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
25-Sep-2015
Student pilot (reportedly on first solo), and helicopter ended on its side... 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
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
15-Sep-2015
Oil rig support helicopter had malfunction leading to one engine being shut down and immediate return to base... 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
12-Sep-2015
Take-off accident, ended on its starboard side with creased tail boom, destroyed rotor mast and blades. One of the two occupants needed first aid only.... 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
9-Sep-2015
Helicopter struck and cut powercables on take-off, crashing in the field below shortly after, minor injuries to the pilot. Helicopter rolled over and ended up on its rotorhead... 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
17-Aug-2015
Large taildragger fixed wing (Boeing Stearman N56200) taxied directly into the parked and unattended R44, causing extensive damage to cabin, avionics etc.... 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
