30-Sep-2012Source: PHPA
Earlier this year, the PHPA began a dialogue with the Southern California RTNA (Radio & Television News Association) regarding this weekend’s I-405 bridge demolition, dubbed Carmageddon II. Specifically, the PHPA was interested in getting the media outlets to reduce the helicopter noise over the freeway closure this year. A similar event last year generated noise... Read more
19-Sep-2012
Tail rotor struck ground. Helicopter had been working on powerlines at the time of the accident. Helicopter caught fire and burned out – also causing a 1.5 acre brush fire... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Hillsboro Aviation
Hillsboro Aviation is pleased to announce the addition of Giancarlo Newsome to its senior management team. Giancarlo has taken on the role of Director of Sales and Services overseeing Hillsboro Aviation’s airplane and helicopter sales, customer maintenance, avionics, parts sales and FBO service departments. As the head of Hillsboro Aviation’s sales and services division, Giancarlo... Read more
10-Sep-2012Source: FAA
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced an $18.4 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to reconstruct and repave the primary runway at Van Nuys Airport. “This funding will help improve Van Nuys Airport’s infrastructure and will keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently through the airport,†LaHood said. “Investing in our nation’s airports promotes economic... Read more
10-Sep-2012Source: KSBY
The nearly $2 million dollar helistop can accommodate helicopters up to the size of a Blackhawk (see full story)... Read more
6-Sep-2012Source: SDG&E
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has renewed agreements with the County and City of San Diego and firefighting agencies to continue to make a heavy-lift air-crane available to support fire suppression efforts this fire season. An Erickson Air-Crane helitanker, the “Sun Bird,” was used by SDG&E during construction of the Sunrise... Read more
27-Aug-2012
Pilot Bill Cavanaugh, was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital following crash on agricultural operations. His son told a TV station that his father had over 20,000 hours of flying experience... Read more
27-Aug-2012
Emergency landing of media helicopter due to oil leak and heavy smoke flume in the air. Helicopter was operating for KTLA Channel 5. Pilot was Tim Lynn... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: US Forest Service
Beginning next year the U.S. Forest Service will contract a helicopter capable of fighting wildfire at night in a move to strengthen the agency’s capability to suppress fires and better protect firefighters and communities in Southern California. “We have made this important decision very carefully,†said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We have studied night... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: Senator Lieu
The California State Legislature has approved Assembly Joint Resolution 25 by Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), urging Congress to pass the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act (H.R. 2677 and S. 2019). The resolution signals the Legislature’s support of the federal measure. H.R. 2677, sponsored by Representative Howard Berman and co-sponsored by Representatives... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), with headquarters at McClellan, CA, has agreed to purchase up to eight EC135® helicopters. CALSTAR operates nine full-time bases in northern and central California and is the largest nonprofit air ambulance provider on the west coast. With this order, it will replace its older,... Read more
30-Jul-2012Source: US DoD
Barnhart-Balfour Beatty, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded firm-fixed-price task order 0004 at $35,497,794 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-10-D-5407) for the replacement of an existing double hangar. This consists of the demolition of the existing hangar and construction of a new two bay hangar to accommodate MV-22 aircraft with adequate... Read more
13-Jul-2012
Landed hard and rolled onto its side. Aircraft destroyed ... Read more
13-Jul-2012
Flipped over on landing. Night landing assumed, given time listed as 0740Z in California... Read more
9-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
It is with sadness we record the untimely death of world record holding pilot Johan Nurmi in an R22 accident in California on Monday 9th July. While the circumstances of the accident are unknown, press photos show Robinson R22 N7527Y lying on its side in a desert area some four miles east of French Valley... Read more
6-Jul-2012
One serious injury after rotor blades hit disembarking passenger – CHP crew member Tony Stanley, who was getting out to help pick up injured hiker Jeremy Kilburn – both were then airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: PHPA
Beginning June 28 2012, LAX Class D airspace is activated north and south of LAX airport. This Class D airspace is adjacent to LAX Class B airspace and SMO Class D airspace. South of LAX, the Class D is adjacent to HHR class D airspace. Due to the close proximity of these multiple regulated airspaces,... Read more
3-Jul-2012
Cal Fire helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing. No injuries, minor damage... Read more
25-Jun-2012
Helicopter test landings were conducted Wednesday afternoon atop the new 11-story hospital in northwest Escondido, at the crossroads of Interstate 15 and state Route 78. (see full story)... Read more
15-Jun-2012
This month, Rose Gaither marks her 25th year as a flight nurse. At 57, she is the longest flying flight nurse at CalSTAR (see full story)... Read more
15-Jun-2012Source: Victorville Daily Press
After 17 years at Southern California Logistics Airport, Boeing will soon move its A160T Hummingbird flight test program to Arizona (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: 10 News
A Marine Corps helicopter pilot was arraigned in federal court Friday, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. (see full story)... Read more
31-May-2012Source: Oakland Tribune
Oakland police lauded Fueling California on Wednesday after the nonprofit donated $10,000 worth of fuel to power their helicopters. (see full story)... Read more
31-May-2012Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) announced that they completed a full-service order for the Pasadena Police Department. The Pasadena Police Department purchased four new night vision goggles, modified the interiors of their two Bell OH-58s and received initial training for seven pilots. “The Pasadena Police Department plays a vital role in the protection of one of... Read more
30-May-2012Source: Sacramento Bee
The Bell OH-58 is being donated by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Department in Oregon, just north of Salem. It can no longer afford to have an air operations program. (see full story)Â File photo... Read more
29-May-2012Source: Union-Times
The helipad is on the Pauma Valley airport strip. It will allow Mercy Air Services to land quickly and take off when patients with medical emergencies need to be transported fast to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido or other facilities. (see full story)... Read more
22-May-2012Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts® is pleased to announce contract renewal of NVIO™ Night Vision Goggle (NVG)  Initial and Recurrent Computer-Based Training (CBT) for REACH Air Medical pilots, flight nurses and EMT aircrew. “With more than 200 pilots and crew, Night Flight Concepts NVIO™ NVG CBT allows for easy access, and standardized training to all personnel regardless... Read more
20-May-2012Source: US Marine Corps
The color guard and headquarters staff of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 render honor while the national anthem plays during a change of command and re-designation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, May 10, 2012. The commanding officer of HMH-363, Lt. Col. Mark Revor, flew his squadron’s battle colors before casing them for... Read more
15-May-2012Source: CALSTAR
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) has named Cordelia Resident Scott Wallace, R.N., C.C.R.N., C.F.R.N., as its new Director of Medical Operations, CALSTAR COO Tad Henderson announced. In his new position, Wallace will have direct responsibility for all medical operations of CALSTAR, the largest non-profit air ambulance provider on the West Coast. “Scott is a... Read more
30-Apr-2012Source: UVMC
Ukiah Valley Medical Center has accepted its single largest gift in the history of the hospital to build a new emergency department and intensive care unit. Pauline and Morgan Ruddick, lifelong residents of the Ukiah Valley, have committed $250,000 to the project in support of the hospital’s planned rooftop helipad. “The community has been very... Read more
24-Apr-2012
Agricultural ops, crashed in field... Read more
19-Apr-2012Source: Orange County Register
The helicopters were sold to Truscott Contracting, Ltd, said Newport police Chief Jay Johnson, who is also chairman of the ABLE Board of Governors. Truscott Contracting is based in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. (see full story) HeliHub.com Editor note – Trustcott Contracting currently owns one Robinson R44 II, registered C-FSRT... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: JSSI
Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, recently appointed industry veteran, Jill Adams, as Vice President for California and the Western United States region. As an aviation finance professional, successful entrepreneur and pilot, Jill Adams brings more than 30 years of aviation experience and... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: Los Angeles Times
Pentastar Aviation, who own the lease on the land occupied by Helinet, instructing Helinet to move its helicopters from the ramps where they sit ready to depart – for time-critical EMS and ENG work. When it didn’t comply, Helinet received another letter threatening eviction and legal proceedings. Helinet owner Al Purwin, previously the lease owner,... Read more
11-Apr-2012
Emergency landing after crew began to smell smoke in the cockpit and reported that the engine was acting unusual. MH-65C assumed on the basis that the CGAS San Francisco website states they currently operate four of these (and no other types)... Read more
28-Mar-2012Source: LA Times
Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials overpaid a private contractor nearly $11 million for work that wasn’t needed and aircraft equipment they already had, according to allegations in a sheriff’s memo (see full story)... Read more
15-Mar-2012
Engine trouble on approach. Pilot was only occupant, and was not injured. After the landing, the helicopter was on its side in about a marshy area near the side of a lake (see photos in third link below)... Read more
7-Mar-2012Source: HAI
Having failed to get helicopter noise legislation into the compromise FAA authorization bill, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has broadened the scope of his proposal and is now trying to attach it to the highway trust fund authorization bill currently being debated on Capitol Hill. The proposed Schumer amendment now includes language affecting the south shore of Long... Read more
5-Mar-2012Source: Press Telegram
The EC130s were bought in 2001 for $5.76 million and went into service the following December. Police purchased two replacement AS350B-2 in February 2011 for $3.52 million from the Los Angeles County Sheriff. The acquisition was intended to reduce operating costs by 42 percent – from $768 per hour to $448, according to a staff... Read more
2-Mar-2012
“Approximately five pieces of wood cribbing came loose from a helicopter load and fell to the ground in an unoccupied open space along the Sunrise Powerlink about four miles south of Interstate 8 and four miles east of Loveland Reservoir,†the company said. “No one was injured.â€... Read more
29-Feb-2012
Tailboom damaged during autorotation landing... Read more
27-Feb-2012
During post-maintenance run-up, helicopter fell on its side, caught fire and was destroyed... Read more
26-Feb-2012Source: California Aviation Services
After 9 years of helicopter service to the City of Fontana, California Aviation Services, Inc is expanding its flight school operation to include specialized police pilot helicopter training courses. In 2003, Leo Bell (15 year police veteran and founder of California Aviation Services, Inc) entered into a contract with the City of Fontana Ca, to... Read more
25-Feb-2012
Crash occurred during windy flight conditions, the FAA said. The hard landing bent the tail boom of the aircraft and damaged the skids, among other things. No one was hurt.... Read more
25-Feb-2012
Damaged in heavy landing. Registration per FAA prelim report, but is not a valid registration(!)... Read more
22-Feb-2012
Mid air accident between AH-1W and UH-1Y of the US Marine Corps during a night-time exercise Total of 7 fatalities, 2 in the AH-1W, five in the UH-1Y. The five in the UH-1Y were named later as Capt. Michael M. Quin, 28, of Purcellville, VA, Sgt. Justin A. Everett, 33, of Clovis, CA, Lance Cpl.... Read more
22-Feb-2012
Mid air accident between AH-1W and UH-1Y of the US Marine Corps during a night-time exercise Total of 7 fatalities, 2 in the AH-1W, five in the UH-1Y. The two in the AH-1W were named later as Maj. Thomas A. Budrejko, 37, of Montville, CT and Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia, 31, of Montgomery, AL See... Read more
22-Feb-2012
Crashed in open, flat field during agricultural ops... Read more
19-Feb-2012
Crashed into field after mid-air collision with fixed-wing Beech Bonanza. Minor injuries. R22 pilot was experienced fixed wing pilot logging night hours as a student.... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Executive HeliShares, a Briles Wing & Helicopter, Inc. Company, located in Van Nuys, CA has selected the AW109 Power and GrandNew product lines as the VIP platforms of choice for their exclusive Fractional Ownership Program on the West Coast of the United States. Briles Executive Helishares... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Geneva Aviation has been selected by Angel City Air of Los Angeles to provide new Electronics News Gathering systems and completions for two AS350B2 Helicopters. Angel City Air has selected Geneva Aviation’s Audio, Video, Microwave and Electrical Systems for two new aircraft. These two... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
During the Heli-Expo launch of the EC130 T2, American Eurocopter today announced an order from Enloe FlightCare for an EC130 T2, also called an EcoStar. Not only is Enloe FlightCare one of the launch customers for this evolution of the popular EC130 helicopter line, but it is also the first U.S. air medical program to... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today at Helicopter Association International’s HELI-EXPO 2012 that it has expanded the capabilities of its Service Centre in Long Beach, California, to support its turboshaft family of engines. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). “The West Coast of the United States is an important... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: Air Comm
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Aero Bureau has completed installation of new Air Comm air conditioning systems for the Bureau’s 12 recently purchased American Eurocopter AS350B2 AStar helicopters. The LASD selected Air Comm in a competitive bid to equip the new AStar fleet with air conditioning systems that meet the Air Bureau’s rigorous... Read more
10-Feb-2012Source: Helicopter Technology Company
Helicopter Technology Company (HTC), Los Angeles, California, announced that it is now Certified and operates a ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100C Quality Management System. The registration covers all aspects of the Design and Manufacturing of Helicopter Components. ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100C sets the World Standard for quality levels in all areas of Commercial and Defense Aviation.... Read more
5-Feb-2012
Emergency landing on school field shortly after refuelling at Modesto Airport. No damage... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: Broadcasting & Cable
KNBC in Los Angeles has been involved in a helicopter share with Fox’s owned stations, while sister station WNBC in New York will get its helicopter later this year. (see full story)... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: Helicopter Technology Co
Helicopter Technology Company (HTC), of Los Angeles, California, announced that it is now Certified and operates a ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100C Quality Management System. The registration covers all aspects of the Design and Manufacturing of Helicopter Components. ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100C sets the World Standard for quality levels in all areas of Commercial and Defense... Read more
26-Jan-2012Source: Cadorath Leasing
Cadorath Leasing, a Subsidiary of Cadorath Aerospace, has delivered a Bell 206L-3 aircraft to Macaluso & Associates of Carlsbad, California. Macaluso & Associates replaced its Bell 206 Jet Ranger with the Bell 206L-3 in an effort to support and enhance its executive aviation department which now boasts fixed-wing aircraft. “The Bell 206L-3 meets our demands... Read more
25-Jan-2012Source: CAR
Los Angeles authorities have asked C.A.R. to communicate this warning to REALTORS® who hire unmanned aircraft operators to take aerial photographs for marketing high-end properties. Using these devices (also known as drones) for flight in the air with no onboard pilot may violate, among other things, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) policy on unmanned aircrafts,... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services has appointed two key employees to new positions: Omid Eslamipour to Director of Maintenance and Dale Pike to Chief Pilot. (left and right respectively in the photos below) Omid Eslamipour moves from Director of Quality Assurance to Director of Maintenance. Eslamipour brings more than 25 years’ experience and leadership from his... Read more
19-Jan-2012Source: CALSTAR
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a not-for-profit air ambulance company serving northern and central California announced two changes today in its base operations. The organization has suspended operations of its helicopter base located in Jackson, Amador County (CALSTAR 10). The company will also relocate its helicopter base operations, formerly known as CALSTAR 11, from... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara unveils its new helipad, but it can’t be used for emergencies just yet. State Public Health Officials are scheduled to visit January 23rd for an Inspection. (see full story)... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Pilot reported smoke in the cabin and brought the craft down as a precaution on the junction of Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia at 9.40am local. 1POB, not injured.... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: PHPA
The Helicopter Association International (HAI), FAASTeam & the PHPA invite you to a Landmark two day event: *The 3 THINGS you need to be COMPETITIVE in the ROTARY WING JOB MARKET. *What HAI can do for you – NOW *How the FAASTeam can make YOU MORE COMPETITIVE. *ACTIVE INDUSTRY PILOTS to help YOU STRATEGIZE YOUR WAY AHEAD. *LUNCH is Provided* TOPICS: Helicopter Employment,... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: PHPA
Do you know that Helicopter Noise Legislation now pending in the United States House and Senate could drastically affect how you fly and where you fly in Los Angeles? Do you know the effect this Legislation will have on your Aviation Business? “The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011″, H.R. 2677 introduced by... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Pacific Flyer
Southern California Helicopters Director of Operations Paul Pigneri has announced the roll-out of their new “Professional Helicopter Pilot Program.” (see full story)... Read more
22-Dec-2011
All five members of a Navy helicopter crew are reported to be unhurt after crashing during a training mission on the edge of the Sierra Nevada.... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Charles D. “Chuck” Perriguey Jr. died July 16, 2011 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif. at the age of 66. Chuck was born in Glendale, Calif. on Feb. 15, 1945. He attended the San Gabriel High School and East L.A. College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. Chuck was selected for... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: CALSTAR
The Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation has donated $25,000 to the California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) base in Ukiah. It is the ninth year in a row that the foundation has made a substantial donation to the base, known as CALSTAR 4. According to Deborah Pardee, R.N., M.S., North Bay Regional Director for CALSTAR, the donations... Read more
12-Dec-2011
Precautionary landing after “Engine out” warning. Maintenance engineers attended scene and reportedly “repaired the faulty wiring”... Read more
11-Dec-2011
In November 2009, a Piasecki helicopter struck high tension wires shortly after departing from Adelanto airport as it headed for an airshow in Riverside, California. The helicopter crashed and burned, and all three aboard were killed. (see full story) See also HeliHub.com accident page – 07-Nov-09 N183YP Piasecki PV-18 Adelanto, US-California (3F)... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: British Army
Army Apache crews are returning to the UK this week having completed a major exercise in the United States as part of the Apache Conversion To Role course. Exercise Crimson Eagle is a challenging two-month exercise, split between Naval Air Facility El Centro in California and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field in Arizona.... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and By Kids For Kids Co., an organization that inspires kids to be successful inventors, today awarded a California teenager the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award for envisioning a small unmanned helicopter that could carry critical relief supplies and electrical power to the scene of a natural disaster... Read more