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 [...]
Alaska Helicopters founder to receive Lifetime Achievement award
Source: Alaska Dispatch, 10-Apr-13
Cliff Evert will receive the Aviation Entrepreneur Award and enter the Alaska Aviation Hall of Fame at an April 12 banquet at the Princess Riverside Lodge in Fairbanks (see full story).
Maritime Helicopters celebrates 40 years in Alaska
Source: Maritime Helicopters, 22-Feb-13
Maritime Helicopters Inc. celebrates 40 years of service in Alaska this year. Starting with one leased helicopter in 1973, the family-owned business has steadily grown to become the only Bell Helicopter/Textron Service Center in Alaska. Maritime owns a fleet of Bell Jet Rangers, Long Rangers, and 407 models which support marine, petroleum, construction, and government [...]
Alaska Heliskiing penalized over safety record
Source: Anchorage Daily News, 19-Feb-13
Alaska Heliskiing, whose permit was renewed recently despite having broken local and state laws and its own safety plan and having lost a guide and client to an avalanche last year, has had its allotted “skier days” cut 25% for the season (see full story)
US Coast Guard deploys two MH-60s to St. Paul, Alaska
Source: US Coast Guard, 16-Jan-13
Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak temporarily deployed two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews to St. Paul, Alaska, Sunday to safeguard the crab fleet and other fishing vessels engaged in winter fisheries in Southwestern Alaska. With an increased number of vessels operating in the region, the Coast Guard deployed the crews to provide a more rapid response [...]
Kachemak Bay State Park heliski decision postponed
Source: Alaska Dept of Natural Resources, 12-Dec-12
A decision on whether helicopter skiing should be allowed in Kachemak Bay State Park and Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park has been postponed. The Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation recently received multiple applications to operate commercial helicopter skiing ventures in the state park and state wilderness park and solicited public comment on whether this [...]
Prism Helicopters achieves Medallion Foundation Safety Award
Source: Medallion Foundation, 18-Oct-12
Recognizing excellence in aviation safety, Prism Helicopters, Inc. has been honored by Alaska Gov. Parnell as the first helicopter-only commercial operator in Alaska to achieve a Medallion Shield. “We are happy to have accomplished this hallmark in aviation safety,” said Mark Stigar, president of Prism Helicopters, Inc. “We’ve worked hard to achieve the Medallion Foundation Shield – [...]
HAI Safety Committee Advisor to head NTSB Alaska office
Source: HAI, 26-Sep-12
On Sept. 24, NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman named senior air safety investigator Clinton O. Johnson as Chief of the Office of Aviation Safety’s Anchorage, Alaska Regional Office. “It gives me great pleasure to announce Clint’s selection to head the Anchorage office,” said Chairman Hersman. “Clint has deep roots in Alaska and has distinguished himself [...]
New Heli-Ski Operator Takes Flight in Alaska
Source: First Tracks, 17-Sep-12
Thrill seekers have a new option when helicopter skiing in Alaska. Based in Seldovia, Kenai Heli Ski is opening its doors this February. (see full story)
US Coast Guard opens seasonal Arctic operations base
Source: US Coast Guard, 17-Jul-12
The Coast Guard opened its seasonal forward operating location in Barrow Monday in preparation for the anticipated increase of maritime activities in the Arctic. FOL Barrow is part of Arctic Shield 2012, which focuses on operations, outreach and an assessment of the Coast Guard’s capabilities above the Arctic Circle. The FOL in Barrow consists of [...]
CGAS Kodiak Change of Command
Source: US Coast Guard, 16-Jul-12
Capt. Karl Moore, retiring commanding officer of Base Kodiak, and Capt. Jerald Woloszynski, incoming commanding officer of Base Kodiak, shake hands after reading their orders and passing command July 11, 2012. Woloszynski, prior program manager for the Nationwide Automatic Identification System project, will serve a three-year tour as commanding officer at Base Kodiak.
North Slope Borough SAR selects Night Flight Concepts for NVG Maintenance
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 21-May-12
North Slope Borough’s Search and Rescue Aviation Unit has chosen Night Flight Concepts® (NFC) to provide a Night Vision Goggle (NVG) repair and maintenance solution to augment their existing night vision program. The addition of NFC FAA-certified repair and maintenance services, including NVG inspections, will streamline NSB’s NVG sustainment to deliver greater value, performance and [...]
Change of command at US Coast Guard Air Station Sitka
Source: US Coast Guard, 17-May-12
Coast Guard Cmdr. Doug Cameron watches as Cmdr. Edward Sandlin salutes Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, 17th Coast Guard District, and assumes command of Air Station Sitka, Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Cameron, the previous Air Station Sitka commander, is transferring to the 5th Coast Guard District where he will serve as the district’s Chief of [...]
Spidertracks put their spiders to the test across Alaska
Source: Eurocopter, 27-Apr-12
Spidertracks are putting their spiders to the ultimate test next month. From May 3–21, in conjunction with Northern Lights Avionics, and Land and Sea Aviation, spidertracks will be performing an “Air Tour” of Alaska. They will be traveling to tradeshows and various areas of Southern and Central Alaska, tracking their journey with a Spider S4. [...]
Alaska Helicopter Pilots Safety Workshop
Source: HAI, 26-Apr-12
On Mon., May 7, from 9:00 a.m., Helicopter Association International, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), and local industry experts will present a one-day safety workshop for all helicopter pilots and operators in Alaska. Topics include important issues affecting Alaska pilots, best practices, educational outreach, and initiatives to mitigate accidents. The workshop will also serve as [...]
Coastal Helicopters converts AS350 fleet to Turbomeca
Source: Turbomeca, 12-Feb-12
Coastal Helicopters Inc.. HAS Entered Into Year Purchase Agreement with Turbomeca Engine USA (Safran group) for five Arriel 1D1 turboshaft engines. Coastal Helicopters, Inc. Currently Operates five AS350B2′s that Were her assets to Soloy AS 350 B2/SD2 ‘s in 2005. Turbomeca USA Coastal views Helicopter’s decision to reverse the retrofit back to the Turbomeca Arriel [...]
PZL SW-4 crashes in Alaska on cold weather testing
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-Jan-12
A Polish-built SW-4 helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon at Fairbanks International Airport while on cold weather testing. The National Weather Service aftercast showed the temperature was -36, and while they failed to say whether that was Fahrenheit or Celsius, it actually makes very little difference as the two scales cross over at -40. On HeliHub.com every [...]
Alaska State Troopers budget for AS350
Source: Alaska Dispatch, 19-Dec-11
Alaska State Troopers want a bigger, better, faster, tougher helicopter for their Fairbanks-based operations. They’ve already convinced Gov. Sean Parnell that the $3 million aircraft is necessary. He included money for it in his proposed 2013 budget — a spending plan he described Thursday as focused on true needs over mere wants. (see full story)
NTSB Preliminary Report – 29-Oct-11 N165EH Eurocopter AS350B2
Source: NTSB, 07-Nov-11
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On October 29, 2011, about 2009 Alaska daylight time (ADT), a Eurocopter AS350-B2 helicopter, N165EH, sustained substantial damage during [...]
Evergreen Helicopters awarded $16M supporting US Army in Alaska
Source: US DoD, 26-Aug-11
Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., McMinnville, Ore., was awarded a $16,546,552 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the medical evacuation services and training support for the U.S. Army in Alaska. Work will be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Four bids were solicited, with two bids received. The U.S. [...]
NTSB makes R44 mast bumping recommendations
Source: NTSB, 24-Aug-11
The NTSB has issued a long statement of recommendations to the FAA following their investigation of a May 2009 accident to a Robinson R44 operated by Alaska State Troopers. The recommendations are summarised at the end of the document as:- Therefore, the National Transportation Safety Board makes the following recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration: [...]
Universal Avionics appoints Western Region Marketing Manager
Source: Universal Avionics, 21-Jun-11
Universal Avionics is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Potter as Western Region Marketing Manager. Mr. Potter will be responsible for the overall growth and development of Universal Avionics product sales in the Western U.S. region, which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. Mr. Carroll will be based in the Los Angeles vicinity. [...]
Blue Sky Network sets up new service for Alaska Dept of Interior pilots
Source: Blue Sky Network, 13-Jun-11
Blue Sky Network, a leading, global provider of satellite tracking and communication solutions for land, sea, and aviation, announced last week that it was creating a new service, software, and hardware plan designed specifically for pilots flying for the Department of Interior (DOI) in Alaska. As of May 1, 2011, the DOI requires that all [...]
Freedom Aero Service expands support in Alaska
Source: Freedom Aero Service, 09-Jun-11
Freedom Aero Service Inc., in partnership with Merrill Field Instruments, has expanded their support to Alaska Territory Operators. Freedom is now stocking a variety of turbine aircraft and helicopter components at Merrill Field Instruments for exchange. Components include starter generators, voltage regulators, and piece parts for on-site service. About Freedom Aero Service Based in Lincoln, [...]
AS350B3 proves high-altitude performance with rescue on Mt. McKinley
Source: Eurocopter, 24-May-11
This is Eurocopter’s formal press release. HeliHub.com ran this story on 16th May… see Temsco AS350B3 rescue at 19,500 feet ties McKinley record The AStar family of helicopters has become the platform of choice for a variety of missions throughout the world. From law enforcement to utility and from tour to air medical and Search [...]
HAI and FAASTeam present Safety Seminar in Alaska
Source: HAI, 15-Apr-11
HAI presents the ”Overview of Current Trends in Helicopter Safety”seminar in Anchorage, Alaska, on April 29. HAI Director of Safety, Stan Rose, will speak at a combined event for pilots and maintaince technicians for commerical and General Aviation operations. Fred Brisbois, of Sikorsky and the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), will present safety discussions on hazard identification and [...]
US Justice Dept files lawsuit against Air Methods and LifeMed Alaska
Source: US Justice Dept, 08-Apr-11
The Justice Department today announced that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that Air Methods Corp. and LifeMed Alaska LLC willfully violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) by discriminating against and failing to reemploy Chief Warrant Officer Third Class Jonathon L. Goodwin of Wasilla, Alaska. The suit was filed in [...]
USCG Alaska base trains on ski-equipped HH-65
Source: US Coast Guard, 07-Apr-11
KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew trains with ski sleds installed on the Dolphin March 25, 2011, at Narrow Cape. The ski sleds were installed so aircrews will continue to have a current knowledge in landing a Dolphin on snowy or ice covered terrain and also supports the [...]
Alaska crews forward deployed to safeguard fishing fleet
Source: US Coast Guard, 21-Jan-11
As harsh winter weather causes Alaskans to pack up their boats until spring, the Alaskan crab and groundfish fleets brave fierce storms and icy temperatures in search of the big catch. As the fishing fleet gets underway, they can take comfort in the knowledge that Coast Guard search and rescue teams will be protecting them [...]
Maritime Helicopters buys Bell 407
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Jan-11
Maritime Helicopters has purchased a new 407 that will be available for charter in 2011. This aircraft is a 2007 model with just 119 hours total time on the airframe It is uniquely configured with the Chelton 3D Synthetic Vision EFIS glass cockpit, including “Highway in the Sky”, Radar Altimeter/TCAS/Terrain Monitoring/Map Overlays and multiple other [...]
North Slope Borough SAR launches NVG computer-based training
Source: NVIO Systems, 18-Jan-11
North Slope Borough’s Search and Rescue Aviation Unit has selected NVIO Systems Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Computer-Based Training (CBT) to kick-start the rollout of a comprehensive night vision program that will provide strategic capabilities to enhance performance during night operation and realize organizational goals . The mission of NSB’s Search and Rescue Department is to [...]
Costco joins forces with Alaska heliski operator
Source: Valdez Heli-Camps, 11-Jan-11
Skiers and snowboarders ready to enter the elite league of big mountain Alaska heli skiing have a unique opportunity through Costco Wholesale and Valdez Heli-Camps. Costco has formed a strategic alliance with Valdez Heli-Camps (VHC) creating a gateway for admission to world-famous heli skiing slopes surrounding Valdez, Alaska through its Costco.com web portal. Jay Nierstheimer [...]
Alaska Electric Light & Power launch helicopter avalanche control system
Source: Juneau Empire, 12-Dec-10
Specialist equipment hangs 150 feet from a helicopter and moves snow by emitting precise blasts using mixtures of oxygen and hydrogen. This will replace the need for moving snow with explosives.
Teen accused of shining laser at Martin County Sheriff’s helicopter
Source: WPBF, 19-Oct-10
A Jensen Beach teenager was arrested after he shined a laser light at a Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter early Saturday morning, authorities said.
Group 3 Aviation opens satellite training facility in Alaska
Source: Group 3 Aviation, 10-Oct-10
Group 3 Aviation Inc. has announced the grand opening of its new satellite helicopter flight training and commercial helicopter service facilities in Anchorage, Alaska. Group 3 Aviation is an FAA Approved Part 141 flight training facility and Part 135 charter service with main headquarters at the Van Nuys Airport (VNY), with Part 133 External load [...]
Next Gen aircraft emergency location system in demand
Source: Spidertracks, 14-Sep-10
The recent spate of aircraft accidents in Alaska has heightened interest in alternative forms of aircraft location. Gary Bennett, Northern Lights Avionics, says he has quite a lot of inquiry for spidertracks, a tracking-based emergency location system. “The spidertracks system is rapidly gaining popularity as more folks are aware of the benefits the system has [...]
Caster Aviation to hold helicopter challenge at Alaska State Fair
Source: KTUU, 08-Sep-10
Alaska State Fair visitors with no flying experience can take control of a helicopter through a challenge offered by Caster Aviation. For $25, anyone over the age of 16 can participate after watching a short safety video.
Max-Viz and One Sky Aviation offer discounts to Alaska operators
Source: Max-Viz, 26-Aug-10
Max-Viz and One Sky Aviation have cooperatively agreed to a minimum 25% discount off MSRP for Enhanced Vision Systems to include Max-Viz EVS sensors (100 / 600 / 1500) and fully certified STC installation kits to active members of the Alaska Air Carriers and the Alaska Airmen’s Associations for the remainder of 2010 in response [...]
Mi-8 from Chukotka across Bering Strait to Alaska targets new tourism options
Source: AVE, 29-Jul-10
For the first time in the history of aviation representatives of the Russian airline “Vertical-T” on the MI-8P flew from Chukotka to Alaska.
LifeMed Alaska expands into ground ambulance service
Source: Tundra Drums, 20-Jul-10
LifeMed Alaska has acquired ambulance firms with operations in Anchorage and other communities. They becomes the only service in Alaska providing fixed wing, rotor wing, and ground services.
Alaska controllers officially using ADS-B
Source: FAA, 28-Jun-10
ANCHORAGE, AK — Air traffic controllers in the Alaska region are now officially using Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technology to improve safety and efficiency in Alaska’s rugged terrain. The system – Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) – is a core technology under NextGen. “NextGen technology is already helping make aviation safer and more efficient,” [...]
Polarmax inks deal with H20 Heli Guides in Alaska
Source: Polarmax, 28-Jun-10
Longworth Industries, parent company of Polarmax and PMX technical base layers, is proud to announce they have formed a partnership with Dean Cummings and H2O Guides, based in Valdez, AK, to be the official base layer for all H2O Guides sanctioned activities through Spring 2013. To combat the extreme conditions Cummings and his staff face [...]
HAI Air Tour Operators Visit Washington
Source: HAI, 19-May-10
On Tuesday, May 18, 2010 commercial air tour operators from Nevada and Alaska visited Washington, D.C. to meet with regulators and lawmakers on topics affecting the air tour industry. Between meetings the operators took time to attend the AeroClub of Washington’s monthly luncheon at the Capital Hilton. Those in attendance included: Lee Dunn, Legal Counsel [...]
Kodiak-based aircrews win national award for Alaska rescues
Source: US Coast Guard, 22-Mar-10
KODIAK, Alaska – Eight Alaska-based Coast Guardsmen from Air Station Kodiak will be awarded the American Helicopter Society’s prestigious William J. Kossler Award at the American Helicopter Society Forum in Phoenix May 12 for saving the lives of seven commercial fishermen in 2009. “It’s great to see this national-level attention for the great work done [...]
NTSB: AS350 design contributed to fatal April 2008 crash
Source: KTUU, 04-Mar-10
Floor-mounted fuel controls on a helicopter that crashed in 2008 near Chickaloon, killing four people and injuring one, contributed to the accident according to a NTSB report released Wednesday
Anchorage might lose out on money for summer wildfire helicopter
Source: KTUU, 13-Feb-10
Anchorage FD has gotten used to a firefighting helicopter over the last few years, but now it’s on the chopping block. The city is now counting on state money or a new federal grant to keep a helicopter in the air this summer to help with wild fires.
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides founder inducted in the US Ski Hall of Fame
Source: Anchorage Daily News, 09-Nov-09
Maritime Helicopters wins ‘Business of the Year’ award
Source: Homer Tribune, 01-Oct-09
Maritime Helicopters of Homer took top business honors last week as they were presented with the Bill Bivin Award for Excellence at the State Chamber of Commerce Convention.
Flight restriction changes considered for heli-skiing in Alaska
Source: Chilkat Valley News, 02-Sep-09
Haines Borough leaders plan to consider relaxing regulations on commercial helicopter and heli-skiing activities. They’ll look at eliminating flight-path restrictions and expanding the number of clients companies are permitted.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game implements new wolf control tactic using helicopters
Source: Daily News Miner, 17-Mar-09
LifeMed Alaska moves helicopter operations to Matanuska Valley
Source: Alaska Journal of Commerce, 01-Mar-09
Temsco Helicopters Migrating Entire Fleet to Latitude Satcom Systems
Source: Latitude Technologies, 20-Feb-09
