16-Sep-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland announced today that it has completed the UK Ministry of Defence’s Rotary Wing Unmanned Aerial System (RWUAS) Capability Concept Demonstration (CCD) contract it was awarded in 2013, including 27 hours of demonstration flying and 22 automatic simulated deck landings using its SW-4 RUAS Solo technology demonstrator. The flying element of the contract was carried... Read more
15-Sep-2015Source: AgustaWestland
The Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland AW609 TiltRotor set a speed record on a 1000 km ‘point-to-point’ journey. The aircraft, with its unique combination of the turboprop airplane’s speed and helicopter’s take-off and landing capabilities, flew from its Yeovil facility in southwest England to its Cascina Costa facility near Milan, Italy, a distance of 1161 km (721 miles /... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: 705 NAS
The Helicopter Museum was thrilled to welcome four aircraft from 705 Naval Air Squadron on 30th July 2015. 11 members of 705 NAS plus the station photographer made the flight down, in formation, taking in several landmarks on the way. The museum is the world’s largest dedicated helicopter museum housing over 80 displayed aircraft including... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: Oil And Gas
Oil & Gas UK, the representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry, today (25 August) announces a number of appointments of member company representatives to its Board with immediate effect. Alan Corbett, managing director at Bristow Helicopters, will represent the aviation sector on the Board, replacing Richard Mintern of Babcock International Group.... Read more
13-Sep-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
11-Sep-2015Source: BBC News
The last Sea King search and rescue (SAR) helicopter has left RAF Valley on Anglesey marking the end of an era. See Full Story... Read more
10-Sep-2015Source: Helitech International
Helitech International, run in association with the European Helicopter Association (EHA), is Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to civil rotorcraft. Running alongside the exhibition, Helitech International’s comprehensive Education Programme is set to return to ExCeL London from 6 – 8 October 2015. On day one The Business and Strategy Conference will cover a range of topics... Read more
8-Sep-2015Source: Northern Ireland Executive
The Minister said: “I believe that the time is right to transform our major trauma services with the development of the new Critical Care Building at the Royal Victoria Hospital and the supportive public debate on the need for a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service providing the opportunity for this. “I am therefore announcing today my... Read more
7-Sep-2015Source: GWAAC
GWAAC is carrying blood on the helicopter and rapid response vehicles which will benefit seriously ill and injured patients in need of emergency blood transfusion. The charity has teamed up with Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) to fund the initiative. WAA is also carrying blood on its helicopter. This means that the two air ambulances are... Read more
7-Sep-2015Source: Daily Post
A search and rescue base tackled 100 call outs in its first two months of operation. See Full Story... Read more
4-Sep-2015Source: The Scotsman
The billionaire ruler of Dubai is seeking to build four helicopter landing pads on his remote Highland estate. See Full Story... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: DSCA
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom for AH-64E APACHE GUARDIAN Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $3.00 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 26,... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Heli-One
Helicopter operators purchasing pre-owned aircraft will benefit from the extensive customization, engineering and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services offered by Heli-One’s new aircraft sales business line, Heli-One Total Solutions. Heli-One is one of the world’s leading independent providers of helicopter MRO services and as such is uniquely positioned to provide customers with “Turn Key”... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Wiltshire Air Ambulance
PRE-hospital blood transfusions can now be given to patients treated by Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Paramedics. On August 17 2015 Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) began carrying blood on the helicopter and rapid response vehicle, which will benefit seriously ill and injured patients in need of emergency blood transfusion. The charity has teamed up with... Read more
2-Sep-2015Source: Heli-one
Stavanger, Norway -Heli-One, one of the world’s largest independent providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has been chosen as Bond Offshore Helicopters’ service partner for an H225G-REDR, 9,000 hour G check. The contract, to be serviced at Heli-One’s Stavanger facility in Norway, constitutes the first major H225 inspection in Bond Offshore Helicopter’s... Read more
27-Aug-2015Source: Unite The Union
Ahead of the second anniversary of the Sumburgh offshore helicopter tragedy, Unite has called on the UK government to urgently revisit the recommendation of the previous parliament’s Transport Select Committee for a public inquiry into offshore helicopter safety. The death of four offshore workers when their helicopter ditched in the waters off the Sumburgh coast... Read more
25-Aug-2015Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK’s largest light helicopter company, has seen the first set of students graduate from its ATPL (H) / IR ground school training at Wycombe Air Park. Having sat their final examinations earlier this month, the successful students now qualify for their Air Transport Pilot’s Licence (Helicopter). During the six-month training, course delegates... Read more
24-Aug-2015Source: Heli UK Expo
Heli UK Expo will be taking place during 1-3 July 2016 at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire Heli UK Expo is the UK’s only fly in heclicopter event which 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. If you have... Read more
20-Aug-2015Source: HeliHub.com
With a figure of almost £4M so far raised towards a target of £6M, London’s Air Ambulance is doing well financially towards their second helicopter. Exactly what the monetary trigger point was we are not aware, but the organisation has clearly passed the “BUY” point and have completed on the purchase of a second MD... Read more
20-Aug-2015Source: HIOWAA
Since the news that the Air Ambulance has helped to achieve a higher survival rate of patients across the county, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) can now reveal that they have reached 6000 missions in the eight years that it has been operating. Over the years of operating, the Air Ambulance has... Read more
18-Aug-2015Source: Balpa
Over a third of helicopter pilots operating in the North Sea met last night in Aberdeen at a meeting convened by BALPA to hear an update on the negotiations over planned redundancies. The meeting was appalled to hear the employers’ approach to the redundancies, at the ruthless exploitation of the weak market by the oil... Read more
17-Aug-2015Source: Western Gazette
A NAVY helicopter which saw active service in a dramatic rescue of British troops during the Falklands War is the leading attraction of a new exhibition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. See Full Story... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: WAA
WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance (WAA) held a public consultation event yesterday (Wednesday August 12th) for local residents and businesses to find out about its proposed new home to base the charity’s helicopter, aircrew and office staff. The charity has been searching for a site for its new home for over a year and its preferred location... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy has launched a brand new EASA helicopter Flight Instructor (FI) programme to meet its demand for instructors on the Cabri G2. The Cabri’s success as a training helicopter has been immense. It’s selection as the primary platform for students enrolled on the Helicentre Aviation Academy BSc (Hons) degree programme (a joint initiative... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: Kent Online
A new Kent search and rescue base is set to leap into action tomorrow. See Full Story... Read more
13-Aug-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
13-Aug-2015Source: Third Sector
The Charity Commission has concluded that there were serious governance failings at the Air Ambulance Charity after it ran a fundraising event that lost £111,000 and made a loan of £27,000 to its deputy chief executive. See Full Story... Read more
10-Aug-2015Source: Torquay Herald Express
TORBAY millionaire hotel owner Keith Richardson has been fined £3,000 after his helicopter caused a parasol to take off and strike a teenage guest. See Full Story... Read more
7-Aug-2015Source: Nova Systems
On 31 July 2015 the final Army Air Corps course on the Lynx AH Mk7 helicopter completed their advanced twin engine training, and at a stroke another helicopter disappeared from the UK inventory. This event highlights the missing link that exists being staged government policy and the ability to deliver it, where small cuts in... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Bristow
Bristow search and rescue (SAR) framework was recognized as the Green Champion for Scotland in the 2015 Green Apple Awards. The award provides recognition for framework in which sustainability has played a key role and associated objectives have been exceeded. Balfour Beatty led the £40 million construction framework of seven new SAR facilities and refurbishment... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Gazette & Herald
Wiltshire Air Ambulance may have found a new base in the county after a year-long search. See Full Story. ... Read more
6-Aug-2015Source: Bath Chronicle
Beer lovers will soon be able to support the local air ambulance while enjoying their favourite tipple.See Full Story.... Read more
5-Aug-2015Source: BBC
About 50 jobs at Aberdeen helicopter firm CHC are at risk.See Full Story... Read more
5-Aug-2015Source: Helitech International
Europe’s largest helicopter exhibition and conference, Helitech International, has announced that its influential Business and Strategy Conference has been expanded this year to include two new Focus On sessions, covering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and offshore wind farms. The Business and Strategy Conference is a key component of Helitech International’s three day Education Programme, run... Read more
4-Aug-2015Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK’s largest light helicopter company, is delighted to announce the appointment of The Lord Glenarthur DL as Chairman of British European Aviation Ltd (BEA), Heli Air’s holding company. The appointment has been made as a result of the continued expansion of both the Heli Air business and that of its sister company within BEA,... Read more
3-Aug-2015Source: The Helicopter Museum
World Helicopter Day takes place on Sunday August 16th and to mark the occasion The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is going to open up some of its more unusual exhibits, that have rarely been open to the public before. The day aims to raise awareness of the contributions that helicopters make to society and to... Read more
24-Jul-2015Source: Devon Air Ambulance Trust
This week saw the end of an era for Devon’s Air Ambulances, with the final operational flight flown by Captain Rob Mackie, before he retires. One constant at Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) over its 23 years of operation is Rob, who has flown with the service since April 1993. He is thought to be the... Read more
22-Jul-2015Source: Nova
Starspeed’s Gloucestershire Training facility at Kemble airport has been chosen by Nova Systems as the base for their new Airbus Helicopter, H135. The partnership between the two companies will see the aircraft, now operating under its new registration G-NSYS, used to the optimum: Nova Systems is a leading provider of independent flight test and evaluation... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: Eastern Daily Press
Nearly 30 people have been left without a job and without redundancy pay after their former employer DanCopter UK’s deal with Shell to transport workers to and from North Sea oil platforms was taken over by CHC Helicopter. See full story... Read more
21-Jul-2015Source: The Herald
The Ministry of Defence has applied for permission to build a new helicopter landing pad and Forward Operating Base in Plymouth. See full story... Read more
17-Jul-2015Source: BBC News
The Aberdeen-based company said it was continuing to be hit by a downturn in the North Sea oil and gas industry. See full story... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The London Evening Standard newspaper recently ran an article saying that their MD Explorer G-EHMS has been unavailable 50 days so far this year. As with many mainstream media, their level of accuracy is often in question when they attempt to write a story of a technical nature when the author has no experience of the... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: TAAS
The Children’s Air Ambulance, part of Warwickshire-based charity The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), is delighted after the Chancellor announced during the budget that they will receive help to get a second helicopter off the ground. The charity is a national service that flies critically ill children from local hospitals to specialist paediatric intensive care units.... Read more
15-Jul-2015Source: Helitech
With under three months to go until Helitech International 2015 opens its doors between 6 – 8 October at ExCeL London, the event is set to provide the global rotary wing sector with an impressive showcase of helicopter platforms, systems, components and services. At present, 21 countries will be represented by a broad mix of... Read more
14-Jul-2015Source: Heli UK Expo
With the aim of building on the success of the previous inaugural 2014 event, Heli UK Expo 2015 welcomed back a growing number of leading helicopter brands, suppliers and service providers within the industry, once again at an ideal central UK location, Sywell Aerodrome. The event this year ran parallel to the leading International General... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: Westfield Health
A £2 million fundraising appeal to build a new helipad at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital has been given a major boost from Westfield Health. We donated £250,000 to Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s Helipad Appeal and construction work has since started on the project. The new helipad will be located close to the Major Trauma Centre at... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is today celebrating the centenary of the formation of the Westland Aircraft Works in Yeovil and the many aeronautical achievements that have been made during 100 years of continuous aircraft manufacturing on the site. Established in 1915 Westland has produced many famous fixed wing aircraft designs such as the Whirlwind, Welkin, Wapiti, Lysander before... Read more
9-Jul-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
9-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland is bringing one of the AW609 development aircraft from Italy to the UK this weekend. The aircraft has scheduled appearances at both the Yeovilton Air Day on Saturday, and AW’s own invitation-only Families Day at the Yeovil plant on Sunday. The type has only appeared in the UK before at the Farnborough Air Show,... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: AAA
The Association of Air Ambulances is today calling on all of the UK’s air ambulance community to nominate an individual or team for this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. These prestigious, independent awards honour the exceptional contributions of staff and volunteers in the UK air ambulance community. The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence have... Read more
8-Jul-2015Source: Llanelli Star
WORK has begun on an exciting £1.6 million project bringing the Air Ambulance home to Llanelli. See full story ... Read more
8-Jul-2015Source: BBC News
A ruling that investigators should hand over the black box from a North Sea helicopter crash to Scotland’s top law officer is being challenged. See full story... Read more
8-Jul-2015Source: DAAT
Trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters across Devon are celebrating after Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) was named as the PWC West of England Business of the Year with a turnover of less than £30 million at a gala dinner at Brunel’s Old Station in Bristol last night. DAAT was the first charity ever to be... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Helicopter Museum
If you have ever wanted to take to the controls of a jumbo jet or test out your top gun fighter pilot skills then you will be able to do just that when the annual Flight Simulator Convention returns to The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare on the 18th and 19th July. Flight simulators will be set... Read more
6-Jul-2015Source: Aerigon
The AERIGON™, an aerial remote camera head (ARCH™) from Intuitive Aerial, was operated by Helicopter Film Services to shoot aerial footage used throughout Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. The remarkable stability of the AERIGON platform meant that footage captured could be fed directly into ILM’s VFX pipeline. For the first time, filmmakers have access to... Read more
2-Jul-2015Source: MKWEB
Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s (TVAA’s) life-saving emergency medical doctors, paramedics and pilots, have been awarded for their commitment to delivering the highest level of emergency medical care to those that need it across Milton Keynes. See Full Story... Read more
2-Jul-2015Source: Express & Star
The treasurer of a school’s Old Boys’ society who plundered the funds to stave off debts has avoided an immediate jail term. See Full Story... Read more
1-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters has moved to the next phase of the UK SAR contract, with operations starting today from Caernarfon and Lydd. Caernarfon sees two Sikorsky S92s – G-MCGJ and G-MCGK – and a new hangar built by Balfour Beatty added to the privatised SAR service today. The base is in the north of Wales, and... Read more
30-Jun-2015Source: Up and Away
Oxford, UK-based aviation-detailing company Up and Away Aviation has announced the acquisition of Farnborough, UK-based aircraft valet company Avialogistics from Gama Aviation. Stefan Murphy, Managing Director of Up and Away Aviation, and Kevin Godley, CFO Gama Aviation, ratified the deal on 1st June 2015. Under the terms of the agreement all Avialogistics assets will be... Read more
30-Jun-2015Source: RMCI
RMCI, Inc., a Huntsville-based company specializing in helicopter health monitoring technology and analysis, announced plans at the Paris Air Show to open an office in the United Kingdom to meet growing demand for its products and services. RMCI Chief Executive Ken Speaks said the office in Derbyshire, England, will make it easier for the Alabama... Read more
30-Jun-2015Source: Bond
The new facilities, which can accommodate more than 25,000 passengers a year, include new departure gates, new security areas and a new passenger lounge, all specifically designed with safety, security and comfort in mind. Catering is provided by a local supplier and the building is equipped with wifi, large LCD screens and all the other... Read more
29-Jun-2015Source: Llanelli Star
CALLS have been made for the public to get behind a £500,000 fundraising campaign for the new Wales Air Ambulance headquarters and a helicopter base in Llanelli. See Full Story... Read more
29-Jun-2015
Lord Mayor of Sheffield Talib Hussain was on hand to officially mark the start of building work on the Northern General Hospital’s brand new helipad, which hospital bosses say will save lives. See Full Story... Read more
23-Jun-2015Source: Helitech International
Visitors and exhibitors participating in Helitech International, Europe’s largest helicopter exhibition, will be able to optimise their time thanks to ‘My Event’, an online planning tool provided by the event organisers, Reed Exhibitions. Available free of charge to exhibitor personnel and registered visitors to Helitech International, My Event provides both a comprehensive directory of everyone... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Donald Trump has had one of his helicopters – a Sikorsky S76B – based in the UK since late June 2014 when it arrived by ship at Liverpool’s Seaforth Docks. Continued operations on an FAA “N” registration were intended, but with the helicopter targeted for use bringing customers in to Trump’s golf club investments around... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
British operator Heli Air has added an Airbus AS355F1 Twin Squirrel to their charter fleet, a 1983 aircraft carrying registration G-PIPB. This is the first twin engined helicopter the company has flown on their Air Operations Certificate in a fleet now 40 strong across eight bases in England and Scotland. The charter fleet also includes... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: Ministry Of Defence
During a visit to HMS OCEAN on Exercise Baltops in Poland and to the RAF Typhoon detachment conducting Baltic Air Policing in Estonia, Michael Fallon said an increase in the number of troops co-operating across the region sent a clear message about the Alliance’s resolve OCEAN, the Royal Navy’s flagship, is taking part in the... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: Sikorsky
Today, 16th June, Sikorsky have put out the press release below. It is worth noting that HeliHub.com reported these details on 20th May, almost four weeks ago – see here Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has fulfilled its contract to deliver seven S-92® helicopters to Bristow Helicopters Ltd. for UK Search and Rescue. There are now... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: The Scotsman
SURVIVORS of a North Sea helicopter crash in which four people were killed are seeking compensation of over £5 million. See Full Story... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: Mirror
ROYAL Navy helicopter pilots pocketed bonus payments of up to £100,000 if they agreed to remain ‘operationally flying’ for an extra five years – despite record cuts across the fleet. See Full Story... Read more
12-Jun-2015Source: YAA
The rapid response emergency charity has worked closely with Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust to develop the intensive, three-week technical crew members course. The intake, all experienced paramedics with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, was chosen for the two-year secondment following a rigorous selection process. New recruit Paul Holmes said: “The first day’s training was underwater escape... Read more
11-Jun-2015Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R22 Beta (G-ECMC), rolled over during simulated tail rotor failure exercise at Goodwood Aerodrome, on 12 February 2015 Robinson R22 Beta (G-THLA), heavy landing following autorotation exercise, Romney Marsh, Kent, 13 February 2015... Read more
10-Jun-2015Source: ComputerWeekly
The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSA) has signed an agreement with wireless supplier Tactical Wireless (TWL) to jointly research and develop a backpack-mounted version of TWL’s existing Omni-Hub multi-mode communications unit. See full story.... Read more
8-Jun-2015Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland have delivered the first production AW169 prior to the type being given certification approval. Serial 69006 was delivered from Italy very early on Saturday 6th June to the UK, still carrying an Italian test registration I-RAIF and flown throughout by an AgustaWestland pilot. The helicopter was delivered to the Dubai Air Wing. The Dubai... Read more
8-Jun-2015Source: NHS
Derriford Hospital celebrated the official opening of our life-saving helipad, which took place today (Friday 5 June) with its first ever landing of a Search and Rescue helicopter. Special guests attended the event, along with key members of the hospital, ambulance and building staff to celebrate the great impact that the helipad will have on... Read more
