INAER pilot awarded Gold Medal for Civil Protection
Source: INAER, 16-Apr-12
José Luis GarcÃa MartÃn, an INAER helicopter captain, has been awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Protection by the “Generalitat Valenciana” (Valencia Regional government) at the 11th Conference on Public Safety and Emergencies, for his complete dedication for more than 20 years to the emergency and civil protection services. SerafÃn Castellano, the Valencia Regional Government [...]
Government of Cantabria contracts a 412 from INAER
Source: HeliHub.com, 13-Apr-12
Not previously reported here on HeliHub.com, INAER picked up a two year contract with the State Government of Cantabria. Covering the two calendar years of 2012 and 2013, INAER will provide a Bell 412 based at Santander for EMS and SAR work. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com
Canada adds third Griffon at 5 Wing Goose Bay
Source: Canadian National Defence, 12-Apr-12
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that another CH-146 Griffon helicopter will be established at 5 Wing Goose Bay. With this addition, three Griffon helicopters will now provide utility helicopter capability at 5 Wing. “A third Griffon aircraft at 5 Wing Goose Bay will have an immediate positive impact on the [...]
Egypt takes delivery of two SAR AW139s
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Apr-12
Following the announcement in April 2011 of $37M in funding, and AgustaWestland’s press release the next month, we can now report that two AW139s have been delivered from the AgustaWestland North American (AWNA) factory in Pennsylvania to the Egyptian Air Force. Painted in a white and red scheme, the two were last week cancelled from [...]
VX-31 SAR crew recognized for rescue
Source: US Navy, 11-Apr-12
The Naval Test Wing Pacific commander presented Air Medals to members of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 for a recent search and rescue (SAR) mission in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains during a ceremony April 2 at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake. The rescue mission was significant because at 11,300 [...]
AgustaWestland congratulates Canadian SAR crew for winning international award
Source: AgustaWestland, 10-Apr-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, extends congratulations to the members of Royal Canadian Air Force 442 Squadron at CFB Comox, on winning the SAR Award for Operational Rescue Excellence at the 2012 Shephard’s Search and Rescue Conference in Dublin. “The crew of Royal Canadian Air Force Cormorant, call sign “Rescue 907” of 442 Squadron were the [...]
26-Mar-12 Sikorsky S70C Orchid Island, Taiwan (5F)
26-Mar-12
Black Hawk with 6 POB – one rescued, five missing presumed perished
Irish Coast Guard selects Wescam MX-15 turrets for S92 SAR missions
Source: L-3 Wescam, 20-Mar-12
L-3 WESCAM announced that it has received an order from CHC Ireland Ltd to provide MX™-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for installation on S-92® search and rescue (SAR) aircraft. Installation of the turrets will be completed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and deployed to Ireland in support of the Irish Coast Guard’s fleet replacement [...]
SkyTrac Systems to Exhibit at SAR 2012 Conference and Exhibition
Source: SkyTrac Systems, 14-Mar-12
SkyTrac Systems will be attending Shephard’s 15th annual Search and Rescue Conference and Exhibition (SAR 2012) in Dublin, Ireland from March 15th-16th, 2012. SkyTrac representative Kim Bagnall will be on hand to demonstrate SkyTrac’s industry leading, next generation hardware and software products at booth #10. SkyTrac is excited to show its continuing support of the SAR industry, and [...]
Norway pre-selects NH90 for future SAR capability
Source: NH Industries, 06-Mar-12
NHIndustries is pleased to announce that Norway has preselected the NH90 helicopter for the ongoing NAWSARH (Norwegian All Weather Search And Rescue Helicopter) competition aiming at replacing Search and Rescue helicopters operated by the RnoAF 330 th Squadron. “We are proud and honored to have been pre selected by the norwegian Ministry of Justice for [...]
UK – National Maritime Museum Cornwall takes delivery of Sea King
Source: National Maritime Museum, 28-Feb-12
National Maritime Museum Cornwall has just installed its biggest object to date as part of the forthcoming blockbuster Search & Rescue exhibition – a 70ft long, 16ft high, 6 tonne Sea King helicopter which had just 1½ inches of clearance through the Museum’s doors. National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s new Search & Rescue exhibition is just [...]
UK MoD report 2011 military SAR statistics
Source: UK MoD, 26-Feb-12
HMS Gannet was the UK’s busiest Search and Rescue unit of 2011, while RAF Valley saved the most number of people, new government statistics show. During the past 12 months, the data from the Defence Analytical Services Agency shows that the personnel at HMS Gannet in Prestwick, Ayrshire, have responded to 298 call-outs, rescuing 240 [...]
Priority 1 Air Rescue signs agreement with AW on Rear Crew Training Courses
Source: AgustaWestland, 14-Feb-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Priority 1 Air Rescue for the delivery of helicopter rear crew training courses to AgustaWestland customers. The agreement was signed today at Heli Expo 2012 in Dallas by John Ponsonby, Senior VP Training, AgustaWestland and Brad Matheson, President of Priority [...]
Japan Coast Guard selects S-76D for SAR
Source: Sikorsky, 14-Feb-12
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Mitsubishi Corporation have announced a contract with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for four S-76D™ helicopters, which will replace several JCG helicopters that were damaged in the tsunami of 2011. The Japan Coast Guard has flown various legacy models of the Sikorsky S-76® helicopter [...]
Korea Coast Guard signs for S-92
Source: Sikorsky, 14-Feb-12
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has announced a contract with the Korea Coast Guard for one S-92® helicopter for operation with their Multi-Purpose Helicopter Program. The aircraft will become the newest addition to the growing worldwide fleet of S-92 search and rescue and multi-mission helicopters. The aircraft is scheduled to [...]
CHC issue statement on UK SAR contract
Source: CHC, 08-Feb-12
The following press release was released by CHC today, following publication of the UK Government press release. However, HeliHub.com was the first aviation press outlet in the world to release this story – five days ago – here. Nick Mair, regional vice president for Western North Sea at CHC Helicopter, was in London for the [...]
Bristow announces new UK SAR contract
Source: Bristow Group, 08-Feb-12
The following press release was released by Bristow Group today, following publication of the UK Government press release. However, HeliHub.com was the first aviation press outlet in the world to release this story – five days ago – here. Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), a leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, [...]
UK Government announces UK SAR contractors for 2013-2017
Source: UK Dept for Transport, 08-Feb-12
The following press release was released by UK Government today. However, HeliHub.com was the first aviation press outlet in the world to release this story – five days ago – here. On 13 July 2011 the Department for Transport commenced a procurement competition for search and rescue helicopter services to replace the existing contracted Maritime [...]
Icelandic Coast Guard lease in a Super Puma
Source: HeliHub.com, 06-Feb-12
On 19 January 2012 the Icelandic Coast Guard signed a 12 month lease on a Eurocopter AS332L1 Super Puma. The aircraft was delivered ex Stavangar on 1st February from where it was previously operated by Bristow Norway as LN-OBA – it is now registered TF-SYN and is serial number 2384 – and will be used [...]
Bristow takes back some of UK SAR from 2013
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Feb-12
The BBC has announced that Bristow Helicopters are to take back the two Scottish bases of the British SAR service from 2013 to 2017 – the “GAP SAR” contract as it has been known. CHC are understood to retain the southern bases at Lee-on-Solent and Portland for the same period of time – The BBC [...]
Mesa County Colorado add loan LongRanger 3
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Jan-12
Mesa County Search and Rescue have recently added a second loan helicopter to their resources, thanks to a local telecom company. Based in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa County have struck a deal with CenturyLink, the third largest telecom company in the US following its combination with QWest. CenturyLink see the donation of their [...]
Atlantic Airways signs new 4 year contract with Faroe Islands Government
Source: Atlantic Airways, 12-Jan-12
Atlantic Airways has signed a four-year contract with the Faroese Ministry of Fishery and Ministry of Industry to provide helicopter search and rescue (SAR) and domestic transport to the most remote islands. The helicopter service will be provided by two Bell 412 helicopters and the contract includes considerable upgrade to the standard of SAR and crisis support. The agreement is worth a total [...]
Polish military plans for 26 new helicopters
Source: Flightglobal, 06-Jan-12
Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has detailed its plans to acquire a new fleet of helicopters for multiple tasks, and is expected to issue a request for proposals early this year. (see full story) Image of AW149 is for one of the expected contenders, per the article
Cougar prepare to open dedicated SAR S92 facility
Source: The Telegram, 06-Jan-12
With the completion of the new hangar at St. John’s International Airport in the coming weeks, Cougar Helicopters will have its own SAR facility. The hangar will house the already-available, dedicated SAR helicopter, providing a 24-7 service for Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil projects (see full story)
120-day SAR helicopter contract approved in Wyoming
Source: Pinedale Roundup, 06-Jan-12
Sublette County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting Tuesday approved a request for a 120-day helicopter contract for the 2012 season – starting 15th June (see full story)
Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust adds BK117
Source: Voxy, 04-Jan-12
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken delivery of a BK117 rescue helicopter just as the region moves into the busiest time of the year. It joins the AS350 they already operate, more than doubling their capabilities (see full story)
AW101 in pre-qualification phase for Norwegian SAR
Source: AgustaWestland, 30-Dec-11
AW101 is included in the pre-qualification to tender to submit the new generation of rescue helicopters in Norway. The documents were handed over to the Selection Committee on Monday 19 December. AgustaWestland took no chances. Already the day before the deadline expired, met regional director Steve Powell in Selection Committee’s offices at Sola near Stavanger [...]
Sikorsky completes S92 for Irish SAR
Source: Sikorsky, 22-Dec-11
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has completed production of an S-92® helicopter for operation by CHC Helicopter on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Equipped for dedicated search and rescue (SAR) operations, the helicopter will provide coverage for deep Atlantic Ocean missions, service Ireland’s offshore islands, and provide rescue cover [...]
France’s NH90 Caiman Marine completes first SAR mission – 19 rescued
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Dec-11
At 2am on Friday morning, 16th September 2011, the cargo ship TK Bremen ran aground 2km south of the mouth of the Etel river on the Brittany coast of France. The ship had left the port of Lorient in the afternoon, intending to anchor north of the island of Groix to await better weather and [...]
“Most Challenging” Mountainside Rescue wins 2011 Cormorant Trophy
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Dec-11
The daring cliff-side rescue of a lucky British Columbia which pushed both the rescue crew and their search and rescue helicopter to the limits has been selected for this year’s winner of the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. Members of 442 Squadron stationed at Canadian Forces Base Comox – Capt. Jean Leroux, Aircraft Commander; Maj. [...]
UK relaunches procurement process for new national SAR service
Source: UK MoD, 28-Nov-11
The Department for Transport has started the procurement process for a new UK-wide Search and Rescue helicopter service to be provided by civilian crews, it has been announced today. The Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, announced to Parliament in a written statement that she wished to inform the House of the Government’s intentions [...]
Swedish Government takes over SAR from Norrlandsflyg
Source: Nordic Rotors, 27-Oct-11
On Tuesday, 1 November, the Swedish Maritime Administration will take over the operational responsibility for the search and rescue helicopters in Sweden. The take-over will be executed through a governmental acquisition of all the stocks in Norrlandsflyg’s parent company Scandinavian Helicopter Invest (SHI) through the national Maritime Administration. The acquisition is made in order to ensure [...]
FB Heliservices wins 8-year SAR contract
Source: FB Heliservices, 24-Oct-11
FB Heliservices Ltd, a joint venture of Cobham and Bristow Helicopters, has been awarded an eight year contract by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to provide helicopter air reconnaissance capacity to the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard. The contract is worth approximately €45 million. “This contract breaks new ground for FB Heliservices and we’re very pleased with [...]
Canadian SAR technician to get bravery award
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-Oct-11
The man who rescued the only survivor from the Cougar S92 crash in March 2009 is getting the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery award. Ian Wheeler is an SAR technician with Cougar Helicopters. Cougar Flight 491 was heading to an offshore installation when it crashed into the Atlantic. Robert Decker escaped the aircraft, severely injured [...]
Spain orders EC225 for pollution control and SAR
Source: Eurocopter, 12-Sep-11
Eurocopter has signed a contract to supply an EC225 helicopter for Spain following its recent success in the country’s competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control operations. This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to be implemented by the Spanish Maritime [...]
Air Greenland orders two EC225s
Source: Eurocopter, 12-Sep-11
Air Greenland has placed its first order for Eurocopter’s EC225 medium twin-engine helicopter, acquiring two of these rotary-wing aircraft for duties that are to include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather passenger transportation missions. With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland, Air Greenland’s decision validates the EC225’s role as a preferred helicopter for [...]
Royal Air Force SAR teams honoured
Source: UK MoD, 29-Aug-11
Awards were presented to a Sea King pilot and civilian engineers of the RAF’s 202 Squadron at Leconfield in Yorkshire last week, in recognition of their outstanding performance. The Arthur Barratt Memorial Prize, consisting of a silver salver and cheque, was presented to Flight Lieutenant Andy ‘Spacer’ Johnston by Air Vice-Marshal Barry North, Assistant Chief [...]
Japan Coast Guard orders three more EC225s
Source: Eurocopter, 21-Aug-11
Following intensive relief operations after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, the Japan Coast Guard, Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Japan have signed a tripartite contract for the supply of three additional EC225 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard. These aircraft will be the first civilian helicopters to be equipped with the most advanced mission [...]
Eurocopter delivers fourth EC225 to China for offshore SAR
Source: Eurocopter, 07-Aug-11
The delivery of the latest EC225 to the China Ministry of Transport’s Rescue and Salvage Bureau completes the fulfilment of the contract signed in 2009 for the supply of two EC225 for offshore search and rescue missions, with the earlier unit being delivered end of June this year. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) signed on [...]
Waypoint AirMed & Rescue conference postponed to 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Aug-11
The Waypoint AirMed & Rescue conference, airshow and exhibition that was due to take place in September has been rescheduled to May 2012. The venue remains unchanged as London Oxford Airport, UK. The official line from Ian Cameron, event chairman and Waypoint magazine editor-in-chief, is: “We want the event to be the best we can [...]
Accident Board criticizes Swedish SAR
Source: Nordic Rotors, 22-Jul-11
In a recently published incident report the Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) aims criticism at the Swedish helicopter search and rescue (SAR) organization. The report itself deals with a ship incident that occurred on 2 December 2008. The RORO cargo/passenger vessel M/S Sea Wind was en-route from Turku (Finlad) to Stockholm (Sweden) when [...]
UK Government issue statement on future SAR options
Source: UK Dept for Transport, 19-Jul-11
The Secretary of State for Transport (Philip Hammond): On 8 February I informed the House that, owing to irregularities in the bidding process, the Government had concluded that it was not appropriate to proceed with the previously planned joint MOD/DfT PFI procurement for future search and rescue capability. The investigation into the circumstances that led [...]
Italy completes multi-agency SAR exercise “SATER 02/2011″
Source: Italian Defence Dept, 06-Jul-11
[automated translation from local language] Tuesday 28 and Wednesday, June 29, 2011 the Air Force conducted air rescue exercise ‘SATER 02/2011′ Triveneto Alps. The activity is part of a cycle of operations annually organized in order to train Air Force personnel involved in SAR (Search And Rescue – Search and Rescue) by the Air Force [...]
Netherlands stops using Lynx helicopters for SAR work
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jul-11
From Friday 1st July, full responsibility for SAR work in the Netherlands passed from 860 Sqn in the Navy to 303 Sqn in the Air Force. 860 Squadron has operated Westland Lynx helicopters in this role since the late 1970s, when they superceded Wasps. The Lynx helicopters will continue with 860 Squadron in other roles, [...]
Shephard to hold European SAR 2012 event in Dublin
Source: Shephard events, 29-Jun-11
We are pleased to announce that Shephards European Search & Rescue 2012 Event will take place at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin on the 15th & 16th of March – the week leading up to St Patricks Day. The conference program is now being developed.
UK: Eastbourne hospital extends helipad
Source: Eastbourne Herald, 28-Jun-11
Eastbourne District General Hospital is the most-used landing site for air ambulance and other emergency helicopters of any hospital in Sussex. The new pad can now accept helicopters both day and night from Air Ambulance, Police, Coast Guard, Air-sea Rescue and the military. The largest it generally takes is the Coast Guard AW139, but it [...]
AW139 Coastguard crew win British bravery award
Source: MCA, 28-Jun-11
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy has recently been presented at the Air Leagues Annual Awards Ceremony at St. Jamess Palace by His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy is awarded to winchmen and winch operators from the Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Royal [...]
Ten new Canadian SAR Techs receive their wings
Source: Canadian Forces, 23-Jun-11
After 11 months of intensive training, the newest generation of Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) is ready to take their place in an operational unit as ten new members have received their SAR Tech Wings and distinctive orange berets today. Two will be posted to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Master Corporals George Beatteay [...]
NYPD Bell 412 arrives at Hunter Westpac Rescue for EMS work
17-Jun-11
A Bell 412 previously operated by New York Police Department has completed the trip from New York via Korea to Australia – See article
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant participates in Kazakhstan rescue exercise “Kazspas-2011″
Source: Ulan-Ude, 14-Jun-11
Mi-171 helicopters of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP) production that is part of helicopter holding company “Russian Helicopters”, participated in exercise “Kazspas-2011″ of Kazakhstan’s rescue teams. XVI international discussion and training camp of the rescuers took place in Kazakhstan’s EMERCOM training base “Rocky city – Astana”. The goal of the exercise held is improvement of rescuers [...]
Provincial government of Bali adds SAR Bo105
30-May-11
The Bo105 was handed over on May 26th following an MOU between and the provincial government of Bali and Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency – local name “Badan SAR Nasional”)
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 [...]
CHC Ireland wins safety accreditation
Source: CHC, 04-May-11
CHC (Ireland) Ltd is proud to announce that it has become an ISO 9001: 2008, 14001 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified company after passing a rigorous quality, environment, health and safety management system audit. The company has built an unparallel reputation for excellence in Search and Rescue (SAR) aviation over the last decade of operations for [...]
USCG hosts 4th annual SAR Conference in Baltimore
Source: US Coast Guard, 01-May-11
BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard hosted the 2011 Search and Rescue Conference at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore to improve cooperation between search and rescue agencies in the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, Friday. Approximately 100 members from the Coast Guard, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, and supervisors from more than 25 [...]
The Helicopter Line accepts New Zealand SAR award
Source: Timaru Herald, 01-May-11
Search and rescue operations in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park have been part of the Helicopter Line’s role for more than 30 years. Lead pilot Tony Delaney accepted the New Zealand SAR certificate of achievement on Thursday at a reception in Wellington marking the achievement.
Irish Government shifts SAR responsibility
Source: Irish Times, 23-Mar-11
The transfer of the Irish Coast Guard from the Department of Transport to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has not yet been confirmed officially, but is expected to take place in a number of weeks
Swedish military to take over SAR – civil S76 contract with Norrlandsflyg ending
Source: Nordic Rotors, 21-Mar-11
The Swedish Maritime Administration has now decided how to ensure a long-term national sea and air rescue service. This means that the helicopter operations will be gradually incorporated into the Maritime Administration. The reason is to safeguard the availability of rescue helicopters for sea and land operations on a longer term. The Maritime Administration is [...]
Canada’s search for SAR helicopter flight engineers: Will it be successful?
Source: Ottawa Citizen, 19-Mar-11
“The current Rotary Wing Search and Rescue Flight Engineer operational manning level is such that it has the potential to become seriously affected and render the overall SAR level of service uncertain,” an Air Force report in April 2010 warned.
Advanced all-weather system enhances S-92 SAR capabilities
Source: Sikorsky, 08-Mar-11
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced at the Heli-Expo trade show today that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved an advanced and highly integrated, all-weather operating system that enhances the S-92® helicopter’s already proven search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The approval follows previous certification of [...]
International award for Queensland flood helicopter crews
Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/international-award-for-qld-flood-saviours-20110306-1bja8.html, 06-Mar-11
Helicopter crews who plucked dozens of people from roofs, cars and trees after the “inland tsunami” struck Grantham in southeast Queensland have been recognised with an international “Rescue of the Year” award.
SRT completes China’s Rescue Salvage Bureau training program
Source: SRT Helicopters, 05-Mar-11
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., March 5, 2011 – SRT Helicopters, a leading provider of high-risk operational services and training for rotorcraft users and aviation organizations, has successfully completed a major contract, implemented in February 2009, to provide advanced aerial search and rescue (SAR) training for the Chinese Ministry of Transport’s Rescue & Salvage Bureau (MOT/SRB). SRT delivered [...]
Breeze-Eastern’s next-generation Reactive Overload Clutch released
Source: Breeze-Eastern, 03-Mar-11
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is upgrading the hoists of more than 100 H-65 Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopters with a unique safety-enhancing product available exclusively from Breeze-Eastern Corporation (Heli-Expo Exhibit 3631). The USCG installation of the Reactive Overload Clutch is nearly complete and many of the upgraded hoists are already operational. The Reactive Overload Clutch is [...]
Canadian military report says “risky” to use Bell 412 for SAR
03-Mar-11
A study by the Department of Defense maintains that it is risky for the Air Force to maintain the use of Griffon helicopters for search and rescue, especially in Quebec and Ontario.
DCI trains Royal Saudi Naval Forces Panther SAR crews
Source: DCI, 25-Feb-11
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has entrusted DCI-NAVFCO, the naval branch of DCI group, with the training of its flight crews for the use of the helicopters PANTHER N3 Search and Rescue. This training takes place in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and in Toulon (France). DCI-NAVFCO has sent 6 instructors and provided operational means in [...]
CHC releases statement on UK SAR-H program
Source: CHC, 10-Feb-11
CHC Helicopter wishes to express its disappointment at the government’s decision to cancel the SAR-H programme. CHC wishes to make it a matter of public record that in November of last year CHC became aware that a small number of its employees acting without its knowledge or authorization of the company’s senior management may have [...]
UK Government considering new options for SAR future
Source: UK Dept of Transport, 09-Feb-11
Statement from Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport On 16 December I and my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced that information had come to light regarding the preferred bid in the Search and Rescue Helicopter competition which required clarification. In mid December, the Preferred Bidder in the SAR-H [...]
Royal Air Force SAR celebrates 70 years
Source: Royal Air Force, 08-Feb-11
On the 6th February 2011, the RAF Search and Rescue Force (SARF) commemorate seventy years of saving lives. Born out of the Battle of Britain, its predecessor, the Directorate of Air Sea Rescue (ASR) was formed at the HQ of RAF Coastal Command in 1941, with a mandate to form a combined and effective rescue service [...]
Irish Coast Guard crews gain paramedic status 14 months ahead of schedule
Source: Irish Times, 08-Feb-11
Paramedic status is several stages up from first aid, allowing trained ambulance or air ambulance crews to give injections, administer cardiac and advanced airway management, and treat asthmatics, diabetics and people in anaphylactic shock.
FB Heliservices brings third SAR AW139 online to train new customer
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Feb-11
FB Heliservices are well known in the UK as the lead supplier of MRCOA (Military Registered Civil Owned Aircraft), specifically including the Squirrel and Griffon fleets. They also operate some of these aircraft on contract to other overseas governments, and readers may recall one of their AW139s resplendent in black/yellow colours on the AgustaWestland exhibitor [...]
British MP calls for re-run of SAR privatisation competition
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Feb-11
David Laws, the Liberal-Democrat Member for Parliament has called on the British Government to re-run the SAR privatisation competition following the recent debacle when the previous tender fell apart after “irregularities” were found some 11 months after the Soteria consortium were named “preferred bidder”. Royal Bank of Scotland, one of the consortium members, pulled out. [...]
CHC Ireland makes €1.5m operating loss
Source: Independent, 03-Feb-11
CHC Ireland, the Canadian-owned firm that provides SAR helicopter services here on behalf of the Coast Guard, made a €1.5m operating loss in the 12 months to April 2010 according to accounts just filed for the company’s Irish arm. The previous financial year marked a €3.2m loss
AgustaWestland disputes Irish Coast Guard claim
Source: Independent, 31-Jan-11
AgustaWestland has disputed claims made by the Irish Coast Guard that the Air Corps does not have the equipment to carry out SAR missions after the Government signed a controversial €500m contract with CHC. [file photo]
£6bn UK SAR privatisation deal on hold – police investigate
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Jan-11
Two different news sources in the UK have tonight gone public with their investigations into the suspended British SAR privatisation deal. In Spring 2010, the UK Government announced that the Soteria consortium were the preferred bidders, and it was assumed that this just meant that the contractual aspects had to be sorted and some months [...]
Hong Kong CAD releases preliminary report on Government Flying Service 332L2 accident
Source: Hong Kong CAD, 27-Jan-11
In accordance with Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, an inspector’s investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances and causes relating to the accident involving a Eurocopter AS332 L2 helicopter (registration mark B-HRN) operated by Government Flying Service that made an emergency landing in Shing Mun Reservoir on December 27, 2010. The [...]
Italian Air Force prepares for ten AW139s and twelve AW101s
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Dec-10
The Italian Air Force has launched an ambitious program to replace some its fleet of SAR helicopters, in particular its Agusta-Bell 212s. Valued at 1.2 billion euros, the plan calls for a total of twenty-two new helicopters from AgustaWestland. The existence of this large order has been not been officially publicised, but Italian journalists at [...]
