22-Aug-2024Source: Bell
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the delivery of one Bell 429 and a signed purchase agreement for two Bell 407GXi aircraft for the Chicago Police Department. The three aircraft will join the Helicopter Operations Unit’s existing fleet of all-Bell aircraft. “For over 20 years, the Chicago Police Department have chosen Bell as their premier... Read more
11-Jun-2024Source: Volatus Infrastructure
eVertiSKY and Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions (VI&E Solutions) are advancing their efforts to establish comprehensive operational infrastructure for urban air mobility (UAM) in Chicago. The Chicago UAM Living Labs initiative, which began January 2024, focuses on identifying commercialization members whose capabilities will contribute to the UAM value chain, essential for establishing Chicago’s first UAM... Read more
13-May-2024Source: ARCH Air Medical Base
Celebrating two decades of providing life-saving care to the South Central Illinois region, ARCH 3 in Effingham held an intimate community gathering to mark the anniversary. Crew members, past and present, and community members came together at the ARCH Air Medical Base on May 4 to celebrate this major milestone. “Our 20 years of service... Read more
18-Aug-2022Source: US Army
Aviators, crewmembers, and support personnel of the 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, are here operationally testing the UH–60V Blackhawk helicopter while preparing for an upcoming deployment. As the newest helicopter introduced into the Army’s inventory, the UH60-V began fielding to the 106th during 2021 following the unit’s selection as the Army’s first... Read more
11-Feb-2022
Pilot observed a flash reflecting in the windshield, followed by smoke in the cabin – caused by lithium batteries in the pocket of a paramedic on board... Read more
22-Oct-2021Source: Air Methods
The National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) announced the selection of Air Methods’ Ryan Fretz with ARCH Program in Illinois as the 2021 Pilot of the Year. “Ryan was selected as this year’s nominee who best fit our description of a pilot who goes the extra mile,” said Miles Dunagan, president, NEMSPA. “He always makes safety... Read more
15-Sep-2021
Aircraft crashed into field after striking power lines (FAA)... Read more
18-Feb-2021Source: Blade
BLADE Urban Air Mobility, (“Blade” or the “Company”) announced today that it entered into an alliance with Vertiport Chicago (the “Vertiport”). In December of 2020, Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC) agreed to merge with Blade, which will create, following the closing of the merger, the only publicly traded urban air mobility platform in the United... Read more
20-Dec-2020
Substantially damaged – during a touch-and-go, helicopter touched down and fell onto its side 1 minor injury... Read more
20-Nov-2020Source: Air Methods
Air Methods, the leading air medical service in the U.S., announced the opening of a new helicopter base in Lincoln County, Missouri, north of St. Louis. The base is part of the Air Methods subsidiary, ARCH Air Medical Service, which has served Missouri and Illinois for more than 40 years. This expansion represents a vital... Read more
6-Aug-2020
Aircraft struck powerlines during aerial application... Read more
7-May-2017
Helicopter involved in low level agricultural work, clipped wires and came down into the field. Pilot walked away... Read more
21-Apr-2017Source: HeliHub.com
OSF is underway with relocating one of their Life Flight helicopters to Galesburg. The helicopter will move to OSF Saint Mary Medical Centre every day from Peoria. They hope to increase emergency care to the surrounding areas, reports Central Illinois Proud. ... Read more
25-Nov-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The residents of University Village and Tri-Taylor recently met up with Alderman Jason Ervin to ensure that their grievances over the noise pollution coming from Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport was built a year ago and currently provides a base for tourism operations, aerial photography, holds executive charters and private helicopters. As reported by Aviation Today, it... Read more
1-Nov-2016Source: The University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque has entered into an agreement with Midwest Helicopter Academy in Sauget, Illinois, to lease a helicopter and provide subject matter expertise in the delivery of high quality helicopter flight training at the Dubuque Regional Airport beginning January 2017. “UD continues to receive inquiries from potential students about a helicopter program, and... Read more
13-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Located in a rural area, Clay County Hospital is located in a less easiliy accessible area. As a critical access hospital, it focuses on common conditions and outpatient care, and frequently needs to refer patients with other conditions to other hospitals. In turn this means more than 100 Clay County helicopter transports per year, mostly... Read more
6-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The ninth Guimbal Cabri G2 has been registered in the US, and will be operated by Fostaire Helicopters from St. Louis Downtown Airport in Sauget, IL. Established in 1967, Fostaire Helicopters operate both JetRanger and LongRanger helicopters, with their pilots all factory trained by Bell Helicopters instructors, in Fostaire’s own aircraft. Fostaire Helicopters is an... Read more
4-Mar-2016Source: Airbus
One of America’s leading entrepreneurs, David MacNeil, owner of MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. in Bolingbrook, Ill., placed an order Wednesday for an Airbus Helicopters H145 for use with his highly successful company that manufactures the acclaimed WeatherTech automotive products. MacNeil said the decision to buy the H145 was based on the performance, quality and safety... Read more
22-Feb-2016Source: HSHS
HSHS Southern Illinois Division is pleased to announce the launch of HSHS Rescue Flight, the new helicopter serving HSHS St. Joseph’s Highland, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Belleville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Breese. Service began last Thursday, January 21. Ribbon cutting events will held the week of February 8 at each of the three hospitals served. HSHS... Read more
18-Nov-2015Source: EvoLux/Vertiport
Today Vertiport Chicago and EvoLux Transportation announced a partnership that will bring Helicopter Charter Ridesharing to Chicago and the greater Midwest region. Helicopter Rideshare reservations, known as SkyShares, will revolutionize Midwest regional travel by providing vastly increased accessibility to the most convenient, time-saving way to travel. The social benefits, as well as the style factor,... Read more
11-Nov-2015Source: Chicago Helicopter Experience
Chicago’s premier helicopter tour and transportation company, Chicago Helicopter Experience (CHE), is taking holiday lights in Chicago to new heights. Now, for the first time in Chicago, CHE is offering Holiday Lights Helicopter Tours. The tours are the most unique and extraordinary way to view the festive light displays throughout the city…from 1,200 feet in... Read more
16-Oct-2015
Emergency landing in the parking lot outside a store after reported fuel problems. No Damage apparent in press photos... Read more
5-Aug-2015
Agricultural Pilot Marion Turpin was seriously injured when his helicopter crashed into soybean crop after hitting powerlines at low level. Post crash fire... Read more
14-Jun-2015
Rolled over on landing... Read more
29-May-2015Source: CHE
Chicago’s premier helicopter tour and transportation company, Chicago Helicopter Experience (CHE), makes history with the opening of the C.H.E. Chicago Heliport. The first ever private heliport in Chicago features the city’s newest tourism experience, providing VIP-level helicopter tours at an unmatched price point. The current, purpose-built facility, which will be used primarily for tours, maintains... Read more
12-May-2015Source: HAI
HAI’s Harold Summers, director of flight operations and technical services, was in Chicago last week to help celebrate the opening of Chicago’s only downtown heliport — Vertiport Chicago. “Urban heliports have been under tremendous pressure in recent years, despite the business and transportation benefits they provide,” said Summers. “So the opening of heliports like this... Read more
6-May-2015Source: Helimotion
Urgent DHL express packages and documents can now soar over Chicago traffic, thanks to a unique service launched by DHL Express, in partnership with Helimotion. Financial and legal firms in Chicago can now receive international materials via Helimotion Helicopters. Flying an urgent package over the morning commute can save hours – bypassing Chicago’s notorious traffic... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: Chicago Business
After years of delays, an investor group is set to open a helicopter landing facility on the Near West Side and test the demand for commercial helicopter and other vertical-takeoff flights close to downtown. See Full Story... Read more
29-Apr-2015Source: DHL
Starting today, helicopters won’t just be used to report on Chicago’s notorious traffic gridlock; they’ll actually help get international shippers through it. DHL, the world’s leading international express services provider, launched its helicopter service in Chicago to provide early morning delivery services for the area’s financial and legal firms requiring urgent document delivery. “We have... Read more
15-Jan-2015
AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) announced that its Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled meeting declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share to its stockholders. The dividend will be payable on or before February 16, 2015, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 28, 2015. Future cash dividends... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: CHE
Chicago’s premier helicopter tour and transportation company, Chicago Helicopter Experience (CHE), just took helicopter tourism up a notch with the introduction of the newest addition to their fleet, the EC130. A leader in the helicopter tourism sector, the EC130 is the only helicopter of its kind in Chicago, and provides the ultimate in a luxury... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: Morris Daily Herald
The Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance District has been teaming up with helicopter rescue service Lifestar to shave valuable minutes off response times in potentially fatal crashes. See full story... Read more
12-Aug-2014
Helicopter clipped powerlines and crashed killing pilot Paul Reynolds during a low level transit between fields he was working on.... Read more
23-Jul-2014
helicopter crash injured a 68-year-old Oquawka man... Read more
24-Apr-2014
One of America’s leading entrepreneurs is the proud owner of a new, customized AS350 B3e helicopter produced by Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI). David MacNeil, owner of MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. in Bolingbrook, Ill. has taken delivery of the aircraft that he will use in business travels for his highly successful company that manufactures the acclaimed... Read more
20-Mar-2014Source: MedEvac Foundation
Air Evac Lifeteam Brazil, Indiana Clinical Base Lead, Stacy Fiscus, NREMT-P, FP-C, CCP-C, CCEMTP, has been awarded the 2014 Safety Management Training Academy (SMTA) Scholarship by the MedEvac Foundation International. Fiscus receives the scholarship based on her high level of involvement in safety initiatives in the critical care transport community. Fiscus currently serves as Vice... Read more
11-Mar-2014Source: Sun Times
Since 1968, the family-owned business has been operating from its offices and hangar on Madison Street, just north of Joliet Road, the former site of the Hinsdale airport. See full profile... Read more
6-Mar-2014
Field landing, no other details supplied in FAA preliminary... Read more
14-Oct-2013Source: KHQA
The Survival Flight helicopter hovered over the Blessing Hospital helipad for about six minutes as officials attempted to move another helicopter off the landing pad. See full story... Read more
2-Oct-2013
Training flight, skid clipped ground during hovering practice and helicopter rolled onto its starboard side with fuel leaking from it (photo). Neither student Charles Fink or instructor Raymond Daniel were injured... Read more
3-Sep-2013Source: US Coast Guard
The Coast Guard’s Great Lakes air stations closed their seasonal air facilities in Muskegon, Mich., and Waukegan, Ill., Tuesday following their annual assignment to support Coast Guard operations in southern Lake Michigan and the surrounding areas. The air facilities operate during the traditional boating season, which runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend,... Read more
28-Jul-2013
Agricultural ops. Company owner Dwayne Deakins refers to pilot as “Dale” in this video... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: NBAA
Developers of a new vertiport near Chicago’s downtown business center hope to break ground on the 10-acre project later this summer and begin operations next year. The vertiport, which differs from a heliport by being designed for use by tiltrotors as well as helicopters, will be constructed at Wood and 15th streets on land owned... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Rock River Times
Rockford Health System marked a new milestone in its REACT program June 27, when it unveiled its new helicopter with a ceremonial first flight – the relaunch following their fatal accident in December 2012 – see full story of new helicopter launch. Photo – Rockford Health System... Read more
3-Jun-2013
Training accident. Main blades chopped tail boom. Helicopter ended up on its skids... Read more
7-Feb-2013Source: Rockford Memorial Hospital
Rockford Memorial Hospital’s REACT helicopter program resumed full air and ground transport service on Sunday, February 3. Working with aviation partner Air Methods, REACT pilots, flight nurses and mechanics resumed serving injured and critically-ill patients throughout the region. The first flight was a patient flown from Freeport to Rockford Memorial Hospital. REACT is using a... Read more
5-Feb-2013Source: News Tribune
OSF Life Flight, a part of OSF HealthCare, announced a significant expansion of its medical helicopter services to the region around Peru. (see full story)... Read more
1-Feb-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced delivery of a new AS350 B2 AStar aircraft to U.S. Helicopters, Inc. U.S. Helicopters, Inc. based in Marshville, N.C., is one of the largest operators of electronic news gathering helicopters in the country. The company has served dozens of major television stations located in cities in most of the lower 48... Read more
27-Jan-2013Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corp., a leader in the air medical industry, announced today that Jana Williams has accepted the position of V.P. of Partner Development and will be working out of the Chicago area in addition to the corporate headquarters in Lewisville, Texas. Williams,a transformational leader, has been in EMS for more than 27 years. She most recently... Read more
22-Jan-2013Source: Rockford Memorial Hospital
Rockford Memorial Hospital’s REACT helicopter program recently began training flights on a temporary aircraft. Working with our aviation partner, Air Methods, REACT pilots and mechanics are now training on a Eurocopter EC135 aircraft housed at the hangar on the North Rockton Avenue campus. Flight nurses have resumed staffing critical care ground transports throughout the region... Read more
10-Dec-2012
Three killed in an EMS helicopter accident – en route from Rockford base to Mendota to pick up a patient. Weather reported as a factor. Pilot later named as Andy Olesen, and the two flight nurses were Jim Dillow and Karen Hollis... Read more
1-Nov-2012Source: Chicago Tribune
Timothy Swanson faces an investigation into a police helicopter program he began while chief of southwest suburban Countryside in 2005 and then moved to Kankakee County in 2009, records show. (see full story)... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: Becker Avionics
OSF Aviation, LLC, a division of OSF HealthCare based in Peoria, Illinois, recently took delivery of their first of four (4) new Eurocopter EC145 Air Medical helicopters with the Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System installed. These EC145s are part of a fleet replacement program for OSF’s operations. OSF Aviation is the provider of air... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: HAI
HAI, in partnership with the FAA Safety Team (FAASteam), will host a free, two-day safety seminar, Aug. 24-25, in Des Plaines, Ill. for all helicopter pilots in the Great Lakes region. Doors and registration open at 8:30 a.m. The workshop days start at 9:00 a.m. and will run until 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration is not required... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: East Chicago community
The East Chicago City Council has approved a special zoning variance allowing St. Catherine Hospital to build a new heliport. (see full story)... Read more
27-May-2012
Tail struck ground while hovering, causing helicopter to crash land on its side... Read more
8-May-2012Source: United Rotorcraft
United Rotorcraft is pleased to announce it has delivered the first of four Eurocopter EC145 aircraft to OSF Aviation, LLC, Peoria, Ill., a part of OSF HealthCare. The delivery marks the first after market WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) certified (under FAA STC) EC145. WAAS is intended to enable aircraft to rely on GPS for... Read more
21-Apr-2012
Tail rotor struck ground handling platform during landing... Read more
22-Feb-2012Source: Vislink
Vislink has won a major order from Motorola Solutions, Inc. to fulfill Motorola’s contract with the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) to equip Chicago Fire and Police Department helicopters with airborne surveillance technology in advance of the city’s hosting of the Group of Eight (G8) and NATO Summits in May... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by OSF Aviation, LLC, a part of OSF HealthCare based in Peoria, Illinois for their new EC145 Air Medical Helicopter fleet. The four (4) EC145s are part of a fleet replacement program for OSF’s operations. OSF Aviation is the provider of air medical support services to... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CBS Chicago
The lawsuit was filed by SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The group is seeking to have a judge reverse the October ruling by the Illinois Department of Transportation that approved the heliport. (see full story)... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: AAR
AAR (NYSE: AIR) has been selected by Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Office as aviation industry partner for a new education to careers engagement strategy between the City Colleges of Chicago and private business to prepare residents for jobs in high-growth sectors. AAR Chairman and CEO David P. Storch joined Mayor Emanuel for the announcement of the... Read more
18-Nov-2011
Gear collapsed on landing... Read more
13-Nov-2011
Main rotor struck tail boom on shut down... Read more
26-Oct-2011Source: Rockford Register Star
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center celebrates 30 years of its Lifeline medical helicopter program Wednesday, and staff say health system officials have invested in major equipment upgrades and training during the last few years to make the aircraft more dependable and in demand for the region. (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods, the largest air medical transportation company in the world, announced today that United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods (formerly known as the Products Division of Air Methods) has been awarded a contract by OSF Aviation, LLC, Peoria, Ill., a part of OSF HealthCare, to complete OSF’s four new Eurocopter EC145 aircraft. The... Read more
17-Oct-2011Source: American Eurocopter
** EDITOR NOTE ** HeliHub.com broke this story four weeks ago – see OSF Life Flight to upgrade from B230 to EC145 – what follows is merely today’s press release confirming the details American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that OSF Aviation, LLC, a part of OSF HealthCare based in Peoria, Illinois, has ordered four... Read more
16-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Helicopters will be able to bring sick patients to the new Children’s Memorial Hospital in Streeterville after the Illinois Department of Transportation approved the heliport Friday. Children’s Memorial said on average, 73 children are brought to its current Lincoln Park location by helicopter every year. William P Johnson – HeliHub.com US correspondent... Read more
16-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
SCOOP! OSF Life Flight, run by St Francis Medical Center in the Illinois city of Peoria, is set to move from using Bell 230s. Â Currently they fly four of the type, registered N830SF, N840SF, M870SF and N880SF, two registered to OSF Aviation LLC in 2002 and two in 2007. In recent days, four Eurocopter... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
Marion, IL – Todd Test, flight paramedic for the Marion, Ill. Air Evac Lifeteam base, has been honored with the company’s 2011 Region 1 Flight Paramedic of the Year award. Test’s region consists of Air Evac Lifeteam bases in Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. The Flight Paramedic of the Year is presented to the paramedic who... Read more
1-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Illinois legislators have passed state-level law which will make it illegal to target a laser at the cockpit of an aircraft. The law was recently signed onto the statute books by Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, as one of a package of new laws to fight crime and protect residents across the state, and will become... Read more
27-Jul-2011
The pilot was landing the helicopter on a helicopter cart. He said that the helicopter’s skid got caught on the cart and the helicopter subsequently rolled over. There were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter during the flight. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its tailboom when it rolled.... Read more
6-Jun-2011Source: Briskman Briskman & Greenberg
A defective aircraft and wrongful death lawsuit will continue court proceedings in Illinois, ruled the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District, Sixth Division. Michael Russell flew an emergency medical service helicopter for Air Angels, Inc. throughout Cook County. He died when the aircraft he was piloting crashed. His family subsequently discovered that one of... Read more
3-Jun-2011Source: Chicago Tribune
A proposed helipad for the new Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood should be safe enough “to perform approach and landing maneuvers,” an independent analysis conducted for the Illinois Department of Transportation says.... Read more
12-May-2011
Coroner reported that James Burks of Hot Springs, Ark. was pronounced dead at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville.  Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Hundelt says the helicopter was spraying fungicide on a wheat field near New Athens when the rotor separated from the aircraft, causing it to crash.... Read more
