RBC makes C$500K donation to STARS
Source: Leader~Post, 16-May-13
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)
Eurocopter opens its Systemhaus helicopter development center
Source: Eurocopter, 16-May-13
Eurocopter today officially opened its new Systemhaus helicopter development center at Donauwörth, Germany today in the presence of Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer. The facility, which provides workspace for some 900 employees, offers complete system capa-bility for the global helicopter market leader’s production activity at its German location – a key aspect of the company’s [...]
Sky Tech joins Turbomeca Certified Maintenance Center Network
Source: Turbomeca, 16-May-13
Turbomeca (Safran) announces the qualification of Sky Tech LLP, as Certified Maintenance Center (Level 1&2) in Kazakhstan for Turbomeca Arriel 2B/2B1/2D and Arriel 1E2 engines, respectively powering EC130, AS350 and EC145 helicopters. The company’s facilities are located at Airport Boraldai – Almaty Region. “The company had been carefully selected to support Turbomeca customers in the [...]
RSG delivers newly completed AS350B3e to Guatemala
Source: RSG Aviation, 16-May-13
RSG Aviation, Inc., an industry leader in helicopter and aircraft completions and MRO services recently finalized an extensive completion on a new Eurocopter AS350B3e helicopter. The project was completed for a loyal and long term customer, who for many generations operates the largest coffee plantation in Guatemala. The customer requested and received the following: New state-of-the- art [...]
Bond enters Australian market with multi-million contract
Source: Bond Helicopters, 15-May-13
Bond Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd (Bond) is delighted to announce that it has won a competitive tender for the award of a multi-million dollar, five-year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies (PTTEP), part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company. This is Bond’s first major contract in the region, and marks the [...]
Budget freezes US Army Armed Aerial Scout program
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-May-13
The US Army has issued the following statement on helicopter procurement as part of a wider statement on how it responds to cuts in the military budget. It refers to the lack of “viable candidates” for the US Army Armed Aerial Scout program, which we read as “No candiates falls within our newly-tightened Budget constraints” [...]
Germany – Eurocopter to open new development centre tomorrow
Source: Eurocopter, 14-May-13
On May 15 Eurocopter celebrates the opening of its helicopter development center for around 900 engineers at its German site in Donauwörth – together with Prime Minister of Bavaria Horst Seehofer and further well-known characters from politics, industry and the media. The new building with a total floor area of 30,000 square meters brings together, [...]
Multiflight provides AS365N2 cover for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Source: Multiflight, 10-May-13
A Dauphin AS365N2 helicopter air ambulance owned and operated by Multiflight is currently providing vital cover for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) service. The helicopter is being used as a replacement aircraft whilst one of the two YAA MD902 Explorers is having its planned mandatory annual service. “Multiflight is pleased to be able to offer [...]
EASA approves Dart’s rear locker extender for AS355
Source: Dart Aerospace, 09-May-13
DART Aerospace announces that the Rear Locker Extender that increases the baggage compartment capacity by 17” is now EASA approved for Eurocopter AS355E/F/F1/F2/N/NP aircraft. Learn more at www.dartaerospace.com/rear-locker-extender-6699 ABOUT DART AEROSPACE: DART Aerospace is “Mission Ready”. A privately held aerospace company, we provide industry-leading design, manufacturing and market-certified solutions for the helicopter and aerospace industry. [...]
ANAC approves Dart’s full emergency litter kit for AS350/355
Source: Dart Aerospace, 09-May-13
DART Aerospace announces that the Full Emergency Litter Kit is now ANAC approved for AS350/355 aircraft. DART’s emergency litter kit transforms any AS350/355 aircraft for emergency evacuation in less than five minutes and 4 easy steps. This kit can easily be stored in the cargo compartment so it doesn’t interfere with normal operations. Learn more [...]
CHC wins 5 year AS332L2 contract for Shell in Africa
Source: CHC Helicopter, 08-May-13
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. has selected CHC Helicopter, the world’s leading offshore helicopter services provider, for a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to support Shell‘s deep-water exploration activities off the coast of Sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement, which comes with five, one-year options, will dedicate two Eurocopter Super Puma L2 aircraft to helicopter transportation services [...]
Becker avionics selected for corporate AS365N2
Source: Becker Avionics, 08-May-13
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control system was recently installed in a Eurocopter AS365N2 Dauphine corporate helicopter, operating in the Northeast U.S. The Becker DVCS replaces the aircraft’s legacy audio system which has become difficult to support since it is no longer in production and replacement parts and service have been significantly diminished. The [...]
OCCAR: Tiger Programme Contract Notice
Source: EDA, 07-May-13
OCCAR, EDA’s partner in developing European defence capabilities, manages the Tiger Helicopter programme on behalf of Germany, France and Spain. In a common approach towards personnel training, the German-French Tiger Helicopter Technical School (Deutsch-Französisches Ausbildungseinrichtung TIGER – DFAT) opened in 2003 in Fassberg, Germany. The mission of the School is to provide training to French [...]
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 [...]
Seventeen EC135s for Turkish EMS contract
Source: Eurocopter, 07-May-13
Eurocopter’s EC135 will perform medical airlift duties throughout Turkey with a fleet of 17 helicopters to be flown by the Turkish Aeronautical Association’s THK Gökçen Aviation commercial arm, marking the latest major contract win for this twin-engine rotorcraft in the international emergency medical services (EMS) marketplace. Operations are to begin this August with an initial [...]
Rescued pilot funds Midlands Air Ambulance education centre
Source: Shropshire Star, 07-May-13
A businessman who was left clinging to life in the wreckage of a horror helicopter crash in Shropshire has shown his gratitude to the air ambulance service that saved him. (See Full Story)
New Mexico National Guard transfer to UH-72A Lakota
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News, 07-May-13
Support for U.S. and New Mexico homeland security missions conducted by the New Mexico National Guard, and search and rescue operations throughout southern New Mexico, are about to get a significant boost. (See Full Story)
Devon & Cornwall Police air unit joins Twitter
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-May-13
Devon & Cornwall Police’s air support unit have joined Twitter and can be found @DCP_Helicopter. However, this move may be short-lived as the gradual nationalisation of law enforcement aviation across England and Wales under the “NPAS” (National Police Air Service) banner has seen various units adopt new Twitter identities involving the NPAS name. Time will [...]
EAAA Passes CQC Inspection with Flying Colours
Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance, 03-May-13
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has passed its most recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which confirms that everyone helped by the Charity receives care of the highest quality. The EAAA, which provides the air ambulance service across Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Norfolk and Suffolk, operates from bases at Cambridge and Norwich. It has [...]
Great Slave Helicopters introduces BK117
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 03-May-13
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 [...]
Regular sightseeing tours start in London
Source: The London Helicopter, 01-May-13
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 [...]
Huntsville Hospital’s AS350 now carrying blood
Source: AL.com, 01-May-13
MedFlight, the hospital’s air ambulance, is the first helicopter in the state of Alabama to carry blood on every flight (see full report)
UK – First test flight for EMS helipad on Isle of Wight
Source: Isle of Wight radio, 01-May-13
The first test flight for St Mary’s Hospital’s new helipad has taken place (see full story)
Hy-Ridge Helicopters takes delivery of AS350B3e
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 01-May-13
Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. has chosen its fourth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to support a variety of utility and transport missions throughout Alberta and British Columbia that include; long-lining, sling operations, fire suppression, heli-torch operations, air ambulance services, seismic operations, mining exploration, heli-skiing as well as, private and corporate charter services. “The AS350 B3e’s incredible adaptability [...]
New UH-72A Lakota production head named
Source: American Eurocopter, 01-May-13
Mike Spears has joined American Eurocopter as Senior Director, Lakota Production and Retrofit at its Columbus, Miss. production facility that produces theUH-72A Lakota helicopter. Spears replaces Fred Gerard, Senior Director of LUH Production, who is taking a leadership position with Airbus in Mobile, Ala. In his new position Spears will lead American Eurocopter’s team in continuing its record [...]
Portugal celebrates 50 years of the Alouette III
Source: Portuguese AF, 30-Apr-13
[Electronic translation] On April 20 was held in the premises of 552 Squadron”HORNETS”, based on the Air Base No. 11 , in Beja, the event commemorating the 50 years of operation of the helicopterALOUETTE III This event, which aimed to mark this milestone, brought together several generations of soldiers who worked and are working with the weapons system [...]
Jordanian Police sell three Bo105s
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Apr-13
The Jordanian Police have recently sold a batch of three Eurocopter Bo105s to Oceania Aviation in New Zealand after retiring them from active use four years ago – we assume they have been in storage in the interim period. Each has now been put on the local ZK- register, with Oceania working initially on ZK-HVA [...]
Helibras selects Safran Engineering Services as system integrator
Source: Safran Engineering Services, 29-Apr-13
Brazilian helicopter manufacturer Helibras, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, has selected Safran Engineering Services as the design authority to supply the installation design and full integration of multiple avionics communication and navigation systems, including a sophisticated new Glass Cockpit System from Sagem (Safran), as well as the integration of the auto-pilot system, for the modernization of [...]
West Midlands Police helicopter catches more than 500 suspects in a year
Source: Birmingham Mail, 29-Apr-13
West Midlands Police’s eye-in-the sky helicopter helped cops snare more than 500 suspects last year. The aircraft spent 1,175 hours in the sky and was also responsible for finding 27 people who had been reported missing. (See Full Story)
Eurocopter delivers 250th UH-72A Lakota to US Army
Source: EADS North America, 26-Apr-13
The U.S. Army has fielded the 250th UH-72A Lakota helicopter delivered to Army and National Guard units by EADS North America since 2006. Every Lakota — including an additional five produced for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School — has been delivered on time and on budget, by an American workforce that is more than [...]
Eurocopter reveals optionally-piloted EC145
Source: Eurocopter, 26-Apr-13
Eurocopter’s ability to integrate unmanned flight capabilities into its helicopter family has been validated by an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) demonstration program, which used an EC145 to fly routes that included deployment of an external sling load and a representative observation mission. Conducted at the French Air Force base in Istres, France, this program was [...]
Metro Aviation delivers AS350 to EagleMed
Source: Metro Aviation, 25-Apr-13
Metro Aviation recently delivered a new Eurocopter AS350 to EagleMed as the result of a base expansion in Cody, Wyoming. The aircraft was completed at Metro’s headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana. The AS350 is equipped with Metro’s EMS kit that includes the transfill oxygen system with two outlets, medical inverter system, flip up seats, and LEMS [...]
Eurocopter UK reinforces its British private/VIP market leadership
Source: Eurocopter, 25-Apr-13
With a series of deliveries, Eurocopter has further extended its lead in Britain’s private/VIP market and once more confirmed the company’s role as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Two of the rotorcraft are the AS350 B3e evolved members of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, while the third is an EC120 B. [Editor note - Eurocopter has already issued [...]
Eurocopter turns to Sinequa for Unified Information Access
Source: Sinequa, 23-Apr-13
Sinequa, one of the leaders of the Search and Unified Information Access (UIA) market, announces that its solution has been chosen by EUROCOPTER, an EADS subsidiary, to improve access to enterprise data and thus increase performance and satisfaction of its employees. In line with the complexity of the company’s products, rapid and easy access to [...]
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance shows off Bo105 colour scheme
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Apr-13
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is making good progress and last week had their Eurocopter Bo105 at Perth’s Scone Airport to show off its colour scheme. It’s visit was only for a few days as it still needs some further equipment fitted before going live, but it did provide the charity the opportunity to announce that [...]
ASU completes 100th BK117 Night Vision upgrade
Source: ASU, 22-Apr-13
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) announced they have completed their 100th Night Vision cockpit modification on BK 117 Aircraft. This most recent lighting installation was completed at Helicopter Specialties in Janesville, Wisconsin. Helicopter Specialties is a helicopter completion center and performs maintenance, repair and overhauls. “Completing 100 NVIS lighting modifications for the BK 117 is a [...]
Eurocopter delivers first Tiger HAD variant to the French military
Source: Eurocopter, 22-Apr-13
Eurocopter’s first production Tiger helicopter in the HAD attack configuration was delivered to France’s DGA armament procurement agency today for operation by French Army Aviation units, providing a highly capable combat weapon system that is tailored to the world’s evolving battlefield conditions. This milestone followed DGA qualification of the Tiger HAD version on April 10, [...]
Eurocopter Japan delivers EC135T2 to Shizuoka Air Commuter
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Apr-13
Eurocopter Japan have recently delivered an EC135T2 to Shizuoka air commuter, who intend putting it in to charter work imminently. Shizuoka air commuter was established in 1991 and has a fleet of six helicopters, all from Eurocopter, including BK117 and EC135 models. One EC135 is contracted for a news gatherling contract. All are based at [...]
Nepal’s Fishtail Air adds an AS350B3+
Source: Fishtail Air, 19-Apr-13
Fishtail Air’s newest helicopter commenced its first commercial flight on 11th April, 2013! The AS 350 B3+ single-engine light helicopter had arrived in Nepal on 29th March after having left Italy on 18th March 2013. Registered I-VIEW, the helicopter is fitted with 5+1 passenger seat version and is constantly ready to undertake real challenges and [...]
Eurocopter launches non-profit Foundation
Source: Eurocopter, 19-Apr-13
Eurocopter last week held the first board meeting of its new Corporate Foundation, which unites the company’s humanitarian and philanthropic activities worldwide,underscoring the company’s increased commitment to social responsibility. The Eurocopter Corporate Foundation is an independent, apolitical and non-profit legal entity funded by Eurocopter, Eurocopter Deutschland and Eurocopter Group subsidiaries.The Foundation is dedicated to the [...]
Eurocopter donates AS350 to China’s Civil Aviation Flight University
Source: Eurocopter, 19-Apr-13
Future generations of Chinese aviation technicians will benefit from hands-on training experience with an Ecureuil (AS350 family of helicopters) donated by Eurocopter China to the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC). This rotorcraft is to be located at the CAFUC campus in Guanghan, Sichuan Province as part of the Eurocopter-supported training courses for students [...]
Eurocopter at ABACE 2013 marks 45 year presence in China
Source: Eurocopter, 18-Apr-13
Eurocopter’s capabilities to serve the rapidly-expanding Chinese helicopter market by building on its 45-year presence in the country is being spotlighted at this week’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. While maintaining strong product sales, Eurocopter’s China subsidiary has also been multiplying its support and services offerings to meet the increasing helicopter [...]
Eurocopter to offer Sandel avionics on EC135
Source: Sandel Avionics, 18-Apr-13
Sandel Avionics, Inc., a global leader in compact, integrated display systems technologies, today announced that Eurocopter will offer its SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays and SA4550 Primary Attitude Displays as optional equipment on EC135 helicopters. Sandel products are now offered in Eurocopter’s Blue Book, as part of the Mid-life Efficiency Package (MEP) for new production EC135 [...]
Metro Aviation delivers new EC135 to CALSTAR
Source: Metro Aviation, 18-Apr-13
Metro Aviation recently delivered the third of eight new EC135s to California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR). The new aircraft are part of a comprehensive fleet upgrade and standardization plan for the helicopter emergency medical service based in McClellan, CA. Metro will provide eight EC135s to replace the program’s older fleet, making it an all-Eurocopter [...]
Brazil’s State of Pará orders two AS350B2
Source: Helibras, 18-Apr-13
[electronic translation] Helibras signed in its booth at LAAD – Defence & Security 2013, a contract for delivery of two new helicopters AS350 B2 Squirrel model for the Secretary of State for Public Security and Social Defense of Pará These aircraft were acquired to form the security planning of the State Government due to the [...]
Helibras presents upgraded Brazilian Army Pantera K2
Source: Helibras, 17-Apr-13
[electronic translation] The Helibras brought to your booth at LAAD – Defence & Security 2013 to pilot Panther K2 unit that has been completely modernized and will be presented to the Army Aviation (Avex), held that, from now on, all evaluations of interventions carried in the helicopter. The Panther K2 was fitted with new wiring, [...]
Coast to Coast Helicopters adds two AS350B3e to Mustang fleet
Source: Eurocopter Canada, 17-Apr-13
Coast to Coast Helicopters took delivery of two enhanced AS350 B3e’s to increase support for the groups utility helicopters operations. Both aircraft will be operated by one of the group’s subsidiary operations; Mustang Helicopters. “The purchase of the AS350 B3e’s was an easy decision as the AStar family has continued to demonstrate its reliability and [...]
Helibras announces EC225/EC725 simulator
Source: Helibras, 15-Apr-13
[electronic translation] Helibras announces during LAAD Defence & Security 2013 – International Exhibition of Defence and Security in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the details of the construction of a training center and Simulators Flight helicopters EC725 and EC225, models being produced in company’s new hangar in Itajubá (MG). The new Training Center and Simulators Helibras [...]
New AS350 for Castleview Hospital
Source: ETV-10 News, 15-Apr-13
Price residents may have noticed a helicopter flying over the city on Friday. The new chopper caught the eye of many residents and will soon be a permanent fixture to the area (see full story)
Lucasville air base gets a new EC130
Source: Portsmouth-Dailytimes, 15-Apr-13
The Healthnet 4/Medflight 7 airbase located at 7106 Big Bear Creek Road in Lucasville recently received a new, larger helicopter to serve the air medical needs of the community (see full story).
West Michigan AirCare celebrates 20 years
Source: Air Care, 12-Apr-13
Marks Air Care’s 20th anniversary and we wish to express our thanks to all healthcare providers in the region for so many years of teamwork and for helping keep us safe. Since our first mission in 1993, we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing critical care and rapid trauma interventions to patients in Southwest Michigan and Northern [...]
EADS North America issues statement on proposed UH-72A program reduction
Source: EADS North America, 12-Apr-13
EADS North America Chairman and CEO Sean O’Keefe issued the following statement regarding the proposed reduction of the Army’s UH-72A Lakota helicopter program from the 41 aircraft remaining to be purchased down to just ten: “During times of budgetary pressure, an extremely successful program like the Lakota — with its demonstrated low cost and unbroken [...]
Cities formally dissolve ABLE helicopter program
Source: Daily Pilot, 12-Apr-13
A 20-year law enforcement partnership that provided police helicopter patrols to Costa Mesa and Newport Beach touched down for the last time Thursday morning. (see full story)
MassDevelopment issues tax-exempt $8M lease for Boston Medflight EC145
Source: Boston Medflight, 12-Apr-13
MassDevelopment has issued an $8 million tax-exempt lease on behalf of New England Life Flight, Inc. in Bedford, which does business as Boston MedFlight. The emergency transport service will use lease proceeds to buy a medically configured helicopter that will replace an existing helicopter to transport ill and injured patients. Lease proceeds will also finance [...]
Baltimore Police reverse decision to mothball one of four EC120s
Source: The Baltimore Sun, 12-Apr-13
Eighteen months after Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake voted to approve the purchase of four new helicopters for the Police Department, her proposed budget called for grounding one of them in a cost-saving move (see full story).
Eurocopter’s long-term commitment to Brazil marked at the LAAD 2013
Source: Eurocopter, 11-Apr-13
This week’s LAAD Defense & Security exposition will feature a comprehensive lineup of Eurocopter light- and medium-lift helicopters, underscoring the company’s position as a rotorcraft supplier to Brazil’s civil and military operators while also highlighting its role as a strategic partner to the country’s aviation industry. Exhibited at the Riocentro convention center in Rio de [...]
Emergency Helicopter to be Based in Golden Triangle
Source: The Columbus Packet, 10-Apr-13
MedStat EMS announces the expansion of its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (see full story).
UK – ExecuJet Europe adds first helicopter to managed fleet
Source: ExecuJet Europe, 10-Apr-13
ExecuJet Europe, the leading global business aviation organisation, is adding the first helicopter to its managed fleet, the Eurocopter EC155, based at Cambridge Airport. The EC155 helicopter has capacity for eight VIP passengers and two pilots. With a range of more than 500 miles, the aircraft will primarily be used for transfers to the City [...]
Malta – Eurocopter loses court appeal against AgustaWestland
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Apr-13
Just three weeks after Eurocopter appealed the process when they lost a tender for three helicopters to AgustaWestland, a court in Malta has upheld the original decisions. Eurocopter had resorted to an official court review after the failure of two administrative appeals to the Public Contract Review Board. The appeal was reportedly on the basis [...]
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 [...]
Canada issues RFP for Coastguard Bo105 replacement
Source: Canadian Government, 08-Apr-13
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced that Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of light helicopters, under the Coast Guard helicopter fleet renewal procurement. “Our Government [...]
Wales Air Ambulance makes historic first night flight
Source: Wales Air Ambulance, 07-Apr-13
Wales Air Ambulance completed a historic mission this week with the charity’s first ever night mission. The lifesaving charity made its maiden flight during darkness hours on Monday, March 25, saving the life of a 59-year-old man who had suffered a heart attack. The mission follows weeks of extensive night flight training for pilots and [...]
Unity4 brings fundraising capability to Wales Air Ambulance
Source: Unity4, 05-Apr-13
Not for profit organisations count on donations to further their cause and extend much needed help to the communities they serve. As a non-government funded charity, Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) needs the necessary financial support and selected Unity4, the global home agent contact centre outsourcer and technology provider, to carry out this key function noting [...]
Feadship prepare to deliver 99m yacht with enclosed helicopter hangar
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Apr-13
Dutch shipyard Feadship is currently conducting pre-delivery trials on their largest superyacht to date – the 99m long ship known as “Project Dream”. In their press release they indicate that “Experience of a different kind underpinned some of the other special requests for this latest member of the Feadship fleet. Leveraging on the expertise accrued [...]
No criminal proceedings for April 2009 Bond AS332L2 accident
Source: Scottish Crown Office, 05-Apr-13
On 1 April 2009 Super Puma helicopter AS332 L2 G-REDL crashed into the North Sea resulting in the deaths of all 16 men on board. Having carefully considered all the circumstances of this incident, Crown Counsel have decided that there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution and as result no criminal proceedings are instructed. The [...]
Eurocopter and Turbomeca to work with WZL1 for Polish production lines
Source: Eurocopter, 05-Apr-13
As reported by HeliHub.com on 25th March – see Eurocopter to set up production in Poland? – what follows below is the official press release from Eurocopter Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) today announced the signature of industrial cooperation agreements with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) that include the creation of two separate full assembly [...]
Bond extends contract with North West Air Ambulance by 7 years
Source: Bond Air Services, 05-Apr-13
Bond Air Services (Bond), the largest operator of air ambulance aviation units in the UK, has been awarded a new seven-year contract by North West Air Ambulance (NWAA). The contract, worth just over £10 million, is to provide air ambulance support across five counties in North West England. Under the new contract, Bond will continue [...]
Metro Aviation begins completion of Boston MedFlight EC145
Source: Metro Aviation, 04-Apr-13
Metro Aviation visited with representatives from Boston MedFlight and American Eurocopter recently to begin production of MedFlight’s new EC145. The new aircraft will replace one of their two BK117 C1s. The new fleet configuration will include the EC145, BK117, and the S76. “We are excited about operating our very first EC145 and look forward to [...]
Step Change in Safety report highlights offshore safety achievements
Source: Step Change, 04-Apr-13
Step Change in Safety has published its 2013 Annual Update report and has called on the UK oil and gas industry to continue its focus on improving safety performance. The report reviews the organisation’s achievements over the last year and identifies where it will focus its attention in future. Highlights include: The launch of the Workforce Engagement Toolkit – [...]
Eurocopter Japan delivers world-first helicopter equipped for high-speed, real-time data transmission
Source: Eurocopter, 03-Apr-13
The capabilities of Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a high-speed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites – a world’s first. This installation – called the Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA) – enables [...]
Metro Aviation to complete EC155 for second HEMS user in US
Source: Metro Aviation, 03-Apr-13
After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair. The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country. Metro Aviation received an [...]
Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family arrives in Bangladesh
Source: Eurocopter, 03-Apr-13
Eurocopter makes a breakthrough into the Bangladeshi civil helicopter market with the arrival of the country’s first Eurocopter rotorcraft this year. An EC130 B4 was delivered to R&R Aviation; while an AS350 B3e was showcased to civilian and governmental prospects in a two-day flight demonstration. Both aircraft are light helicopters belonging to Eurocopter’s world renowned [...]
Peru chooses Mi-171 over Super Puma
Source: HeliHub.com, 02-Apr-13
Reports from South America are saying that the Peruvian Government has picked the Mil Mi-171 over the EUrocopter AS332L2 Super Puma for their 24 ship requirement for the fight against drug trafficking. The final deal is expected to be signed at a value of $486 million, of which $406 million relates to the helicopters themselves, [...]
First AS350B3e delivered to UK market
Source: Eurocopter UK, 02-Apr-13
The AS350B3e, the newest version of Eurocopter’s successful Ecureuil family, is the latest addition to the UK’s important single engine helicopter fleet in Private/Business Aviation. After its entry into service in September 2011, the AS350B3e, the latest version of the powerful 7 seat, 2,3 ton AS350 single engine helicopter family was delivered for the first [...]
Spain ships three Tigers to Afghanistan
Source: Spanish Military, 28-Mar-13
[electronic translation] In his first combat mission, the ‘Tiger’ capacities to provide protection and security to our forces in retreat Three helicopters ‘Tiger’ Battalion Attack Helicopter (BHELA) No. 1, located at the base ‘Coronel Sánchez Bilbao’ de Almagro (Ciudad Real), have been embarked today on a transport plane ‘Antonov’ for transfer to the base of Herat.There [...]
