14-Dec-2020Source: PAC International
PAC International recently completed and delivered a new Bell 407GXi helicopter to the Virginia State Police. The State Police Aviation Unit’s primary mission is to provide search, rescue, law enforcement and medical evacuation. Pilots are gaining an extra set of eyes with the installation of a Garmin GTS 800 Traffic Advisory System (TAS), which combines... Read more
7-Dec-2020Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corporation, part of the Global Medical Response family of companies, recently delivered a Bell 407 air ambulance to Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Va. The aircraft will be based at the Level 1 trauma center and launches the HCA Virginia Healthcare Air Ambulance program. Med-Trans will provide the pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, and Chippenham... Read more
10-Aug-2020
Routine training mission; helicopter was struck by a bullet. A safe emergency landing was made at Manassas Regional Airport. One crew member was treated at a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.... Read more
12-Feb-2020Source: HeloAir
HeloAir is excited to introduce Rodger Crawley as our new Chief Pilot. Rodger has been with HeloAir since June 2003 when he first joined us as the Sky13 News pilot in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Since that time, his skills and leadership have allowed him to become one of our most versatile and valued pilots... Read more
14-May-2019Source: Air Methods
Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider, today announced that it has expanded its partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and will now be part of the plans’ in-network health coverage benefits in six additional states across the country. As part of the agreement, Anthem-affiliated health plan members in California, Georgia, Nevada,... Read more
28-Jan-2019Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] successfully completed the first test flight of its autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype in Manassas, Virginia. Boeing NeXt, which leads the company’s urban air mobility efforts, utilized Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences to design and develop the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and will continue testing to advance the... Read more
23-Apr-2018Source: HeliHub.com
The Virginia State Police have honoured one of their troopers, Berke Bates, who was killed in a helicopter crash, by naming the helipad in Chesterfield County after him. The helicopter crashed during a white supremacist rally last year August. They hope that this memorial will help bring pride to Berke’s wife and two children, reports... Read more
5-Sep-2017Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is proud to announce the purchase of a new, custom-configured MD 530F by the Virginia Beach Police Department Aviation Unit. This will be the first MD Helicopters aircraft to join the Virginia Beach Police Department since the Helicopter Operations unit was established. “The MD 530F is an exceptional aircraft for law enforcement... Read more
19-Dec-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Sikorsky was sued on the terms of wrongful death and negligence in 2014 and has recently agreed to a “settlement in principle” reports My San Antonio. The MH-53E Sea Dragon crashed on January 8th 2014 off the Virginia Beach Coast and killed three of its crew members; Lt. Sean Snyder, 39, Lt. Wesley Van Dorn,... Read more
17-Aug-2016Source: SMJH
Recently, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital made fast transport to its emergency services easier, opening a new helipad just outside its hospital-based emergency department. “One of our goals is to provide easy access to the care that our community needs, especially in areas of the Blue Ridge region that need access to emergency care,” noted Jonathan... Read more
10-Feb-2016Source: WDBJ7
On Friday, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard pilots and drone operators met at the hangar on McClanahan Street in Roanoke to talk about safe ways to share the airspace. See Full Story... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: HAI
Late last week, HAI Director of Safety Outreach Stan Rose joined the FAASTeam and the Virginia Department of Aviation to host a helicopter safety day in Richmond, Va. Local helicopter operators and pilots gathered together for continuing helicopter safety education. The presentations included an industry outlook and safety management systems (SMS) considerations from HAI, medical... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: HAI
With the approach of Hurricane Joaquin and a great deal of uncertainty about its track, HAI and the organizers of the American Heroes Airshow in Chesapeake, Va., have decided to postpone the joint event scheduled for this weekend by one week. HAI HELI-DAYS at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) in Chesapeake, originally scheduled for Saturday, October... Read more
23-Sep-2015Source: HAI
HAI’s new regional member outreach event — to Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) in Virginia’s Tidewater region on Saturday, October 3. At 10:00 a.m., HAI Vice President of Operations Chris Martino will host a town hall meeting to discuss the state of the helicopter industry. At 11:00 a.m., HAI Director of Safety Dennis Pratte will... Read more
19-Feb-2015Source: WDBJ7
You’ve seen them in the air before and you may have even ridden in one yourself. Carilion’s Life-Guard Air Ambulance program has been a staple in Southwest Virginia since 1981, when it became the first Air Ambulance in the Commonwealth of Virginia. See Full Story... Read more
12-Feb-2015
Precautionary landing shortly after take off – MH-53E is currently focus of safety inspections regarding wiring and fuel lines... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: AHS
Each year, AHS International members honor vertical flight’s best with nearly two dozen awards. February 9 is the deadline for this year’s nominations. Please recognize the efforts of your colleagues by submitting your nominations now. Since 1944, AHS’s awards have paid tribute to the world’s leaders in industry, government and academia. The latest awards will... Read more
22-Oct-2014Source: AHS
The 16th biennial Helicopter Military Operations Technology (HELMOT) XVI is being held by the Army’s Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) on base at Ft. Eustis, Virginia in order to comply with current US government restrictions for this type of event. We regret to announce that there will be no unclassified sessions. There will be a single day... Read more
9-Oct-2014Source: AHS
AHS International has sold its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia and will be moving a few miles away. The existing buildings were antiquated and in constant need of repair. The new, leased spaces, though much smaller, feature a more modern IT infrastructure, and will be much more economical. Staff email addresses and phone numbers will remain... Read more
18-Aug-2014Source: Leesburg Today
The public hearing has not yet been scheduled, but the application to establish a private heliport on a rural estate is sparking lots of comments on the county planning department’s online input system. See Full Story... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: Applied Video Imaging
Applied Video Imaging, a provider of rugged video products for airborne, ground, and marine surveillance missions, delivered its new rugged D1000 series display and its new Q0101 rugged Quad Video Processor for the Virginia State Police Bell 407 upgrade. The rugged HD display will be cockpit-mounted in portrait mode allowing single, dual, or tri image... Read more
10-Apr-2014Source: Summit Aviation
Summit Aviation has played a vital role in saving a piece of military history by restoring the oldest surviving CH-47A Chinook helicopter for the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Va. The restored Chinook, aircraft 59-94984, will be unveiled April 11 at the museum, less than a year after it was delivered to Summit’s... Read more
25-Mar-2014Source: WTVR-CBS6
The Virginia State Police say if Chesterfield County opts out of the program, they would be forced to seek an alternative medical service to provide flight nurses. See full story... Read more
10-Feb-2014Source: USMC
Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented awards to sailors and Navy Divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU2) Feb. 6 for salvaging last month’s downed MH-53E helicopter and recovering a missing aviator. Gortney also congratulated MDSU2 on other recent mission highlights including salvaging a downed U.S. Air Force F-16C Falcon... Read more
5-Feb-2014Source: Greystone
Greystone Ltd announces the spin-off of its aviation division into a separate entity, Skycore Aviation Ltd. As a new entity, Skycore Aviation will be able to focus on providing exceptional service, highly skilled personnel and veteran program management to the aviation community. Skycore brings with it a highly experienced management team and skilled pool of... Read more
1-Jan-2014Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced the selection of the six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. These congressionally-mandated test sites will conduct critical research into the certification and operational requirements necessary to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace over the next several... Read more
19-Oct-2013
Contacted trees while trimming them. Landed without incident... Read more
8-Oct-2013Source: Carilion Clinic
Med-Trans, the air medical partner operating Carilion Clinic’s Life-Guard helicopters, has reached an agreement with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield of Virginia. Carilion Life-Guard flights are considered in-network for Anthem subscribers. Patients will only be billed for the deductible and co-pay amounts applicable under their insurance plan. The terms of the agreement will be applied to all... Read more
27-Sep-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland North America, Inc., has relocated its corporate headquarters from Reston, Va., to Arlington, Va., in a move that brings the helicopter company in closer proximity to its Pentagon and other U.S. Federal government customers. The company has moved their office and headquarters employees from Reston’s Plaza America complex to 2345 Crystal Drive in the... Read more
12-Sep-2013Source: Fort Monroe Authority
The Fort Monroe Authority and the City of Hampton are pleased to announce that Carson Helicopters has selected Fort Monroe for its new location. Based in Pennsylvania, Carson Helicopters has been in the helicopter business for more than 50 years. The company rebuilds and updates the S61 helicopter and other aircraft and holds over 35... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: HAI
HAI officially threw the doors of its new international headquarters open on Monday, June 24, with a ribbon cutting and welcome reception. HAI President Matt Zuccaro was joined by Alexandria, Va., Mayor William Euille and members of both the current board of directors and the board that approved the building purchase for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.... Read more
10-Jun-2013Source: HAI
The executives and staff of Helicopter Association International (HAI) on Thursday, June 6, 2013, moved into the association’s new headquarters facility, located a few blocks away from its previous location in Alexandria, Va. The new, larger space allows HAI to meet growth requirements to better serve members and provides office space, classrooms, and meeting room... Read more
24-May-2013
Near miss – military helicopter and Embraer 175 airliner at same level (400ft) and 950 ft horizontal separation. Airliner on approach to Reagan National Airport... Read more
17-May-2013
Two members of the FBI’s ultra-elite Hostage Rescue Team (Special Agents Christopher Lorek and Stephen Shaw) were killed during a training accident involving a helicopter off the coast of Virginia Beach. The military statement said very little except that it encountered unspecified difficulties and the agents fell a “significant distance.”... Read more
13-Mar-2013Source: Carilion
As part of a move to better coordinate its air medical services, Carilion Clinic is building hangars and other facilities for emergency helicopters based at Lexington and Smith Mountain Lake. Construction will begin later this month on a hangar, crew quarters and offices on a half-acre site behind Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, the... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AirCare 4 in Virginia – based Front Royal-Warren County Airport – have recently changed helicopter type. Operator PHI Medical has swapped out the Eurocopter EC135 they had previously used and repplaced it with a Bell 407. PHI spokeman Glenn Deaton is quoted in local media saying it was “purely a business development decision to move... Read more
11-Oct-2012Source: NewsLeader
A fixed-wing flight instructor and his student were flying in the wrong traffic pattern before being hit by a PHI Air Medical EC135 near Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger on board the airplane were fatally injured. The families of the two victims have filed a $120 million lawsuit against PHI... Read more
12-Sep-2012Source: Potomac Flight Training
On August 16, 2012, the FAA qualified and approved Potomac Flight Training, LLC’s Twin Turbine Helicopter (TTH-1) simulator as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The full motion, visual simulator built by Fidelity Flight Simulation of Pittsburg, PA is designed as an EC-135 and is approved as a Helicopter Advanced ATD. It is authorized for... Read more
24-Aug-2012
Crashed into lake shortly after take-off around 10.20pm – after dropping off six passengers at helicopter owner’s home. Sole occupant pilot was named in local press as Bill R. Starnes, 64 (see obituary)... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: James Clark School
The National Aeronautic Association has certified the June 21, 2012, flight of Gamera II at 49.9 seconds, a new national record for human-powered helicopter flight duration, and submitted flight information to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale for approval as a world record. Gamera II was designed, built and piloted by students at the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of... Read more
10-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). FCPD’s second multi-role Bell 429 is configured for both law enforcement and emergency medical service operations. “We rely on the power, speed, size and accessibility of the cabin, and the exceptional... Read more
15-Jun-2012Source: HAI
This Saturday, June 16, HAI Director of Membership Annette Duplinsky and membership assistant Jane Zaretskie will be representing HAI at the National Air and Space Museum “Become a Pilot Dayâ€Â at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Inside the center, you will be able to experience 50 visiting vintage, recreational, military, and homebuilt aircraft; test... Read more
13-Jun-2012Source: WFBMC
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center now has three helicopters transporting critically ill patients to the Medical Center. AirCare 3 is based at Blue Ridge Airport near Martinsville, VA and serves the communities northeast of Winston-Salem. “We can save as much as 15 minutes in response time in this area by having an air ambulance based... Read more
17-May-2012
A medical helicopter came within 1,000 feet of three military jets after dropping off a patient, a spokesman for healthcare organization Carilion Clinic said.... Read more
9-May-2012Source: Keystone Turbine Services
Keystone Turbine Services, LLC (KTS) is pleased to announce that industry veteran Tom Hall has now joined our team. “Tom is one of the most highly respected people in our industry and has over 40 years of engine experience and a loyal customer following,†stated Ken Essary, Vice President and Chief Services Officer for M... Read more
7-May-2012Source: Newsplex.com
A Hughes 500C is being used as a new rescue tool for the Albemarle County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team. The aircraft and its services are being provided by David King, co-owner of King Family Vineyard. (see full story)... Read more
26-Apr-2012
There were no injuries among the crewmen aboard and the helicopter suffered no damage as a result of the precautionary landing. 8 POB. C ode 540 from the press photo (link 2) leads us to believe this was Bu164771... Read more
21-Apr-2012Source: GlobeSt.com
HAI has acquired a four-story, office-and-retail building in the Carlyle District for $17.1 million. The group will use part of the building as its headquarters and lease out the rest (see full story)... Read more
13-Apr-2012
Minor damage during external load operations... Read more
22-Feb-2012Source: N V Daily
Eight months after the parents of two men who died in an aircraft crash in December 2010 filed suit against the pilot and owner of the AirCare 5 medical helicopter that their plane collided a trial date has not been set. (see full story) See also the HeliHub.com page for this accident – 31-Dec-10 N385PH... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: Carilion Clinic
Carilion Clinic will add a third helicopter to its fleet of medical aircraft serving southwest and central Virginia and sections of West Virginia and North Carolina. The helicopter, called Carilion Life-Guard 12, will be based in the Rockbridge County area. Its presence will further extend Carilion’s ability to serve the region, which includes Allegheny County,... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Fairfax County Police Department near Washington DC recently took delivery of the first of two new Bell 429 light-twin law enforcement/EMS helicopters equipped with Becker Avionics Digital Audio System, the DVCS6100. Fairfax’s new 429 was completed and delivered by Paradigm Aerospace Corporation / PAC International in Mount Pleasant, PA. Their second 429 is currently undergoing... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: News Advance
Liberty University is disbanding its helicopter flight-training program this year due to low student interest and limited job opportunities for helicopter pilots, LU officials said. Liberty launched the helicopter program in 2008 as a concentration for students majoring in aeronautics. (see full story)... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered the first Bell 429 with a multi-mission configuration to Fairfax County, Virginia. This is the first of two Bell 429s being delivered to Fairfax County. Their second Bell 429 is expected to deliver in the second quarter of 2012. This multi-role Bell... Read more
13-Oct-2011Source: HAI
On Sat., Oct. 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Annette Duplinsky, HAI’s Director of Membership, will be representing HAI at the American Helicopters Annual Open House in Manassas, Va. The Open House will include aircraft displays, discounted helicopter and airplane training/block time packages, food, and give-aways. Come along and meet Annette and learn about the... Read more
22-Sep-2011
Landed in field in unknown circumstances. Filed by FAA as accident report... Read more
23-Aug-2011
The new EC145 boasts several new state-of-the-art features, including NVG capability, several global positioning units, terrain avoidance technology, onboard weather systems and a glass cockpit that Sgt. John Ratliff said was the “latest and best technology.â€Â (Full story) The particular aircraft is registered N39VA, serial 9384. File photo... Read more
29-Jul-2011Source: Sentara Healthcare
David Banty, 76, of Capron, Virginia in Southampton County has flown as a patient on the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance, twice. The first time was in August of 1982, just seven months after the program’s inception, when he nearly drowned on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Last March, he suffered a heart attack at... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Air Methods
Longtime completion leader, Metro Aviation, Inc. will showcase their latest comprehensive EC145 customization for the Virginia State Police Med Flight during the upcoming Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Annual Conference and Exposition. The venue begins this week on Wednesday 20 July 2011 and runs through Friday 22 July at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center... Read more
14-Jun-2011Source: Sentara Healthcare
Leslie Peterfeso, a Sentara employee, sees the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance launch and land every day at its home base at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Last December, though, Peterfeso became a Nightingale patient in a freak accident at her Suffolk home when a heavy tree limb her husband was sawing fell the wrong way and... Read more
6-Jun-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by the Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division for integration into their new Bell 429 helicopter. Their new aircraft is currently undergoing completion at Paradigm Aerospace Corporation (PAC) in Mt. Pleasant, PA. The DVCS6100 was chosen by Fairfax County PD due to its unique ability to effectively... Read more
13-May-2011Source: Carilion Clinic
Come celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Carilion Clinic Life-Guard and the 25th anniversary of Carilion Clinic’s ground services on Saturday, May 14th @ 3p.m. at Down by the River. Life-Guard will be there, along with ambulances, flight and ground crews, Q99 and free food! For more information and for ticket prices to Down by the... Read more
25-Mar-2011
The helicopter came to rest tilted on its left side. One of the main rotor blades was nearly snapped off, and the impact completely sheared off the rear tail rotor, which came to rest a short distance from the main body. Had completed 20 minutes flying time since maintenance, and was the pilot’s first flight... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero announced today that is has signed HeloAir Inc., of Richmond Va. as an Authorized Support Center. The agreement is for one year and includes optional one-year extensions at the end of each expiry date. “Today’s announcement reflects our growing footprint in the U.S. and establishes a three-fold strategic alliance between the end operator, StandardAero... Read more
13-Jan-2011
Helicopter noise in the region has been an ongoing issue for years. Arlington County Board member Mary Hynes says Arlington County registers three or four new calls a month about the noise. However, one man who lives in the Fairlington section of Arlington says he leaves the county two to three messages a day about... Read more
12-Jan-2011
HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 31-Dec-10 N385PH Eurocopter EC135 Weyers Cave, US-Virginia... Read more
31-Dec-2010
Mid-air collision with Cessna 172 N2876L in which two people died. Helicopter landed safely. No patient on boad. Crew listed as pilot Paul Weve, co-pilot and nurse Joseph Root and flight nurse Carolyn Booke.... Read more
23-Dec-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, Texas – American Eurocopter is pleased to announce the delivery of a new, state-of-the-art EC145 to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance, the air medical transport service for Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft will be based at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Virginia), the only Level One Trauma Center in the area. The EC145’s combination... Read more
11-Oct-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter today announced that HeatlhNet Aeromedical, long-time customer and program with aircraft operated by Air Methods, continues to expand its operations utilizing the company’s industry leading helicopters. HealthNet has already placed an EC135 and an EC145 into service this year and it has further expansion planned for the fourth quarter.... Read more
9-Oct-2010
Field landing and rudder struck trees... Read more
24-Sep-2010Source: NBC Washington
Military helicopters are a common sight in the D.C. area. But some local homeowners say helicopters and the ear-splitting noise they make are becoming far too common.... Read more
9-Sep-2010Source: Gazette Virginian
The North Halifax Volunteer Fire Dept will kick off its annual marathon Saturday having on display its new state-of-the-art helipad. The lighted helipad was made possible through the joint support of Halifax Regional Hospital and Centra Health.... Read more
3-Sep-2010Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) announced today that the Virginia Department of State Police Aviation Unit in Richmond, Va., would receive 19, F4949 Pinnacle Aviation Night Vision systems. ASU already had obtained a necessary GSA contract that covered a full line of ITT aviation systems, parts and accessories. “We are thrilled to fill the order for... Read more
13-Aug-2010Source: The News & Advance
Centra’s new EC135 replaces the Virginia State Police’s MedFlight III service. Centra opted out of that arrangement following a change in Medicare policy that meant Centra needed an upgraded flight certificate from the FAA... Read more
