14-Feb-2024
Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR) was recently awarded a 5-year contract by the Arizona Department of Safety (AZ/DPS) to deliver multiple initial to advanced level synthetic and live flight training for all AZ/DPS Bell 429 SAR Pilots, Hoist System Operators, and Paramedic Rescue Specialists operating at their 3 aviation units in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.... Read more
26-Oct-2023Source: HeliHub.com
Sheriff Mark J Dannels (seen below) has recently been very pleased to introduce a new helicopter to the citizens of Cochise County in Arizona. The Airbus H125 will be known by the name “Hawkeye.” The helicopter is the result of a grant from a state grant, and Sheriff Dannels made a point in a social... Read more
18-Oct-2023Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters (MDH) received the Arizona Manufacturers Council’s (AMC) Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award during a luncheon at Grand Canyon University Arena. “The AMC council is thrilled to recognize MD Helicopters, a long-time fixture in Arizona’s manufacturing industry and a leader in one of the nation’s fastest growing manufacturing sectors,” AMC Executive Director Grace... Read more
26-Apr-2022Source: Air Methods
Native Air, a subsidiary of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the U.S., announced that it is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of its Native Air 7 air ambulance service this month long. Since opening their doors in April 2002, the Native Air 7 crew has remained committed to providing lifesaving care to residents in... Read more
16-Apr-2022
Rotors running refuel – FBO attendant was pulling the grounding cable from the fuel truck and the cable struck the main rotor blades Helicopter operates as “Native Air 7” from a base at Payson, AZ ... Read more
3-Mar-2022Source: Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has selected Helicopter Institute Inc. (HI) as the sole provider of the Helicopter Flight Training Program to students at the university’s Prescott, Arizona, campus. Excited for the opportunity, HI looks forward to utilizing its decades of rotorcraft training knowledge to enhance and optimize the Embry-Riddle student experience. “Our goal has always remained consistent:... Read more
21-Dec-2021
Main rotor struck powerline... Read more
10-Nov-2021
Force landing on a road after paraglider tether caught on the skid... Read more
21-Oct-2021Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, appointed Universal Helicopter (UHI) as its first Bell 505 Dealer in the United States with Authorized territory of Arizona and Utah. Bell’s dealership network creates a complete experience from aircraft purchasing to operator training for current and future Bell 505 customers. “Deepening our collaboration with Universal... Read more
1-Oct-2021
Midair collision with fixed wing N2868H, causing helicopter to crash to the ground. Both student pilot and instructor received fatal injuries – named here as 34-year-old Michael Papendick and 27-year-old Jessica Brandal... Read more
30-Sep-2021
Sole occupant pilot seriously injured... Read more
24-Sep-2021
FAA report – Emergency landing on golf course due to engine issues. Image issued by Prescott Airport suggests no damage, although it is unknown how heavy the landing was... Read more
27-Aug-2021
FAA : Low Rotor RPM, Emergency landing. Damage level not known... Read more
5-May-2021
Post-flight inspection found damage to the tail rotor... Read more
22-Jan-2021
FAA report helicopter was substantially damaged after loss of tail rotor effectiveness on approach to land... Read more
1-Jan-2021
Low level manouevre to avoid another aircraft caused helicopter to crash... Read more
3-Nov-2020Source: Van Horn Aviation
Arizona-based rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) received a Letter of Acceptance from Transport Canada for the company’s updated composite main rotor blades fitting the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. Approved by the FAA in August 2020, the new VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades may now be installed for use on Bell 206B... Read more
20-May-2020Source: Arizona Daily Independent News Network
The Arizona Supreme Court has been asked to overturn two lower court rulings that allow The Netherlands to pursue a nearly $7.6 million judgment against a Mesa-based aerospace company whose corporate history traces back to billionaire Howard Hughes in the late 1940s. See Full Story. ... Read more
5-Jan-2020
Aircraft auto-rotated and hit the ground in the desert, Mesa, Arizona.... Read more
12-Sep-2019Source: Able Aerospace
Employees, dignitaries and community members joined Able Aerospace Services, a Textron Aviation Inc. company, last week to officially open a $9 million building expansion at Able’s headquarters facility, located within Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona. The expansion adds 60,000 square feet to Able’s existing 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art campus. Able will use the expansion to incorporate... Read more
9-Sep-2019
H.E.R.O.S. Inc., an industry leader in repairing and overhauling helicopter engines, is relocating its headquarters from Santa Clarita, Calif. to Chandler, Ariz. The company will occupy nearly 19,000-square-feet of industrial space at 10 Chandler, located at 560 N. 54th St. H.E.R.O.S. Inc. plans to create 25 new jobs in the Chandler community and expects to... Read more
12-Sep-2018Source: HeliHub.com
Arizona Lifeline 3 closed its base at the Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital after ten years of service. Program Director Ed Brouse has commented that the decision to close was due to numerous factor and has been ongoing for several years. The Nogales community will still be served by Lifenet 6, working from the Tubac Fire... Read more
14-Dec-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The Arizona National Guard is having to fight to keep their attack helicopters stationed at Tucson. The Army wants to remove the Apaches and relocate them to active-duty units. If the helicopters are removed, the unit at Tucson will be deactivated, reports US News.... Read more
11-Nov-2017
Crashed at the end of the runway... Read more
8-Aug-2017Source: HeliHub.com
Classic Air Medical has added the Valley View Medical Centre in Fort Mohave to one of its bases it serves. They will be using Valley View’s helipad, basing one of the flight crews there as well as a Bell 407 GX helicopter. This new partnership will ensure fast medical attention can be given to anyone... Read more
14-Jul-2017Source: HeliHub.com
A permit for a second helipad at Fort Mohave Hospital was approved this past week by the planning and zoning commission. The new helipad will be at the corner of Highway 95 and Wagon Wheel Lane, roughly 100 yards from the existing helipad and will have fences surrounding its 60-foot by 60-foot perimeter. Air Methods... Read more
14-Jul-2017Source: Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics announced that retired Marine Corps aviator and Aspen’s director of flight operations, James Buck is expanding his roles and responsibilities to include the position of regional sales manager for Aspen’s growing sales team. In his sales role, he will be responsible for the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. As the... Read more
26-May-2017
FAA reports “During shutdown, rotor blades struck the door”. Sole occupant pilot not injured... Read more
8-Mar-2017Source: Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429 to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aviation Bureau while at this year’s HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas. Arizona DPS Aviation Bureau’s new aircraft will be delivered in 2017 and will be used for Search and Rescue, Border Protection... Read more
20-Feb-2017Source: HeliHub.com
The Ramada Hotel in Kingman has announced that they are currently procuring the relevant approvals to build a helipad. Sultan Abbas, the General Manager of the hotel has stated that they have submitted their application to the City Council and now wait for a Conditional Use Permit. If all goes to plan, reports Digital Journal,... Read more
12-Jul-2016Source: Able
Able Aerospace Services, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has completed a significant expansion with the opening of the Able Maintenance Center (AMC). The AMC grows Able’s industry presence with a full suite of rotorcraft airframe services including maintenance, inspections, airframe repair, avionics upgrades and paint. Combined with Able’s already world-leading, on-site MRO and parts... Read more
9-May-2016Source: AZ National Guard
Members of the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion participated in an annual training and certification course for wildfire response at the Papago Park Military Reservation May 4-5. At the completion of the 24-hour training course, 16 pilots and crew chiefs were certified to respond and assist with helicopter bucket operations, delivering water for aerial firefighting during... Read more
9-May-2016Source: USMC
The Marine Corps’ first two Kaman K-MAX Helicopters arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. May 7, 2016. The Kaman K-MAX Helicopter is very unique in many different ways, such as its purpose and design. It is a helicopter with interlinking rotors whose primary mission is to provide cargo load operations with a maximum... Read more
10-Mar-2016
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Campus and Universal Helicopters Inc. (UHI) have announced an extension of their 2010 agreement to exclusively provide helicopter training to Embry-Riddle students. The program is designed to carry students from zero time through their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. The contract with UHI simplifies the path for students seeking helicopter flight training while... Read more
9-Mar-2016Source: Daily Courier
The piece of equipment — which retails for $98,750 — is manufactured by X-Copter in Prescott and is used by Guidance Aviation for its helicopter pilot training program. See full story... Read more
2-Feb-2016Source: Guidance Aviation
In both its Arizona and Louisiana locations, Guidance Aviation offers helicopter charter services utilizing the Robinson R66. Applications range from construction deliveries, airport shuttles, executive transportation, scenic tours, pipeline/power line assessment, and external loads. “The Robinson R66 helicopter has one of the lowest operating costs and best safety records in the industry,” stated Cody Cooper,... Read more
22-Jan-2016Source: Textron
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it has completed the acquisition of Able Engineering & Component Services Inc. and Able Aerospace Inc., an industry-leading repair and overhaul company. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Able provides component repairs, component exchanges and replacement parts, among other support and service offerings for commercial rotorcraft... Read more
12-Jan-2016Source: Tucson News
The Tucson Police Department’s Air Support Unit, which was grounded last month, has been cleared to return to service, according to a department spokesman.See full story.... Read more
11-Jan-2016Source: Tucson News Now
The Tucson Police Department’s Air Support Unit, which was grounded last month, has been cleared to return to service, according to a department spokesman. See Full Story... Read more
4-Jan-2016Source: Tucson News Now
Tucson police officials released a 50-page audit that led to the grounding of the entire air support unit this week. See Full Story Editor Note – Tucson Police currently operate three Bell 206B JetRanger IIIs which they bought new in 2005. They fly around 1,100 hours per annum per airframe... Read more
3-Dec-2015Source: Tucson News Now
The new year means a new helicopter for Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels. See Full Story... Read more
17-Nov-2015Source: Able
Able Aerospace Services, a global leader in rotor- and fixed-wing MRO and PMA solutions, has hired industry veteran John Celigoy as Vice President of Business Generation. In this role, Celigoy leads Able’s global sales, marketing and business operations functions – efforts that have helped the company maintain an average 20 percent annual growth rate for the... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: US Air Force
The Arizona National Guard is hosting the inaugural Gunfighter Fly-in at Silverbell Army Heliport here Nov. 1 to Nov. 6. Seven of the eight states in the National Guard that operate the AH-64D Apache helicopters—Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah—sent two of their best company-grade crews and maintenance support personnel to... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (NASDAQ: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tri-State Care Flight (“Tri-State”) for $222.5 million. Tri-State generated net revenue of $81.5 million for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2014. The transaction, which was unanimously approved by Air Methods’... Read more
25-Sep-2015Source: Az Capitol Times
Facing a new Arizona Supreme Court ruling, Gov. Doug Ducey is finally going to allow the Department of Revenue to collect taxes owed to the state from a helicopter tour business. See Full Story... Read more
3-Sep-2015Source: Maverick
Maverick Helicopters has invested nearly $2 million to upgrade its entire ground transportation fleet to limo coaches, offering Las Vegas guests a luxury experience beyond just takeoff to touchdown. Combining a limousine-style configuration with generous group seating capabilities, the new limo coaches have the VIP flair of Las Vegas while providing a more spacious interior... Read more
1-Sep-2015Source: Guidance Aviation
For the third year-in-a-row, Guidance Aviation provided helicopter pilot ground school and introductory helicopter flights for Tri-City Prep High Schoolers. This year’s class ran August 10th – 27th. The high school students were taught numerous aviation topics including: •Helicopter Operations •Fundamentals of aerodynamics •Instruments and Flight Controls •Elements of weather and how they pertain to... Read more
23-Aug-2015
The pilot reported that during the approach, he noticed erratic cyclic control movements and subsequently landed hard. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the main rotor blades and tail boom were substantially damaged.... Read more
18-Aug-2015
Training accident. Recording of ATC transmissions on this YouTube video.... Read more
29-Jul-2015
The Customs and Border Patrol Instructor Pilot demonstrated an autorotation, yet misjudged the flare. Helicopter destroyed... Read more
13-Jul-2015Source: Hillsboro Aviation
Hillsboro Aviation is excited to announce the launch of a helicopter tour operation in Sedona, Arizona. The operation, called Hillsboro Aviation – Sedona, offers helicopter tours over Sedona’s most famous landmarks and is one of the only tour operators to partner with the Forest Service to provide employee training on the geological, biological and archaeological... Read more
8-Jul-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Fox 2, the new Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, was introduced to the media yesterday by Sheriff Joe Arpaio at Deer Valley Airport in North Phoenix. The tail number N977MS memorializes fallen Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy William Coleman (badge #977), who was was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call in Anthem... Read more
1-Apr-2015Source: The Daily Courier
The Veterans Administration decision to stop new enrollments in Yavapai College’s helicopter and fixed-wing flight training programs has 40 students, set to start in May, waiting to see if they’ll be allowed to attend, the college president said. See Full Story... Read more
3-Mar-2015Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation has confirmed the purchase of the company’s first Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, Serial No. 1099. The original purchase agreement was forged between Bruno Guimbal and John Stonecipher, CEO, Guidance Aviation at HELI-EXPO 2014 pending the FAA’s issuance of the U.S. Standard Category Airworthiness Certificate. The confirmation comes the same week the Cabri G2... Read more
11-Feb-2015Source: TriState Careflight
TriState Careflight, which offers critical care transport services in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada announced today that it will team with Baldwin Safety and Compliance, headquartered in Hilton Head, South Carolina, to enhance and grow its existing safety management system. “This collaboration with one of the nation’s most respected Safety Management System development organizations... Read more
26-Jan-2015Source: Phoenix
The same team that has driven growth and change at Phoenix Heliparts is now leading a complementary venture called Phoenix Heli-Support, an Airbus Helicopter and Turbomeca Service Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. This March, the Mesa and Scottsdale operations will join forces for the first time in a joint exhibit (2059) at Heli-Expo 2015. In addition,... Read more
13-Jan-2015Source: Garmin
Garmin G500H glass panels have been installed in the Guidance Aviation helicopter fleet. Last year, the primary helicopter flight training organization with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, announced their decision to upgrade their aircraft. Now, the organization’s fleet upgrade is in its final phase with all of the IFR fleet installations... Read more
9-Jan-2015Source: National Guard
Rotor blades from an Arizona National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter cut swiftly through the air, blending a whooshing sound with the roar of the engine. It’s a welcome sound, a signal to wildland firefighters on the ground that relief is coming. The helicopter descends to 50 feet, hovering above slow flowing canal water. Rotor... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: Able
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Able Aerospace approval of a new tail rotor fan shaft replacement part (PMA) for the Bell 407 aircraft. The new PMA is the industry’s only OEM part alternative, meeting the highest industry safety standards at significant cost savings. “Able strives to always be the best value alternative in... Read more
29-Dec-2014
Minor damage after force landing by taxiway... Read more
27-Nov-2014Source: GV News
At least 20 Southern Arizona fire and medical responders and the citizens they serve including the Green Valley Fire District and surrounding departments could benefit from new helicopter service recently restored in Tubac. See full story... Read more
11-Nov-2014Source: Herald
Installation of a helicopter pad has begun outside the new Sierra Vista Regional Health Center emergency department and when it is done it will have the capacity for two medical helicopters, JEDunn Construction superintendent Jesse Hunt said. See Full Story... Read more
3-Nov-2014Source: Daily Mail
National Guard helicopter crew suspended after using Blackhawk chopper to make mid-air CANDY drop at Halloween party. See Full Story... Read more
3-Oct-2014Source: Arizona NG
In the current national debate over the U.S. Army’s ill-conceived plan to commandeer all 192 National Guard AH-64 Apache attack helicopters there is more at stake than aircraft. Overlooked by the proponents of this plan are the implications for our country’s system of checks and balances, and ultimately the liberty of our citizens. The Army’s... Read more
16-Sep-2014Source: GCH
Grand Canyon Helicopters is getting ready for fall 2014 with a slate of fresh, new flights that are sure to please travelers taking off from Las Vegas and South Rim, AZ. “It was an incredible summer for flying the Canyon,” said Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon Helicopters. “Fall will be equally brilliant, especially because... Read more
12-Sep-2014
Operated by Airwest Helicopters for Cochise County Sheriff. Main blades chopped tail boom and skids splayed out in heavy landing. Two POB were listed as pilot Larry Pucci and the observer Officer Justin Dannels (the son of Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels)... Read more
23-Jun-2014Source: Guidance Aviation
Girl Scouts participating in the 2014 Discover Aviation Camp received VIP access to Guidance Aviation’s helicopter flight training facilities as well as its associated campus of Yavapai Community College. Campers enjoyed experiencing what it is like to sit in and touch the controls of Robinson R22’s, R44’s, and R66 helicopters; take a part in helicopter... Read more
8-Jun-2014
Reported engine failure during night patrol – in ensuing hard landing the tail boom was broken. 2 POB not injured. Accident was around 1am... Read more
4-Jun-2014
Force landing in a field one mile from destination airport... Read more
31-May-2014
Struck powerline and impacted the ground... Read more
28-May-2014Source: Sierra Vista Herald
On lease for one year from Airwest Helicopters, the Bell 406 L4 aircraft will expand law enforcement and emergency response capabilities for both Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Sierra Vista Police Department as well. See full story... Read more
