Elbit Awarded $8.2M Contract for Helmet Display and Tracker System (HDTS) for USMC AH-1W
Source: Elbit Systems of America, 13-Jan-10
Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. ( ESLT) announced receipt of contracts from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for Elbit Systems of America Helmet Display and Tracker System (HDTS) for the USMC AH-1W Attack Helicopter. The contract effort covers the development of retrofit kits to incorporate HDTS [...]
FAA issues unapproved parts notification – UH-1H high skid tubes from Isolair
11-Jan-10
No.: 2010 – 20080616008 Date: January 11, 2010 AFFECTED PRODUCTS: High Cross Tubes, Part number 9002 installed on UH-1H model helicopters
Boeing Team Delivers 2 Osprey Trainers to US Marine Corps
Source: Bell-Boeing, 11-Jan-10
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 11, 2010 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and partner Bell Helicopter delivered two MV-22 Osprey Containerized Flight Training Devices (CFTD) to the U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in California in the last quarter of 2009. “Before the deliveries to Miramar, Marines would have to spend months at a time [...]
Nevada Dept of Wildlife refurbish their 1978 JetRanger
Source: Nevada Dept of Wildlife, 09-Jan-10
With the help of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited—Reno and the Wildlife Heritage Trust Account, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) recently refurbished its vintage 1978 Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. The helicopter N 2 FG, affectionately referred to as “Old Blue” by NDOW Air Operations staff, was purchased 13 years ago and is used by NDOW to [...]
Bell merge Engineering and XworX in re-organization announcement
Source: Rotornews, 08-Jan-10
Jeff Lowinger, executive vice president, Engineering, is pleased to announce the following organizational changes in conjunction with the Integration of the Engineering and XworX organizations
Pakistan seeks 20 AH-1W gunships
Source: Strategy Page, 08-Jan-10
Pakistan wants more helicopter gunships, in particular it wants 20 AH-1W models, to supplement, and replace the 32 AH-1S and AH-1F gunships. The 6.6 ton W model was configured for naval use, and has two engines and protection against sea water corrosion.
USAF restarts search for UH-1N replacement
Source: Rotorhub, 07-Jan-10
The United States Air Force has restarted its search for Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP). The programme will replace USAF’s fleet of aging Bell UH-1Ns which ard currently used to guard the country’s ICBM silos, fly VIPs and carry out a range of utility and support missions.
Marine Corps to put new machine guns in UH-1Y Venom
Source: Marine Corps Times, 06-Jan-10
Eventually, all Marine and Navy assault support rotary wing aircraft will be equipped with the M3M FN Herstal GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun.
Bell parent Textron to Release Fourth Quarter Results on January 28
Source: Textron, 05-Jan-10
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) will release its fourth quarter 2009 financial results on Thursday, January 28, 2010. The company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss the results and the company’s outlook. The call will be available via webcast at www.textron.com or by direct dial at (877) 209-9919 in the [...]
AFS Certifies High Performance Engine Inlet Filter for Bell 430
Source: AFS, 05-Jan-10
St. Louis, Mo., January 5, 2010 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE:DCI) and a division of the Aerospace & Defense group, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the Bell 430 helicopter. With this new [...]
Challenger Flight Systems launches new heating/air-con for AS350, EC130 and B206
Source: Challenger Flight Systems, 05-Jan-10
Challenger Aerospace announced the launch of Challenger Flight Systems today, an innovator of rotorcraft environmental systems. At the helm, president and founder LeRoy Aday brings his leadership and vast experience to this endeavor. The newly designed Challenger Flight Systems product line of heating and air-conditioning systems is available for AS350, EC130, and Bell 206 helicopters, [...]
05-Jan-10 N5016U Bell B206 nr Redinger Lake, US-California (4F)
05-Jan-10
Three biologists with the California Department of Fish and Game and a contract pilot were killed Tuesday when their helicopter clipped a power line and crashed while they were surveying deer. Killed in the accident were Fresno DFG colleagues Clu Cotter, 48, an associate biologist; Kevin O’Connor, 40, a biologist supervisor; and Tom Stolberg, 31, [...]
US Army fires Talon Laser-Guided Rocket Rounds from OH-58D
Source: Raytheon, 30-Dec-09
The TALON LGR rounds were launched from a U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and hit targets at 3,500 meters (2.17 miles). This exceeded accuracy requirements for the Department of Defense’s Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II program.
Colorado Springs decommissions Air Support Unit; Helicopters up for sale
Source: The Gazette, 24-Dec-09
The Colorado Springs Police Department has lost its wings. In a decommissioning ceremony Tuesday, the department bid farewell to its Air Support Unit, one police budget line on a list of many that were cut because of projected city budget shortfalls in 2010
Washoe County Sheriff to publish helicopter activity online
22-Dec-09
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Department is going to start putting information on its Web site about the helicopters’ activities when they involve extended, low flyovers.
United Rotorcraft Solutions Awarded Customizing Contract by Newtown Aviation on Bell 407
Source: Vertical, 22-Dec-09
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) has been awarded a completions contract by Newtown Aviation Ltd. of Ireland on a new Bell 407 with delivery expected by the end of February
US gives Mexico five Bell 412s to aid drug war
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 22-Dec-09
The aircraft are part of more than $604 million worth of vehicles and equipment that the U.S. plans to give Mexico in the coming months.
MV-22 arrives at MCAS Miramar – first West Coast based Osprey
Source: US Marine Corps, 21-Dec-09
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 entered a new era in aviation as the MV-22 “Osprey” landed to begin the replacement of the CH-46 “Sea Knight” and its 44-year legacy.
Royal Norwegian Air Force mark 100,000 hours with Bell 412 fleet
Source: Forsvaret, 21-Dec-09
Three helicopters at Bardufoss Air Station and three computers in Maymana, highlighted that the Armed Forces Bell 412 has flown 100 ,000 hours.
Newest MV-22 trainer delivered to US Marine Corps
Source: US Navy, 18-Dec-09
The newest MV-22 Osprey flight trainer was delivered to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Nov.16. The fully self-contained, $8.6 million containerized flight training device (CFTD) is the second of four MV-22 trainers for fleet use at MCAS Miramar, Calif.
Bell Transfer Type 47 Certificate to Scott’s Helicopter
Source: Bell, 17-Dec-09
Beginning in the first quarter of 2010 all aspects of commercial spares support, technical support and continued airworthiness for the FAA type certificated Bell 47 helicopter (H-1, 2H1 and 2H3) will become the responsibility of Scott’s Helicopters, a Bell-approved Customer Service Facility (CSF) located in Le Sueur, Minn.
Sherman Texas Lifestar to be officially referred to as Air Evac Lifeteam
Source: KTEN, 14-Dec-09
Recently, Lifestar moved from Wilson N. Jones hospital to a new facility off highway 75 near the Sherman-Howe line. Now, they are changing their name to match their parent company’s name
US agents hold suspected Iran-bound Bell 412
Source: Dallas Morning News, 14-Dec-09
Federal agents are investigating whether a helicopter they have held for 14 months at an airport in Texas was earmarked for shipment to Iran.
Bell Helicopter’s Canadian Supply Center adds Honeywell T53 engine parts
Source: Bell, 11-Dec-09
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that its Canadian Supply Center is now providing Honeywell T53 engine spare parts and accessories in Canada.
Dart Helicopter Services Announces FAA Approval of Apical‘s Cable Cutter Kit for B206
Source: Dart Helicopter Services, 10-Dec-09
DART Helicopter Services announces that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries has received FAA approval or their new Cable Cutters Kits for the Bell 206A, B, L, L-1, L-3, L-4 helicopters. Transport Canada and EASA approvals are pending.
Lagos State Government launches pair of Bell 412s
Source: AllAfrica, 09-Dec-09
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State launched two Bell 412EP Helicopters with a promise to commit the state’s resources to securing the lives and property of residents.
US Marine Corps UH-1Ys With Northrop Grumman Integrated Cockpit Deploy to Afghanistan
Source: Northrop Grumman, 09-Dec-09
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Avionics System and the company’s integration support were key elements in preparing the UH-1Y Venom helicopters for deployment to Afghanistan recently with the U.S. Marine Corps Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367.
Helicopter job that killed four not authorized
Source: TheHook, 09-Dec-09
An ill-fated powerline inspection with a helicopter that killed four people in Cranbrook, B.C. was technically against federal regulations, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Shannon Airmed 1 Named Top Service in Texas
Source: http://www.masoncountynews.com/news/article/23855, 08-Dec-09
Shannon AirMed1 was named the 2009 Air Medical Service by the Texas Department of State Health Services at the recent Texas EMS Conference, marking the fourth year for the service to receive the honor. AirMed1 earned the award previously in 2002, 2003 and 2007. They are the only service in Texas to receive the honor [...]
FAA investigating whether helicopter at football game broke regulations
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald, 08-Dec-09
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether an area helicopter company violated federal regulations by circling around the Baylor University-University of Texas football game Nov. 14 at Floyd Casey Stadium. Brazos Helicopters was operating a Bell 47J
Priority 1 Air Rescue Provides Advanced Helicopter SAR Training for North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Source: Rotorhub, 07-Dec-09
Priority 1 Air Rescue has completed Inland SAR training with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) which included initial Class B External Rotorcraft Load and Helicopter Short-Haul Rescue in their recently acquired Bell 407.
ATK and Elbit Systems Conduct Successful Flight Test of GATR From OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Source: ATK, 02-Dec-09
Alliant Techsystems and Elbit Systems have successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) from a U.S. Army rotary-wing helicopter: the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
Iraq request 15 Light and 12 Medium Utility Helicopters
Source: DSCA, 21-Nov-09
The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of up to 15 AgustaWestland AW109s, or alternatively, 15 Bell Model 429s, or 15 EADS UH-72A Lakotas; and, up to 12 AgustaWestland AW139s, or alternatively, 12 Bell 4122, or 12 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks
EO/IR surveillance system to be installed on Bell 412 by Highland Integrated Surveillance Systems
Source: Canada.com, 20-Nov-09
HISS received a contract from FLIR Systems, Inc to install Star SAFIRE III stabilized EO/IR surveillance systems on Bell 412 and BK-117 aircraft for a government agency in the Middle East.
Merced sheriff adds Huey helicopter to its air arsenal
Source: Merced Sun-Star, 20-Nov-09
Sheriff’s officials announced their plans this month to add a 1973 UH-1H Bell Helicopter to the department’s aviation unit. The Huey is a donation from the California Emergency Management Agency
Bell affiliate sues to block release of documents
Source: Star Telegram, 20-Nov-09
A Bell Helicopter subsidiary is suing the Defense Department to block the release of government documents to a former executive who was fired last year.
Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province to purchase a Bell 412EP
Source: Antara, 20-Nov-09
The regional government of East Kalimantan province will purchase a helicopter, type Bell-412 EP, worth Rp120 billion, East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak said.
Budget cuts mean end of Colorado Springs police helicopter
Source: FOX21, 19-Nov-09
OX21 News has been telling citizens about the deep budget cuts the city of Colorado Springs is facing because of slumping sales tax revenues.
United Rotorcraft Solutions Awarded Customizing Contract for Four Helicopters by Cannon Aviation Group
Source: Vertical, 17-Nov-09
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) has been awarded a contract by Cannon Aviation Group to customize an Agusta A119, two Bell 407′s and a Eurocopter EC130. Cannon has configured these helicopters to meet their customers’ requirements. The aircraft began arriving at the URS facility this week with delivery expected by mid-February.
Falcon Aviation Services takes two more Bell 412s
Source: AIN, 16-Nov-09
Bell Helicopter delivered two Bell 412EP helicopters to Falcon Aviation Services, taking the Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi-based operator’s 412 fleet to 10, eight of which were delivered this year.
Gulf Helicopters win short-term offshore contract with Reliance Oil
Source: Gulf Times, 16-Nov-09
Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC), an associate of Gulf International Services, has entered into a service pact with Reliance Exploration and Production DMCC, a subsidiary of India’s private sector petroleum giant Reliance Industries.
Bell Helicopter Delivers 412s to Falcon Aviation Services
Source: Bell, 16-Nov-09
Bell Helicopter kicked off its participation in the Dubai Air Show with the latest delivery of two Bell 412EP helicopters to Falcon Aviation Services. This delivery makes the ninth and tenth 412′s delivered to Falcon Aviation Services, eight of which have been delivered this year.
Pentastar Aviation manages Michigan Survival Flight fleet
Source: CharterX, 14-Nov-09
The University of Michigan has signed a multi-year agreement with Pentastar Aviation to provide management and support for all emergency medical operations for the Survival Flight program. The Survival Flight fleet includes a Citation Encore jet airplane and three Bell 430 helicopters.
FlightSafety Promotes Spencer Power to Assistant Manager, Fort Worth Learning Center
Source: FlightSafety, 12-Nov-09
FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that Spencer Power has been promoted to Assistant Manager of the company’s Learning Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The center provides training for pilots who operate aircraft manufactured by Bell Helicopter.
Bell Helicopter’s Canadian Supply Center Expands Offering
Source: Bell, 11-Nov-09
Bell Helicopter announced that its Canadian Supply Center is now providing Honeywell T53 engine spare parts and accessories in Canada.
EADS obstacle warning system to enhance flight safety of Slovenian police helicopters
Source: EADS, 09-Nov-09
EADS Defence & Security (DS) will equip the Slovenian police force’s helicopter squadron with the globally unique HELLAS (Helicopter Laser Radar) obstacle warning system, which enables helicopter missions to be carried out even when visibility is extremely poor.
Goodbye old friend: Huey retires after 30 years of service
Source: US Marine Corps, 05-Nov-09
After more than 30 years of faithful service, the old is replaced by the new, with the entrance of the new Huey, the UH-1Y ‘Venom’.
E&B Receives STC for Latitude S200
Source: Vertical, 02-Nov-09
E&B Helicopters has just received Supplemental Type Certificate approval for installing the Latitude Technologies S200 sat phone, flight tracking and messaging transceiver in Bell 206B/206L series and Bell 407 aircraft.
Tulsa Police Department grounds both helicopters to save money
Source: Tulsa World, 01-Nov-09
Because of budget cuts, Saturday will be the last night either one of the two police helicopters will be flying in Tulsa for the foreseeable future. Officials have said they will be saving $195,000 for the duration of the fiscal year by grounding the helicopters. The four officers assigned to the unit have been reassigned [...]
SkyTrac Systems Obtains STC for Eurocopter EC145 and Bell 204/205/210/214
Source: SkyTrac Systems, 30-Oct-09
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that it has obtained a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its automated flight following and satellite communications equipment on the following airframe types: Eurocopter EC 145, Bell 204/205, Bell 210 and Bell 214.
Vector Aerospace awarded Fort Rucker US Army TH-67 overhaul subcontract
Source: RotorNews, 30-Oct-09
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services, Inc., one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has been awarded a subcontract from Army Fleet Support at Fort Rucker, Alabama in support of the United States Army TH-67 (Bell 206) Flying Hour Program.
