Click for more information on advertising on HeliHub.com
RSS Feed for this search

News+us-florida

Palm Beach Helicopters receive Part 141 examining authority

Palm Beach Helicopters receive Part 141 examining authority

Source: Palm Beach Helicopters, 20-May-13

Palm Beach Helicopters joined an elite group of Helicopter flight schools after becoming only the third Helicopter flight school in the country to receive FAA 141 examining authority. The FAA issues examining authority to those schools who have demonstrated a higher quality and rate of success than the minimum standards for a flight school. A [...]

Pensacola Helicopter Safety Seminar

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, [...]

Metro Aviation Pilot Recognized for Safety

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 Talks Helicopters at Sun ‘N Fun Fixed-wing Show

HAI Talks Helicopters at Sun ‘N Fun Fixed-wing Show

Source: HAI, 17-Apr-13

Several HAI staff members spent the past week bringing a taste of the rotorcraft world to their fixed-wing brethren. Sun ’N Fun in Lakeland, Fla., is traditionally considered the start of the flying season for fixed-wing pilots – especially those who fly strictly for the fun of it. Thousands gather at Lakeland-Lindner Airport (KLAL) for [...]

Tour operator vows to fly helicopters quietly

Tour operator vows to fly helicopters quietly

Source: Florida Today, 08-Apr-13

This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)

Bravo Helicopters owner dies in R44 accident

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 [...]

Metro Aviation to complete EC155 for second HEMS user in US

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 [...]

L-3 Vertex win $12M contract for TH-57 support at NAS Whiting Field

L-3 Vertex win $12M contract for TH-57 support at NAS Whiting Field

Source: US DoD, 26-Mar-13

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC., Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $12,946,025 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-12-D-0003) for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station, [...]

Gainesville PD helicopter relaunches after 15 months

Gainesville PD helicopter relaunches after 15 months

Source: WUFT, 21-Mar-13

Gainesville Police Department launched its helicopter back in the air Tuesday after a 15-month hiatus.Helicopter  (see full story).  File photo

Brown Helicopter Signs Up for the 47GT-6 Helicopter

Brown Helicopter Signs Up for the 47GT-6 Helicopter

Source: Scott’s Bell 47, Inc, 19-Mar-13

The 47GT-6 helicopter was announced by SB47 earlier this month at the Heli Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, NV and will enter service in 2016. The 47GT-6 will be powered by the RR300 engine and will also include a new, modern Instrument Panel similar to that currently being developed by SB47 for use on the [...]

Bristow Academy Announces Agreement with Aero Dynamix

Bristow Academy Announces Agreement with Aero Dynamix

Source: Bristow Academy, 05-Mar-13

Bristow Academy announced today an agreement with Aero Dynamix to use Aero Dynamix night vision systems to enhance its night vision training program, as well as offer the installation of Aero Dynamix night vision systems to its customers worldwide. Both companies are industry leaders in night vision applications – Bristow Academy in rotary pilot training [...]

Wild hogs beat two helicopters in a week

Wild hogs beat two helicopters in a week

Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Feb-13

Low-level helicopter flying, engaged in doors-off ammunition-ready feral hog hunting has been a major factor in two helicopter accidents in the last seven days. Estimates vary between two and four million hogs across the US.  These wild animals are responsible for significant damage to pastures, leading to losses on behalf of the land owners.  This [...]

Sheriff reassures Orange County residents on use of UAV program

Sheriff reassures Orange County residents on use of UAV program

Source: Orange County Sheriff, 25-Jan-13

We are currently in a test phase of this Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platform and will not be using this UAS until we have appropriate permissions and have implemented training and guidelines. The OCSO has no intention of using this technology to spy on the citizens of Orange County, but to have it as a [...]

First R22 blade recovered from Tampa Bay

First R22 blade recovered from Tampa Bay

Source: Tampa Bay Online, 13-Jan-13

Following Robinson’s offer of a reward for the recovery of the two blades of an R22 involved in a fatal accident, the first blade has now been brought up and the second one sighted (see full story)  File photo

L-3 Wescam Opens Authorized Service Center in Florida

L-3 Wescam Opens Authorized Service Center in Florida

13-Jan-13

L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has signed an agreement with L-3 Component Overhaul and Repair (COR) to open a WESCAM Authorized Service Center (WASC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Now fully operational, the facility provides customers in the United States with a 40,000-square-foot center equipped to maintain its MX™-Series of electro-optical and infrared imaging turrets. [...]

Lockheed Martin shutting down Gyrocam plant in Sarasota

Lockheed Martin shutting down Gyrocam plant in Sarasota

Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal, 11-Jan-13

A spokeswoman said Lockheed will transition all work from the Sarasota plant to its Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Orlando and Ocala by the end of March. (see full story)

Bad start to 2013 – four helicopters down in US, including two on EMS work

Bad start to 2013 – four helicopters down in US, including two on EMS work

Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Jan-13

Wednesday 2nd January saw a bad start to 2013 with no fewer than four helicopter accidents in the US already recorded on the HeliHub.com accident pages.  Two of these were EMS helicopters, a Med-Trans Bell 407 in Iowa and an Air Methods EC130 in Oklahoma.  The former occurred after night fall and took the lives [...]

Robinson offers reward for blades from fatal R22 accident

Robinson offers reward for blades from fatal R22 accident

Source: Robinson, 02-Jan-13

On 30 November 2012, a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed into Tampa Bay near Apollo Beach. Most of the helicopter was recovered with the exception of the two main rotor blades. An extensive search of the properties in Apollo Beach was unsuccessful in locating the missing blades. Investigators are confident the blades are located offshore. Robinson [...]

Aeromed to establish base in Punta Gorda

Aeromed to establish base in Punta Gorda

Source: NBC2, 28-Nov-12

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

Timberview Helicopters restricted to Destin Airport base

Timberview Helicopters restricted to Destin Airport base

Source: Destin Log, 25-Nov-12

With a unanimous vote this last week, Okaloosa County Commissioners have essentially forced Timberview Helicopters to operating out of the Destin Airport.  Previously operating from floating barges, the airport base cuts their turnover by 70% (see full story)

Okaloosa to consider restrictions on helicopter tours

Okaloosa to consider restrictions on helicopter tours

Source: NWF Daily News, 05-Nov-12

New helicopter tour operations may be restricted to taking off and landing at Destin Airport if Okaloosa County commissioners approve a change to the Land Development Code. (see full story)

Professional Aircraft Accessories celebrates Grand Re-Opening

Professional Aircraft Accessories celebrates Grand Re-Opening

Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories, 04-Nov-12

Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, has cut the grand re-opening ribbon and welcomed guests in to see their new 20,000 square-foot expansion. The addition brings their total facility size to approximately 60,000 square feet and accommodates the growth of the company’s landing gear service area, accessory shop, instrument and avionics lab as well [...]

Florida – Brevard County buys two AS350B3e for mosquito control

Florida – Brevard County buys two AS350B3e for mosquito control

Source: American Eurocopter, 31-Oct-12

American Eurocopter today announced Brevard County, Florida, has purchased two AS350 B3e helicopters. The aircraft will be utilized for mosquito control, firefighting and herbicide application throughout the county, which is located along Florida’s east coast, replacing an AS350 B3 and two 206Bs currently being used. “We carefully considered our options before making the purchase,” said [...]

Hurlburt Field bids farewell to Huey

Hurlburt Field bids farewell to Huey

Source: US Air Force, 12-Oct-12

It’s been a fixture on the base’s flightline for decades, marked by its noticeable difference in design from the larger C-130s and elaborate CV-22s operated by 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen. Yet perhaps now the only way one can see a UH-1 Huey at Hurlburt Field will be the one honored in the base’s Airpark. The final flight of Huey, [...]

Okaloosa County approves new helicopter tour company in Destin

Okaloosa County approves new helicopter tour company in Destin

Source: Destin4Me, 12-Oct-12

Okaloosa recently approved a new tourism helicopter company in Destin that has some residents up in arms. Beach Helicopter can proceed with their plans to set-up a 6,000-square-foot helipad off U.S. Highway 98  (see full story).  Beach Helicopter are understood to operate a Robinson R44

Lee County MedStar maintenance director put on administrative leave

Lee County MedStar maintenance director put on administrative leave

Source: Naples News, 14-Sep-12

A Lee County MedStar director was put on administrative leave while the Lee County Sheriff’s office investigates claims he stole hundreds of dollars worth of helicopter fuel (see full story)

$6.8M mosquito-control AS350 purchase hits political turbulence

$6.8M mosquito-control AS350 purchase hits political turbulence

Source: Florida Today, 06-Sep-12

Brevard County Commission two weeks ago authorized the $6.8 million deal by a 3-2 vote, after hearing arguments that the county would save money through the purchase because of reduced maintenance costs and greater efficiency in the use of chemicals and fuel. The county expects to sign the contract with American Eurocopter within a few [...]

Florida’s Lee County suspends EMS operations for 6-9 months

Florida’s Lee County suspends EMS operations for 6-9 months

Source: Lee County, 29-Aug-12

Aeromed has relocated its emergency medical helicopter from LaBelle to Fort Myers as of 10 a.m. today to provide coverage in Lee County while MEDSTAR is out of service. Lee County Emergency Medical Services temporarily suspended its MEDSTAR flight operations on Tuesday, August 21 to begin reconfiguration toward national accreditation standards. MEDSTAR is expected to [...]

Coastal Helicopters awarded $9.0M contract for flight test support

Coastal Helicopters awarded $9.0M contract for flight test support

Source: US DoD, 28-Aug-12

Coastal Helicopter, Inc.*, Panama City, Fla., is being awarded a $9,043,184 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for aircraft flight test support of programs such as the Advanced Littoral Reconnaissance Technologies, Office of Naval Research.  Work will be performed in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (70 percent) and Panama City, Fla. (30 percent), and is expected to [...]

Northrop Grumman, US Navy establish Fire Scout Training Center in Florida

Northrop Grumman, US Navy establish Fire Scout Training Center in Florida

Source: Northrop Grumman, 16-Jul-12

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has established a new training facility for Fire Scout unmanned helicopter operators that offers improved flight simulators, hands-on aircraft maintenance and classroom instruction. Opened July 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., the Fire Scout Training Center will meet increasing demands for trained operators as the system is used more during [...]

Era Training Center extends USAIG Safety Bucks Program to B206 customers

Era Training Center extends USAIG Safety Bucks Program to B206 customers

Source: Era Training Center, 06-Jul-12

As an approved training provider for USAIG Safety Bucks customers, Era Training Center LLC (ETC) provides industry relevant training programs to the global helicopter industry. In early June 2012, ETC provided Bell 206B helicopter recurrent training to Aircoastal Helicopters, an FAA Approved Part 135 operator in Palm Beach, Florida. As a longtime USAIG customer, Aircoastal [...]

Okaloosa County declares ‘moratorium’ on new helicopter businesses

Okaloosa County declares ‘moratorium’ on new helicopter businesses

Source: Destin Log, 03-Jul-12

With a recent 4-0 vote, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for helicopter sightseeing tour operations in the Destin area. (see full story)

Volusia County Sheriff helicopter base – environmental rule violations

Volusia County Sheriff helicopter base – environmental rule violations

Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal, 27-Jun-12

Volusia County sheriff’s officials are finalizing an agreement with the state to resolve environmental rules violations at the department’s helicopter facility at the DeLand Municipal Airport. A January inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found the department failed to fill out paperwork required for monthly inspections of the fuel tank used to store [...]

South Florida Water Mgt District seeks aerial application proposals

South Florida Water Mgt District seeks aerial application proposals

Source: HAI, 26-Jun-12

The Procurement Bureau of the South Florida Water Management District, B-1 Building, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406, will receive sealed proposals up to the 2:30 p.m. opening time on July 26, 2012 for the spraying of aquatic, ditchbank and invasive vegetation by helicopter and provide aerial flight services for site inspection [...]

Destin Helicopter Tours promoting tourism flights

Destin Helicopter Tours promoting tourism flights

Source: Destin Helicopter Tours, 07-Jun-12

For those looking for a way to enhance a Destin, Florida vacation experience, Destin Helicopter Toursprovides the solution. Even vacationers who have been to Destin many times before will be able to see things in a whole new way after a helicopter tour. The view from the helicopter provides memories that last a lifetime. The helicopter [...]

Med-Trans Florida Takes Flight

Med-Trans Florida Takes Flight

Source: Med-Trans, 28-May-12

Med-Trans Florida, located at Tamiami Airport in Miami is the second aircraft in the southeast region of Florida for Med-Trans Corporation.  Med-Trans Florida will serve as a community asset, rapidly transporting critically ill and injured patients needing urgent acute critical care.  Med-Trans Florida has Preferred Provider Agreements with numerous health systems throughout South Florida and [...]

Miami commissioners approve Watson Island heliport

Miami commissioners approve Watson Island heliport

Source: Miami Herald, 25-May-12

A New Jersey company will build and operate the new heliport, which will be known as the Watson Island Aviation and Visitors Center (see full story)

Palm Beach County Sheriff selects Becker Intercom for Bell 407GX

Palm Beach County Sheriff selects Becker Intercom for Bell 407GX

Source: Becker Avionics, 26-Apr-12

Becker Avionics have announced that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Florida, has selected the DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for its new Bell 407GX helicopter. The aircraft is currently being outfitted with a law enforcement completion package at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The new Bell 407GX is equipped [...]

Helicopter pilot to speak at Embry-Riddle’s Veterans Appreciation Day

Helicopter pilot to speak at Embry-Riddle’s Veterans Appreciation Day

Source: Embry-Riddle, 12-Apr-12

Vietnam veteran Sanford “Sandy” N. Kaplan, an Embry-Riddle alumnus, will be the guest speaker Tuesday, April 17, for Veterans Appreciation Day at the university’s Daytona Beach campus. Kaplan started by taking flying lessons in 1957 at the age of 16. After high school, he attended Embry-Riddle’s flight training school in Miami in 1959 for 11 [...]

Sikorsky breaks ground on 35,000 sq.foot hangar in Florida

Sikorsky breaks ground on 35,000 sq.foot hangar in Florida

Source: Orlando Sentinel, 27-Mar-12

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. broke ground Tuesday on a new helicopter hangar that some hope will give lift to bigger expansion plans in Palm Beach County. (see full story)

AAR recognized as a South Florida business leader

AAR recognized as a South Florida business leader

Source: AAR, 20-Mar-12

AAR (NYSE: AIR) was recognized as “Corporate Business of the Year” from the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce for its presence in Miami and its public-private partnerships with the Chamber and a local nonprofit to mentor at-risk high school students and introduce them to exciting careers in aviation. AAR, a leading provider of products and services [...]

Broward County Sheriff’s Office renews NVG contract with Night Flight Concepts

Broward County Sheriff’s Office renews NVG contract with Night Flight Concepts

Source: Night Flight Concepts, 13-Mar-12

Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has renewed commitments for a comprehensive Night Vision Goggle training program from Night Flight Concepts – BCSO’s designated NVG solution provider.  The training program includes renewal of NVIO™ NVG Initial and Recurrent Computer-Based Training (CBT) for pilots and fire rescue crewmembers [...]

Tampa Police acquires new Laser Armor™ light interference filters

Tampa Police acquires new Laser Armor™ light interference filters

Source: Night Flight Concepts, 01-Mar-12

Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that Tampa PD Aviation Unit, a long-time user of NFC NVG Maintenance Services, has procured new Laser Armor™ Light Interference Filters (LIF) to protect their NVGs from malicious laser strikes encountered by their pilots and aircrew members. The aviation unit is one of the first law enforcement [...]

Broward County Sheriff orders third EC135

Broward County Sheriff orders third EC135

Source: American Eurocopter, 12-Feb-12

American Eurocopter today announced the purchase of an EC135™ helicopter by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Florida, the third EC135 in its fleet and the fourth Eurocopter aircraft overall. The BCSO helicopter is an eye in the sky for deputies on the street and a vital lifesaving tool in medical emergencies. Last year [...]

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Exceeds 10,000 Flight Hours

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Exceeds 10,000 Flight Hours

Source: American Eurocopter, 12-Feb-12

American Eurocopter today announced the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has exceeded 10,000 hours of flight time on its fleet of aircraft from American Eurocopter — three AS350 B2’s and one EC120. Since the delivery of the first AS350 in September 2002, the HCSO has utilized its fleet to answer more than 17,000 calls [...]

Bristow Academy and Turbomeca partnership ready for first training session

Bristow Academy and Turbomeca partnership ready for first training session

Source: Turbomeca, 12-Feb-12

Turbomeca (Safran group) and Bristow Academy announced that their first training courses will be held the week of 5 to 9 March 2012. This first session is provided in the training partnership formed last fall. Lectures will be given to the Bristow Academy , Titusville, Florida Campus, Space Coast Regional Airport (KTIX). This formation of [...]

Southeast Aerospace appoints QA Director

Southeast Aerospace appoints QA Director

Source: Southeast Aerospace, 11-Feb-12

Southeast Aerospace (SEA), a custom aerospace solutions provider located at Melbourne International Airport, has hired Marla Westcott to lead the company’s efforts to obtain AS9100 certification by fall 2012. Westcott brings more than 30 years of experience from NASA’s Space Shuttle Program to SEA’s Quality Department. In her most recent position, Marla led the Florida [...]

FAA approves Cobham to transfer Artex ELT products to Florida

FAA approves Cobham to transfer Artex ELT products to Florida

Source: Cobham, 09-Feb-12

Cobham Beacon Solutions announced they have received 24 Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Artex Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) product line. The FAA has allowed transition of the previous approval from Cobham Avionics in Prescott, AZ to ACR Electronics in Fort Lauderdale FL under the new Part 21 [...]

ShandsCair in Marion County Florida selects Med-Trans

ShandsCair in Marion County Florida selects Med-Trans

Source: Med-Trans, 09-Feb-12

Two press releases for this story – first from Med-Trans In continuing with the Marion County Board of Commissioners’ effort to provide citizens with outstanding health services, Marion County Fire Rescue, Shands at the University of Florida (a premier Level 1 Trauma Center headed by Frederick Moore, M.D., one of the most recognized national figures [...]

Batchelor Foundation makes $700K grant to fund Miami helicopter purchase

Batchelor Foundation makes $700K grant to fund Miami helicopter purchase

Source: University of Miami, 05-Feb-12

The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science announced that it has received a challenge grant for $700,000 from the Miami-based Batchelor Foundation to support its exploration research efforts. The funds will be applied toward the acquisition of a helicopter outfitted with a suite of scientific equipment that will serve as the [...]

Uniflight LLC selected for AS350B2 VIP completion

Uniflight LLC selected for AS350B2 VIP completion

Source: Uniflight, 01-Feb-12

Uniflight LLC of Grand Prairie Texas extremely pleased to announce that Mr. Saul Maia, Partner of Liam Kenneth of Miami Florida has selected them to perform a VIP completion on his new AS350B2. “Mr. Maia selecting us as his completion house for his VIP AS350 is very exciting” stated Uniflight President David Horton. “Mr. Maia’s [...]

Bell and Vector Aerospace take each other to court

Bell and Vector Aerospace take each other to court

Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Jan-12

It sounds a bit like a couple of children playing – “you take me to court and I’ll take you to court in return”, but we’re sure that these two organisations are taking their legal stance very seriously.  The current situations are:- In December, Vector took Bell to Alabama Middle Court (case ref 2:11-cv-01071) alleging [...]

Family of Florida B206 crash victim sues charter company

Family of Florida B206 crash victim sues charter company

Source: News4Jax.com, 24-Jan-12

The family of one of the men killed when a helicopter chartered by Mayo Clinic crashed last month in Clay County is suing the operator of the aircraft. The children of 57-year-old David Hines are suing SK Logistics for wrongful death. They’re also suing Abraham Holdings, the company that owned the helicopter.  (see full story)

Broward Sheriff’s Office puts in budget request for EC135

Broward Sheriff’s Office puts in budget request for EC135

Source: Broward Palm Beach, 11-Jan-12

​The Broward Commission are deciding whether the Broward Sheriff’s Office gets $6,505,593 for a new helicopter (see full story)

NTSB Preliminary Report – 26-Nov-11 N5016M Bell 206B

NTSB Preliminary Report – 26-Nov-11 N5016M Bell 206B

Source: NTSB, 05-Jan-12

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 December 26, 2011, at 0554 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N5016M, operated by SK Logistics, d.b.a. SK [...]

HeliFlite expands charter operations to Florida

HeliFlite expands charter operations to Florida

Source: Heliflite, 30-Nov-11

“Florida is a popular travel destination for our clientele,” states Brian Lantier, Director of Strategy and Business Development at HeliFlite. “The demand for charter operations has increased significantly over the years. The ability to save time by flying directly to top golf courses, Miami or Disney World is a huge convenience.” Florida operations will be based out of West Palm [...]

NTSB Preliminary Report – 05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22

NTSB Preliminary Report – 05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22

Source: NTSB, 18-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 November 5, 2011, about 1620 eastern standard time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N413RM, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc., [...]

US luxury yacht company buys nine AK1-3 helicopters

US luxury yacht company buys nine AK1-3 helicopters

Source: Perla Aviation, 10-Nov-11

Perla Group International Inc. (PERL:PK), a leader in the international military, police and security solutions sectors, today announced it has signed a contract for the sale of 9 (nine) AK1-3 helicopters to Florida based company, Yacht Chandlers. The helicopters are to be delivered over the next 3 years, and sold exclusively to the luxury yacht industry. Perla [...]

Miami-Dade Police receive fourth AS350B3

Miami-Dade Police receive fourth AS350B3

Source: American Eurocopter, 01-Nov-11

American Eurocopter announced today that the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit has taken delivery of another AS350 B3 helicopter. This is the fourth AS350 B3, and it will join the department’s Special Patrol Bureau’s Aviation Unit that includes a fleet of rotary and fixed wing aircraft. “MDPD’s selection of the AS350 B3 demonstrates the [...]

GULFlight 1 air ambulance to end next month

GULFlight 1 air ambulance to end next month

Source: NWF Daily News, 24-Oct-11

The helicopter, which has been operating since June 2006,  is no longer needed because of a decrease in calls and because there are more medical helicopters in the area than needed, according to Larry Hall, field operations manager for Air Methods, which runs the service.  (See full story)

Per-seat helicopter travel now available in South Florida

Per-seat helicopter travel now available in South Florida

Source: EvoLux, 20-Oct-11

After 5 years of passionate research, development and business planning we are very excited to finally announce that EvoLux Transporation, LLC is now open for business! Have you ever been late to an important meeting or event, sitting there stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, miles away from your destination, wondering to yourself, “It’s the [...]

Bristow Academy and Rotorworld combine expertise

Bristow Academy and Rotorworld combine expertise

Source: Bristow Academy, 22-Sep-11

Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group Inc., today announced a joint venture agreement with Rotorworld Institute LLC to offer Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET). The first eight-hour course is planned for October 7, 2011, and includes two hours of classroom and six hours of practical instruction. Demand for HUET training has increased in [...]

Bristow Academy offers wildland fire orientation course

Bristow Academy offers wildland fire orientation course

Source: Bristow Academy, 07-Sep-11

Bristow Academy Inc., a division of Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE:BRS), today announced it will offer a new course for helicopter pilots on wildland fire operations and suppression. Taught by qualified wildland fire instructors, the class is scheduled to begin October 3, 2011. Entitled “Wildland Fire Orientation for Rotary Wing Pilots,” the six-day course will give [...]

EMS pilot wins appeal on suspension

EMS pilot wins appeal on suspension

Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Aug-11

A Collier County EMS pilot suspended in July for leaving his running helicopter has won his appeal.  Mark Holmes was suspended without pay July 28 and ordered to complete a safety course and pass a test before returning to work, which he immediately passed. The suspension involved an incident on July 14, when Holmes was [...]

Whistleblower Collier County MedFlight pilot placed on leave

Whistleblower Collier County MedFlight pilot placed on leave

Source: Naples News, 28-Jul-11

A Collier County Medflight pilot accused of standing outside his running helicopter last week was placed on administrative leave Friday, a month after he won $70,000 in a whistleblower and retaliation lawsuit against the county.  (Full story)

Pasco County Sheriff selects Night Flight Concepts for NVG equipment and training

Pasco County Sheriff selects Night Flight Concepts for NVG equipment and training

Source: Night Flight Concepts, 27-Jul-11

Night Flight Concepts, a leading provider of night vision solutions, announces that it has been selected to provide Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and training to the Pasco County, Florida Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. “Pasco County has a lot of difficult terrain to protect 24/7 and has been looking to acquire NVGs for some time now,” explained [...]

Lee County EMS MedStar implements 40 day “Safety Stand Down”

Lee County EMS MedStar implements 40 day “Safety Stand Down”

Source: Lee County MedStar, 23-Jun-11

Lee County, FL (June 22, 2011) – Lee County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) implemented a “stand down” of its MEDSTAR flight operations for a safety review at 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 22. MEDSTAR will resume operations at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 with its recently acquired Bell 430 helicopter. Bayflite has agreed to relocate one [...]

Air Orlando Aviation to continue flying with restructure and new owner

Air Orlando Aviation to continue flying with restructure and new owner

Source: Air Orlando Aviation, 30-May-11

A new majority owner and financial restructuring will keep Air Orlando Aviation in business and positioned to grow. “This company is part of Orlando’s aviation history” said John Painter, the previous majority owner and company founder. “We have a great team and now we can focus on the future.” The company’s majority interests were purchased [...]

Professional Aircraft Accessories announces expansion

Professional Aircraft Accessories announces expansion

Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories, 25-May-11

Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup Company, have announced that they are expanding capabilities and their facility in Titusville, Fla. The 20,000 square-foot expansion which is expected to take approximately six months to complete will accommodate the growth of the company’s landing gear service area, accessory shop, instrument and avionics lab as well as an [...]

Banyan Air to host Garmin seminar in Fort Lauderdale

Banyan Air to host Garmin seminar in Fort Lauderdale

Source: Banyan Air, 11-May-11

Banyan Air Service will host a free Garmin seminar on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm, for aircraft owners and operators who are interested in Garmin’s latest aviation panel-mount and portable products for aircraft and helicopters. The seminar will include the GTN 650/750 series, G600, G500, GTS Traffic Series and GPSMAP 696. Seats are limited [...]

Kaman looking to expand Jacksonville plant, creating 200 jobs

Kaman looking to expand Jacksonville plant, creating 200 jobs

Source: Florida Times-Union, 10-May-11

Kaman Aerospace Corp. is seeking financial incentives from the city and state for a 200-job expansion of its aviation manufacturing plant. The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on a recommendation that will go next to City Council.

Man who fired at sheriff’s helicopter gets 12½ years in prison

Man who fired at sheriff’s helicopter gets 12½ years in prison

Source: Orlando Sentinel, 28-Apr-11

Jason Dennis McGuire, 27, was convicted on charges of attempted destruction of an aircraft, possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, and for using a firearm during a violent crime.

Mosquito board won’t ask to use Sheriff’s helicopter

Mosquito board won’t ask to use Sheriff’s helicopter

Source: St Augustine Record, 18-Apr-11

“Whenever we get in bed with the county, we get screwed,” said Commissioner Cathy Brandhorst. She also said that the arrangement would amount to “purchasing a liability.”

Grey Owl Aviation Consultants offers Human Factors workshops

Grey Owl Aviation Consultants offers Human Factors workshops

Source: Grey Owl Aviation Consultants, 12-Apr-11

Grey Owl Aviation Consultants Inc. is offering two Human Factors Workshops during May in Titusville, Fla. Human Factors – Phase I. May 18-19, 2011 Objective To equip aviation maintenance technicians, supervisors and managers with the skills necessary to enhance safety, teamwork and efficiency in the workplace, and therefore, reduce aircraft maintenance errors. This workshop is [...]

L-3 Vertex awarded $42M contract modification for TH-57 support

L-3 Vertex awarded $42M contract modification for TH-57 support

Source: US DoD, 01-Apr-11

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $42,285,583 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-05-D-0023) for logistics support of 124 TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft.  Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. (99 percent), and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to [...]