4-Apr-2013Source: CAE
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... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Illawarra Mercury
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).... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: The Australian
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
21-Mar-2013
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... Read more
20-Mar-2013Source: CQ Rescue
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... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Asia Pacific Aerospace
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... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Marenco
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... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: Precision Aviation Group
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... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: Donaldson
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... Read more
22-Feb-2013Source: Illawarra Mercury
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)... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: ATSB
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... Read more
17-Feb-2013
Crop spraying helicopter hit powerlines and crashed.... Read more
15-Feb-2013
Emergency landing after mechanical issues... Read more
15-Feb-2013Source: SmartCompany
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)... Read more
7-Feb-2013
Firefighting helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged. Helicopter was contracted to Tasmania Fire Service... Read more
1-Feb-2013Source: ABC
The Conservation Council is ‘baffled’ by an incident in which the crew of two helicopters landed for a barbecue on a protected island – a protected breeding sanctuary for seabirds. (see full story)... Read more
31-Jan-2013Source: Royal Australian Navy
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... Read more
27-Jan-2013Source: ATSB
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... Read more
25-Jan-2013Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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)... Read more
22-Jan-2013Source: 3AW
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)... Read more
20-Jan-2013Source: WFW
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,... Read more
19-Jan-2013
During the final approach, the pilot conducted a missed approach. The pilot subsequently lost control and the helicopter collided with the ground.... Read more
19-Jan-2013
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.... Read more
18-Jan-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
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.... Read more
16-Jan-2013Source: HNZ Group
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... Read more
15-Jan-2013Source: Snowy Hydro SouthCare
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... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Euravia
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... Read more
14-Jan-2013
Crashed into a dam near Yo Yo Park airfield, Queensland. Airlifted to hospital in Brisbane. Pilot has burns to his body and face... Read more
8-Jan-2013Source: Bendigo Advertiser
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... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: ATSB
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... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
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,... Read more
4-Jan-2013
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)... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Queensland Government
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... Read more
3-Jan-2013
During lift off, the helicopter’s tail struck the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Australian MoD
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... Read more
13-Dec-2012Source: Russian Helicopters
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... Read more
10-Dec-2012Source: RotorWay
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... Read more
9-Dec-2012
Crashed during crop spraying operations. Sole occupant pilot killed.... Read more
7-Dec-2012Source: Courier Mail
“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)... Read more
5-Dec-2012Source: News Corp
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)... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: CAE
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,... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Child Flight
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... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
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... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Air Ambulance Victoria
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... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Daily Telegraph
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)... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: Australian Aerospace
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.... Read more
23-Nov-2012Source: Newcastle Helicopters
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... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: ATSB
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... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: ATSB
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... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: NAFC
NAFC’s Invitation to Tender for the provision of Aerial Firefighting Services for 2013 onwards has now been published. NAFC is inviting tenders for more than 70 specialised aircraft services to be utilised across Australia over the next three to five years. For the first time NAFC will conduct this public tender process entirely via a web-based, electronic tendering system.... Read more
12-Nov-2012Source: The Chronicle
Taken in the most unique way; whilst simultaneously flying and manoeuvring his helicopter enabling him to capture his shots, Scott Bridle’s images bring to life his passion for the landscape (see full story) – see also Scott Bridle’s website... Read more
6-Nov-2012
A water-bombing helicopter has mistakenly sprayed partially treated sewage onto firefighters battling a blaze on the NSW mid-north coast.... Read more
4-Nov-2012
A third “fumes in the cockpit” situation, repeating incidents from May and June... Read more
2-Nov-2012Source: Coffs Coast Advocate
“Please don’t take us for granted” is the plea from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter as it prepares to fly its 7000th mission. (see full story)... Read more
31-Oct-2012
During mustering, the helicopter collided with water and submerged.... Read more
25-Oct-2012
Hard landing on training flight. Badly damaged... Read more
21-Oct-2012
On a sightseeing tour flight, male passenger suddenly unfastened his seatbelt, opened the door and jumped from the aircraft – falling 500 feet to his death... Read more
16-Oct-2012Source: Avincis Group
Avincis Mission Critical Services (Avincis Group) has established itself in the UK today as the world’s leading provider of mission critical aviation services. The Group’s mission is to save lives, protect the environment and provide safe transport for mission critical people and assets for public services and blue chip corporations. Avincis’ operating companies deliver across... Read more
11-Oct-2012
During the initial climb, the pilot received a clutch warning and the helicopter lost power. The pilot conducted a forced landing and the helicopter sustained substantial damage.... Read more
3-Oct-2012
Crashed on a cattle station half way between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, and two days later the press reported that the pilot’s body remains trapped in the wreckage underwater in a remote gorge.... Read more
24-Sep-2012Source: HNZ Group
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced today that, further to its news release dated May 14, 2012, the change of its name to HNZ Group Inc. (the “Companyâ€), as approved by its shareholders at its annual meeting on May 11, 2012, will be... Read more
23-Sep-2012Source: Queensland Police
In mid August, the Queensland Police Service commenced a 13 week contract with Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service. As a result, the police chopper is now a BO105 EC Super 5, ex-German police helicopter with an excellent reputation and history. It is a twin-engine gas turbine, equipped with state-of- the-art navigation and surveillance equipment including:... Read more
17-Sep-2012Source: Owen, Patterson & Owen
Robinson Helicopter is the lone defendant in a trial which began in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday, September 13th (Supreme Court of Queensland, Number S 4573/07). The trial is expected to last 14 days. The justice presiding over the trial has ordered that the case be bifurcated. If successful on liability, the damage phase will begin sometime... Read more
16-Sep-2012Source: Australian Aviation
RACQ CareFlight Rescue has welcomed a partnership with Aviation Australia what will see the Queensland non-profit reimbursed for $15,000 per year worth of underwater escape training at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane Airport facility. (see full story)... Read more
5-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Long time AW109 specialist Castle Air has taken a big step with the acquisition of three Sikorsky S76A++ helicopters. Bought from Australia, where they were operated by Jayrow, the three are currently en route to Castle Air’s base at Liskeard in Cornwall. In recent years, Castle Air have built up a specialisation in AgustaWestland AW109s,... Read more
29-Aug-2012Source: SkyTrac Systems
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the AFAC conference August 28th-31st, 2012 in Perth, Australia. The AFAC and Bushfire CRC conference is Australasia’s premier emergency management conference. The conference program addresses key issues facing the sector and contributes to a knowledge sharing and learning culture within fire, land management... Read more
19-Aug-2012
Kawasaki-built 500C crashed in open field, main rotor having cut tail boom. 69-year-old pilot and a 43-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries but managed to walk to a nearby home to raise the alarm... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: AHIA
The AHIA steering group has received welcome offers of assistance. The organisers of the Avalon Airshow 2013 have been very helpful in offering access to the Melbourne Convention Centre and the airshow venue at Avalon Airport. This will allow the AHIA to have an “official launchâ€. As a result the Australian helicopter industry will become... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Australian Aerospace
One of Australia’s most distinguished career soldiers, Lieutenant General (retired) Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM, has joined the Board of Directors of leading local defence manufacturer, Australian Aerospace Limited. General Gillespie, who served with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for over 43 years, was appointed Chief of Army in July 2008, a position he held... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: Australian Army
The suspension, which began on 26 June 2012, was put in place as a safety measure when fumes were detected in the cockpit of an aircraft that performed a precautionary landing at Shoalwater Bay training area the day before. Following a detailed investigation and assessment into the source of the fumes, the Army Operational Airworthiness... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: Boeing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has installed a Helicrew simulator at the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre in order to enhance the capabilities of BDA flight instructors. The Helicrew allows BDA Qualified Flying Instructors to further hone and test their training procedures through a variety of simulated situations. Helicrew is designed to... Read more
20-Jul-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Australia Limited announced today the signing of a four-year agreement with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for ongoing logistics and engineering support for the Commonwealth of Australia’s fleet of BLACK HAWK (S-70A(TM)) and SEAHAWK® (S-70B(TM)) helicopters. Valued at more than $120 million, with six annual renewable options, the contract is a follow-on agreement... Read more
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