louis native who lived in Washington state.... Read more
21-Jun-2010Source: HAI
Salat was instrumental in carving out airspace in the heavily congested New York IFR system, so much so that he had an intersection named after him.... Read more
31-Jan-2010
“no ordinary guy, the second of four sons born to Ed and Hilda Lematta, offspring of Finnish immigrants who had fled North Dakota in 1934 for a fresh start in Brush Prairie”... Read more
29-Dec-2009Source: Rotornews
HAI is deeply saddened at the passing of Columbia Helicopters’ Founder and Chairman of the Board, Glenn Wesley “Wes†Lematta. With over 50 years in the helicopter business, Lematta’s accomplishments and contributions to industry were nothing short of amazing.... Read more
2-Sep-2009Source: Avionews
Barbara K. Robinson, ex-wife of the founder of Robinson Helicopters, died at 53 after 12 years of fight against cancer. In 2005 she had founded the “Robinson breast cancer research fund”, initially financed with US$3 million... Read more
27-Aug-2009Source: Washington Post
He later served a tour in Korea and did three tours in Vietnam, the final one as commander of the 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Tet Offensive in 1968. In his career, he also oversaw the Army aviation school in Fort Rucker, Ala., and helped develop plans for using helicopters to go behind enemy... Read more
