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Bell

Iraqi Army receives last of 24 Bell 407s

Iraqi Army receives last of 24 Bell 407s

Source: US Army, 23-May-13

The Army completed a significant milestone in helping to maintain stability in Iraq now that the U.S. military have departed from that theater of operations. The Project Office for Armed Scout Helicopters, along with several representatives from different organizations on Redstone Arsenal, made the eighth delivery of the Iraqi Armed-407 Bell helicopters to Iraq. Three [...]

Argentine Air Force to add two Bell 412s

Argentine Air Force to add two Bell 412s

Source: HeliHub.com, 23-May-13

Argentina’s local Boletin publication details Government decisions – and reference number 181/2013 has this week reported the purchase of two Bell 412s from Canada. One of these will be a new-build aircraft and the other a pre-owned example. Prices are quoted as $10M and $7M respectively, but does not cover the detailed specification or delivery [...]

EBACE – Bell showcases 429

EBACE – Bell showcases 429

Source: Bell, 23-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 13th annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) held May 21 to May 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. Bell Helicopter will feature a corporate configured Bell 429 on static display. The customer-owned Bell 429 on display was the first to be [...]

Bell promotes innovation at AHS Forum 69

Bell promotes innovation at AHS Forum 69

Source: Bell, 22-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 69th annual AHS Forum and Technology Display held May 21 to May 23 at the Phoenix Convention Center. In addition to sponsorship, Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence at the conference with a pre-forum event, technical presentations, a Bell 525 [...]

Evergreen Helicopters buys two Bell 214STs

Evergreen Helicopters buys two Bell 214STs

Source: Erickson Air-Crane, 20-May-13

Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. (“EHI”), has acquired five aircraft [...]

HeliRussia – Transas Aviation to provide locally-made GPS for Bell 407, 429

HeliRussia – Transas Aviation to provide locally-made GPS for Bell 407, 429

Source: Transas Aviation, 17-May-13

[electronic translation] Transas Aviation Company, A Part of Transas Group, and Jet Transfer Company, an Official Representative of Rotorcraft American manufacturer Bell Helicopter, have signed A Cooperation Agreement for Installation of GLONASS / GPS equipment on Bell-407 and Bell-429 helicopters. Installation of Transas manufactured GLONASS / GPS Satellite Navigation System, TSS (Transas Satellite System), on [...]

HeliRussia – Bell expands in Russia

HeliRussia – Bell expands in Russia

Source: Bell, 17-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), continues to expand its presence in Russia through recent  aircraft deliveries, the appointment of a second Independent Representative and through participation at the 6th annual HeliRussia exhibition. “Russia is a very important market for Bell Helicopter; their demand for new rotorcraft is increasing and we are ready to provide them [...]

Dart launches Rear Locker Extender for B206 and B407

Dart launches Rear Locker Extender for B206 and B407

Source: DART Aerospace, 17-May-13

DART Aerospace announces that the Rear Locker Extender™ that increases the baggage compartment capacity by 21” is now FAA and TCCA approved for Bell 206A/B/L/L1/L3/L4 and 407 (including 407GX) aircraft. Constructed from a high quality, rugged composite, the rear locker extender is a perfect lightweight solution to stow extra sets of golf clubs, long-handled shovels [...]

Bell takes 407AH to SOFIC 2013

Bell takes 407AH to SOFIC 2013

Source: Bell, 15-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) held May 14 to May 16 in Tampa, Fla. Bell Helicopter will feature an armed Bell 407 on static display, its first commercially qualified armed helicopter, a CV-22 model and 3-D interactive programs demonstrating [...]

CPI Aero wins $3.95M more work for AH-1Z

CPI Aero wins $3.95M more work for AH-1Z

Source: CPI Aero, 15-May-13

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero(R)”) (nyse mkt:CVU) announced today that it has received an extension, through 2015, to its existing General Ordering Agreement with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. TXT +0.07%  company, that adds additional delivery requirements totaling $3.95 million for the manufacture of various assemblies for the AH-1Z ZULU attack helicopter. The AH-1Z ZULU [...]

Bell awarded $85M contract for FMS work in Iraq and Taiwan

Bell awarded $85M contract for FMS work in Iraq and Taiwan

Source: US DoD, 15-May-13

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, foreign military sales (FMS) contract with a maximum value of $85,400,000 for engineering and technical support services.  This FMS contract is in support of Iraq and Taiwan.  Performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the [...]

Bell appoints new MD of North America

Bell appoints new MD of North America

Source: Bell, 14-May-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Anthony Moreland will return to Bell Helicopter as managing director, North America. In this role, Moreland is responsible for all sales and marketing activities in the United States and Canada. “Anthony is a valuable addition to Bell Helicopter with extensive sales and marketing experience, [...]

14-May-13 B-7479 Bell 206B Dezhou City, China

14-May-13

Helicopter hijacked, linked to recovery of monies owed by the operator to another aviation company

12-May-13 C-GAHZ Bell 212 Dewar Lakes, Canada

12-May-13

On landing, the helicopter encountered whiteout conditions, and after touchdown, the helicopter rolled over. Two of the three passengers suffered minor injuries. The pilot and other passenger were not injured. The helicopter was destroyed.  On contract to Canada’s Dept of National Defence.  CADORS 2013C1810

EFW awarded $11.8M contract for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracker Systems

EFW awarded $11.8M contract for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracker Systems

Source: US DoD, 10-May-13

EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,837,950 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the Helmet Display Tracker Systems (HDTS) in support of the AH-1W helicopters. This contract includes the manufacture and delivery of 11 P-kits, 65 A-kits, 11 installations, and non-recurring engineering and program support. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. [...]

10-May-13 N94PH Bell 206B Heflin, US-Kentucky

10-May-13

Hit powerline while spraying.  Pilot walked away – he was named here as Michael Stewart

09-May-13 N927SP Bell OH-58A Jekyll Island, US-Georgia

09-May-13

Main rotor struck tail on landing

Industry CEOs to headline AHS Forum

Industry CEOs to headline AHS Forum

Source: AHS, 07-May-13

The vertical flight world is wrestling with rapidly evolving challenges. From military struggles to sustain capabilities in the face of urgent budget cuts to civil campaigns for efficiency gains that bolster success in tepid markets, the vertical flight industry faces new challenges almost daily to meet its customers’ current demands while ensuring its ability to [...]

07-May-13 N20Z Bell 206L La Junta, US-Colorado

07-May-13

Crashed in open land and fell onto its side.  Reported as on photo mission.  Three occupants had minor injuries

Iran reveals indigenous Bell 214 simulator

Iran reveals indigenous Bell 214 simulator

Source: Press TV, 06-May-13

The Iranian Army’s Ground Forces have unveiled a new indigenous simulator for Bell 214 helicopter, presenting the forces’ latest achievement in the simulation field. (See Full Story)

04-May-13 N911RN Bell OH-58A Somerton, US-California

04-May-13

Spraying accident at night

Bell laying off 140 employees

Bell laying off 140 employees

Source: Star-Telegram, 03-May-13

Bell is laying off 140 employees at its Fort Worth plant in anticipation of reduced production of its V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft over the next several years. (See Full Story)

HMLA-467 bids farewell to Hueys, anticipates more Venoms

HMLA-467 bids farewell to Hueys, anticipates more Venoms

Source: US Marine Corps, 03-May-13

Just a week after receiving its first UH-1Y Venom, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 476 inducted three UH-1N Hueys into the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis Monthan Air Force Base April 24. Two of the Hueys were flown from Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., where the squadron was supporting the Weapons [...]

West Michigan’s Newest Crime Fighter

West Michigan’s Newest Crime Fighter

Source: FOX 17, 02-May-13

There’s a new buzz around West Michigan and you may have heard it flying above your home.  Michigan State Police have a new helicopter.       (See Full Story)

Astronics Max-Viz 1500 Approved For New and Retrofit Bell 429s

Astronics Max-Viz 1500 Approved For New and Retrofit Bell 429s

Source: Astronics, 01-May-13

Bell Helicopter has worked with Astronics Corporation to help integrate the Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system as an option for new Bell 429s as well as for retrofit installations. Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) is a leader in providing advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries. Astronics’ Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system (EVS) permits pilots to [...]

Bell expands Maintainers & Operators Conferences offerings

Bell expands Maintainers & Operators Conferences offerings

Source: Bell, 01-May-13

Bell announced the debut of two Maintainers and Operators (M&O) conferences this week in China. The conferences, held in Beijing on April 23 and Shanghai on April 25, served as an opportunity for customers in the region to meet with Bell Helicopter customer support representatives and other industry experts. “As we continue to expand our [...]

Bell showcases versatile aircraft at AeroExpo 2013

Bell showcases versatile aircraft at AeroExpo 2013

Source: Bell, 29-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), visited with many customers and enthusiasts last week in San Pedro Totoltepec, Mexico at the 10th annual AeroExpo held April 18 to April 20 at Toluca International Airport. Five Bell Helicopter aircraft were displayed at the event, including three corporate-configured Bell 407s, as well as a Bell [...]

Air Evac celebrates year of service in Licking County

Air Evac celebrates year of service in Licking County

Source: Newark Advocate, 29-Apr-13

In its first year of service for Licking County, the helicopters of Air Evac Lifeteam 107 made more than 200 flights and were requested for service more than 460 times. (See Full Story)

27-Apr-13 N150SP Bell 206B Shepherd, US-Montana (1F)

27-Apr-13

Sole occupant pilot killed after striking wires

Zip Aviation Welcomes Back a Member of its fleet

Zip Aviation Welcomes Back a Member of its fleet

Source: Zip Aviation, 26-Apr-13

Zip Aviation re-entered their Bell Jet Ranger 206B into service at their Downtown Manhattan (New York City) Heliport. The Bell Jet Ranger 206B, or known as 99ZA, has received many new upgrades just in time for the summer season. 99ZA’s Turbine engine was overhauled by Aeromaritime, making it like new. The ship was then sent [...]

Bell awarded $14M rotor blade contract

Bell awarded $14M rotor blade contract

Source: US DoD, 26-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $14,361,600 contract for main rotor blades. The award is a firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract. Location of performance is Texas, with a Dec. 31, 2015 performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Navy funds. Defense [...]

25-Apr-13 N937GR Bell 407 Mount Aeneas, US-Montana

25-Apr-13

Rolled over on landing.  Supporting work on radio repeater site on the mountain

Uniflight win US Park Police maintenance contract

Uniflight win US Park Police maintenance contract

Source: Uniflight LLC, 24-Apr-13

Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas is very pleased to announce the award of a contract by the US Department of the Interior for Helicopter maintenance services in support of the U.S. Park Police. The contract awarded to Uniflight is for one base year and four additional option years.  The contract is for the maintenance [...]

23-Apr-13 N2072M Bell 206L1 Grand Canyon, US-Arizona

23-Apr-13

Substantially damaged in landing accident.  Although this is a tour helicopter, only two flight crew were on board, no passengers  

Oklahoma – Stephens County Sheriff adds UH-1

Oklahoma – Stephens County Sheriff adds UH-1

Source: KSWO, 22-Apr-13

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Department has a new large piece of equipment that will help the department fight fires or crime from a bird’s eye view. (See full story)

20-Apr-13 N4237M Bell 206B Wells, US-Nevada

20-Apr-13

Tail rotor damaged on landing

18-Apr-13 N495AE Bell 407 Waco, US-Texas

18-Apr-13

Bird strike, windscreen broken, landed without further incident, no injuries

Bell Q1 civil deliveries up, but revenues, backlog and profits down

Bell Q1 civil deliveries up, but revenues, backlog and profits down

Source: Textron, 17-Apr-13

Extract from the quarterly statement of parent company Textron reveals the following:- Bell revenues decreased $45 million, primarily the result of lower military unit deliveries and lower commercial aftermarket sales. Bell delivered 9 V-22’s and 6 H-1’s in the quarter, compared to 10 V-22’s and 7 H-1’s in last year’s first quarter and delivered 40 commercial [...]

Bell displays 407GX at ABACE in China

Bell displays 407GX at ABACE in China

Source: Bell, 17-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the 2013 Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) held April 16 to April 18 at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Aerochine, one of Bell Helicopter’s independent representatives in China, will feature Kingwing Aviation’s corporate configured Bell 407GX on static display. This week, [...]

Uniflight to maintain Houston Police Bell 412

Uniflight to maintain Houston Police Bell 412

Source: Uniflight LLC, 16-Apr-13

Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas is very pleased to announce the award of a contract by the Houston Texas Police Department to provide maintenance support for the department’s helicopters. The contract awarded to Uniflight is for one base year and two additional option years.  The contract is for the support of Bell Helicopter 412 [...]

Aeronautical Accessories launches Bell 429 skid shoes

Aeronautical Accessories launches Bell 429 skid shoes

Source: Bell, 15-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter has announced it is producing and distributing carbide skid shoes for the Bell 429 model, through its Aeronautical Accessories brand. The product utilizes a patented process under the repair station that provides the highest degree of skid gear protection.  The Bell 429 skid shoes are long-lasting, extremely durable and reduce wear and operating [...]

25th CAB named AAAA Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year

25th CAB named AAAA Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year

Source: US Army, 15-Apr-13

Combat Aviation Brigade was awarded the Army Aviation Association of American Outstanding Aviation Unit of the Year Award at the 2013 AAAA Annual Professional Forum in Fort Worth, Texas on April 11. The Brigade’s primary mission was to conduct full spectrum aviation operations, to defeat the insurgency, support and improve governance and development. Their efforts [...]

Bell provides OH-58 Kiowa Warrior program update

Bell provides OH-58 Kiowa Warrior program update

Source: Bell, 15-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), provided a program update on the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior program at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America’s (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition, highlighting the program’s accomplishments in the last year. “The men and women of Bell Helicopter are proud to say we build the rugged [...]

15-Apr-13 Bell UH-1H Taipai, Taiwan

15-Apr-13

Door fell from helicopter into school grounds

15-Apr-13 N408GA Bell 407 New River, US-Arizona

15-Apr-13

We have a recent report in of an emergency landing at 10.28pm of an EMS helicopter near the junction of New River and Cross Mountain roads in New River, Arizona – northern outskirts of Phoenix.  Air Methods operating for “Guardian Air”

Bell sponsors Ganassi Racing Team #1 Car

Bell sponsors Ganassi Racing Team #1 Car

Source: Bell, 14-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will sponsor the Ganassi Racing Team #1 car driven by Jamie McMurray Saturday, April 13, at the NRA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. McMurray visited the Bell Helicopter Training Academy on April 11 for a cockpit simulator demonstration, meet and greet with Bell Helicopter employees, and flight [...]

Bell launches V-280 tiltrotor concept at Quad-A

Bell launches V-280 tiltrotor concept at Quad-A

Source: Bell, 11-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), revealed today the Bell V-280 ValorTM, its offering for the Joint Multi Role/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Technology Demonstrator (JMR/TD), at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America’s (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth. “The introduction of the Bell V-280 Valor underscores our commitment to [...]

Delaware State Police contract for two Bell 429s

Delaware State Police contract for two Bell 429s

Source: Bell, 10-Apr-13

Bell have announced that it has secured an agreement with the Delaware State Police for the supply of two Bell 429 aircraft. The multi-mission configured Bell 429s will be utilized for both airborne law enforcement operations and helicopter emergency medical services. “For the mission and operations for the Delaware State Police, we evaluated all helicopter [...]

Bell Helicopter Announces Participation at Navy League Expo 2013

Bell Helicopter Announces Participation at Navy League Expo 2013

Source: Bell, 10-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the kick-off of its participation in Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2013 in National Harbor, Md. April 8-10. Bell Helicopter will display models of the V-22 Osprey, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom in its booth as well as new 3-D interactive programs demonstrating the capabilities of [...]

Bell Helicopter to Feature Bell 407GT at LAAD

Bell Helicopter to Feature Bell 407GT at LAAD

Source: Bell, 10-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the ninth bi-annual LAAD Defense and Security International Exhibition, held April 9 to April 12 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence as an exhibitor, featuring the recently announced Bell 407GT in its booth. “LAAD [...]

Indonesia approves heavier Bell 429

Indonesia approves heavier Bell 429

Source: Bell, 10-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that the Bell 429 has earned Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval to fly at an increased maximum gross weight of 7,500 lbs. Indonesia marks the seventeenth country to approve the increased maximum gross weight. The DGCA’s approval is based on Transport Canada’s [...]

Bell creates new role of Director, International Trade Support

Bell creates new role of Director, International Trade Support

Source: Bell, 09-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that Sameer Rehman will assume the role of director, International Trade Support for Commercial Sales and Marketing. In this newly created position, Rehman will assist with the expansion of Bell Helicopter’s globalization strategy. In his new role, Rehman will develop localized solutions and frameworks for [...]

Bell appoints new Sales Director for Asia-Pacific

Bell appoints new Sales Director for Asia-Pacific

Source: Bell, 09-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that C.M. Hwang will assume the role of managing director of Commercial Sales, Asia Pacific. In this position, Hwang is responsible for all marketing and sales activities within Asia-Pacific as Bell Helicopter continues to expand its presence in the region. “C.M.’s extensive background in the [...]

82nd CAB scout pilots recognized for combat flight hours

82nd CAB scout pilots recognized for combat flight hours

Source: US Army, 09-Apr-13

82nd Combat Aviation Brigade aviators received 81 individual awards and a unit plaque from Bell Helicopter at the brigade headquarters, March 28. Bell, who manufactures the OH-58 D Kiowa Warrior helicopters flown by the pilots of 1st Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment, awarded the company’s pipe tomahawk pins and plaque to the Saber squadron in [...]

Bell Drives Industry Focus on Safety Through New Safety Symposiums

Bell Drives Industry Focus on Safety Through New Safety Symposiums

Source: Bell, 09-Apr-13

A new initiative for Bell Helicopter in 2013, the safety symposium educates maintainers and operators on key safety practices and applications to implement into their daily operations. The effort is tied in part to Bell Helicopter’s participation in the International Helicopter Safety Team’s mission to achieve an 80 percent reduction in the rate of international [...]

AeroSimulators to support Bond and INAER simulators

AeroSimulators to support Bond and INAER simulators

Source: AeroSimulators, 08-Apr-13

AeroSimulators announced today that it has entered into simulator maintenance and support agreements with Bond Air Services and INAER Helicópteros Off-Shore. Under the support agreements, AeroSimulators will be responsible for the delivery and provision of spares, support equipment, maintenance and re-certification services, as well as on-site training and documentation. These support services will cover an [...]

Ribbon cutting for new Air Evac Lifeteam hanger

Ribbon cutting for new Air Evac Lifeteam hanger

Source: Brownwood, 08-Apr-13

The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Air Evac Lifeteam on Tuesday, March 26, at their new hanger on Streckert Drive in Brownwood (see full story).

Hawker Pacific announces Queensland Bell 407 sale

Hawker Pacific announces Queensland Bell 407 sale

Source: Hawker Pacific, 05-Apr-13

Hawker Pacific, leading aircraft sales and product support company in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East, is pleased to announce the delivery of a Bell 407 Helicopter to a north Queensland operator which will be used for utility operations. The deal reflects the Company’s initiatives in servicing the pre-owned market in the region. Tony Jones, [...]

05-Apr-13 Bell UH-1 Balauana, Tunisia

05-Apr-13

2 of 5 on board injured in heavy landing while on post-maintenance test flight

New Mercy Air Med helicopter is in service

New Mercy Air Med helicopter is in service

Source: Globe Gazette, 04-Apr-13

A new Mercy Air Med helicopter for Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa has arrived and has been transporting patients since Tuesday, Patti Peterson, RN, director of the Emergency Department at Mercy-North Iowa (see full story).

Community opposes Nowra air ambulance move

Community opposes Nowra air ambulance move

Source: Illawarra Mercury, 03-Apr-13

A proposal to relocate the Albion Park Rail-based rescue helicopter to Nowra has met the same fierce community opposition directed towards the plan to move the chopper to Sydney  (see full story).

Bell awarded $13M for long-lead parts for 15 UH-1Y and 10 AH-1Z

Bell awarded $13M for long-lead parts for 15 UH-1Y and 10 AH-1Z

Source: US DoD, 02-Apr-13

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $13,085,222 advance acquisition contract to provide long lead parts and components required for the manufacture and delivery of 15 Lot 11 UH-1Y Build New Aircraft and 10 Lot 11 AH-1Z Build New Aircraft for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, [...]

Norwegian military station two Bell 412s at Bardufoss

Norwegian military station two Bell 412s at Bardufoss

Source: HeliHub.com, 27-Mar-13

Following a concerted public effort within the geographical area of Bardufoss, the Royal Norwegian Air Force have moved two Bell 412s to Bardufoss.  This will meet the campaign’s target to provide a better spread of aviation resources throughout the country, particularly for emergency situations. Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen has also said that these helicopters are [...]

More STC Approvals for Latitude’s SkyNode Satcom and IONode FDM Systems

More STC Approvals for Latitude’s SkyNode Satcom and IONode FDM Systems

Source: Latitude, 27-Mar-13

Latitude Technologies (Latitude) announced that the company has received a FAA STC for the SkyNode  S100 flight following and flight date transceiver for installation in more than 800 Part 23 category aircraft.  Latitude has also recently received FAA approval of the SkyNode S100 including the IONode Flight Data Monitoring system for light helicopters including Bell [...]

27-Mar-13 PT-HUW Bell 412 Campos Basin, Brazil

27-Mar-13

Offshore operation for Petrobras, ditched in the sea, three POB got out OK

NZ Investigators comment on over-water flying

NZ Investigators comment on over-water flying

Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Mar-13

Technically not “safety recommendations” but the latter part of the investigation report into the accident of Bell LongRanger ZK-ISF in January 2011 pulls no punches on what helicopter pilots should consider when flying over water. The pilot was not wearing a life jacket, and was in the water over two hours before being rescued. The [...]

Sacramento Metro Fire chooses Becker avionics for UH-1

Sacramento Metro Fire chooses Becker avionics for UH-1

Source: Becker Avionics, 26-Mar-13

The Sacramento Metro Fire Air Operations unit recently received a grant to upgrade its avionics and selected the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control system for one of its UH-1 multi-mission helicopters. The aircraft is currently undergoing an avionics upgrade at Advanced Helicopter Services (AHS) facility in Woodland, CA-near Sacramento. The popular Becker DVCS6100 [...]

L-3 Vertex win $12M contract for TH-57 support at NAS Whiting Field

L-3 Vertex win $12M contract for TH-57 support at NAS Whiting Field

Source: US DoD, 26-Mar-13

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC., Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $12,946,025 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-12-D-0003) for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station, [...]

23-Mar-13 ZS-HSR Bell 206B Petermaritzburg, South Africa

23-Mar-13

Helicopter substantially damaged in emergency landing on road.  Bridegroom Rishi Ramdeo, his parents Vijay and Danmathie and best man Robert Soogram were injured after their helicopter crashed outside the wedding venue.     The pilot and the groom were reported in a critical condition and the other occupants were treated for mild to serious injuries.

23-Mar-13 Bell TH-57A Salinas, Ecuador

23-Mar-13

Training accident.  Main rotors severed tail boom, aircraft ended upright on its skids

Gainesville PD helicopter relaunches after 15 months

Gainesville PD helicopter relaunches after 15 months

Source: WUFT, 21-Mar-13

Gainesville Police Department launched its helicopter back in the air Tuesday after a 15-month hiatus.Helicopter  (see full story).  File photo

Bell endows professorship at West Texas A&M University

Bell endows professorship at West Texas A&M University

Source: West Texas A&M University, 21-Mar-13

Extract from a newsletter covering multiple stories Dr. Matthew Jackson was named the Bell Helicopter Professor of Engineering.  His appointment will begin in 2013 and end in 2015.  Dr. Jackson presented a current research project at the Endowed Professorships and Chairs Convocation on February 20, 2013.  The School of Engineering and Computer Science would like [...]

Australian Helicopters wins two Queensland EMS contracts

Australian Helicopters wins two Queensland EMS contracts

Source: Australian Helicopters, 19-Mar-13

Australian Helicopters has been selected as the new helicopter provider to support both Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQRS), based in Mackay, and Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS), based in Rockhampton, to assist with emergency response on behalf of Queensland Health. The services will transition over in July 2013 from incumbent operators at both the [...]

Brown Helicopter Signs Up for the 47GT-6 Helicopter

Brown Helicopter Signs Up for the 47GT-6 Helicopter

Source: Scott’s Bell 47, Inc, 19-Mar-13

The 47GT-6 helicopter was announced by SB47 earlier this month at the Heli Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, NV and will enter service in 2016. The 47GT-6 will be powered by the RR300 engine and will also include a new, modern Instrument Panel similar to that currently being developed by SB47 for use on the [...]

19-Mar-13 N408RL Bell 206L4 Platform WD79C, US-Gulf of Mexico

19-Mar-13

Vertical fin contacted pipe on landing on offshore platform