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
1-Nov-2012Source: CAE
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Simulation has qualified the CAE Bell 412 full-flight simulator (FFS) in Toluca, Mexico to Level D, the highest standard for flight simulation training devices. The simulator was initially approved by Mexico’s Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). CAE Mexico is Mexico’s first helicopter training facility to use an... Read more
18-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The Nigerian Police have recently added two more Bell 412EPs to bring their fleet of the type to six. Serials 36576 and 36577 – test flown as N455ZT and N4554L – arrived last week in Lagos after shipment across the Atlantic. Both aircraft are shown on the FAA register as 2011 builds and have yet... 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
2-Aug-2012Source: FB Heliservices
Cobham Aviation Services joint venture FB Heliservices has been awarded a two year contract to provide helicopter flying training to the Albanian Ministry of Defence. FB Heliservices will provide a series of courses which will provide multi-engine type conversion, glass cockpit familiarisation, instrument flying and Search And Rescue training to 12 Albanian Air Force pilots... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of a Bell 412 helicopter to the New York Police Department. The NYPD currently has three Bell 412s in service for a variety of missions ranging from search and rescue at sea to gathering intelligence and more recently, combating terrorism. “The mission has... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
A Bell 412 and a PZL Sokol crashed yesterday in Spain in separate incidents. Both were firefighting. The sole-occupant pilot in the Bell 412 was sadly killed, while both crew in the Sokol survived with injuries. Both helicopters were operated by INAER. We will track updates in the two incidents in our accident pages. HeliHub.com... Read more
2-Jul-2012
First of two accidents fighting the same fire in Spain. Pilot killed.... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: Royal Canadian Air Force
408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton but under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., took part in Exercise Maple Strike at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright from April 15 to 27. Ex Maple Strike allowed 408 Tac Hel Sqn to participate as an asset for joint tactical air controller (JTAC) training.... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Queensland Government
The Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Helicopter Rescue service will receive a boost to its frontline operational capabilities including faster response times with today’s opening of its new $1.6 million hangar at Archerfield Airport. Community Safety Minister, Jack Dempsey said the new hangar, which connects to the existing hangar at Archerfield by a taxiway, will provide... Read more
13-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Not previously reported here on HeliHub.com, INAER picked up a two year contract with the State Government of Cantabria. Covering the two calendar years of 2012 and 2013, INAER will provide a Bell 412 based at Santander for EMS and SAR work. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: Canadian National Defence
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that another CH-146 Griffon helicopter will be established at 5 Wing Goose Bay. With this addition, three Griffon helicopters will now provide utility helicopter capability at 5 Wing. “A third Griffon aircraft at 5 Wing Goose Bay will have an immediate positive impact on the... Read more
2-Apr-2012
Tail rotor struck ground during hover taxi... Read more
20-Mar-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announce Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approval of DART Aerospace Ltd.’s (DAS) Run-on Landing Wearplates for Bell 205/210/212/214/412 and UH-1H series of aircraft. DAS Run-on Landing Wearplates feature an easy thru-bolt installation which makes installation or replacement quick and easy, eliminates clamps over the skidtube and prevents the... Read more
6-Mar-2012Source: FB Heliservices
Cobham Aviation Services is delighted to confirm that FB Heliservices has announced it has been awarded a four (4) year contract plus two (2) possible one year extensions by the UK Ministry of Defence to continue to provide helicopter flying training at RAF Shawbury, RAF Valley and AAC Middle Wallop, together with support services at... Read more
1-Mar-2012Source: Aero Products
Despite the continued economic downturn, Aero Products Component Services, Inc. decided to meet the challenge head on by combining capital investments and customer journey mapping to enrich their customer’s experience. “It makes sense to acknowledge the current economic situationâ€, said Ted Johnson, President of Aero Products. “We understand that times are tough and people are... Read more
26-Feb-2012Source: Eagle Copters
Abu Dhabi based Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) continues to lead the way in offshore oilfield support in the United Arab Emirates by embracing innovative, safety focused improvements for their Bell 412EP Fleet. Following the recent decision to upgrade their entire fleet with the BLR FastFin System, FAS have taken delivery of a fully customized DAS... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: Van Horn Aviation
Rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) will display a prototype of its new Bell 412/212 tail rotor blade here at Heli-Expo Booth No. 9651. Designed by VHA engineers in collaboration with Bell Helicopter Textron representatives, the new tail rotor blade is predicted to increase tail rotor authority while reducing pilot workload and eliminating inspections... Read more
13-Feb-2012
Wirestrike approaching Yellowknife airport at around 7:50 p.m. MT with 3 POB and the aircraft sustained significant damage. It was returning to the airport after conducting air operations in support of Exercise Arctic Ram. It is from 408 Tactical Helicopter Detachment and is normally stationed at CFB Edmonton. The Bell 412 is known as the... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: BLR Aerospace
Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has become the world’s first offshore oil operator to enhance the safety and productivity of its helicopters with the BLR Aerospace FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System. FAS last year began flying the first new factory-produced Bell 412EP equipped with the FastFin System. Successful... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: BLR Aerospace
Market acceptance of the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System is fueling record growth for BLR Aerospace, in large part due to OEM and operator acceptance of the FastFin System for Bell medium helicopters, according to Dave Marone, vice president of Sales and Marketing for BLR. BLR representatives will be available to discuss FastFin... Read more
19-Jan-2012
Emergency landing while en route St Lucia to Tobago... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Providence Business News
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., was awarded a 10-year, C$640 million support services contract for the Canadian Forces CH146 Griffon fleet. (see full story)... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix announces the delivery of certified NVG cockpit upgrades for two Bell 412 helicopters owned and operated by the Toll Remote Logistics, Helicopter Division. Eagle Helicopters was contracted to provide comprehensive upgrades for the B412s and subcontracted NVG modifications and upgrades to Aero Dynamix. The upgraded B412s will be used for multi-mission operations. The... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Atlantic Airways
Atlantic Airways has signed a four-year contract with the Faroese Ministry of Fishery and Ministry of Industry to provide helicopter search and rescue (SAR) and domestic transport to the most remote islands. The helicopter service will be provided by two Bell 412 helicopters and the contract includes considerable upgrade to the standard of SAR and crisis support. The agreement is worth a total... Read more
8-Jan-2012
En route from Cartagena to an air force base in Puerto Salgar, helicopter landed heavily on edge of a flat roof with significant vertical speed, causing heavy impact damage. Impact reportedly included a small fire which was easily put out. 4POB injured.... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In a ceremony on Tuesday at Warsaw’s Okecie Airport, the Polish Air Force VIP squadron 36SPLT (Specjalnego PuÅ‚ku Lotnictwa Transportowego = Special Air Transport Regiment) was disbanded. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Czeslaw Mroczek, Chief of General Staff of the Polish Army General Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. pil.... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: CAE
CAE today announced that Mexico’s first business jet and civil helicopter training centre is open and ready for pilot training. New full-flight simulators (FFS) for the Bombardier Learjet 40/45 aircraft and the Bell 412 helicopter were recently qualified to Level D-equivalent standards by Mexico’s Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC). The new CAE training centre... Read more
2-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it delivered two Bell 412s to the Sri Lanka Air Force during a ceremony at its facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. “We’ve had a strong partnership with the Sri Lanka Air Force for more than 40 years,†said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president for... Read more
1-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has received five firm orders with two potential follow-on orders for Bell 412s from PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for delivery to government agencies in Indonesia. “Bell Helicopter has had a long partnership with PTDI in Indonesia,†said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president, Bell... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Rio Tinto’s sponsorship of $1M a year over the next 10 years will be in addition to what the State Government provides. EMQ are looking at using the first year of the Rio Tinto funds to increase the fuel capacity (and thus range) of their three AW139s. (see full story) Photos reproduced with prior permission... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a $10,537,813 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of one standard commercially configured Bell 412 enhanced performance helicopter with optional equipment requirements and complementary pilot and maintainer training. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas; Quebec, Canada; and Piney Flats, Tenn., with an estimated... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces (CF) mission deployed in Kingston, Jamaica, formally lowered the Maple Leaf flag today to mark the end of Operation JAGUAR and celebrate the successful completion of its mandate. “Canada and Jamaica enjoy close, long-standing and historic bilateral relations. The Canadian Forces have enjoyed a productive 45-year relationship with the Jamaica Defence Force,... Read more
2-Nov-2011Source: Canadian Forces
The first half of October was incredibly busy for Task Force Jamaica; the team reached a new milestone and completed our first weather-related mission since our deployment in mid-August. During the weekend of 15–16 October, while most Jamaicans were enjoying a long weekend culminating in National Heroes’ Day (celebrated annually on the third Monday in... Read more
28-Oct-2011Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Factual Report, the contents of which are the responsibility of the NTSB. As this is not the Final Report, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon:- On October 15, 2011, at 1933 UTC, a Bell 412SP, YV0126, registered to and operated by Electrificacion del... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered four Bell aircraft into Mexico – three Bell 412s and the first Bell 429 into Mexico earlier this year. The three Bell 412s were delivered to Heliservicio Campeche to support its oil & gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Bell Helicopter... Read more
15-Oct-2011
Crashed in wooded area after turning back due to weather. 7 POB – Pilot Óscar Cabrera, Co-pilot Ricardo Ortiz along with engineers Carlos Batista, Orber Godoni, Armando Sosa, Augusto Masias and Jose Guarimba. One had second-degree burns and a fractured collarbone, all others had minor injuries only... Read more
5-Oct-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services announces Transport Canada Approval of DART Aerospace’s Electric Step Replacement Pneumatic Actuator for the Bell 412/412EP model of aircraft. FAA approval has been previously received. The DART Step Actuator Release System replaces electrical linear step actuators with pneumatic actuators. This modification is designed to permit the passenger steps to remain in the... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: Canadian National Defence
Thirteen members from CFB Edmonton-based 408 Tactical Helicopter (TH) Squadron flew to Nanton, Alta, home of the Bomber Command Museum and the Lancaster FM159, to celebrate the Squadron’s 70th anniversary, the museum’s 25th anniversary and the unveiling of newly acquired Halifax Bomber parts. It was a weekend filled with immense passion, amazing stories and the... Read more
3-Oct-2011
While in cruise flight at 11,500?MSL from Grand Junction, CO to Gunnison, CO, the transmission warning light illuminated. The pilot also observed a decrease in pressure on the transmission oil pressure gauge. The helicopter landed safely without incident in a field, was immediately taken out of service and secured.... Read more
25-Sep-2011
Bell 412 missing and later found crashed.pter with two POB missing, reported elsewhere as PK-OCV .... Read more
19-Sep-2011
There has been a fatal accident of an Agusta-Bell 412 in the Granada region of Spain, killing all three on board. Although a firefighting helicopter, it was not active in that role but on a ferry flight The HeliHub.com page for... Read more
19-Sep-2011
Firefighting helicopter on ferry flight. High momentum terrain impact, fire followed.... Read more
11-Sep-2011
Bird strike, returned to base. After thorough inspection of the helicopter no significant damage was found and it was returned to service.... Read more
10-Sep-2011
Bell 412 with five on board lost contact with ATC while on mission to locate missing Cessna 208 aircraft of Susi Air. The following day the helicopter arrived in nearby town of Wamena, reporting that it had had to make an emergency landing due to fog. Jungle location had led media to assume the worst,... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Canadian Forces
The Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) Air Wing officially ended its operations today at Kandahar Airfield in a ceremony attended by key leaders of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), as well as the Canadian Forces (CF) members currently deployed at Kandahar Airfield. This comes on the heels of the end of the CF’s combat... Read more
17-Aug-2011
Crashed into the sea, one survivor... Read more
12-Aug-2011Source: Canadian DND
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that in response to a request from the Government of Jamaica, Canada is deploying three CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopters and 65 Canadian Forces personnel to support the Jamaica Defence Force during the 2011 hurricane season. “Our government is committed to ensuring that our Canadian Forces are... Read more
4-Aug-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART is pleased to announce they have received Brazilian approval for their Heli-Rappel™ Kit for the Medium Bell aircraft models. Transport Canada and FAA approvals have been previously received. Installed in the roof structure of the cabin, the Heli‑Rappel™ provides a secure and safe system for deploying personnel into the field from a hover position... Read more
4-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Local sources in the capital Colombo are reporting that that Sri Lankan Air Force are to buy two Bell 412s. The report states that representatives are already with Bell in Texas discussing details of the acquisition. The SLAF already operates eight Bell 412s. Unusually, the Air Force also operates pseudo civil flights under the operating... Read more
3-Aug-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART is pleased to announce that they have received Transport Canada, FAA and EASA certification for their Vertical Reference Door Kit for Bell 204/205/210/212//214/412 model of aircraft. DART’s Vertical Reference Door improves visibility and allows the pilot to maneuver with precision when conducting any sort of vertical reference work. In addition to offering a complete... Read more
3-Aug-2011
The Bell 412, carrying two Australians, two South Africans and six Indonesians, lost contact with authorities Wednesday afternoon minutes after takeoff from the city of Manado on Sulawesi island. It was later found after impacting terrain... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: Erlanger Health System
Erlanger Health System’s air medical program, LIFE FORCE, has received a three-year accreditation for achieving high priority in patient care and safety from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). As of July 15, 148 accredited medical services are through CAMTS. LIFE FORCE is one of three air medical services in Tennessee that... Read more
28-Jul-2011
The current Group Captain, ‘Jock’ Brown is leaving RAF Shawbury after 2 years to take up a vital and exciting role in Afghanistan. His replacement is Captain Paul Shawcross from the Royal Navy who arrives from the same role. (full story)... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Brunei MINDEF
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has down-selected two companies who will compete for the Support Helicopter Project (SH Poject) contract, namely Eurocopter and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky). With Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) fleet of Bell 212 and BO105 nearing the end of its operational life, the SH Project was brought about in line with... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: FB Heliservices
FB Heliservices is pleased to confirm that it plans to attend Helitech in 2011 with four of its aircraft on show Bell 412 Griffin HARII, a Search and Rescue helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by 84 Squadron RAF since 2003 at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. READ MORE about 84 Squadron… Eurocopter AS 350, a... Read more
23-Jul-2011
Crashed into trees on landing in a military compound. Killed 1 on the ground and debris injured a further 22... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: CAE
CAE today announced that it has sold four CAE 7000 Series Level D full-flight simulators (FFS) and associated training devices with a total list price of approximately C$60 million: an Airbus A320 FFS to Aeroflot, the largest airline of the Russian Federation; an A320 and a B737 to the Zhuhai Flight Training Centre (ZFTC), a... Read more
6-Jul-2011Source: Italian Defence Dept
[automated translation from local language] Tuesday 28 and Wednesday, June 29, 2011 the Air Force conducted air rescue exercise ‘SATER 02/2011’ Triveneto Alps. The activity is part of a cycle of operations annually organized in order to train Air Force personnel involved in SAR (Search And Rescue – Search and Rescue) by the Air Force... Read more
4-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
From Friday 1st July, full responsibility for SAR work in the Netherlands passed from 860 Sqn in the Navy to 303 Sqn in the Air Force. 860 Squadron has operated Westland Lynx helicopters in this role since the late 1970s, when they superceded Wasps. The Lynx helicopters will continue with 860 Squadron in other roles,... Read more
29-Jun-2011Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
PARIS AIR SHOW – Pratt & Whitney Canada Customer Service Centre Europe GmbH (P&WC CSC Europe), a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH, significantly expanded a Fleet Management Program (FMP®)contract with INAER. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). INAER has further broadened their FMP®... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Sandel
Sandel Avionics has announced it has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for its ST3400H HeliTAWS wire and terrain safety system on a Bell 412EP helicopter. This announcement supplements an agreement Sandel has with the FAA designating Part 27 and Part 29 helicopters operating under Part 91 or Part 135 rules as candidates for... Read more
27-Jun-2011Source: HelicopterBuyer
HelicopterBuyer, Inc. has sourced two new 2011 Bell 412 EP helicopters for an Australian client. The sale was a result of their exclusive helicopter brokerage services for Toll Remote Logistics, Pty. Ltd. based in Essendon. Mark V. Clancy, president and CEO of HelicopterBuyer, stated “We have been working with Toll Remote Logistics for an extended... Read more
17-Jun-2011
A Bell 412 previously operated by New York Police Department has completed the trip from New York via Korea to Australia – See article... Read more
27-May-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by the Houston PD Air Support Unit for integration into their newly acquired multi-mission Bell 412EP. Additionally, Australia’s Hunter Region Helicopter Rescue Service chose the DVCS for their new Bell 412EP. These aircraft are currently undergoing completion at Eagle Copters facility in Calgary Canada. The DVCS6100... Read more
24-May-2011
Situation reports covering the two-month mission show that at times, up to three of the six Griffons were unserviceable because of breakdowns, a lack of parts and inspections.   Another military post-operation report said the Griffons’ supply and movements system “for deployed operations is broken and needs to be fixed.”... Read more
16-May-2011Source: CAE
CAE today announced on the eve of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition (EBACE) that it will double the number of locations in its global business aviation training network from four to eight over the next 24 months. This will provide CAE business aviation customers with conveniently accessible training in every major region of... Read more
16-May-2011
Mixed reports quoting three or four serious injuries and a total of 17 (or 10 plus three crew?) on board. Weather reported as “very windy” but no other information at this time as to potential cause... Read more
10-May-2011Source: Snowy Hydro
At the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Gala Ball held at the National Convention Centre on Saturday night, Snowy Hydro Limited Managing Director, Mr Terry Charlton, announced a new 5 year, major sponsorship contract worth $2.5 million. Mr Terry Charlton said, at the function, attended by more than 500 people: “There could be no better way to... Read more
29-Apr-2011
Helicopter was being used by political figure and a flag being waved (or thrown?) by an enthusiastic supporter got caught up in the rotor blades. Helicopter grounded for engineers, Politician continued by road... Read more
26-Apr-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART is pleased to announce that they have received FAA certification for their Cargo Mirror mounted LED Pulse Lights for Bell 204/205/210/212/214/412 model of aircraft. Transport Canada and EASA approvals have been previously received. DART LED Pulse Lights install easily on any DART Dual Cargo Mirror and provide excellent forward conspicuity for all Medium Bell... Read more
20-Apr-2011Source: Eagle Copters
Eagle Copters Ltd. (ECL) has been awarded a contract to provide the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department with a fully mission equipped Bell 412EP helicopter. In operation since 1970, the Houston Police Department Air Support Division (Helicopter Patrol Division) has grown into the second largest municipal helicopter police air support unit in... Read more
28-Mar-2011
After the passengers had boarded the aircraft, the commander heard a noise and the aircraft suddenly settled and adopted a nose high attitude. The engines were shut down, the passengers and crew disembarked. Subsequent examination of the aircraft by the crew showed that the undercarriage aft crosstube had failed, due to metallurgical fatigue.... Read more
