25-Nov-2015Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness... Read more
24-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Local press has confirmed the arrival of the second Sikorsky S92 at Newquay, ready for the new SAR base to open under the operation of Bristow Helicopters. As the UK SAR provision transitions from a mixture of civil and military over to a single dedicated civil contract, so Bristow is opening up bases over a... Read more
23-Nov-2015Source: Lincs and Notts
Almost 350 guests celebrated the best and brightest from the air ambulance community on Monday night at the National Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2015. Award hosts, BBC News presenter Sophie Long and Helicopter Heroes presenter Rav Wilding handed out 11 Awards to outstanding individuals and teams, whose stories were inspirational, astonishing and humbling. The... Read more
23-Nov-2015Source: LAA
Last night we collected two key awards at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2015. Our life-saving dispatch app, developed in partnership with EE and Mubaloo, won the ‘Innovation’ category and Consultant, Dr Gareth Grier, won ‘Doctor of the Year’. We were also runner up in three other categories. Air ambulances from across the UK... Read more
20-Nov-2015Source: Lincs And Notts
A new Chief Executive Officer will soon be leading the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust. Karen Jobling will soon take over the helm of our Charity. Our long serving CEO, Peter Aldrick, who has overseen the successful expansion and development of the life-saving service during the past 16 years, will retire in mid-January... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety announces that it now offers a new comprehensive Search and Rescue training course for pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. It is available at FlightSafety’s Learning Centers in West Palm Beach, Florida and at the Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom. “Pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 will benefit from FlightSafety’s new scenario-based,... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters, the UK’s leading turbine helicopter company, has received funding from the Department for Business Innovations and Skills (BIS) for two separate projects: one supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and the other through Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI). These projects, the first time Airbus Helicopters has participated in UK Government-led industrial... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: Erickson
It was not just Konecranes engineering expertise that came under the spotlight recently, but also its logistical capabilities. And it all centred on the world’s leading lifting equipment manufacturer transporting an under-running double girder crane spanning 36 metres from its crane-manufacturing site in East Kilbride to Aberdeen Airport. Once onsite, the two tonne capacity crane... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Aviation Specialties Unlimited and UK operator Specialist Aviation Services have obtained UK CAA approval for the use of White Phosphor night vision goggles on the MD Explorer. ASU president Jim Winkel says this is the first UK CAA approval for the use of White Phosphor NVGs. ASU expects demand to increase as more UK operators... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Offshore Helicopters has reduced its fleet at its Blackpool base, but continues to maintain operations supporting offshore rigs in the Irish Sea. Initially launched with a fleet of four N3 Dauphins, the base at Blackpool serves gas rigs between the English coast and the Isle of Man – an area often known as Morecambe... Read more
12-Nov-2015Source: Kent Online
Nearly 100 people have attended an exhibition showing plans for a new air ambulance base in Paddock Wood. See full story.... Read more
11-Nov-2015Source: CAA
Significant progress continues to be made to make regulation of the UK’s General Aviation (GA) sector more proportionate and evidence-based, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today. In the sixth regular update to confirm its work in the area the CAA said that in the last 60 days it had: Helped balloon and glider... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: Bristow
The first of two state of the art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Prestwick Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: HELP Appeal
The HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to delivering helicopter landing pads at all Major Trauma Centers and key A&E hospitals across England and Scotland – has pledged £1 million to Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) Charity’s new helipad appeal. A huge kick start to its fundraising campaign,... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: CAA
The Minister of Investments and Development (MID) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Asset Issekeshev has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CAA International (CAAi), the State-to-State advisory arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA). Witnessed by British Prime Minister, David Cameron and Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, the MoU supports future collaboration... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: Petrofac
Petrofac, Faroe Petroleum and Eni Hewett have established an innovative cost saving partnership to drive efficiencies and commercial synergies across their UK operations in the Southern North Sea. The tripartite agreement sees collaboration between Petrofac (Duty Holder) and the respective equity owners and operators of the Hewett, Schooner and Ketch gas fields to share logistics... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: Devon & Cornwall Police,
Police are to embark on a six-month trial of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset to aid officers in a number of policing matters including missing people searches and crime scene photography. Starting on the 2nd of November, police in Devon and Cornwall will be able to... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: Energy Voice
Apprentices are the latest group to be affected by Bristow’s job cuts. See Full Story... Read more
29-Oct-2015Source: CAA
A helicopter pilot who illegally entered controlled airspace, causing disruption to flights at London Heathrow Airport, has been successfully prosecuted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Christopher Kiley was flying from Wycombe Air Park to Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire, when he entered the London Control Zone, without air traffic control clearance, just after 1pm on 30 April,... Read more
29-Oct-2015Source: QinetiQ
QinetiQ has signed a £5.2m contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to independently evaluate Boeing’s Digital Automatic Flight Control System upgrades to the Chinook helicopter. As Boeing conducts a series of upgrades to the aircraft, QinetiQ will provide independent technical evaluation and advice to the MOD Chinook Project Team. QinetiQ will work with... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com was the first media outlet to confirm that Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance were going to update from their Bo105 to the larger EC135 helicopter, in our article on 22nd September, the day after the EC135 was registered by the Civil Aviation Authority as G-SCAA. What we can now reveal is the colour scheme of... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The new Airbus Helicopters H135 G-HIOW was delivered to Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance at Thruxton on Saturday 24th October, and is currently working alongside the previous EC135T2 G-KRNW – which in turn is better known for the time it spent in Cornwall. G-HIOW is seen photographed here (and © Copyright 2015) by Keith C... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: Chinooks
The first Chinook helicopters and around 150 personnel moved to RAF Benson on Wednesday as the Chinook Operational Conversion Flight joined their Puma colleagues. The Chinook Operational Conversion Flight, which will eventually see 6 Chinook aircraft based at RAF Benson, joined the Puma Operational Conversion Flight to form the combined Puma and Chinook Operational Conversion... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: Herts Air Ambulance
Christmas shoppers in Ware will be in for a treat from early December as Herts Air Ambulance opens the doors to its first Charity Shop, just in time for Christmas. The Charity Shop located at 3, High Street in Ware, will be a huge boost to the Charity – helping to ensure its life-saving helicopters... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: Royal Navy
The Royal Navy achieved an historic milestone when HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter became the first rotary-wing aircraft to land at the island of St Helena’s new airport. Sitting 1,200 miles off the coast of African and 1,800 miles from South America, St Helena is one of the most remote islands in the world – but... Read more
26-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
We are hearing more and more that Bond will change its name to bring it in line with parent company Babcock. The onshore element Bond Air Services, along with Bond Offshore Helicopters, were both represented under the Babcock name at the recent Helitech International event in London, and Bond staff told us there that they... Read more
26-Oct-2015Source: UK fundraising
The Children’s Air Ambulance has launched a campaign to recruit regular donors to the charity using DRTV, its first use of TV. See Full Story... Read more
26-Oct-2015Source: Great Western
The GWAAC helicopter is celebrating one year of saving lives across Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire. Our Eurocopter 135, callsign Helimed 65, arrived at our Filton base on 16th October 2014. To celebrate her first birthday we’re going to have a party! We’re planning to surprise our crew on... Read more
23-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Previously unannounced by AgustaWestland, it would appear that the Royal Air Force in the UK are soon to receive an AW109SP GrandNew. In a sneak photo here, we can see the full standard 32 Squadron colour scheme including RAF roundels, the British flag on the tail and the squadron crest just below the cabin windows.... Read more
22-Oct-2015Source: Bristow
The first of two state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Newquay Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten year UK SAR... Read more
22-Oct-2015Source: Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation (LSE:GMAA), the global aviation services company, has opened a new purpose built base at Glasgow airport to support its contract with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). The base will house Scotland’s national specialist transport and retrieval service (SCOTSTAR) for critically ill NHS patients and will be the first time anywhere in the UK... Read more
21-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has – as HeliHub.com predicted in February 2015 – started to retire the MD Explorer from law enforcement work in the UK skies in preference for the Airbus H135, H145 and some yet-to-be-delivered Vulcanair P68 fixed wing aircraft. Two Explorer airframes are already parked up pending disposal, with G-SYPS... Read more
20-Oct-2015Source: AgustaWestland
Agusta Westland announced today that it had delivered the first of seven upgraded AW101 Merlin HC Mk3 helicopters to the Royal Navy as part of Phase 1of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP). Under the MLSP design and manufacture contract, awarded to Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland in January 2014, 25 AW101 Merlin HC Mk3/3A aircraft will be converted... Read more
19-Oct-2015Source: Babcock
Babcock, the UK’s leading engineering support services company, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a five-year contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver engineering services to the Royal Navy at air stations in the south west of England. The aviation and engineering support and aircraft services (AESAS) contract includes the... Read more
19-Oct-2015Source: Nottingham Hospitals Charity
Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s Saving Lives Helipad Appeal has received a significant boost thanks to another generous donation from the HELP Appeal. Launched in July 2014, the Saving Lives Helipad Appeal is raising £3 million to build an onsite helipad at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), so that critically-injured patients can be transferred to the East... Read more
16-Oct-2015Source: HELP
A £700,000 donation from the HELP Appeal is providing real benefits for patients being brought to the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) by air ambulance. To thank the charity, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chairman, Andrew Robertson met the charity’s Chief Executive, Robert Bertram, to unveil a special plaque thanking the charity for its... Read more
16-Oct-2015Source: Bristow
The launch of the St Athan civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked today (Thursday 15 October) in a ceremony held at the new SAR base at St Athan airfield. Bristow Helicopters Ltd is operating the search and rescue helicopter service for the UK on behalf of HM Coastguard. The UK limited... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: XPO Logistics
Part of Italy’s Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland has its main facilities in Italy, the UK, the USA and Poland, and operates globally through a number of subsidiaries, joint ventures and collaborative programmes with major aerospace and defence companies. AgustaWestland has over 12,850 employees worldwide and revenues of €4.37 billion. AgustaWestland in the UK has a longstanding relationship... Read more
14-Oct-2015Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AgustaWestland AW139 (G-LBAL), flight into terrain after takeoff in fog and at night, near Gillingham Hall, Norfolk, 13 March 2014 Robinson R44 II (G-CDXX), tipped over whilst on the ground, Leicester Airport, 25 June 2015... Read more
14-Oct-2015Source: EHAAT
A Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) team from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) took their expertise to Aarhus University in Denmark recently to address an international audience of students and clinical experts on how the life-saving Charity operates to bring cutting-edge medical treatment to the pre-hospital scene. More than 250 delegates attended the... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: LNAA
Today we can announce that we will be taking delivery of a new helicopter next summer, an AgustaWestland AW169, subject to satisfactory completion of contract negotiations. The AW169 aircraft will replace our current MD902 Explorer, which Specialist Aviation Services provides and operates on our behalf. Our CEO Peter Aldrick confirmed the charity’s decision on Wednesday... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: Bond Air
Bond, A Babcock International Group company, formally handed over the first of seven redesigned and upgraded EC135 T2+ helicopters to the National Police Air Service (NPAS) at Helitech International today (October 7). The aircraft features a new custom-designed mission suite with a range of integrated technologies including a next generation mission management system, advanced and... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: Kentnews
Search and rescue group Bristow, which has recently opened a base at Lydd, says its first six months of operation have been busy. See Full Story... Read more
9-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Sikorsky have approached us to point out an error in an article earlier this week on HeliHub.com and we are happy to put the matter straight. In the article “Helitech opens with only three manufacturers present“, we stated “Sikorsky conspicuous by its absence despite being one of the four manufacturers who reportedly insisted on Helitech... Read more
9-Oct-2015Source: Airbus
The first H135 in the UK, acquired and operated by Bond Air Services on behalf of Thames Valley Air Ambulance, is imminently entering into service in the Thames Valley region. The public launch of the aircraft, to take place in Oxfordshire on Monday 12th October, will see the start of the H135’s first operations in... Read more
9-Oct-2015Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters’ reaffirmed its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, safety and competitiveness at this year’s Helitech International air show in London, securing important contracts and underscoring the company’s strong positioning in a challenging market atmosphere. The twin-engine H135 was a star player at this year’s show: • Waypoint Leasing signed for 20 H135s, which the... Read more
9-Oct-2015Source: ASU
From the tradeshow floor of Helitech International, NVG specialists, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc. (ASU) of Idaho, USA and UK based operator and support organization, Specialist Aviation Services Ltd (SAS) announced the appointment of SAS as a dealer and service center for ASU’s ANVIS 9 night vision goggles. As more European HEMS operators expand their services... Read more
8-Oct-2015Source: PDG Helicopters
PDG Helicopters has received its new H135 at a hand over event at Helitech 2015. The aircraft, the 17th Airbus Helicopters aircraft in the PDG fleet, has been selected to support PDG’s service contract with the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs). This will be the second H135 in PDG Helicopters’ fleet and, in a sign of... Read more
8-Oct-2015Source: Airbus
Yorkshire Air Ambulances (YAA) has today signed an agreement for a new H145 from Airbus Helicopters in the UK. The aircraft is a step up in capability, offering YAA an increased range, payload and cabin space with which to provide critical care service across all Yorkshire. The agreement also includes the provision of a long-term... Read more
8-Oct-2015Source: Helicentre Aviation
With its 2015 Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarship programme coming to a close, Helicentre Aviation Academy is pleased to announce the launch of two additional helicopter training scholarships which will be awarded in 2016. This is the fourth year the company has offered a scholarship programme which awards motivated student pilots with funded training. By the... Read more
5-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
On Saturday 3rd October, Sloane Helicopters celebrated 20 years as the UK and Eire distributor for AgustaWestland – bringing together customers, key members of staff past and present, representatives from AgustaWestland and other invited guests. On display in the excellent Hangar One facility at Sywell Aerodrome was an A109E Power, while outside were an EMS... Read more
5-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Belgian based operator NHV have recently taken delivery of their third H175. OO-NSD (Serial #5006) routed into the UK via their current base at Norwich on Tuesday 29th September before flying north to Aberdeen from where it is now based. HeliHub.com understands a second H175 will join it in the coming weeks, ready to start... Read more
5-Oct-2015Source: HeliOffshore
HeliOffshore, the global association for safety in the offshore helicopter industry, has appointed Mr. Francois Lassale in the new role of operations director. Mr. Lassale joins from Vortex, a company providing turnkey aviation solutions, where he was Managing Director. Prior to this, he was director of safety and strategic development for the Presidential Flight, United... Read more
4-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Royal Air Force bowed out from it’s Search And Rescue role in the UK on Sunday 4th October, as the last base stood down – RAF Chivenor, it confirmed on Twitter. Although planned for 30 September, a last minute hitch meant that Bristow Helicopters were not able to start operations until Sunday, with their... Read more
2-Oct-2015Source: Heli UK Expo
Heli UK Expo is the UK’s only ‘Fly-in Helicopter Exhibition’, taking place 1-3 July 2016 at Sywell Aerodrome. It provides an event platform within a traditional airfield setting, where exhibitors and visitors can meet, connect and do business in a flexible and relaxed environment. Based at Sywell Aerodrome (EGBK), the event will represent all sectors of the Helicopter industry.... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: DefenceWeb
The SA Navy Type 209 submarine SAS Queen Modjadji last week took part in a deep water training exercise with a Royal Navy frigate carrying the new Wildcat maritime helicopter. See full story... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
RAF Boulmer, a long-established SAR base in the north-east of the UK, has closed that role as the SAR responsibility for the UK is gradually handed over to Bristow Helicopters. As part of the phased plan to retire Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters, 202 Squadron retired its two yellow Sea Kings with a... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: SaxonAir
SaxonAir Charter Ltd based at Norwich International airport is pleased to announce the official partnership with Norwich City Football Club as the preferred air travel provider for the club having been supplying aircraft charter services to Norwich City FC since the company was formed over eight years ago. SaxonAir’s charter service provides dedicated aircraft for... Read more
30-Sep-2015Source: Devon
The helicopter pilot who has the longest service record and the most mission flights with a single Air Ambulance charity is to use his vast accumulation of knowledge and experience to become the Safety Manager at Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT). Captain Rob Mackie has flown with DAAT for 23 years recording an amazing 7890... Read more
30-Sep-2015Source: CAA
A consultation on simplifying many of the national rules and regulations that affect UK General Aviation (GA) and opportunities for further deregulation is now underway through a second and final consultation on GA elements in the Air Navigation Order (ANO). Today’s announcement follows an earlier consultation in March this year on the wider aims of... Read more
25-Sep-2015Source: TFN
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has appointed David Craig as its new chief executive. See Full Story... Read more
25-Sep-2015Source: Hull Daily Mail
Humberside police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove says he will not sign over the force helicopter to a national scheme until he is assured the area will be sufficiently protected. See Full Story... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: Kubota
Kubota has teamed up with the 20 air ambulance charities across the UK to launch ‘Working Safely, Saving Lives’ – a national campaign that aims to raise £250,000 for these life saving charities whilst also promoting the importance of health and safety in the workplace. The UK agricultural and construction sectors are two of the... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: NPAS
Police air support in the UK is set to become 24/7 all weather capable for the first time with the introduction of fixed wing aircraft into the service’s fleet. The National Police Air Service has now awarded a contract for four fixed wing aircraft to be based in a purpose built facility, serving the whole... Read more
24-Sep-2015Source: The Courier
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) is celebrating after completing its 16,000th mission during the first ever Air Ambulance Week. See Full Story... Read more
23-Sep-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters in the UK continues to experience delays with the introduction of the AgustaWestland AW189, and has no plans to operate the type on the national Maritime and Coast Guard Agency contract until all of its issues are sorted. The contractual requirement is for 20 helicopters, two at each of ten bases, and the... Read more
23-Sep-2015Source: CMFT
As part of National Air Ambulance Week (21-27 September) Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Charity (CMFT Charity) launches its new £3.9 million Charity Appeal to build a dedicated helipad on site at the Trust. Using the strapline, ‘Time Saves Lives’, the Helipad Appeal will enable the creation of a brand-new 24-hour access primary... Read more
22-Sep-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Scotland is the only part of the UK to have Government-funded EMS helicopters, and two H145s are now flying as G-SASN and G-SASS in this role. Additionally, a charity-funded air ambulance was launched in November 2012 by the predictably worded Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, and started operating in May 2013 with an aging Bo105. Ironically... Read more
18-Sep-2015Source: Royal Navy
The significant milestone of the £807 million programme has now been met, following the delivery of 24 out of a total of 30 Merlin helicopters to the Royal Navy. The upgraded Merlin Mk2s are the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter and have undergone improvements to their anti-submarine/surface warfare combat capabilities, including radar upgrade, as well... Read more
18-Sep-2015Source: Cambridge News
The East Anglian Air Ambulance is getting a brand new base at Cambridge airport – which will mean better facilities for the crew and more space for training. See Full Story... Read more
18-Sep-2015Source: Energy Voice
Bond Offshore Helicopters said yesterday it had completed the construction of a new aircraft hangar at Aberdeen International Airport. See Full Story... Read more
18-Sep-2015Source: Luton On Sunday
The redevelopment of a university hospital could see it become the first in the county with a dedicated helipad. See Full Story... Read more
16-Sep-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The new Airbus H135 helicopter for Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been revealed and shows a much greater attention to branding than the previous unimaginative red and yellow scheme. Our photo here by Dave Webb shows the aircraft returning from a pre-delivery flight test at Gloucestershire Airport, The helicopter arrived into the UK on 5th... Read more
16-Sep-2015Source: Cotswold Helicopter Centre
The 14th Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter has been delivered to the UK – serial Number 1110 is registered as G-SDTL and will be owned and operated by the Gazelle Squadron Display Team Ltd, who, among other things, run the eponymous display team. The aircraft will be based at Bourne Park Airfield, three miles north of... Read more
16-Sep-2015Source: Cumbria Police
Police in Cumbria will now be able to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to help tackle crime and keep people safe. Earlier this year, staff from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit purchased two UAVs in order to assess the benefits of using them as an operational resource. Rigorous testing has taken place and they have... Read more
