UK SAR contract on hold after bidding consortium “has issues”
Source: Reuters, 17-Dec-10
“The preferred bidder has informed the Ministry of Defence within the last 48 hours that it has become aware of a possible issue in connection with its bid to provide the UK Search and Rescue capability”
UK: Stornoway Coastguard S92 reaches 200th mission of 2010
Source: Maritime & Coastguard Agency, 14-Dec-10
At 18.44 pm on Saturday 11th December, Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter “Rescue 100″ was scrambled by Stornoway Coastguard after they had received a request for assistance from the NHS. The helicopter was sent to evacuate a fifty seven year old lady who was being seen by a doctor, who requested that she be evacuated to [...]
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust celebrates 40 years of rescues
Source: NZ Herald, 29-Nov-10
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, which administers the service, is extending its operations, with one of the Westpac choppers to be based in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula from December 26 to Anniversary Weekend at the end of January
Heli-Power 2010: Delays in Dutch NH90 deliveries create SAR headache
Source: Shephard, 19-Nov-10
The Netherlands government is considering contracting in some level of night-time search and rescue (SAR) capability due to delays in the delivery of NH90 multirole helicopters.
New UK government expected to confirm Soteria consortium for 25-year SAR contract
Source: Financial Times, 16-Nov-10
A recommendation to the Treasury proposes pressing ahead with the Soteria consortium, comprising Thales UK, Royal Bank of Scotland and CHC, a helicopter operator, which was chosen as preferred bidder in February. A decision is expected in the next fortnight.
Libya takes delivery of second AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 12-Nov-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the General Security of Libya has taken delivery of its second AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. The aircraft is part of a total order for five AW139s sold in Libya to perform a range of roles also including border patrol and Search and Rescue and was [...]
Spanish SAR AW139 crash blamed on lack of training
Source: The Reader, 05-Nov-10
Pilots union files complaint against INAER, the company that owns the helicopter which died 3 coastguards after it plunged into the sea in January, for alleged “breach of its obligations” in crew training, which “directly contributed to errors in the operation”.
Talon Helicopters president awarded national SAR honour
Source: Talon Helicopters, 04-Nov-10
Talon Helicopters President and Operations Manager, Peter Murray, received the 2010 Leadership Award of the National Search and Rescue Awards of Excellence Program. The prestigious award, presented by Lt. Gen. W. Semianiw of Canada Command on Sept. 27, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, recognizes exemplary service, commitment and dedication to search and rescue services across the [...]
Westpac Surf Rescue helicopter launched at Moruya
Source: Ulladulla Online, 27-Oct-10
The boosted financial assistance from Westpac will fund a helicopter on the NSW South Coast from the 1st December 2010, to coincide with the start of the busy summer season.
Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter approaches 4000th mission
Source: Bega District News, 26-Oct-10
Since starting in 1998, the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter has travelled throughout the ACT and Southern NSW, providing the highest standard of aero medical assistance.
Netherlands 303 Sqn acheives 4,500th SAR flight since 1959
20-Oct-10
(automatic translation of Dutch press release) An AB-412 helicopter of the 4500th Defense last night rescue flights conducted since the establishment of 303 Squadron in 1959. A man with medical problems had last night a matter of urgency to Vlieland Medical Center Leeuwarden be charged. Home to 303 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base and its [...]
Japan’s Saitama Prefecture to charge for helicopter rescues?
Source: Mainichi Daily News, 17-Oct-10
Looking to cut down on inappropriate usage of rescue services, lawmakers in the Saitama prefectural assembly are introducing an ordinance that would allow prefectural rescue helicopters to charge for their services.
Prince William completes his first SAR shift
Source: Ministry of Defence, 05-Oct-10
Flight Lieutenant William Wales completed his first Search and Rescue (SAR) shift this weekend as the co-pilot of the four-man crew of a RAF Sea King helicopter and performed his first rescue. The helicopter, call-sign ‘Rescue 122′, was from C Flight, 22 Squadron, which is based at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales. The SAR [...]
US Coast Guard aircrew wins at Canadian rescue exercise
Source: US Coast Guard, 01-Oct-10
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka crew won the marine rescue event in this year’s Royal Canadian Forces annual search and rescue exercise which was held in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Sept. 20-24. The crew, which consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, three flight mechanics and two rescue swimmers arrived Sept. 22 in time [...]
AgustaWestland congratulates 2010 Cormorant Trophy winners
Source: AgustaWestland, 28-Sep-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that the crew of “Rescue 912” from Canadian Forces Squadron 103 in Gander, Newfoundland has been selected as the winner of the 2010 Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. The winning search and rescue crew comprising Major Steve Reid of Centreville, Nova Scotia; Captain Priscilla Jobin of Ste-Foy, [...]
RAF Sea King crew hailed for Cumbrian flood rescues at Shephard 2010 SAR Awards
Source: Shephard, 23-Sep-10
A rescue helicopter crew from 22 Sqn ‘C’ Flight of the UK’s Royal Air Force have become the first winners of the new annual Shephard SAR award.
“Rescue 117″ program features Irish Coast Guard SAR
Source: RTÉ Television, 21-Sep-10
For the first time ever RTÉ cameras have been given exclusive access to the Irish Coast Guard’s helicopter Search and Rescue service. Filmed over six months, RTÉ cameras follow the rescue crews at Waterford helicopter base (RESCUE 117) as they battle to save lives in one of the most hostile environments in the world. Leading [...]
Prince William becomes a fully-operational SAR pilot
Source: UK MoD, 18-Sep-10
Prince William has today graduated from his Search and Rescue training course at Royal Air Force Valley in Anglesey, Wales. He will now join C Flight of Number 22 Squadron, remaining at RAF Valley, as a fully-qualified, fully-operational Search and Rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter. Prince William will begin his operational service as [...]
SAR 2010: BA609 mooted for SAR role
Source: Shephard Group, 16-Sep-10
The development team behind the much-delayed Bell-Agusta BA609 tiltrotor says it could hail in a new revolution of SAR capability.
CHC reaches 2,000 SAR mission milestone in both UK and Australia
Source: CHC, 16-Sep-10
Leading search and rescue (SAR) service provider CHC Helicopter has marked a significant milestone in its SAR services with crews in the UK and Australia both undertaking their 2,000th missions. CHC has operated the service for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK since 2007 from four bases at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee on Solent [...]
SkyTrac Systems to exhibit at SAR2010 conference and exhibition
Source: SkyTrac Systems, 14-Sep-10
SkyTrac Systems will be attending Shephard’s 13th annual Search and Rescue Conference and Exhibition (SAR 2010) in Aberdeen, Scotland from September 15-16, 2010. This event is the largest international gathering of SAR experts in Europe and will focus on search and rescue in the four environments: aviation, maritime, urban and mountain. SkyTrac representatives Kim Bagnall [...]
Mid North Coast Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service to get B412 in October
Source: Manning River Times, 07-Sep-10
The Bell 412 helicopter, which is being bought from Canada, is on schedule to be delivered in October.
AgustaWestland propose SAR Sea King life extension
Source: Daily Express, 11-Aug-10
As part of the UK Government’s drastic cost cutting, the proposed 25-year S92 contract was set aside. AgustaWestland are proposing a life-extension to the current fleet as a cheaper option.
French Navy takes delivery of second SECMAR EC225
Source: DGA, 05-Aug-10
France’s Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has announed that the second of two EC225 helicotpers was delivered on July 23 to their Navy’s. These aircraft were ordered in December 2009 to replace recently retired Super Frelon helicopters. They will be implemented from the naval aviation base at Lanvéoc (Finistère) for marine safety duties including SAR. [...]
Coal Services donates Aus$1M to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
Source: Coal Services, 05-Aug-10
Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL) announced today the donation of $1 million to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The donation cheque was officially presented this morning by Coal Service’s Chairman Ron Land at the Broadmeadow’s Base Rescue Helicopter Service in Newcastle, during an official ceremony chaired by Richard Jones, General Manager of the Westpac Rescue [...]
New Westpac Lifesaver helicopter to fly December to February
Source: Milton Ulladulla Times, 23-Jul-10
The Westpac Lifesaver helicopter will conduct surveillance, shark patrols and search and rescue operations from Mollymook south to the Victorian border. The trial is proposed to begin in December through February and then again for the same period each year until 2013.
CHC awarded 10 year Irish SAR contract
Source: CHC, 23-Jul-10
CHC Helicopter has been awarded a 10-year, €500 million contract to provide Search and Rescue services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, will join senior representatives from the Irish Coast Guard and CHC Ireland to officially sign the contract later today. The contract, will provide SAR services from [...]
AgustaWestland and Osprey Training to establish an AW139 SAR training centre in Scandinavia
Source: AgustaWestland, 22-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, and Osprey Training of Sweden are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for the establishment of a fully integrated Search and Rescue Training Centre in Sweden, based on the AW139 medium twin turbine helicopter. Under this agreement, the Centre will provide AgustaWestland accredited training services to pilots, crewmen [...]
Bell introduces low-cost ground velocity sensor for Hover-Hold and SAR missions
Source: Bell, 21-Jul-10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, working in cooperation with Esterline CMC Electronics, has developed and flight tested a new generation global positioning system (GPS) sensor to replace existing high-cost Doppler or inertial velocity sensors used in automated approach-to-hover and hover-hold systems. This new product is anticipated to be available for installation on [...]
Sasemar orders another AW139, taking fleet to eight
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Jul-10
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Sasemar, the Spanish Marine Safety Agency, has placed an order for one more AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used for a range of roles including SAR and water pollution detection. This order will bring Sasemar’s fleet of AW139s up to eight. The progressive expansion [...]
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency takes delivery of first AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line. An additional two helicopters will be delivered later [...]
Japan Coast Guard signs for 6 more AW139s
Source: AgustaWestland, 19-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Japan Coast Guard has signed contracts for six more AW139 medium twin helicopters. These aircraft will be deployed at Japan Coast Guard bases throughout Japan and used to perform search and rescue and maritime patrol missions. With this latest contract the [...]
Era and Priority 1 Air Rescue establish JV SAR training centre
Source: Era Helicopters, 17-Jul-10
Era Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR) announced today they have launched a joint Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Training School – the first ever established in North America solely dedicated to train commercial, law enforcement and foreign military aviation professionals and their aircrews in performing Helicopter SAR and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Service). The [...]
UK: New Ullapool community helipad put to test
Source: BBC, 07-Jul-10
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has carried out tests of the pad using a Stornoway-based Sikorsky S92
Era Helicopters and Priority 1 Air Rescue Announce Louisiana SAR Service
Source: Era Helicopters, 06-Jul-10
Era Helicopters LLC (Era) announced today the launch of a Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (SAR/EMS) operation from its base located in Fourchon, Louisiana. Together, Era and Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR) will offer FAA-approved, full-service SAR/EMS capability and turnkey solutions to offshore Oil & Gas companies located in the Gulf of Mexico [...]
CHC SAR crew commended For dramatic Irish Sea rescue
Source: CHC, 02-Jul-10
The crew of an emergency search and rescue helicopter has been awarded the Best of Irish Award for rescuing a stricken pilot when his light aircraft crashed into the Irish Sea. The six-strong crew of R117, employed by CHC Helicopter and based at Waterford, was presented with the accolade at the awards which took place [...]
Kern County Sheriff Air-5 rescue crew receive top honours
Source: Kern County Sheriff, 21-Jun-10
On June 11, 2010, the flight crew from the Kern County Sheriff rescue helicopter, Air-5, were recognized with top-honors at the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation’s annual awards dinner. Pilot Berto Penaloza and Deputy Tim Caughron were awarded Exceptional Officer of the Year awards, and Deputy Jason Nelson received the Medal of Valor award. The [...]
CHC £7 billion 25-year UK SAR project put on hold
Source: BBC, 18-Jun-10
Britain’s new government puts the 25-year SAR privatisation proposal on hold as part of massive spending cut program to get budget deficit under control.
Dutch SAR B412 targeted by laser pen
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Jun-10
A Dutch Bell 412 rescue helicopter was targeted on Tuesday evening by a laser pen. This follows a smiilar incident a week earlier. The Royal Military Police is investigating into both incidents. The crew of the Search and Rescue helicopter conducted a training flight over Leeuwarden when the helicopter shone a laser pen.
EC155 gets new SAR mode
Source: AIN, 02-Jun-10
Eurocopter is offering on the EC155 Dauphin the autopilot search-and-rescue (SAR) mode that until now could be found only on the larger EC225 Super Puma.
Fishtail Air AS350B3 performs world’s highest-altitude longline rescue
Source: Eurocopter, 01-Jun-10
A record-breaking aerial rescue on Nepal’s Mount Annapurna has underscored the performance capabilities of Eurocopter’s AS350 Ecureuil helicopter in extreme conditions – including the most challenging high-altitude operations. Three Spanish mountain climbers were successfully airlifted by the Fishtail Air AS350 B3 from a 6,900 meter-high location using the “longline” technique, in which a rescuer is [...]
Fishtail Air introduces advance Alpine Rescue System
Source: Nepal News, 28-May-10
Swiss operator Air Zermatt has helped Nepal’s Fishtail Air to develop and establish an Alpine Rescue System by helping them with technology and trainings
Japan needs SAR helicopters
Source: Avionews, 27-May-10
Japan needs SAR helicopters for air divisions of its forces of Navy, Army and Air Force. And sources close to the Tokyo’s Government unveiled that a call for bids could be launched in June
HMS Gannet’s SAR team record busiest 24 hours
Source: Royal Navy, 26-May-10
In the mist and drizzle of a shrouded West Coast of Scotland the Royal Navy’s helicopter search and rescue duty crew of HMS Gannet have had their busiest 24-hour period of the year so far with no less than five call-outs. Going on call at 0900hrs on the morning of Wednesday 19 May, the crew [...]
Italian Coast Guard takes delivery of the 300th AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 25-May-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Italian Coast Guard has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. The AW139 will perform a range of missions including maritime patrol, search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services. Three more [...]
33rd Rescue Squadron crew earns MacKay Trophy
Source: US Navy, 24-May-10
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) — Four members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron here were named the 2009 MacKay Trophy winners. Capt. Robert Rosebrough, 1st Lt. Lucas Will, Master Sgt. Dustin Thomas and Staff Sgt. Tim Philpott, the crew of an HH-60G Pavehawk combat search and rescue helicopter “Pedro 16″, have been recognized for their [...]
New AW139 arrives at Spanish SAR base Alvedro
Source: La Opinion Coruna, 20-May-10
New AW139 or SAR operator SASEMAR adds to an S61N already operated, as well as two fisheries patrol S76s which could be made available – “Pesca 1″ based at Vito and “Pesca 2″ at Celeiro
ADAC practices over-water rescue – without a winch
Source: Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, 20-May-10
This press story shows German operator ADAC Luftrettung carrying out some training for over-water rescue operations with their “Christop 33″ Eurocopter EC135. However, HeliHub.com notes the complete absence of a winch, relying instead on a fixed rope with a padded loop on the end. In come countries, we guess that could generate some “health and [...]
Mi-2 starts summer SAR service for Sea of Azov
Source: HeliHub.com, 20-May-10
Ukraine’s Minister of Emergency Situations Nestor Shufrych has announced that a Mil Mi-2 helicopter has been allocated to a summer SAR role for the Sea of Azov. This 14,500 square mile sea is bordered by Ukraine to the north and Russia to the south and south-east. The helicopter will fly in daylight hours only from [...]
Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service upgrades to S76
Source: Morning Bulletin, 12-May-10
CHRS executive officer Kay Becker said the new helicopter was very exciting and rewarding for all the staff. “We’re servicing areas we’ve never been to before,” she said.
Indonesia and Australia hold joint SAR exercise
Source: Suarakarya, 11-May-10
This article covers more of the operational aspects of the exercise over the details of the helicopters, but it is good to see these two countries working together in this way.
Teenager cautioned after shining laser light at RAF rescue helicopter
Source: Guardian, 07-May-10
The 14-year-old distracted a Sea King crew searching for a missing kayaker off the river Tees estuary by sweeping the sky in front of them with a narrow beam of green light
Australia: SAR Bell 412 completes multi-million dollar upgrade
Source: Redcliffe and Bayside Herald, 06-May-10
AN important tool in Australia’s border protection has returned to the Torres Strait with the latest in surveillance technology onboard after a three-month stop in Kippa-Ring.
Spanish SAR base at Santander upgrades to AW139
Source: Eldiario Montanes, 03-May-10
An AgustaWestland AW139 will replace a long-serving Sikorsky S61N
Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust win top rescue award
Source: Otago Daily Times, 22-Apr-10
A four-strong team from the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust who plucked a fisherman to safety, after he was trapped at the base of a cliff, have received with a top rescue award at Parliament tonight.
Eurocopter Receives Letter Of Acceptance From Malaysia for 12 EC725s
Source: Bernama, 20-Apr-10
Eurocopter has received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the Defence Ministry for the supply 12 EC725 helicopters for search and rescue (SAR) missions.
Canadian government authorises national review of SAR response times
Source: Gander Beacon, 25-Mar-10
The House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence agreed to undertake a review of Canadian Forces SAR response times, including those for Squadron 103 at 9 Wing Gander.
France’s 35F unit rescued 196 people in 2009
Source: Mer et Marine, 22-Mar-10
Flying from bases at Le Touquet, Cherbourg, Lanvéoc-Poulmic and La Rochelle Hyères, the 35F unit flew 529 operational missions in 2009, flying 750 hours and rescuing 196 people
Reduction in Irish SAR base from 24h to 12h creates Facebook group of 17,500 and counting
21-Mar-10
A press report of the situation at Waterford appeared in many Irish news sources this week, here is how RTE reported it. The Facebook group “Save 24hr Search & Rescue Helicopter Cover in South-East” describes itself thus:- SIGN THE PETITION NOW! http://www.petitiononline.com/sar01/ On 15th March 2010, the Irish Government put a price on peoples heads…. [...]
Doubts cast over whether Taiwan SAR EC225s are for civil use
Source: Flightglobal, 12-Mar-10
A leaked document states “The aircraft must be able to “detect missile seeker signals”, with an “early warning and countermeasure system” to help their crews avoid “missile and artillery fire attack”
Snohomish County Sheriff’s helicopter unit acquires new technology for locating avalanche victims
Source: Herald, 11-Mar-10
Now rescuers can scour avalanche debris fields from SnoHawk 10, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue helicopter. The new devices tap radio transmitters to quickly locate people buried by snow
Priority 1 Air Rescue Completes Bell 429 Hoist SAR Configuration Milestone
Source: Priority 1 Air Rescue, 21-Feb-10
Priority 1 Air Rescue and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited successfully completed the design engineering and Human External Cargo (HEC) load flight testing on Bell Helicopter’s new 429 in a search-and-rescue (SAR) configuration. The 429 used in the testing was configured with specialized SAR equipment, including the 600-lb two- person-rated Goodrich hoist. Completing this joint [...]
North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service may be grounded for good
Source: ABC, 18-Feb-10
The North Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service was operating a search and rescue service in the region, but in November last year it relinquished its aircraft because it failed to meet State Government guidelines.
Newfoundland oil firms ordered to have rescue helicopter available
Source: Chronicle Herald, 14-Feb-10
The regulators of Newfoundland’s oil industry have ordered a faster emergency response after the head of an inquiry into offshore helicopter safety made an urgent call for improvement.
Anger as new UK SAR contract implies base move from Prestwick to Glasgow
Source: STV, 11-Feb-10
The Ministry of Defence said that the posts will be moved 30 miles after a private company was awarded the contract for the service.
Local concerns raised at operational hours of new UK SAR contract
Source: BBC, 10-Feb-10
Bideford mayor Andy Powell said: “There’s a huge surfing population here, so what happens when [the helicopters] clock off at 6pm and somebody goes out at 6.01pm and gets into trouble? Does that mean another life is lost?”
CHC Selected as Preferred Bidder for 25-Year UK SAR Contract
Source: CHC, 09-Feb-10
CHC Helicopters, through its membership in the Soteria* consortium, has won preferred bidder status on a 25-year contract to provide comprehensive search and rescue (SAR) services and military aircrew SAR training to the UK government, securing CHC’s place as the largest supplier of civilian SAR services in the world. “We are honoured to be chosen [...]
