Australia

Donation kick-starts Helicopter Engineers Foundation

Donation kick-starts Helicopter Engineers Foundation

4-Aug-2022Source: Australian Flying

  A large donation from rotary industry identities John and Julie Cameron will be used to establish a foundation to encourage young people to seek careers in helicopter engineering. The $500,000 gift to set up the Helicopter Engineers Foundation was announced at RotorTech today by Ray Cronin, president of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA).... Read more

Australian Amphib Embarks 2 US Ospreys for RIMPAC 2022

Australian Amphib Embarks 2 US Ospreys for RIMPAC 2022

3-Aug-2022Source: US Military

  The flight deck of HMAS Canberra, Australia’s Landing Helicopter Dock, is a hive of activity as international aircraft land and take off from her deck for the sea phase of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Lieutenant Sam Laidlaw, one of Canberra’s flight control officers, is responsible for air movements on and off the... Read more

Royal Australian Navy stows V-22 for the first time at sea

Royal Australian Navy stows V-22 for the first time at sea

2-Aug-2022Source: US Military

Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) embarked two MV-22B Osprey military aircraft onboard and successfully moved the Osprey off the flight deck into the hangar for the first time at sea during Rim of the Pacific 2022. The MV-22B’s will operate from Canberra for the duration of RIMPAC in another first for... Read more

RACQ LifeFlight reports record-breaking financial year

RACQ LifeFlight reports record-breaking financial year

22-Jul-2022Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

LifeFlight Australia has completed another record-breaking financial year, coming to the aid of 6,825 people through missions performed by RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopters, Air Ambulance jets and Critical Care Doctors “We’re proud to make a difference in the lives of so many people, including those in rural and regional Queensland, by being ready to respond, 24/7,... Read more

VSTAR Aviation enters the eVTOL Australian Market

VSTAR Aviation enters the eVTOL Australian Market

18-Jul-2022Source: VSTAR Aviation

  The next generation of aircraft could be seen operating in Australian skies as early as 2023. Known as eVTOL or “Powered Lift”, these unique and cleverly designed aircraft combine the versatility of a helicopter with the range and speed of a traditional fixed-wing aircraft. These aircraft are not just nimble and quick. Their unique... Read more

Bell Expands Regional Aftermarket Footprint in Australia

Bell Expands Regional Aftermarket Footprint in Australia

15-Jul-2022Source: Bell

Bell announced the acquisition of Eagle Copters Maintenance Pty. Ltd. (ECM), a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) business and current Bell customer service facility (CSF) based in Australia. This acquisition enables Bell to expand its regional footprint by providing coveted solutions in Australia and Asia-Pacific. “This acquisition enables us to provide local support and solutions... Read more

Wisk Brings 5th Generation Aircraft to the UK and Australia

Wisk Brings 5th Generation Aircraft to the UK and Australia

12-Jul-2022Source: Wisk Aero

  Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S., will be conducting public displays of its 5th Generation Aircraft, Cora, in both Farnborough, UK, and Brisbane, Australia. In the United Kingdom: one of Wisk’s fleet of aircraft will be on display at... Read more

Australia launches roadmap for drone and AAM airspace integration

Australia launches roadmap for drone and AAM airspace integration

6-Jul-2022Source: Australian Government

  We’re paving the way for remotely piloted aircraft (drones) and advanced air mobility (AAM) in Australia with our new regulatory roadmap. With the rapidly growing popularity and innovative advancements in this industry, the roadmap outlines our approach to aviation safety regulations for drones and AAM over the next 10 years and beyond. ‘We’ve developed... Read more

AFDAU-T1 Achieves US Forest Service ATU Compliance 

AFDAU-T1 Achieves US Forest Service ATU Compliance 

17-Jun-2022Source: TracPlus

The AFDAU-T1, Australia’s standout additional telemetry unit (ATU) for aerial firefighting, has achieved compliance for the new US Forest Service requirements for event data this week. The update enables all Aerial Firefighting Data Acquisition Unit (AFDAU) units already installed in aircraft to meet compliance specifications. AFDAU-T1 lead engineer, Zane Vohland, says that with the increase... Read more

ATSB issues driveshaft failure Safety Advisory Notice to UH-1H operators

ATSB issues driveshaft failure Safety Advisory Notice to UH-1H operators

17-Jun-2022Source: ATSB

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has issued a Safety Advisory Notice to operators of the UH-1H helicopter, recommending that they inspect the helicopter’s ‘KAflex’ driveshaft. The Safety Advisory Notice stems from the ATSB’s on-going investigation into a fatal accident involving a UH-1H that was conducting firebombing operations at Labrina, near Launceston, Tasmania on 14 February... Read more

LifeFlight to join aeromedical super base

LifeFlight to join aeromedical super base

7-Jun-2022Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

  RACQ LifeFlight Rescue will join other Queensland aeromedical service providers, as tenants of a state of the art ‘super base’, to be purpose built at Brisbane Airport. LifeFlight’s commitment to the project was confirmed today (Fri 3rd) with the announcement by Queensland Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick, that the Queensland State Government will contribute $10.4... Read more

LifeFlight to join aeromedical super base

LifeFlight to join aeromedical super base

3-Jun-2022Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue will join other Queensland aeromedical service providers, as tenants of a state of the art ‘super base’, to be purpose built at Brisbane Airport. LifeFlight’s commitment to the project was confirmed today (Fri 3rd) with the announcement by Queensland Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick, that the Queensland State Government will contribute $10.4 million... Read more

Leonardo AW139 fleet in Australia grows stronger

Leonardo AW139 fleet in Australia grows stronger

2-Jun-2022Source: Leonardo

  Leonardo has announced a further expansion of its fleet of AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in Australia with an order for three aircraft as part of Western Australia’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) fleet modernization effort to provide enhanced airborne capabilities. The helicopters will be supplied by leading helicopter operator CHC Australia to carry... Read more

ATSB makes recommendation on TCAS training

ATSB makes recommendation on TCAS training

1-Jun-2022Source: Australian Government

  The pilot of an AW139 emergency medical service helicopter received a TCAS ‘resolution advisory’ collision alert while transiting airspace above Mangalore Airport en route to Royal Melbourne Hospital when a Piper Seminole aircraft conducted an unanticipated missed approach to the airport, an ATSB investigation report details. The report details that on the afternoon of... Read more

Australia – Health Minister unveils Royal Perth Hospital helipad

Australia – Health Minister unveils Royal Perth Hospital helipad

27-May-2022Source: Australian Government

  Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson today unveiled Royal Perth Hospital’s (RPH) new 788 square metre $10 million heliport. The new heliport will allow the next-generation Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) to access RPH – ensuring sick and injured patients get to the hospital quicker from even further locations throughout... Read more

CHC announce new 12-year contract with Department Fire and Emergency Services

CHC announce new 12-year contract with Department Fire and Emergency Services

26-May-2022Source: CHC

  CHC Helicopter is pleased to announce a new 12-year contract with the Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Western Australia, to provide 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter operations.  Vince D’Rozario, CHC’s Regional Director Asia Pacific, said: “We are honoured to be awarded this contract. This award reinforces the strong partnership with DFES, established over the... Read more

Helitak recieves additional approvals from the FAA

Helitak recieves additional approvals from the FAA

16-May-2022Source: Helitak

  Australian based Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment has received further approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to add more Black Hawk model Type Certificates (TC) to the FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) of the Helitak FT4500 Black Hawk fire tank, bringing the current number of TC’s to 18 and the total number of approved... Read more

Royal Australian Navy to acquire 13 more MH-60Rs from US Navy

Royal Australian Navy to acquire 13 more MH-60Rs from US Navy

10-May-2022Source: Lockheed Martin

  Lockheed Martin Australia welcomes the Australian Government announcement of the expansion of the MH-60R helicopter fleet – the MH-60R Seahawk is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter with unmatched capabilities across a multitude of roles. Through this acquisition, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will acquire 13 additional MH-60Rs from the United States Navy, increasing its... Read more

Schiebel Pacific SEA 129 Phase 5 programme for the Royal Australian Navy

Schiebel Pacific SEA 129 Phase 5 programme for the Royal Australian Navy

5-May-2022Source: Schiebel

  Schiebel Pacific welcomes the decision of the Commonwealth of Australia to speed up the provision of its UAS capability by initiating a single source acquisition of the CAMCOPTER® S-100. This will enable the RAN to accelerate the capability acquisition they need and together with our local partners, we are committed to deliver the best... Read more

HeliTSA launches Bell 212/412 Series type training in Australia

HeliTSA launches Bell 212/412 Series type training in Australia

6-Apr-2022Source: HeliTSA

HeliTSA’s type training offering continues to grow, with a combined Bell 212 and 412 Series type course launching in May. The course is being launched in response to the renewed demand for this aircraft for the purposes of firefighting, emergency medical services and search and rescue. “We had so many people enquiring about this training... Read more

Skyports, Swoop Aero and BD Rowa partner on air logistics to pharma supply chain

Skyports, Swoop Aero and BD Rowa partner on air logistics to pharma supply chain

23-Mar-2022Source: Skyports

Swoop Aero, Skyports and BD Rowa™ today announced a strategic partnership to transform health supply chains across Europe, Australia and other global markets through the integration of autonomous air logistics in the pharmaceutical industry.  The partnership unlocks a new frontier of value and outcomes for the pharmaceutical sector, the health system and the patients it... Read more

CHC-Babcock deal raises competition concerns

CHC-Babcock deal raises competition concerns

18-Mar-2022Source: CMA

Following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation of this completed acquisition, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that the merger would lead to a significant loss of competition in the market. CHC and the acquired businesses both provide offshore transportation in the oil and gas sector, including taking workers to and from rigs... Read more

First Wheeled Landing Gear Bell 429 in Australia delivered to Alto Group

First Wheeled Landing Gear Bell 429 in Australia delivered to Alto Group

18-Mar-2022Source: Bell

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the sale  and delivery of a Bell 429 in a wheeled landing gear (WLG) configuration to Australia’s Alto Group. This would be the first Bell 429 WLG helicopter in Australia and Alto Group’s third Bell helicopter. The Alto Group is a leading Australian automotive retailer, employing... Read more

Australia’s Nautilus Aviation signs for five B407GXi

Australia’s Nautilus Aviation signs for five B407GXi

14-Mar-2022Source: Bell

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the sale of five Bell 407GXi helicopters to Nautilus Aviation in Australia. The aircraft are scheduled to be progressively delivered from late 2022 and will be used for tourism charter and utility flights in North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef region. “Nautilus Aviation has... Read more

Jet Aviation Australia Sells 5 B407GXi Helicopters to Nautilus Aviation

Jet Aviation Australia Sells 5 B407GXi Helicopters to Nautilus Aviation

7-Mar-2022Source: Jet Aviation

Jet Aviation Australia announced today that it has sold five Bell 407GXi helicopters to Nautilus Aviation. As Bell’s independent representative for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, Jet Aviation Australia has also been commissioned to customize the five helicopters. Staggered redelivery will commence in late 2022.   “We’ve been supporting Nautilus Aviation... Read more

Pacific AirHub Expands Its Footprint

Pacific AirHub Expands Its Footprint

7-Mar-2022Source: Pacific AirHub

New Zealand-based Pacific AirHub, one of the global helicopter sales leaders, has solidified its standing in Africa by partnering with a local associate, Cornéll Grové. The move has come after the company has established its presence throughout Australia and New Zealand and set its sights on the African continent. The continent is currently in a... Read more

Milestone unveils plans for firefighting S92

Milestone unveils plans for firefighting S92

28-Feb-2022Source: Milestone Aviation

The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing, has partnered with Australian fire-fighting equipment designer, Helitak Firefighting Equipment Pty Ltd (“Helitak”), to develop a new mission for the Sikorsky S-92A as a next-generation, multi-purpose fire-fighting platform. As the largest owner of the S-92A, Milestone worked closely with Helitak to develop the... Read more

PHI International secures Aviation Services contract with Woodside

PHI International secures Aviation Services contract with Woodside

24-Feb-2022Source: PHI International

PHI International (PHI) has secured a significant aviation services contract with Woodside, as operator for and on behalf of the Scarborough Joint Venture, in Western Australia. The contract will see PHI transporting personnel from Learmonth Airport to offshore sites in the Carnarvon Basin off the Northwest coast of Australia. Woodside, Australia’s leading natural gas producer,... Read more

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue adds new custom fuel facility from IOR

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue adds new custom fuel facility from IOR

21-Feb-2022

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue crews in Brisbane have opened the pumps on a new fuel storage and management facility, custom built by fuel supplier, IOR. “This fuel tank will enable our flight crews to refuel their aircraft and be ready to respond to a critical mission, more efficiently,” RACQ LifeFlight Rescue General Manager of Operations, Brian... Read more

Queensland Police order Bell 429s

Queensland Police order Bell 429s

21-Feb-2022Source: Queensland Government

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced new ‘eyes in the sky’ to help police fight crime. Three new state of the art Bell 429 helicopters will become part of the POLAIR fleet to patrol the south-east, replacing the existing two helicopters which have reliably served the Queensland community for almost a decade. In addition, the Palaszczuk... Read more

Microflite orders up to 40 eVTOLs from Eve

Microflite orders up to 40 eVTOLs from Eve

17-Feb-2022Source: Eve Urban Air Mobility

Eve UAM, LLC (“Eve”), an Embraer S.A. (“Embraer”) company, and Microflite, one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators, today announced at the Singapore Airshow an order of up to 40 low-noise zero-emission eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) to support the commencement of new electric UAM (Urban Air Mobility) operations in Australia in 2026. Microflite... Read more

LifeFlight medical recruits soar through training week

LifeFlight medical recruits soar through training week

15-Feb-2022Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

21 new RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Critical Care doctors have joined the ranks across Queensland, but one of the retrieval registrars had already treated a patient in the air, before she even started her official aeromedical training. Dr Karin Dautzenberg was called in to help on the plane ride over to Australia from the Netherlands, when... Read more

Australia – ATSB seeking reports of R22 and R44 governor malfunctions

Australia – ATSB seeking reports of R22 and R44 governor malfunctions

9-Feb-2022Source: Australian Government

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) advises all pilots, operators and maintainers of recently-built Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters to monitor for intermittent or abnormal operations of the helicopters’ engine RPM governor, which can lead to engine overspeed or underspeed conditions. A small number of recent incidents have been reported to both the ATSB and... Read more

LifeFlight Australia helped 6846 people in 2021

LifeFlight Australia helped 6846 people in 2021

27-Jan-2022Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

LifeFlight Australia has marked a record-breaking year, with RACQ LifeFlight Rescue community helicopters, Air Ambulance jets and Critical Care medical teams coming to the aid of 6,846 people – the highest number of patients helped in a calendar year, by the aeromedical service. In 2021, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter and jet crews flew 2,503 critical missions, topping last calendar year’s total... Read more

Bristow Helicopters finally exits Australia

Bristow Helicopters finally exits Australia

18-Jan-2022Source: HeliHub.com

The Bristow group have for many years been synonymous with helicopter operations in Australia since the late 1960s, operating helicopters from Bell 206s right up to Sikorsky S92s. In recent years this fleet has declined after losing contracts, principally to CHC, Babcock and PHI. After losing their last offshore support contract with BHP, Bristow parked... Read more

Sikorsky Australia NDT Team transitions into Asia Pacific Aerospace

Sikorsky Australia NDT Team transitions into Asia Pacific Aerospace

12-Jan-2022Source: Asia Pacific Aerospace

Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) has confirmed continuation of NDT services previously offered by the Sikorsky Australia non-destructive testing (NDT) unit.  As of December 18, all five members of the former Sikorsky Australia team transitioned to APA’s Macarthur facility. The facility has been upgraded to accommodate the advanced NDT methods now added to APA’s capability: Ultrasonic... Read more

Hill Helicopters opens sales for certified version HC50

Hill Helicopters opens sales for certified version HC50

17-Dec-2021Source: HeliHub.com

Hill Helicopters yesterday held their first Global Meetup & Discover Event at their Development Centre in the UK. Hosted by Dr Jason Hill, the event brought together around 100 people in person – mostly existing owners/customers – and over 1000 online. Jason Hill announced that the company’s current order book for their HX50 model –... Read more

Sydney Seaplanes orders 50 eVTOLs from Eve Air Mobility

Sydney Seaplanes orders 50 eVTOLs from Eve Air Mobility

7-Dec-2021Source: Eve Air Mobility

Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (Eve), an Embraer company, and Sydney Seaplanes, a leader in the transition to sustainable aviation, today announced a partnership that will lay the foundation for new electric air taxi operations in Greater Sydney. With the partnership, Sydney Seaplanes has placed an order for 50 of Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and... Read more

Eve and Nautilus Aviation partner to develop UAM ops in Australia

Eve and Nautilus Aviation partner to develop UAM ops in Australia

7-Dec-2021Source: Eve Air Mobility

Eve Urban Air Mobility, an Embraer company, and Nautilus Aviation, a division of Morris Group and Northern Australia’s largest helicopter operator, today announced a partnership focused on accelerating the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem in Australia. The partnership will see the introduction of Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) serving some... Read more

New Army Aviation Command established in Australia

New Army Aviation Command established in Australia

3-Dec-2021Source: Australian Government

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, today announced the establishment of a new Army Aviation Command, at a ceremonial parade and helicopter flyover at Blamey Square, Canberra. Lieutenant General Burr said the formation of Army Aviation Command is a significant achievement for the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.... Read more

UK competition authority moves CHC-Babcock to Phase 2

UK competition authority moves CHC-Babcock to Phase 2

29-Nov-2021Source: HeliHub.com

The UK Government’s Competition and Mergers Authority (“CMA”) has referred the completed acquisition by CHC Group LLC of Offshore Helicopter Services UK Limited (“OHS”), Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd and Offshore Helicopter Services Denmark A/S for an in-depth investigation.  The latter three companies were previously named Babcock Mission Critical Services Offshore Limited, Babcock Offshore Services... Read more

Ryan Aerospace wins USAF pilot training transformation contracts

Ryan Aerospace wins USAF pilot training transformation contracts

22-Nov-2021Source: Ryan Aerospace

Australian Defence Minister, the HON Peter Dutton today announced that RYAN AEROSPACE (Australia) has been awarded a series of contracts to supply nearly 300 jet fighter and helicopter training simulators to the US Air Force as part of the innovative new program known as “Pilot Training Transformation” or PTT. “This is another example of the... Read more

Kestrel Aviation achieves night aerial firebombing approval

Kestrel Aviation achieves night aerial firebombing approval

17-Nov-2021Source: Kestrel Aviation

Following on from its multi-award-winning success in developing an effective night firebombing helicopter program in partnership with the Victorian Government, Kestrel Aviation has now achieved another significant milestone on its journey to providing around-the-clock aerial firefighting capability that protects Australian communities. Following six years of development with local agency stakeholders, and the Australian Civil Aviation... Read more

HeliMods Digitalises Entire Product Design and Manufacturing Process

HeliMods Digitalises Entire Product Design and Manufacturing Process

17-Nov-2021Source: HeliMods

Australian aerospace technology manufacturer HeliMods, with assistance from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), has partnered with Siemens to leverage its Xcelerator software portfolio to fully digitalise its entire product design and manufacturing process, making it the first company of its size in the Australian aerospace sector to do so. The implementation of... Read more

FAA approves Helitak underbelly fire suppression tank on Black Hawk

FAA approves Helitak underbelly fire suppression tank on Black Hawk

10-Nov-2021Source: Helitak

Australian company Helitak has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to include seven additional Sikorsky Black Hawk Type Certificates on the Helitak FT4500 Black Hawk STC that was awarded in May 2021 bringing the total to 10 UH-60 or EH-60 models now approved for operation. With the receipt of the AML Amendment, operators... Read more

Airbus appoints new MD for Australia and New Zealand

Airbus appoints new MD for Australia and New Zealand

3-Nov-2021Source: Airbus Helicopters

Christian Venzal has been appointed Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia and New Zealand, with effect 1 November. Based in Brisbane, Christian is responsible for the company’s civil and military helicopter business in both countries, as well as for its MRO services and local operations. Christian Venzal moves to the region from the company’s... Read more

New South Wales Police launches three new Bell 429s

New South Wales Police launches three new Bell 429s

28-Oct-2021Source: NSW Police

The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) Aviation Command’s newest high-tech helicopters have been officially launched at a commissioning ceremony in Sydney today. The three Bell 429 helicopters – PolAir 1, 3 and 4 – will be used to support the Force with patrols, search and rescue, surveillance, and specialist operations across the state. The choppers carry... Read more

Australia – new helipad opens at Nepean Hospital

Australia – new helipad opens at Nepean Hospital

28-Oct-2021Source: Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

Nepean Hospital has been buzzing following the first successful helicopter landing atop the new 14-storey clinical tower. The new helipad will be a gateway to the world class services of Nepean Hospital, directly connecting to the new emergency department, critical care and neonatal intensive care services. The day and night test landings, completed by NSW... Read more

US Army AMCOM delivers two CH-47Fs to Australia

US Army AMCOM delivers two CH-47Fs to Australia

19-Oct-2021Source: US Army

U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Security Assistance Management Directorate recently completed a major diversion with the Commonwealth of Australia. “A diversion means that two aircraft were slated for the U.S. Army,” said Susan Williams, a SAMD logistics management specialist “Usually the aircraft are put on contract and then provided to the customer once their... Read more

Royal Australian Navy lifts temporary restrictions on MH-60R

Royal Australian Navy lifts temporary restrictions on MH-60R

19-Oct-2021Source: Australian Dept of Defence

The Royal Australian Navy has lifted temporary restrictions on MH-60R flying operations. A suspension was enacted as a precaution after an MH-60R helicopter attached to HMAS Brisbane ditched in the Philippine Sea on 13 October during a routine flight. “Initial evidence indicates that the incident is not an issue impacting the rest of the MH-60R... Read more

US Foreign Military Sale of MH-60Rs to Australia

US Foreign Military Sale of MH-60Rs to Australia

11-Oct-2021Source: DSCA

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters, Related Defense Services, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $985 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Australia... Read more

Competition watchdog to dig deeper into CHC acquisition of Babcock

Competition watchdog to dig deeper into CHC acquisition of Babcock

27-Sep-2021Source: HeliHub.com

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has given notice late last week that it will dig further into the merger of the offshore operations of Babcock and CHC. Although CHC has acquired Babcock’s offshore operations in UK, Denmark and Australia, clearly the UK authority only has jurisdiction over the UK aspect of... Read more

Australia considers drone noise regulations

Australia considers drone noise regulations

22-Sep-2021Source: Australian Government

RPA, commonly referred to as drones, are an emerging and innovative technology being used around the world. Drones have a diversity of applications including in the agricultural sector, emergency services, infrastructure inspections and surveys, surf lifesaving, delivery of medical supplies, aerial photography and commercial delivery just to name a few. There are currently no internationally-mandated... Read more

Swoop Aero partners with Iris Automation

Swoop Aero partners with Iris Automation

14-Sep-2021Source: Swoop Aero

Australian drone-powered logistics company, Swoop Aero, and commercial drone safety innovator, Iris Automation, have entered into a partnership to offer Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone solutions to global clients seeking to safely unlock the skies above cities and solve logistics challenges in remote and rural areas. Swoop Aero has extensive experience providing drone... Read more

Pacific AirHub celebrates successful first year

Pacific AirHub celebrates successful first year

8-Sep-2021Source: Pacific AirHub

Pacific AirHub, a global leader in aircraft purchasing and sales is celebrating its first birthday. With a physical presence in New Zealand, Australia and Africa, they are leading experts in the aircraft and aircraft part sales industry and have been servicing an international market for a year. On this, the first birthday, the team are... Read more

Eve Air Mobility  announces partnership in Australia

Eve Air Mobility announces partnership in Australia

7-Sep-2021Source: Eve Air Mobility

Eve Urban Air Mobility, an Embraer spinoff, and Microflite, one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators, announced a partnership that will lay the foundation for urban air mobility operations in Australia that is expected to start in 2026. Microflite and Eve plan to begin their partnership using helicopters, where appropriate, as a proof of concept to... Read more

Western Australia Police to order second Airbus H145

Western Australia Police to order second Airbus H145

6-Sep-2021Source: Government of Western Australia

The McGowan Labor Government has today announced funding for a second police helicopter to give WA Police access to the newest and most advanced air support available, as part of the 2021-22 State Budget. $27.5 million will be spent to purchase and operate a new police helicopter, which is in addition to the new helicopter... Read more

Babcock sold offshore operation to CHC for just £10M ($14M)

Babcock sold offshore operation to CHC for just £10M ($14M)

2-Sep-2021

Stock exchange returns by parent company Babcock International Group plc reveal that the company realised just £10 Million (US$13.79 at today’s rate) from the disposal of its offshore helicopter operations to CHC.  The release below refers to “about 30 aircraft” – and our sister organisation Parapex Media says it is exactly 30, made up as... Read more

CHC completes acquisition of Babcock Offshore operations

CHC completes acquisition of Babcock Offshore operations

1-Sep-2021Source: CHC

HeliHub.com editor note.  Ahead of reading this press release, please bear in mind that the UK Competition and Markets Authority still has an open investigation into this transaction – and hence one paragraph has been emboldened by us. The CMA has confirmed to HeliHub.com that their Initial Enforcement Order prevents the two organisations being integrated  ... Read more

Donated Fire Fighting Helicopters arrive in Greece from Australia

Donated Fire Fighting Helicopters arrive in Greece from Australia

26-Aug-2021Source: Greek City Times

Greek industrial company Mytilineos SA has sourced from Australia 4 fully equipped fire fighting helicopters to help bring under control the fires that have been raging in Greece in recent weeks. The company said in a statement this week that it was bringing to Greece four Bell 214 BI helicopters and a crew of 20... Read more

Embraer’s Eve and Ascent extend partnership

Embraer’s Eve and Ascent extend partnership

24-Aug-2021Source: Eve Air Mobility

Eve Urban Air Mobility, LLC, an Embraer company, and Ascent Flights Global Ltd. announced a deepening of their partnership aimed at developing a robust Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region. Beginning in 2026, Eve will provide Ascent with up to 100,000 hours of flight time per year on its electrical vertical... Read more

ATSB seeks info from Robinson owners and operators

ATSB seeks info from Robinson owners and operators

18-Aug-2021Source: Australian Government

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is asking for pilots, operators, and engineers with knowledge of aft tail cone bulkhead or tail rotor gearbox input cartridge damage involving Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters to make contact. The call for information comes as the ATSB releases an investigation update from its ongoing investigation of a... Read more

New RACQ LifeFlight Rescue doctors take to the skies of Queensland

New RACQ LifeFlight Rescue doctors take to the skies of Queensland

5-Aug-2021Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

Twenty-five new RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Critical Care Doctors are jumping on board Queensland’s rescue choppers and jets, ready to bring advanced medical care to sick or injured patients, often in some of the state’s most challenging locations. The selected doctors have completed an intensive training week at the LifeFlight Training Academy, to prepare them for the... Read more

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue clocks up busiest year on record

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue clocks up busiest year on record

4-Aug-2021Source: RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

LifeFlight Australia has completed a record financial year of saving lives, with RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Air Ambulance jets, community helicopters and critical care doctors coming to the aid of 6,733 people. The jet and helicopter crews were busier than ever, flying more than 4,600 hours in total. “We’re able to provide that high level of care... Read more

Eagle Copters Australasia Attains Part 145 Certification

Eagle Copters Australasia Attains Part 145 Certification

3-Aug-2021Source: Eagle Copters

Coffs Harbour and Brisbane-based helicopter MRO organization Eagle Copters Australasia is proud to announce their achievement on the Part 145 approval from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).Since opening its doors in 2013, Eagle has strived to support local operators by adapting to their changing needs. Eagle is now certified to perform maintenance under... Read more

Lithgow Hospital gets new helipad

Lithgow Hospital gets new helipad

28-Jul-2021Source: Lithgow Mercury

Have you noticed construction going on near Lithgow Hospital? Well what you are witnessing is the new helipad being installed. Member for Bathurst Paul Toole made the announcement that construction had started on a new helipad for Lithgow Hospital earlier this month. See Full Story. ... Read more

Bell Expands Service Network in Australia

Bell Expands Service Network in Australia

21-Jul-2021Source: Bell

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced that RBI Hawker Australia has been appointed a Bell Customer Service Facility in Australia, becoming the fifth Bell Customer Service Facility in country. Based in Eagle Farm, Brisbane, RBI Hawker Australia, will provide advanced helicopter rotor blade repair on all Bell helicopter models and Leonardo AW139... Read more

Australia takes delivery of two CH-47F Chinooks, with two more due 2022

Australia takes delivery of two CH-47F Chinooks, with two more due 2022

9-Jul-2021Source: Boeing

Australia’s current fleet of Chinook helicopters will grow from 10 to 14 under this acquisition program, with the third and fourth Chinooks expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2022. The Australian Army, currently operating a fleet of 10 CH-47F Chinook advanced configuration aircraft, recently accepted the first two of four additional aircraft to further transform... Read more

Flight Data Systems gains STC for CVR/FDR for Airbus H145

Flight Data Systems gains STC for CVR/FDR for Airbus H145

25-Jun-2021Source: Flight Data Systems

Flight Data Systems (FDS), a leading provider of flight data solutions for the business, military, rotorcraft, and commercial aviation segments, announced a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), gained through SKYTRAC, for the SENTRY Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder on a H145 twin-engine medium utility-transport helicopter. The STC will enable the installation of multiple variants of... Read more

Australia grounds NH90 again

Australia grounds NH90 again

22-Jun-2021Source: news.com.au

Defence insiders claim the Australian Army’s Taipan helicopters are “no longer safe to fly”, revealing “potentially catastrophic” maintenance issues behind their suspension. The MRH-90 Taipan fleet is used to transport troops and provide fire protection during special operations and counter-terrorism missions. But the entire fleet has been out of action and grounded since the beginning... Read more

Australia – Port Stephens Council considering new heliport application

Australia – Port Stephens Council considering new heliport application

21-Jun-2021Source: Port Stephens Examiner

Port Stephens Council has received an application for a $2.2 million helicopter facility with four helipads and two hangars on Nelson Bay Road at Anna Bay. See Full Story.... Read more

Aviator Group becomes Helionix world-wide fleet leader

Aviator Group becomes Helionix world-wide fleet leader

16-Jun-2021Source: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters’ Australian customer Aviator Group, has reached a key milestone to become the H135 Helionix world-wide fleet leader, surpassing 2,600 flight hours on their H135 aircraft, currently flying in Port Hedland, Western Australia. The H135 is supporting Helicopter Marine Pilot Transfers (HMPT) services for the Pilbara Port Authority and the Port of Port Hedland,... Read more

Airbus launches Australian rotary-wing safety award

Airbus launches Australian rotary-wing safety award

15-Jun-2021Source: Airbus

The “Civil Helicopter – Innovation in Rotary-wing Safety Award” was launched today at Rotortech, to encourage, recognise and celebrate Australian based rotary wing organisations, groups, and agencies who have made a significant contribution to improve safety performance. To be eligible, nominees must be an Australia Pacific based rotary wing organisation, group, company or agency, and... Read more

CHC merger with Babcock Offshore on hold

CHC merger with Babcock Offshore on hold

14-Jun-2021Source: CMA

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on CHC Group LLC, EEA Helicopter Operations B.V., CHC Scotia Limited, Babcock Mission Critical Services Offshore Limited, Babcock Offshore Services Australasia Pty Ltd, and Babcock Denmark A/S in relation to the acquisition by CHC Group... Read more

RBI Hawker Australia Gains CASA Part 145 Maintenance Approval

RBI Hawker Australia Gains CASA Part 145 Maintenance Approval

11-Jun-2021Source: RBI Hawker

RBI Hawker announced that it has received Part 145 maintenance organization approval from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for its new rotary blade repair facility in Brisbane, Australia. This approval authorizes the company to commence operations. The RBI Hawker Australia facility is a new 1,000 square-meter hangar based in Eagle Farm, Brisbane. The... Read more

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