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Australia

Businessman steps in to save RACQ NQ rescue helicopter

Businessman steps in to save RACQ NQ rescue helicopter

Source: RACQ NQ, 17-Jun-13

Pickering’s Mount Isa came to the rescue of the RACQ NQ Rescue Helicopter by pledging $60,000 over the next three years. Dealer Principal Chad Brazaitis said ‘After attending the helicopters Sportsman’s Dinner last year and seeing all the great work they preform I was extremely interested in getting on board. Then I heard them on [...]

Heliflite delivers first R66 to Western Australia

Heliflite delivers first R66 to Western Australia

Source: Heliflite, 15-Jun-13

Heliflite was pleased to deliver the first new R66 Turbine helicopter into Perth earlier this month. Heliflite’s Western Australian manager Tony Bates was proud to supply the aircraft to Oliver Dunkel and his wife Gerda, who are the proprietors of Perth Harley Davidson. The new R66 Turbine was ferried from Sydney to Perth by Oliver [...]

Pilot shortage grounds Cairns chopper

Pilot shortage grounds Cairns chopper

Source: CAIRNS, 12-Jun-13

A PILOT shortage has been blamed for preventing Emergency Management Queensland’s Cairns-based helicopter from attending a search and rescue operation yesterday morning. (See Full Story)

Asia Pacific Aerospace approved for RR300 MRO work

Asia Pacific Aerospace approved for RR300 MRO work

Source: Asia Pacific Aerospace, 10-Jun-13

Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) Pty Ltd has been selected by Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, to become an Authorized Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center (AMROC) for the support of the RR 300 engine for the Australasia region. “We are delighted to have been selected as the RR300 AMROC for the Australasia region. The RR300 [...]

08-Jun-13 VH-RHF Bell 206L3 Derby, Australia

08-Jun-13

Ditched and turned over.  5 POB exited safely, although some needed help getting out of the cabin when it was submerged in water.

New Customer Services Manager at Great Barrier Reef Helicopters

New Customer Services Manager at Great Barrier Reef Helicopters

Source: E Travel Blackboard, 06-Jun-13

Reaffirming its position as North Queensland’s leading helicopter tourism operator, Great Barrier Reef Helicopters is pleased to announce the appointment of a new head of its Customer Services department, David Howarth. (See Full Story)

Lockyer Valley’s new helipad works enter final stages

Lockyer Valley’s new helipad works enter final stages

Source: The Chronicle, 04-Jun-13

AN important milestone has been reached with the Lockyer Valley Emergency Helipad reaching the final stages of construction at the new Lockyer Valley Regional Airport near Gatton. (See Full Stoty)

Three bidders remain for Australia’s military training plans

Three bidders remain for Australia’s military training plans

Source: Australian Government, 31-May-13

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly today announced that three Tenderers have been selected to progress Project Air 9000 Phase 7 which will provide a new helicopter aircrew training system to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). AIR 9000 Phase 7 [...]

No money yet for 24×7 ops for Orange-based helicopter

No money yet for 24×7 ops for Orange-based helicopter

Source: ABC News, 28-May-13

The Central West group of councils says at a meeting in Sydney last week Jillian Skinner said she supported a review recommendation that the Orange based helicopter operate round-the clock. (See Full Story)

Avlite donates helipad lighting to RACQ

Avlite donates helipad lighting to RACQ

Source: Australian Aviation, 28-May-13

RACQ CareFlight Rescue’s Toowoomba helipad was this week fitted with a solar-powered helipad lighting system to enhance crew safety and efficiency during night operations. (See Full Story)

Bond enters Australian market with multi-million contract

Bond enters Australian market with multi-million contract

Source: Bond Helicopters, 15-May-13

Bond Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd (Bond) is delighted to announce that it has won a competitive tender for the award of a multi-million dollar, five-year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies (PTTEP), part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company. This is Bond’s first major contract in the region, and marks the [...]

Helifilte WA Celeberates Five Years Of Operation

Helifilte WA Celeberates Five Years Of Operation

Source: Helifilte, 15-May-13

Heliflite’s authorised Robinson helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport celebrates five years of operation. In 2008 Heliflite opened its Western Australian centre at Perth’s Jandakot Airport. Manager Tony Bates leads the experienced Heliflite WA team. Heliflite has long been involved in the Western Australian helicopter industry going back to the late 1970s with a charter organisation once based [...]

Major sponsor pulls support from North West Queensland helicopter

Major sponsor pulls support from North West Queensland helicopter

Source: 612 ABC Brisbane, 13-May-13

The future of North West Queensland’s rescue helicopter is in jeopardy after a major sponsor pulled its support. (See Full Story)

Australia given an extra NH90 free to make up for delays

Australia given an extra NH90 free to make up for delays

Source: Australian Aerospace, 10-May-13

Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace, Dr. Jens Goennemann welcomed the signing of an agreement with the Commonwealth which, he said, will provide both the Army and Navy with not only a superior but also affordable military helicopter capability. He was commenting on an announcement by The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence and [...]

Future of RACQ-CQ Rescue staff is in the air

Future of RACQ-CQ Rescue staff is in the air

Source: Daily Mercury, 09-May-13

The futures of some RACQ-CQ Rescue staff are still up in the air after CHC Helicopters lost their contract with the rescue service last month. (See Full Story)

Fresh blood for Victoria’s air ambulances

Fresh blood for Victoria’s air ambulances

Source: Latrobe Valley Express, 07-May-13

Flight paramedics based in the Latrobe Valley will be able to source vital blood stores quicker following a partnership with Gippsland Pathology. (See Full Story)

04-May-13 Burdett, Australia

04-May-13

EMS helicopter grounded with patient on board after electrical issue.  Patient to hospital by ground ambulance – took 1 hour extra.  Medstar operates EC130, BK117 and B412 helicopters

Aviation Australia honoured by RACQ Careflight

Aviation Australia honoured by RACQ Careflight

Source: Aviation Australia, 28-Apr-13

On Thursday 18 April 2013, Investors and Supporters of RACQ CareFlight’s rescue service were honoured with a cocktail function to recognise their contributions and support throughout the year. The evening included a host of special guests ranging from Corporate Sponsors to Individual Donors, without whose support the provision of 24/7 emergency response helicopter rescue service [...]

Australia – CareFlight wins AAMS award

Australia – CareFlight wins AAMS award

Source: Blacktown Sun, 24-Apr-13

An American aeromedical organisation has presented CareFlight with the Excellence in Community Service award in Washington for its training program last Friday. Association of Air Medical Services president Rick Sherlock said it was the first time an aeromedical service outside the US had received the award. (See full story)

New Zealand buys the Seasprites Australia rejected

New Zealand buys the Seasprites Australia rejected

Source: Kaman, 19-Apr-13

Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) today announced that the New Zealand Cabinet has authorized the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) to enter into an approximately $120 million contract with Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) for the purchase of ten SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. The MoD and [...]

Australia – Linfox receives sixth new AgustaWestland helicopter in 13 years

Australia – Linfox receives sixth new AgustaWestland helicopter in 13 years

Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Apr-13

Australia’s Linfox Property Group is currently taking delivery of its sixth new AgustaWestland helicopter in under thirteen years, a GrandNew.  The company describes itself as follows on its website: Since 1985 the Linfox Property Group portfolio has grown extensively with the acquisition and development of some of the largest industrial properties in the Southern Hemisphere. [...]

Marenco adds nine more orders as roll-out scheuled for May

Marenco adds nine more orders as roll-out scheuled for May

Source: Marenco, 16-Apr-13

Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd. is proud and enthusiastic to report on a great success with thousands of visitors and additional orders signed in Las Vegas during the 2013 Heli Expo. We are starting to set-up our worldwide network and have commenced the show by announcing the appointment of HELIFLITE Pty Ltd. as our distributor for Oceania, [...]

BMA backs CQ’s rescue services with $330,000 donation

BMA backs CQ’s rescue services with $330,000 donation

Source: The Bulletin, 10-Apr-13

RACQ CQ Rescue and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue may be used to lending a helping hand, and now they’ve had the favour returned with BMA contributing $330,000 over three years to these organisations (see full story).

Australia may ground R44s without bladder tank upgrade

Australia may ground R44s without bladder tank upgrade

Source: ATSB, 05-Apr-13

Robinson R44 helicopters that have not been fitted with upgraded fuel tanks face being grounded from 30 April 2013. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a direction to all affected R44 helicopter operators about the installation of flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of post-accident fires. CASA has made it clear that R44 [...]

Hawker Pacific announces Queensland Bell 407 sale

Hawker Pacific announces Queensland Bell 407 sale

Source: Hawker Pacific, 05-Apr-13

Hawker Pacific, leading aircraft sales and product support company in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East, is pleased to announce the delivery of a Bell 407 Helicopter to a north Queensland operator which will be used for utility operations. The deal reflects the Company’s initiatives in servicing the pre-owned market in the region. Tony Jones, [...]

CAE awarded Royal Australian Navy MH-60R contract

CAE awarded Royal Australian Navy MH-60R contract

Source: CAE, 04-Apr-13

CAE today announced it has won a series of military contracts during the final month of its fiscal year 2013 fourth quarter valued at approximately C$130 million, including options. They include contracts to provide an MH-60R avionics maintenance trainer and weapons load trainer for the Royal Australian Navy, a C-130J weapon systems trainer for the [...]

Community opposes Nowra air ambulance move

Community opposes Nowra air ambulance move

Source: Illawarra Mercury, 03-Apr-13

A proposal to relocate the Albion Park Rail-based rescue helicopter to Nowra has met the same fierce community opposition directed towards the plan to move the chopper to Sydney  (see full story).

ATSB report says R22 tail contacted rock in fatal Kimberley crash

ATSB report says R22 tail contacted rock in fatal Kimberley crash

Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Mar-13

The Australian investigation authority ATSB has issued their final report on the fatal R22 accident on 3rd October last year which occurred 130 km west of Halls Creek in Western Australia. The summary is a blunt reminder of issues with confined areas, light levels etc What happened On 3 October 2012 the pilots of two [...]

21-Mar-13 VH-HWQ Robinson R44 Bulli Tops, Australia (4F)

21-Mar-13

Clipped tree(s) during landing phase and crashed killing all four on board.  Helicopter operator Bankstown Helicopters confirmed that the aircraft had been hired by a private pilot

RACQ CQ Rescue crew awarded National Emergency Medals

RACQ CQ Rescue crew awarded National Emergency Medals

Source: CQ Rescue, 20-Mar-13

Members of the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter crew have been awarded National Emergency Medals at a ceremony held at the service’s hangar today. Presented during a special Rescue 412 (formerly the Rescue 100 Program) breakfast event, National Emergency Medals are given to individuals who respond to nationally significant emergencies within Australia and render extraordinary service [...]

Asia Pacific Aerospace win Rolls-Royce approval for RR300 MRO

Asia Pacific Aerospace win Rolls-Royce approval for RR300 MRO

Source: Asia Pacific Aerospace, 19-Mar-13

Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) Pty Ltd has been selected by Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, to become an Authorized Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center (AMROC) for the support of the RR 300 engine for the Australasia region. “We are delighted to have been selected as the RR300 AMROC for the Australasia region. The RR300 [...]

Marenco at Heli-Expo – appoints Australia/NZ distributor

Marenco at Heli-Expo – appoints Australia/NZ distributor

Source: Marenco, 05-Mar-13

Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd. is thrilled to participate to its third Heli Expo, held this year in Las Vegas, USA. Our team and Martin Stucki, the founder of the company and designer of the SKYe SH09, will be present on the show where we will describe our progress to our clients, prospects and suppliers. We have [...]

Precision Heliparts announces appointments in Louisiana and Australia

Precision Heliparts announces appointments in Louisiana and Australia

Source: Precision Aviation Group, 04-Mar-13

Atlanta-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the Worldwide Aerospace and Defense industries announces the hiring of 3 key personnel for its new PHP facilities in Lafayette, Louisiana  and Brisbane, Australia. Hired to lead sales efforts in Lafayette is Keith Stringer , Director of Sales, PHP-LA. Prior to [...]

Donaldson Barrier Filters Assist Australian Aerial Firefighters

Donaldson Barrier Filters Assist Australian Aerial Firefighters

Source: Donaldson, 28-Feb-13

Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) continues to provide critical engine protection for helicopter operators battling Australian wildfires this year.  The company’s Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems are the choice of firefighting operators worldwide and heavily utilized in corporate, air medical, utility and maritime/offshore missions as well. Donaldson IBFs [...]

Community campaign aims to save Illawarra EMS AW139

Community campaign aims to save Illawarra EMS AW139

Source: Illawarra Mercury, 22-Feb-13

Shellharbour MP Anna Watson wants community support to save the Illawarra’s emergency helicopter service. Wollongong Rotary president Leigh Robinson has created a Facebook group, ‘‘Save the Illawarra Helicopter Service,’’ to help spread the word. (see full story)

ATSB Commissioner reappointed

ATSB Commissioner reappointed

Source: ATSB, 20-Feb-13

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) welcomed the reappointment of Ms Carolyn Walsh as a member of the ATSB Commission. Ms Walsh’s appointment by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese will commence on 8 March 2013 and will run for a further three years. Ms Walsh has a wealth of experience [...]

17-Feb-13 VH-VDC Enstrom 480B Trida, Australia

17-Feb-13

Crop spraying helicopter hit powerlines and crashed.

15-Feb-13 VH-VSA Eurocopter BK117B2 Port Pirie, Australia

15-Feb-13

Emergency landing after mechanical issues

Heli-Aust group in receivership

Heli-Aust group in receivership

Source: SmartCompany, 15-Feb-13

The Heli-Aust group has entered receivership and is being put up for sale.  The group is made up of five businesses: Heli-Aust, Heli-Muster, Aero Support, Heli-Aus Investments and Wieland Helicopter Company and it has less than 30 employees. (see full story)

07-Feb-13 VH-EWM Eurocopter AS350B2 Hobart, Australia

07-Feb-13

Firefighting helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.  Helicopter was contracted to Tasmania Fire Service

Australia sells remaining Sea Kings

Australia sells remaining Sea Kings

Source: Royal Australian Navy, 31-Jan-13

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Navy’s remaining Sea King helicopters will be sold to Aerospace Logistics (ASL). The final flight of 817 Squadrons Sea King helicopters occurred on 15 December 2011. “Aerospace Logistics have over 30 years experience as an international specialist in the supply, refurbishment, exchange, maintenance, repair and [...]

Australian fatal R44 accident caused by pilot incapacitation

Australian fatal R44 accident caused by pilot incapacitation

Source: ATSB, 27-Jan-13

ATSB summary of the accident follows:- What happened On 3 September 2011, the pilot and one crewman of a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 helicopter, registered VH-HCA (HCA), departed an airstrip located near Kumarina roadhouse, approximately 150 km south of Newman, Western Australia. The crew were conducting low-level geophysical survey operations when the pilot was observed [...]

Floating helipad approved without a key requirement being fulfilled

Floating helipad approved without a key requirement being fulfilled

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 25-Jan-13

A LICENCE to operate a floating heliport on Sydney Harbour was issued to Newcastle Helicopters by the NSW government without a key requirement being fulfilled, in the latest breakdown in the proper approval process for the controversial project. (see full story)

Melbourne’s rail network starts helicopter patrols

Melbourne’s rail network starts helicopter patrols

Source: 3AW, 22-Jan-13

Metro Trains Melbourne has started using a helicopter with infrared cameras in an attempt to reduce theft of copper – which has led to significant cancellation and delays to rail services (see full story)

WFW advised CHC on $202M operating lease facility

WFW advised CHC on $202M operating lease facility

Source: WFW, 20-Jan-13

Watson, Farley & Williams (“WFW”), a leading international law firm, is pleased to announce that it has advised CHC Helicopter on an operating lease facility of up to US$202m with Milestone Aviation, for up to 12 helicopters (including Sikorsky, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland helicopters), its third facility with Milestone. The team, led by partner Nicola Davies, [...]

19-Jan-13 VH-HGI Robinson R22 Batchelor, Australia

19-Jan-13

During the final approach, the pilot conducted a missed approach. The pilot subsequently lost control and the helicopter collided with the ground.

19-Jan-13 VH-ZMN Bell 206B Baskerville, Australia

19-Jan-13

During low-level aerial filming operations, the helicopter rotated quickly to the right and descended. The pilot made an emergency landing on the sloping terrain. The helicopter rolled over and was subtantially damaged with minor injuries to the occupants.

Australian Helicopters and Flying Doctor on standby to secure soldier safety

Australian Helicopters and Flying Doctor on standby to secure soldier safety

Source: Australian Helicopters, 18-Jan-13

Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd (AHPL) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) have joined forces to provide emergency medical evacuation during Australian Army training exercises in remote areas. The partnership between the two organisations will ensure that Australian soldiers receive the best possible care and support, according to AHPL Managing Director, Scott Swift. [...]

HNZ launches its first AW109 GrandNew in Australia

HNZ launches its first AW109 GrandNew in Australia

Source: HNZ Group, 16-Jan-13

The first of three brand new AW109SP’s direct from their Italian factory is airborne at Jandakot WA in final preparation for its end user delivery flight to the remote north-west. The state-of-the-art helicopter is expected to make its way north in late January. Ship number one of three, arrived by sea at Fremantle and was [...]

Snowy Hydro SouthCare approaches 5,000th mission

Snowy Hydro SouthCare approaches 5,000th mission

Source: Snowy Hydro SouthCare, 15-Jan-13

Canberra and the region’s local rescue helicopter service is fast approaching a milestone of 5,000 missions in its 15th year of operation. Snowy Hydro SouthCare expects to perform its 5,000th mission before the end of January. Since 1998 the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Aero-Medical Rescue Helicopter has been serving the ACT and surrounding region, extending as [...]

Sikorsky Helitech partners with Euravia to support P&WC PT6T engines in Australasia

Sikorsky Helitech partners with Euravia to support P&WC PT6T engines in Australasia

Source: Euravia, 14-Jan-13

EURAVIA is pleased to announce the signing of a two year teaming agreement with SIKORSKY HELITECH, Australia to provide P&WC PT6T engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Lancashire, England, EURAVIA specialises in aftermarket services for a wide range of P&WC PT6 engines. The strategic partnership will support [...]

14-Jan-13 Yo Yo Park, Australia

14-Jan-13

Crashed into a dam near Yo Yo Park airfield, Queensland.  Airlifted to hospital in Brisbane.  Pilot has burns to his body and face

Bendigo-based helicopters trial new firefighting strategy

Bendigo-based helicopters trial new firefighting strategy

Source: Bendigo Advertiser, 08-Jan-13

Three firefighting weapons – including two water bombing aircrafts and another helicopter that acts as a scout – have set up home at the Bendigo Airport and are ready to respond to any fire threats in central Victoria. (see full story)  File photo

Australia – Follow the ATSB on Twitter

Australia – Follow the ATSB on Twitter

Source: ATSB, 04-Jan-13

You can now get the latest ATSB news and updates via our Twitter account: @ATSBinfo. We will use Twitter to tell you about a range of activities and initiatives, including: new and updated investigations investigation and research report releases new safety awareness products. Some things to keep in mind The ATSB will not guarantee responding to [...]

Australia to scrap last five Sea Kings

Australia to scrap last five Sea Kings

Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jan-13

Local press today reports that the Royal Australian Navy has confirmed it will sell the last five Sea Kings for scrap.  The five were officially retired in December 2011 and have been stored at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, south of Sydney, pending a decision on their future. Now it has been confirmed the five aircraft, [...]

Plans for helicopter ‘mega base’ under way in Sydney

Plans for helicopter ‘mega base’ under way in Sydney

04-Jan-13

The new ”mega base” designed for rescue services would be built on the site of the old Parramatta City Raceway site near the M4, which is now called Sydney Speedway, said Ian Badham, an executive director of the rescue helicopter service CareFlight. (see full story)

Funding boost for Queensland’s EMS operations

Funding boost for Queensland’s EMS operations

Source: Queensland Government, 03-Jan-13

Increased funding for community-based emergency helicopter operators has been granted as the Newman Government considers plans for lasting change in their financial support. A new funding model for these essential services is detailed in the Summary Report of the Review of Aeromedical Helicopter Services in Queensland – November 2012, released for consultation by Health Minister [...]

03-Jan-13 VH-RYO Robinson R44 Morrabbin, Australia

03-Jan-13

During lift off, the helicopter’s tail struck the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged.

Australian Army pilots head to offshore operators over pay levels

Australian Army pilots head to offshore operators over pay levels

Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Dec-12

Local press in Australia is reporting a big outflow of helicopter pilots from the Australian Army, many heading for the offshore operators where they can double their pay and fly less hours. In the last year, 22 helicopter pilots have left, including 12 at the rank of Major.  A further 8 are on leave to [...]

Australian Defence Minister names new MH-60R Squadron

Australian Defence Minister names new MH-60R Squadron

Source: Australian MoD, 17-Dec-12

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced that the name of the new training squadron to operate the Navy’s MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopters would be 725 Squadron. 725 Squadron will form as the operational training squadron, while 816 Squadron, which currently operates the S-70-B2 Seahawk, will transition to the MH-60R [...]

Australia certifies Kamov Ka32

Australia certifies Kamov Ka32

Source: Russian Helicopters, 13-Dec-12

The Russian-made multi-role coaxial Ka-32A11BC received a certificate of airworthiness in Australia. This certificate allows Australian helicopter operators to use the Ka-32S11BC as a search & rescue and firefighting helicopter as well as for sling load operations and in construction and installation work. The Ка-32А11BC is a unique Russian-made helicopter that is used in more [...]

RotorWay Announces Two New Dealers

RotorWay Announces Two New Dealers

Source: RotorWay, 10-Dec-12

RotorWay International is pleased to announce the addition of two new dealers in Colombia, and Australia. RotorWay of Colombia is back! Diego Torres is owner of RotorWay Colombia. Diego has been selling, building and flying RotorWay helicopters for over a decade, and we are happy to have him back. David Donaldson is taking over the [...]

09-Dec-12 VH-WOH Robinson R44 Mudgee, Australia (1F)

09-Dec-12

Crashed during crop spraying operations.  Sole occupant pilot killed.

Brisbane to add two city helipads before G20 summit in 2014

Brisbane to add two city helipads before G20 summit in 2014

Source: Courier Mail, 07-Dec-12

“I think it’s something the City has been lacking and something that’ll be very, very important and it will be completed in time for the important G20 that’ll be held in Brisbane in November 2014.” said Lord Mayor Graham Quirk (see full story)

Australian Tiger pilots strike after third “fumes” incident

Australian Tiger pilots strike after third “fumes” incident

Source: News Corp, 05-Dec-12

Dozens of Australian Army pilots have conducted a mini-mutiny by refusing to fly new Tiger attack helicopters after aircrew were hit by cockpit fumes for the third time this year. The fleet was not grounded after the third incident. (see full story)

Royal Australian Navy orders two MH-60R simulators from CAE

Royal Australian Navy orders two MH-60R simulators from CAE

Source: CAE, 04-Dec-12

Today at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), CAE announced it has won a series of military contracts valued at more than C$70 million. They include a contract from the United States Navy to develop two MH-60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFTs) for the Royal Australian Navy under a foreign military sale program, [...]

Helicopter sprays sewage on firefighters

Helicopter sprays sewage on firefighters

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 28-Nov-12

A water-bombing helicopter has mistakenly sprayed partially treated sewage onto firefighters battling a blaze on the NSW mid-north coast. (see full story)  File photo

Child Flight landing for the last time in 23 years

Child Flight landing for the last time in 23 years

Source: Child Flight, 28-Nov-12

Telstra Child Flight, founded by the community as the emergency helicopter service for critically ill children, has been helping to save young lives across NSW and the ACT for some 23 years. We have survived storms, floods, bushfires and funding shortfalls and we have dealt with critical life-or-death situations on a daily basis. Our specially [...]

CareFlight to fly more children across New South Wales

CareFlight to fly more children across New South Wales

Source: CareFlight, 28-Nov-12

National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle [...]

Air Ambulance Victoria celebrates 50 years

Air Ambulance Victoria celebrates 50 years

Source: Air Ambulance Victoria, 28-Nov-12

Air Ambulance Victoria has marked its 50th year of flying patients in critical life-threatening emergencies with a special celebration at Essendon Airport. Over 100 people attended, including Minister for Health David Davis, Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella, past patients and their families, past and current staff including flight paramedics, pilots, navigators and members from emergency [...]

Local councils reject Sydney Harbour floating heliport

Local councils reject Sydney Harbour floating heliport

Source: Daily Telegraph, 25-Nov-12

Plans for a floating heliport on Sydney Harbour are being opposed by local councils, who say the idea appears to have been rushed and they – and their ratepayers – were not consulted. (see full story)

Eurocopter commissions Perth Support Centre

Eurocopter commissions Perth Support Centre

Source: Australian Aerospace, 25-Nov-12

The world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter, is to provide a major boost to Australia’s booming off-shore oil and gas industry with the commissioning of a modern facility in Perth to support customer helicopters operating within Western Australia’s North-West Shelf region. At present, several companies operate more than 25 17/19-passenger helicopters of Eurocopter’s Super Puma family. [...]

Floating heliport in Sydney Harbour to open in December

Floating heliport in Sydney Harbour to open in December

Source: Newcastle Helicopters, 23-Nov-12

Newcastle Helicopters has gained government approval to operate a Floating Heliport in Sydney Harbour from early next month. Answering the growing need for helicopter based services in the Sydney CBD area, Newcastle Helicopters, have developed the concept of a powered flat top vessel based on central Sydney Harbour, complete with two helipad sites and deck space to manage passenger [...]

ATSB warns of the risks surrounding practice autorotations

ATSB warns of the risks surrounding practice autorotations

Source: ATSB, 15-Nov-12

As a result of the ATSB investigation and in order to reduce the level of risk associated with emergency training, a helicopter operator is investigating amendments to their company operations manual. One amendment being investigated by the operator is the requirement for at least 10 kts of wind in the runway direction for the performance [...]

Watch out for wires, says ATSB

Watch out for wires, says ATSB

Source: ATSB, 13-Nov-12

The ATSB’s investigation into a wirestrike accident highlights the importance of a proper reconnaissance when flying in a wire environment and remaining focused only on operational tasks. On 12 June 2012, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven 1 helicopter departed Moorabbin Airport, Victoria with one person on board to conduct a private flight to a [...]