2-Jun-2020Source: HeliHub.com
In July 2018, Airbus Helicopters announced a large order from the Ukraine, including 21 H225s, 10 H145s and 24 H125s. Prior to this official announcement, HeliHub.com reported that the H225s were in fact lease repossessions from offshore operator CHC which were being converted for the Ukraine, and included three in the search and rescue role. At... Read more
16-Jan-2018Source: HeliHub.com
WA Police are currently discussing the possibility of purchasing a new police helicopter. This comes after the State Coroner, Ros Fogliani, recommended the police get a new helicopter after overseeing the six people for died during five police pursuit crashes. The Police currently have two aging helicopters, a BK117 Kawasaki Bolkow and a Eurocopter AS365... Read more
2-Jan-2017
Everett Aviation has announced the award of a major new contract to provide helicopter medevac services to the UK Ministry of Defence for the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK). At peak periods the contract will engage three of Everett’s BK117 helicopters in medevac configuration. The contract is for three (3) years, with an... Read more
9-Aug-2016Source: Airwork NZ
ADAC Luftrettung the largest emergency medical helicopter operator in Germany, has upgraded two of their BK117-B2 aircraft with the enhanced LTS101-850B-2 engines, making the aircraft Cat A / Class 1 compliant at Maximum All Up Weight (MAUW). After completion of the STC and installation of the -850 engines the model is marketed as the BK117-850D2.... Read more
27-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Mercy Flight Western New York have this week opened a new facility in Springville, behind the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. The ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony was completed on Monday afternoon. The 3,600-square-foot hangar and Mercy EMS base is expected to improve response times by allowing the nonprofit organization to position its aircraft and crews closer... Read more
16-May-2016Source: STARS
STARS has flown more than 3,000 missions to more than 400 communities across Saskatchewan since it established operations in the province in 2012. The missions have been made possible with the help of STARS Lottery, which is now celebrating its fifth birthday. The lottery officially kicked off today with 2019 prizes valued at more than... Read more
26-Apr-2016Source: Global News
In a post on its Facebook page, STARS says a number of Albertans have received calls from someone claiming to be a STARS lottery representative telling the would-be victim they have won a prize, but in order to have it shipped to them they must first transfer a certain amount of money See full story... Read more
15-Apr-2016Source: STARS
Many Albertans have cause to celebrate, following the announcement of the 2016 STARS lottery grand prize winners today. The lottery raised more than $11.5 million net for the non-profit, with 3,200 prizes worth more than $5.6 million retail. Lethbridge residents and Edmonton show home winners Ed and Marlene Grinnell were thrilled to learn they had... Read more
14-Mar-2016Source: Airwork NZ
Airwork recently ordered its 100th LTS101-850B-2 engine from Honeywell which is a fantastic achievement for the joint venture project that started between Honeywell and Airwork in 2009. The 850B-2 engines are installed into the BK117-B2 providing an impressive upgrade to the aircraft performance and capability. Airwork brands the upgraded aircraft as the BK117-850D2. The Airwork... Read more
17-Feb-2016Source: Yahoo News
WA Police are looking at buying “more nimble” and “manoeuvrable” helicopters better suited to high-speed chases. See Full Story... Read more
15-Jan-2016Source: MyRecordJournal
Due to colder temperatures, the critical care Life Star BK117 stationed at MidState Medical Center will move to a heated hangar at Hartford Hospital to protect the aircraft in the winter. See full story... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: Sky news
With Tasmania’s summer bush walking season fast approaching and an increase in boating activities, police are reminding bush walkers and boaters to be prepared.See Full Story... Read more
9-Jul-2015Source: Heli SGI
PT Sayap Garuda Indah (Heli SGI) are pleased to announce that the first BK117-850D2 to be imported into Indonesia will arrive at Benoa Heliport, Bali in the coming quarter. The BK117-850D2 has recently gained STC certification with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for Indonesia. This approval has been a collaborative effort between Airwork... Read more
16-Jun-2015Source: Airwork NZ
Airwork is pleased to announce that the BK117-850D2 has gained STC certification with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for Indonesia. This approval has been a collaborative effort between Airwork and local Indonesian operator PT Sayap Garuda Indah, Heli SGI. This is the 5th STC approval to be issued for the BK117-850D2 and joins... Read more
15-Jun-2015Source: EFA
Airwork NZ Ltd announced at EFA Prague, the sale of a BK117-850D2 to South African operator Mr. Ivan Pienaar of Aeronautic Solutions. Mr Stephen Green of Airwork NZ said “We couldn’t be happier to see this aircraft go to a good home in South Africa, this will be Mr Pienaar’s second BK117-850D2”. Airwork acquired the... Read more
17-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
New Zealand operator Garden City Helicopters has sent an AS350 and a BK117 to Vanuatu to help with the ongoing humanitarian aid operation in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Pam, which hit the archipelago country on Saturday 14th. President Baldwin Lonsdale is quoted as saying the storm has wiped out all development of recent... Read more
6-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The State of Western Australia is currently without aerial law enforcement after both the Chief Pilot and Deputy Chief Pilot resigned, according to local press. The Western Australian added that “Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich denied last night the resignations were linked to personality clashes within the police Air Wing, despite rumours of tension and infighting”.... 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
3-Sep-2014Source: Airwork
Airwork proudly announces it has recently received Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) for the BK117 Particle Separator, Lightweight High Density Seating and 1200 kg Cargo Hook. These STC’s complement Airwork’s existing Transport Canada BK117-850D2 STC, which exchanges the Honeywell -750 engine’s for higher powered -850 engine’s. The BK117-850D2 STC is also approved by EASA,... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: Dart Aerospace
DART Aerospace has announced that it has received a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its EC145 skidtubes. DART has also recently received FAA approval for its BK117 Heli-Utility-BasketTM. With DART skidtubes, the central I-beam web absorbs most of the impact on landing so the tube maintains its integrity. Even with... Read more
23-Mar-2014Source: CBC
Manitoba’s contract with Alberta-based STARS came under fire on Wednesday, noting that the province did not follow proper tendering procedures when it signed the $159-million, 10-year service agreement in 2011. See full story... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Manitoba Health
On the advice of medical professionals, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) air ambulance will resume responding to calls for emergency service effective immediately, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today. “The decision to temporarily suspend STARS was a difficult one, but I rely on the advice of medical experts,” Minister Selby said. “The medical... Read more
5-Mar-2014Source: CBC
The service was grounded in December after a number of critical incidents, including one where one patient died, and another was left brain damaged. See full story... Read more
20-Feb-2014Source: CBC
STARS “strongly disagrees” with a Manitoba Health report which says their crews lack adequate training, are not familiar with pediatric patients and do not understand patient oxygen needs. See full story... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: CTV
Saturday’s gala raised in excess of $1 million, helping the total contributions from the 20 years of the gala to surpass the $10 million mark. See full story... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: KCE
Electricity generator and retailer, King Country Energy (KCE), has entered into a major associate sponsorship with charitable organisation Philips Search & Rescue Trust. The trust provides dedicated air ambulance and rescue services throughout the Central North Island of New Zealand. KCE’s sponsorship will specifically contribute to operational costs of the Hamilton-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter that services the... Read more
24-Jan-2014
Air Methods will assume total management responsibility for the StarCare program, including employing the medical personnel, as it does at its other air bases throughout Nebraska and the region See full story... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: STARS
The 21st annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,217 prizes worth more than $5.6 million retail. The STARS Lottery raises over $10 million net each year and continues to be STARS’ single largest source of funding in Alberta, helping critically ill and injured patients across the province. “In 2013 STARS responded to more than... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: Airwork
Global niche helicopter operator and maintenance specialist Airwork NZ is expanding into Europe through a contract with Germany’s largest motoring organisation, The General German Automobile Club (ADAC). Based in Munich, ADAC is one of Europe’s largest operators of helicopters for emergency air rescue services which are among the range of mobility services provided to its... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: STARS
As you may have seen in recent media reports, the Manitoba government, in consultation with STARS, has made a decision to temporarily place the Winnipeg base out of service. This has been done to allow the government to conduct a review of an interhospital transport mission that occurred on Thursday, November 28th. The care and... Read more
4-Dec-2013Source: Regina Qu’Appelle
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is ready to land at Regina General Hospital now that Transport Canada has certified the new $3.4 million rooftop heliport for use. “Landing directly at Regina General will allow our emergency services to get patients in southern Saskatchewan to a critical care team about 15 minutes faster,” Health... Read more
3-Dec-2013Source: Manitoba Health
Following a recent patient transportation incident with STARS air ambulance service and advice from medical professionals, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today the temporary suspension of STARS. “On the advice from medical professionals, I’ve instructed my department to take this action. Up until now, I’ve been assured that STARS is providing appropriate emergency care, but... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: St. Mary's of Michigan
A new FlightCare helicopter is now flying the skies over the NE Michigan region to transport critically ill or injured patients to St. Mary’s of Michigan. St. Mary’s has partnered with Med-Trans Corporation to grow their air ambulance program. With this new partnership, Med-Trans is providing a new helicopter and assuming business operations. The new, state-of-the-art... Read more
7-Nov-2013Source: Regina Qu'Appelle Health
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) in Regina has become the first air medical service in Canada to begin stocking blood in advance for life-saving transfusions on air medical missions. This new approach, spearheaded by Regina General Hospital Transfusion Lab staff, allows the helicopter emergency medical service to begin a blood transfusion early. The... Read more
10-Oct-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance will unveil the Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation’s logo on the helicopter on Friday, Oct.11 at the Edmonton base. This logo unveiling will recognize the organization’s commitment of more than $549,000 to STARS. The logo will be revealed on the helicopter’s tailfin, a place reserved for donors who have pledged $500,000... Read more
2-Oct-2013Source: Batemans Bay Post
“A review conducted earlier this year found that it was important that our helicopter based on the South Coast remain a year-round service,” Westpac Life Saver CEO Stephen Leahy said. see full story... Read more
27-Sep-2013Source: Estevan Mercury
The helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is the first certified helipad in the province of Saskatchewan See full story... Read more
15-Sep-2013Source: CBC
Health sources in Manitoba tell CBC News there is growing concern over the STARS air ambulance program and patient management, as several cases are currently under clinical review by the province. See full story... Read more
5-Sep-2013Source: STARS
Saddle Hills County has been supporting STARS since 2007. Their 2012 commitment of $450,000 over three years, which equals $61 per capita, pushed the municipality past the significant milestone mark. “We are a busy remote location with lots of oil and gas companies coming in to work, and response times on ground can be high,”... Read more
23-Aug-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance unveiled the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association (GPPA)’s logo on a STARS helicopter on August 8, during the annual GPPA Golf Tournament, which took place at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club. This logo unveiling recognized the GPPA’s cumulative total contribution of over $397,000 to STARS. Funds were raised through the GPPA’s... Read more
2-Aug-2013Source: HawkesBay.co.nz
A second major sponsor of the Hawke’s Bay rescue helicopter trust has expressed concerns over the trust’s structure and says it will pull sponsorship unless changes are made – see full story... Read more
1-Aug-2013Source: HeliHub.com
In the wake of the resignation of Alison McEwan as Chairman of the Trustees, new appointee Andy Train has reportedly made it his priority to sort out the issues that his predecessor. These included – according to NewsTalkZB – the lack of transparency in the board selection process, and unnecessarily high rates for a lower-equipped... Read more
19-Jul-2013
Aeromed is the company that has flown critically sick or injured patients from hospitals or accidents to urban trauma centers since 1994. However, on July 31, the Tampa General Hospital-owned company is severing its five-year contract with Rocky Mountain Holdings and will lease helicopters from a different company. – See full story... Read more
9-Jul-2013Source: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust today confirmed that the future of the HEMS project (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) was secure. Trust CEO Greg Barrow said the Board had recently signed off on a three year proposal to support the HEMS project and funding had been allocated accordingly in future budgets. “Although our annual ratepayer funding... Read more
7-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has announced their eighth EC145 order for use in the fire and disaster prevention role. The order has been placed by Gifu Prefecture in Japan, who will be replacing a BK117B2 when the EC145 is in service. Gifu covers 4,100 square miles and has a population of about 2 million. All EC145s, including all... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Voice Communications System was selected again recently by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to upgrade the existing legacy analog audio system in another one of their BK117 EMS helicopters. The BK117 will be their fourth aircraft with Becker DVCS, and will soon undergo avionics modification and DVCS installation at Uniflight... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: DRF Luftrettung
40 years ago, DRF Luftrettung carried out its first rescue mission. Since then it has grown into a large and modern organization that operates 31 helicopter bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark for HEMS operations. Today, DRF Luftrettung acknowledged the 40th anniversary of its first mission with a ceremony. As part of the ceremony, the... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Long Beach patch
St. Mary’s Medical Center on Wednesday celebrated what will soon be a new emergency medical transport helicopter that will serve critically injured patients in the Long Beach area and on Catalina Island. (See Full Story)... Read more
16-May-2013Source: Leader~Post
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)... Read more
3-May-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Great Slave Helicopters (GSH) has taken delivery of a BK117 from the Eurocopter Canada Service Center after customization. The BK117 was originally purchased in Germany, with Eurocopter Canada performing various modifications to customize the aircraft. Great Slave Helicopters BK117 complements their existing fleet of twenty-four Eurocopter aircraft. Their extensive Eurocopter fleet consists of the following... Read more
1-May-2013Source: The London Helicopter
The UK’s first public helicopter service to sell individual seats online launches on 1st May when The London Helicopter introduces regular sightseeing flights from The Barclays London Heliport in Battersea. This innovative offering at www.thelondonhelicopter.com allows passengers to pre-book seats for helicopter sightseeing trips over the Capital taking off from London’s only commercially licensed Heliport. The new... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: STARS
STARS Air Ambulance begins 24-hour-a-day operations at its Saskatoon base. Since launching service in mid-October, the Saskatoon base has been providing service 12-hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. “Safety is always our priority,” says Ron Dufresne, vice-president of Saskatchewan operations. “Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time... Read more
21-Jan-2013Source: Alberta Health Services
Patients living in northern Alberta will continue to have access to rapid, reliable, and safe emergency care when the new air ambulance base is relocated to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) in March. Alberta Health Services air ambulance operations are moving to a new 3,600 square-metre hangar at the Edmonton International Airport, immediately adjacent to... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Queensland Government
Increased funding for community-based emergency helicopter operators has been granted as the Newman Government considers plans for lasting change in their financial support. A new funding model for these essential services is detailed in the Summary Report of the Review of Aeromedical Helicopter Services in Queensland – November 2012, released for consultation by Health Minister... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: NBC2
Charlotte County commissioners in Florida gave Aeromed the green light to base a medical helicopter in Punta Gorda. (see full story) Aeromed currently has two EC135s and three BK117s – operated for them by Air Methods... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: Philips SAR Trust
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are... Read more
25-Nov-2012
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Voxy
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)... Read more
29-Oct-2012Source: Winnipeg Sun
We understand the importance of the life-saving service that STARS provides and the need for this vital assistance to be available 24/7 (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) is boosting its PennSTAR AMS (Air Medical Services) fleet with the purchase of a new EC145. PennSTAR currently flies three BK117s and four EC135s. The new EC145 is scheduled to be in service by summer 2013, replacing one of the BK117 C1 aircraft. “PennMedicine and PennSTAR are always... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: STARS
July 30, 2012Â – Today STARS air ambulance is beginning 24-hour-a-day operations at its Regina base. Until now, the STARS Regina base has only operated 12-hours per day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time to become comfortable with the terrain and providing service in... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Calgary Herald
Dr. Gregory Powell and wife Linda retire but remain ambassadors for pioneering Alberta emergency service (see full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Westpac Life Saver Rescue
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher recently announced $1.5million in funding for Surf Life Saving NSW to assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. “This funding will ensure this vital search and rescue helicopter service continues to provide a 24/7 service in the Greater Sydney Region and a... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
1-May-2012Source: STARS
Regina, SK, April 30, 2012 – As of noon today, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was ready to provide helicopter air ambulance services for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. Following a brief ceremony involving dignitaries and former patients, the organization opened its base in Regina. “This is a historic day for... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: STARS
Enerplus Corporation, who have been strong supporters of STARS since 1992, have reached the $500,000 giving milestone. A celebration, which included a logo unveiling on the STARS helicopter, was held on April 25 for the independent oil and gas producer at the STARS Calgary hanger. “Enerplus has been in business for over 25 years, and... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce it will launch its first Saskatchewan base on Monday, April 30 in Regina. Beginning at 12 p.m. (noon), STARS will be ready to provide safe, rapid medical transport for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. “We’re very excited that helicopter air medical... Read more
22-Mar-2012Source: Airwork NZ
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the BK117-850D2 engine upgrade. This STC allows for the replacement of the standard BK117-B2 750hp engines with upgraded 850hp engines. This increase in power significantly improves One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance, allowing the BK117-850D2 to achieve true Category A standard. The... Read more
29-Feb-2012Source: CCS
The essential, life-saving services STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) provides will now be further supported in western Canada thanks to a $100,000 donation from CCS Corporation. “Many of our employees live and work in rural communities, so there is a natural link to support an organization such as STARS,” said John Gibson, president and... Read more
23-Feb-2012Source: STARS
A permanent Manitoba crew of 14 paramedics, nurses and pilots is now responding to emergency calls across the province with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopter ambulance, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “These paramedics, nurses and pilots are a critical link in patient care and their training and expertise will truly help... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Germany’s DRF Luftrettung today signed a power-by-the-hour service agreement with Eurocopter, ensuring optimized technical support with fixed maintenance costs and minimized downtime for this air rescue organization’s large helicopter fleet. DRF Luftrettung currently operates 45 Eurocopter helicopters for emergency medical services, composed of the EC145, EC135 and BK117 versions. In 2011, the company agreed to... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Summit Aviation added as service center in key northeast region From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced today that it has reached an agreement that will add Summit Aviation, based in Middletown, Delaware, to its extensive network of independent service centers across North America. “Providing our customers with the service and... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Heli-Expo 2012, American Eurocopter has announced that Air Care, which serves Cincinnati’s University Hospital and West Chester Hospital in Butler County, has chosen the EC145 to upgrade its fleet of BK-117 helicopters. Since its inception in 1984, the Air Care flight team has completed more than 28,000 accident-free patient care flight missions. They currently... Read more
