Bristow – EC225 situation will last another year or more
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-May-13
From Bristow’s latest financial statements comes this quote Recently, Eurocopter, the manufacturer of the EC225 Super Puma aircraft, has indicated that they have determined the root causes of the gear shaft failure in the EC225, which are being reviewed by airworthiness authorities and independent third parties. The definitive solution to the problem will be a [...]
Air Methods Reaches Highest Level in FAA’s Safety Management System Program
Source: Air Methods, 21-May-13
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, recently was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it successfully reached the highest level (Level 4) of the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) program. The SMS program is an organizational framework created and implemented by the FAA to systematically guide,track, [...]
Helmet saves Otago helicopter pilot’s life
Source: MSN, 16-May-13
A Central Otago pilot has escaped with his life and a lucky lid after his unattended helicopter took off, crashed and the tail rotor grazed his helmet. (See Full Story)
North Sea – Safety issues with Ekofisk Helipad
Source: Offshore Energy Today, 14-May-13
The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA), with assistance from the Civil Aviation Authority, carried out an audit of Ekofisk 2/4-L facility on 4 – 5 April 2013. (See Full Story)
Mechanic takes blame for Honolulu R22 accident
Source: Khon 2, 13-May-13
New video has been released following Wednesday’s helicopter crash landing in downtown Honolulu. The Kukui Plaza condominium captured the crash landing on surveillance video. (See Full Story)
Pensacola Helicopter Safety Seminar
Source: HAI, 13-May-13
Join HAI, the FAA Safety Team, a cast of industry experts, and your peers for a free workshop for all helicopter pilots, operators, students, and instructors in the southern region on June 8 in Pensacola, Fla. Let’s all reach the highest level of safety! Topics covered will include helicopter accident trends, human factors, safety initiatives, [...]
5 helicopter accidents/incidents in Montana in 5 weeks
Source: HeliHub.com, 09-May-13
Montana, one of the least populated states in the US, has seen well more than its “fair share” of helicopter accidents and incidents in the last fives weeks. HeliHub.com has reported no fewer than five such events in its Accident/Incident data pages, including one fatal accident. Other situations include a bird strike breaking the windshield [...]
UK AAIB Bulletin – May 2013
Source: AAIB, 09-May-13
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.
HAI President’s Message: Safety First, Sound Second
Source: HAI, 08-May-13
We talk a lot in our industry about the importance of a “Safety First” culture, but I think a conversation about our No. 2 priority also needs to occur: minimizing the impact of a helicopter’s sound on the environment. Why, you ask, did I call it sound, instead of noise? Noise just sounds bad, like [...]
NZ – Six-seat Composite prototype ditches into Auckland harbour
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-May-13
The only flying prototype of the all-composite six-seat helicopter dubbed “Adventourer” has ditched into Auckland Harbour in the channel between North Head and Rangitoto and sunk, bringing the development program to a halt. The salt water will no doubt mean a complete re-build and a significant pause in the development program of the KC518 helicopter being [...]
Step Change in Safety commended at international awards ceremony
Source: Step Change in Safety, 03-May-13
Step Change in Safety has received a prestigious commendation by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for its efforts to improve workforce engagement in the offshore oil and gas industry. Step Change in Safety’s Workforce Engagement Toolkit – which promises to positively transform the way oil and gas companies interact with staff [...]
Feds issue helmet safety guideline reminder
Source: HAI, 02-May-13
With the fire season approaching and interagency aviation operations gearing up, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) this week issued an accident prevention bulletin reminding helicopter flight crews to ensure their helmets meet interagency guidelines and, more importantly, offer adequate protection. The bulletin warns that some helmets may contain outdated [...]
HNZ accident-free in 2012 with over 65,000 flying hours
Source: HNZ, 01-May-13
After collating all the statistics from their operations world-wide, HNZ Global have been celebrating a completely accident free 2012. Flying more than 65,000 hours in mostly specialized ‘niche’ helicopter operations all around the world, the “clean slate” represents a remarkable effort, especially for such a large and diverse organization. “Operating in both the utility market [...]
Metro Aviation Pilot Recognized for Safety
Source: Metro Aviation, 01-May-13
Metro Aviation conducted annual training for 34 lead pilots last week. Pilots gathered at the company’s new training facility at its Shreveport, Louisiana headquarters. During the culminating dinner, Metro recognized Joseph “Woody” Woodard, Lead Pilot for the First Flight program in Melbourne, Florida. Woodard was honored for his quick thinking and commendable actions during a [...]
HAI to hold Anchorage Helicopter Pilot Workshop this week
Source: HAI, 29-Apr-13
On Thursday, May 2, 2013, join HAI, the FAASTeam, and a diverse panel of industry experts as they discuss regional issues affecting helicopter pilots, accident trends, personal risk assessment, safety initiatives, and more. There will be a free lunch for all attendees; you can obtain the latest safety materials, earn WINGS credit, and network with [...]
Saudi to set up independent air crash investigation team
Source: Arabian Aerospace, 26-Apr-13
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) is to set up an independent body to investigate air accidents. (See Full Story)
HAI Stresses Safety and AMT Numbers at ATEC
Source: HAI, 18-Apr-13
This week, Stan Rose, HAI’s director of safety outreach programs, represented HAI at the 53rd annual conference of the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) in Orlando, Fla. HAI is committed to working with this group to address the issues of a shortage of qualified maintenance personnel, including professional development in ab-initio training and in curriculum [...]
Metro Aviation Enters Level III status in FAA’s SMS Pilot Project
Source: Metro Aviation, 17-Apr-13
For safety to exist, it must be a way of life.” Those words are familiar in the Metro Aviation family and reiterated in a new safety video featuring Metro’s CEO Mike Stanberry. The video speaks directly to employees and customers and reaffirms Metro’s commitment to sustaining an active Safety Management System (SMS). The incorporation of [...]
New Zealand proposes AD to force R44 bladder tank issue
Source: NZ CAA, 11-Apr-13
The CAA proposes the following new Airworthiness Directive requiring the replacement of aluminium fuel tanks on Robinson R44 series aircraft with new bladder-type tanks of improved resistance to post-accident rupture. The AD is prompted by reports of three Robinson R44 accidents in Australia involving fuel tank ruptures and fires. These accidents resulted in the loss [...]
UK AAIB Bulletin – April 2013
Source: AAIB, 11-Apr-13
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Hiller UH-12 B (N38763), tail struck ground during landing, Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, 4 August 2012
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 [...]
FAA Extends Tower Closure Date
Source: FAA, 08-Apr-13
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that it will delay the closures of all 149 federal contract air traffic control towers until June 15. Last month, the FAA announced it would eliminate funding for these towers as part of the agency’s required $637 million budget cuts under sequestration. This additional [...]
Oil support Mi-8 down in Peru – 13 fatalities
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Apr-13
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
Australia may ground R44s without bladder tank upgrade
Source: ATSB, 05-Apr-13
Robinson R44 helicopters that have not been fitted with upgraded fuel tanks face being grounded from 30 April 2013. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a direction to all affected R44 helicopter operators about the installation of flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of post-accident fires. CASA has made it clear that R44 [...]
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 [...]
Bravo Helicopters owner dies in R44 accident
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Apr-13
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause [...]
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 – [...]
Japanese STC for AW139 firefighting belly tank system
Source: Simplex Aerospace, 02-Apr-13
The new Simplex Fire Attack system has a 480 gallon (1,817 liter) water capacity, and is the lightest belly tank system per gallon of capacity on the market today. The system also has an approved maximum speed of 150 KIAS without the hover pump installed (140 KIAS with hover pump installed),making it the fastest helicopter [...]
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 [...]
Bristow Helicopters becomes member of Step Change in Safety
Source: Step Change In Safety, 26-Mar-13
It was announced today, Monday 25 March, that Bristow Helicopters has become a full member of Step Change In Safety. The role of Step Change in Safety has become even more important in recent months with its Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) playing a vital role in keeping the industry informed following two related controlled [...]
NBAA’s Bolen Responds to FAA Decision to Close ATC Towers
Source: NBAA, 25-Mar-13
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) decision to proceed with the closure of 149 contract air traffic control towers and other facilities across the United States, to comply with “sequestration,” or mandatory budget curtailments required of federal agencies: [...]
R44 in fatal NSW crash had not had bladder tank upgrade
Source: The Australian, 25-Mar-13
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).
ATSB report says R22 tail contacted rock in fatal Kimberley crash
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Mar-13
The Australian investigation authority ATSB has issued their final report on the fatal R22 accident on 3rd October last year which occurred 130 km west of Halls Creek in Western Australia. The summary is a blunt reminder of issues with confined areas, light levels etc What happened On 3 October 2012 the pilots of two [...]
Super Puma AS332 L2 G-REDL Fatal Accident Inquiry announced
Source: Crown Office, 22-Mar-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 reports on third round of EC225 tests
Source: Eurocopter, 20-Mar-13
The third round of tests at Eurocopter – which focused on the bevel gear shaft – is complete. The investigation timetable is proceeding according to plan, with each step bringing us closer to the probable causes and solutions. The investigation results are currently being analyzed and will be reported by Eurocopter in accordance with the [...]
North Sea oil workers being put on slimming diets
Source: Decoded Science, 19-Mar-13
… reports about North Sea oil workers being put on slimming diets because their average weight over the last few years had increased so much (see full story)
Maintenance cloth caused R44 accident in Sweden
Source: Nordic Rotors, 18-Mar-13
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 6 September 2011 in Ånn, close to Åre, involving a Norwegian helicopter with the registration LN-OAB. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Astro, was taking off for a private flight with three people onboard when the engine [...]
AH+RT Announces Vital Training Services, Teams With Simplex
Source: AH+RT, 15-Mar-13
A team of longtime helicopter and fire/rescue industry professionals have joined forces to enhance safety and training opportunities for companies, pilots and crewmembers alike. Advanced Helicopter + Rescue Techniques LLC (AH+RT), based in Portland, Ore., provides comprehensive training services covering a variety of rotary wing, aerial firefighting and technical rescue skill sets. The company also [...]
IHST restructures US Helicopter Safety Team
Source: IHST, 14-Mar-13
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) is adding additional focus to its safety efforts in the U.S. helicopter community by designating two of its current executives to lead the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and concentrate solely on safety issues within the U.S. civil helicopter community. This team will be co-chaired by industry and [...]
UK AAIB Bulletin – March 2013
Source: AAIB, 14-Mar-13
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.
Carilion to start construction of helicopter hangar in Lexington
Source: Carilion, 13-Mar-13
As part of a move to better coordinate its air medical services, Carilion Clinic is building hangars and other facilities for emergency helicopters based at Lexington and Smith Mountain Lake. Construction will begin later this month on a hangar, crew quarters and offices on a half-acre site behind Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, the [...]
Tennessee Highway Patrol Announces Permanent Aviation Support for West Tennessee
Source: Tennessee Highway Patrol, 13-Mar-13
Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons joined Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Tracy Trott to announce the permanent assignment of a THP helicopter and pilot to assist with aviation support of law enforcement in west Tennessee. This permanent aviation support will enhance public safety by increasing response time to incidents or missions [...]
Embry-Riddle, Antipodean Aviation Offer Survival Training in Emergency Water Landings
Source: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 13-Mar-13
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has teamed with Antipodean Aviation of Australia to offer survival training in emergency water landings for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The course covers pre-flight planning and emergency water landing techniques, as well as escape from a submerged aircraft cabin and sea survival techniques, including life preserver and life raft familiarization, and [...]
Seven fatal helicopter accidents in first nine days of March 2013
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Mar-13
March 2013 has not started off well from the point of view of accident statistics, with seven fatal accidents in the first nine days. HeliHub.com carries extensive coverage of helicopter safety data and has included the following in recent reports 09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F) 07-Mar-13 Eurocopter/IAR SA330L Bacau, Romania (2F) 05-Mar-13 [...]
Executive Helishares Take Delivery Of Another AW109 Power
Source: Executive Helishares, 09-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the handover of an AW109 Power to Executive HeliShares, a Briles Wing & Helicopter, Inc. Company, located in Van Nuys, California. Executive HeliShares has selected the AW109 Power and GrandNew product lines as the VIP platforms of choice for their exclusive Fractional Ownership Program on the West [...]
Med-Trans continues addition of Eurocopter EC135s to its fleet
Source: American Eurocopter, 09-Mar-13
Med-Trans Corporation, a leading provider of air medical transport services, has ordered its 14th EC135 helicopter from American Eurocopterec135-med-trans-florida1 in the last six months. American Eurocopter announced the latest order Thursday at the Heli-Expo 2013 trade show in Las Vegas. The order, along with three others placed in December, is part of an agreement with [...]
Bond Offshore Helicopters becomes a full member of Step Change In Safety
Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters, 06-Mar-13
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd (Bond), one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services, is proud to be the first helicopter operator to become a full member of Step Change In Safety. Step Change In Safety was founded in 1997 by the principal oil and gas industry trade associations, with the aim of making [...]
Global Aerospace announces $1.5M Safety Program Investment
Source: Global Aerospace, 05-Mar-13
Global Aerospace, a worldwide leading specialist aerospace insurer, announced that its cumulative financial investment in aviation safety programs since 2011 now totals more than USD $1.5 million. The company has long been the insurance industry leader in supporting aviation safety initiatives, many funded on behalf of its clients as well as for the aviation industry [...]
HeliHub.com appointed “Preferred News Supplier” to NEMSPA
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Mar-13
The National EMS Pilots Association has reached an agreement with HeliHub.com whereby our newsfeed is run on the home page of their website. The most recent ten news stories on HeliHub.com are available in a tabbed window, updated immediately a new story appears on the HeliHub.com website. In this role HeliHub.com is appointed as [...]
ASU Announces STC for Bell 205A-1 for Aerial Firefighting
Source: ASU, 04-Mar-13
ASU announced today that they received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Bell 205A-1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new STC was completed for the San Diego Sherriff’s Department. This aircraft will be used for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement and hoist equipmen. “This is the seventh aircraft modification [...]
Helivia appoints Ops Director – and joins IHST
Source: Helivia Aero Taxi, 04-Mar-13
Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced today it has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Captain Renato Clark as its Operations Director. Clark has more than 25 years of flying and management experience within the Brazilian military and the offshore oil and gas industry. Prior to joining Helivia, he held key positions with two major [...]
US budget cuts (aka “Sequestration”) hit from today
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Mar-13
US budgetary cuts, known as “sequestration”, starts today – 1st March 2013. The FAA needs to reduce its expenditures by about $600 Million for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013. Among the changes which are likely to impact is a program whereby almost all their 47,000 employees will be forced to take unpaid leave for [...]
HAI-APS Auditor Workshop at Heli-Expo
Source: HAI, 01-Mar-13
If you are interested in becoming an auditor for the HAI Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS), please plan to attend the HAI-APS Auditor Workshop at HELI-EXPO 2013 on Wednesday, March 6, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to become familiar with the HAI-APS program, understand its relationship with IS-BAO, review [...]
The Whys and Hows of Accident Reporting
Source: US Army, 26-Feb-13
While serving as a first sergeant years ago, I was frustrated when an accident report submitted to the U.S. Army Safety Center was returned to me for additional information. Unfortunately, because the accident occurred off duty and my Soldier had been rendered unconscious, I couldn’t provide any additional information. What I now realize is even [...]
EMS helicopter stranded after pilot breaks leg
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Feb-13
A German air ambulance helicopter was grounded recently after the pilot suffered a broken leg away from base. The “Christoph 70″ helicopter – a Eurocopter EC135 – had landed on the rooftop pad at Pößneck on Tuesday 12th February at 15:30 hours for a patient transfer to Bad Berka. However, the pilot broke his leg [...]
FAA had twice suspended licence of pilot in fatal crash
Source: LA Times, 21-Feb-13
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Acton this month had his pilot privileges suspended twice in the last decade, according to FAA records (see full story). Details on the accident referred to can be found at 10-Feb-13 N59518 Bell 206B Acton, US-California (3F)
2013 CHC Safety & Quality Summit – Gala Dinner keynote speaker announced
Source: CHC, 20-Feb-13
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Simon Sinek, a leading motivational speaker and author of, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the Gala Dinner at the 2013 CHC Safety & Quality Summit. The Gala dinner will take place on Tues., March 19, at the Westin [...]
HAI reorganizes Flight Operations & Safety Department
Source: HAI, 20-Feb-13
Helicopter Association International (HAI) President Matt Zuccaro today announced a significant change in the organization’s staffing, designed to keep up with members’ changing needs. Paul Schaaf, currently the Chief Pilot for the Fairfax County Police Department, will join HAI in mid-March to assume the duties and responsibilities of Vice President of Operations, a job which [...]
ATSB Commissioner reappointed
Source: ATSB, 20-Feb-13
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) welcomed the reappointment of Ms Carolyn Walsh as a member of the ATSB Commission. Ms Walsh’s appointment by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese will commence on 8 March 2013 and will run for a further three years. Ms Walsh has a wealth of experience [...]
UK CAA’s GA safety publications to be overhauled
Source: CAA, 19-Feb-13
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to strengthen its provision of safety information to general aviation pilots from this spring. The CAA announced today that the publishing group, Archant, will begin producing general aviation safety material on its behalf. Archant, publisher of Pilot magazine, has been awarded a contract to write and distribute three [...]
Rotorcorp solves crankshaft replacement problem for R44 owners
Source: Rotorcorp, 18-Feb-13
Airworthiness Directive 2012-19-01 has been issued by the FAA in September of 2012 for certain O540 and IO-540 engines installed in Robinson R44 helicopters. RotorCorp has arranged for priority pricing on Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt zero time engines that renders this new AD a non-issue for R44 helicopter owners around the world. The AD [...]
Helicopter Safety Steering Group publishes findings of visit to Eurocopter
Source: Step Change In Safety, 15-Feb-13
The Helicopter Safety Steering Group has published its findings, following a visit to Eurocopter’s manufacturing and test facility in Marignane, France on 6 February. The group has published a fact sheet which can be easily downloaded, shared, printed off or forwarded as necessary. The fact sheet documents details of the site visit and the latest [...]
HUMS meeting draws crowd, despite weather
Source: HAI, 15-Feb-13
From February 11-13, the American Helicopter Society (AHS) Redstone Chapter, with sponsorship from HAI, hosted a Technical Specialists’ Meeting on Airworthiness, Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), and Health and Usage Monitoring (HUMS) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. HAI staffers Ed DiCampli, Harold Summers, and others from the HAI HUMS research team were instrumental in [...]
Med-Trans appoints Safety Director
Source: Med-Trans, 14-Feb-13
We are pleased to announce that David Carr has accepted the position of Safety Director for Med-Trans Corporation (MTC), beginning his position Feb. 14th. Mr. Carr is a proven safety professional and leader in the aviation industry, having earned numerous safety-related awards and certifications. Prior to joining the Med-Trans Leadership team, Mr. Carr served as [...]
IHST issues three more helicopter safety leaflets for 2013
Source: IHST, 14-Feb-13
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), along with safety experts from throughout the civil helicopter industry, has developed new safety leaflets focused on entry into fog or cloud conditions, instructional safety, and recurrent training. The IHST now offers a total of ten new safety leaflets aimed at enhancing helicopter operations and reducing accidents. The safety [...]
UK AAIB Bulletin – February 2013
Source: AAIB, 14-Feb-13
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R22 Beta (G-CHZN), in-flight separation of main rotor blades, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, 6 January 2012 Sikorsky S-76C (G-CGOU), precautionary landing following smell of smoke in flight, 19 nm east-north-east of Humberside Airport, 26 September 2012 [...]
Tdata acquires Avantext AD Library portfolio
Source: Tdata, 11-Feb-13
Tdata announces the addition of the Avantext® line of Airworthiness Directive libraries to Tdata’s line of products and services. Tdata and Avantext customers will now have more choices in the products they use for FAA Airworthiness publications. Tdata will continue to offer its popular IApproach™ Regulatory library in addition to the Avantext AD libraries so [...]
HAI President’s message: What were they thinking?
Source: HAI, 11-Feb-13
I would be willing to bet money that after reading the average accident report, you ask yourself, “What were they thinking?” Not in a negative or derogatory manner, but in real puzzlement. How could the pilot, operator, or maintenance tech have made such poor choices — choices that resulted in their own deaths or those [...]
PHPA, HAI, FAAST and Robinson join for Safety Workshop
Source: PHPA, 11-Feb-13
Topic: Jam Packed Helicopter SAFETY Workshop with National & Local Safety Items Addressed. (Held at Robinson Helo Facility) On Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM Location: Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Dr., Torrance, CA 90505 Select Number: WP0548604 Description: HAI (Helicopter Association International), So Cal PHPA (Professional Helicopter Pilots Association), and FAAST (FAA Safety Team) invite you to a day [...]
PRISM offers SMS packages for small fleet operators
Source: ARGUS International, 07-Feb-13
Professional Resources In System Management, LLC (PRISM), is pleased to announce an update to their Safety Management System (SMS) packaging and pricing for helicopter operators. The PRISM Essential and Professional subscription packages provide the industry’s most comprehensive set of tools to assist aviation companies as they implement and manage an effective SMS program. PRISM’s new [...]
Canadian military reports on CH-146 Griffon accident of July 6th 2009
Source: Canadian military, 06-Feb-13
The Flight Safety Investigative Report and Epilogue of the fatal air accident involving the Griffon helicopter CH146434 that occurred on July 6, 2009, near Kandahar Air Field, is now available on the Air Force Directorate of Flight Safety website. The Flight Safety Investigative Report describes factual data and includes a comprehensive analysis of all factors [...]
EC225 update – North Sea delegation visiting Eurocopter this week
Source: Step Change in Safety, 05-Feb-13
A delegation representing the Helicopter Safety Steering Group is to visit Eurocopter’s manufacturing and test facility at Marignane, France, following an invitation from the company. On Wednesday 6 February, the group will see first-hand the efforts Eurocopter are going to in order to determine the root cause of the failure which led to two helicopters [...]
Former Carson employees indicted over fatal “Iron 44″ S61 crash
Source: Wildfire Today, 05-Feb-13
Two former employees of Carson Helicopters are facing 20+ years in prison for charges related to a 2008 S61 crash that killed seven firefighters and two crew members (see full story)
NTSB sending investigators to assist with R44 accident in Paraguay
Source: NTSB, 05-Feb-13
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist in the investigation of a Robinson R44 II helicopter that crashed about 80 miles north of Asuncion, Paraguay. Initial reports indicate that the pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is being led by the Paraguay Civil Aviation Authority (CIPAA). The NTSB has [...]
UK – Instructor goes to jail for falsifying documents
Source: Yorkshire Post, 04-Feb-13
A British helicopter instructor has been sentenced to six months jail for falsely signing off the training records of a student pilot to get him a pilot’s licence. The Judge said that it was impossible to say whether these actions were contributory to the “newly qualified” pilot and his wife losing their lives in their [...]
