7-Feb-2014Source: Scott's - Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) has selected the Sagem Avionics ICDS-8A Glass Cockpit suite as part of the standard avionics/instrument package for their new 47GT-6 helicopter. The ICDS 8A Primary Flight Display & Engine Monitoring System increases situational awareness through customizable engine displays with intuitive LED interfaces. It incorporates many features including a fully... Read more
7-Feb-2014Source: Lord Corp
LORD Corporation-a leader in the management of vibration, noise and motion control-has announced new part offerings, repair service for the Bell 429 fleet, as well as other service improvements to better meet the needs of the aerospace aftermarket. According to Rodolphe Leroy, manager global sales, Business Development & Marketing, LORD Aerospace Aftermarket, LORD has implemented several... Read more
6-Feb-2014Source: Dallas Avionics
Dallas Avionics announced today the company has completed training of the Tampa General pilots and crew on the Bell 407 equipped with the new TDFM 7000. Dallas Avionics sales and tech support representative Scott Hurst conducted the training. The Dallas Avionics TDFM 7000 transceiver offers the most up-to-date, FM communications technology including P25 CAI, P25... Read more
6-Feb-2014Source: TSB
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A13W0070) into a collision with terrain of a Bell 206B helicopter near Fort McMurray, Alberta. On 29 May 2013, the Bell 206B helicopter operated by Wood Buffalo Helicopters was conducting wildlife survey work approximately 75 nautical miles north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, with one pilot and two passengers... Read more
6-Feb-2014
1 of 9 POB killed when helicopter came down on night anti-drug mission. Helicopter had been working with a US Navy MH-60R which was on hand to transport 6 of the injured to hospital.... Read more
5-Feb-2014
Fell onto its side on take-off in snowy conditions... Read more
4-Feb-2014
Already operating out of the back yard behind his house (with two S76s and three B407s), Tim Mayeux is facing difficulties from the owner of a business park (away from the residential area) where he would like to build a new $3M heliport. See full story... Read more
3-Feb-2014Source: USMC
Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 conducted low light flying evaluations for the squadron’s senior pilots at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point from Jan. 20-27. Evaluated and certified by flight instructors with Marine Aviation and Weapons Tactics Squadron 1, the HMLA-467 pilots reinforced the principles and skills required to pilot an aircraft... Read more
2-Feb-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a signed agreement with the New York Police Department for four Bell 429 helicopters. The aircraft will be used for airborne law enforcement patrol, serving the citizens of New York City and surrounding jurisdictions. The NYPD currently has three Bell 412EPs in service for a... Read more
31-Jan-2014
Unspecifiedl accident inside military base, killing one and injuring the other two occupants... Read more
30-Jan-2014Source: Becker Avionics
Air Zermatt AG in Switzerland selected the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 digital aircraft audio system, for their new fleet of Bell Helicopter 429 light-twin helicopters. Air Zermatt selected Becker’s DVCS because it allows their flight crews to select and control all onboard communication devices for inbound and outbound communications, including; public address, warning systems, radios and... Read more
29-Jan-2014Source: Dart Aerospace
DART Aerospace is pleased to announce the introduction of a 39-inch extended height landing gear for the Bell 412 aircraft. Designed specifically for this aircraft, the landing gear will include an exclusive, stainless-steel, aft crosstube that is stronger, more durable, and corrosion-resistant. This unique landing gear was developed to provide additional ground clearance for belly-mounted... Read more
28-Jan-2014Source: Dothan First
Senator Richard Shelby paid a visit to Bell Helicopter as part of his statewide jobs and industry tour – taking a look at the quality of businesses, their products and how they affect the local economies. See full story... Read more
28-Jan-2014Source: US DoD
CV International, Inc.*, Bend, Ore., was awarded a $15,916,531 firm-fixed-price contract for a modernized maintenance platform for CH-47, UH-60, AH-64, and OH-58 helicopters and for Unmanned Aerial System aircraft. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is Jan. 27, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with four received.... Read more
27-Jan-2014Source: Bell
Today, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the initial certification of the Bell 429WLG by Transport Canada and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil. Unveiled in October 2013 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference, the helicopter combines the advanced capabilities of the Bell 429 with the added operational flexibility... Read more
27-Jan-2014Source: US DoD
L-3 Corp. Systems West, Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $17, 611,443 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-13-D-0001) for supplies and services associated with Surface Terminal Equipment for Hawklink Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) and the Littoral Combat Ship configurations, and the Vortex Mini-TCDL Shipset components. These supplies and services... Read more
27-Jan-2014
Crashed from low level during powerline survey work for Holy Cross Energy. All 3 POB fatally injured, including Doug Sheffer, owner and chief pilot of DBS Helicopters (from this page). The others were named here as Larry Shaffer and Christopher Gaskill... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: Calgary Herald
The project to replace the Canadian Coast Guard Bo105 fleet has ground to a halt after Eurocopter filed a lawsuit against the government following allegations that Bell had been given an unfair advantage. See full story... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: Eagle Copters
Eagle Copters Australasia brings the EAGLE Single as a new entrant into the Bell Medium Lift helicopter market offering unmatched performance with increased reliability. Based at Coffs Harbour Airport and led by Managing Director, Grant Boyter, and Chief Engineer, Rohan Schallmeiner, Eagle Copters Australasia offers helicopter leasing, sales and support services. Eagle Copters Australasia is... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Italian military has reported the untimely death of Major General Feltrinelli Calligaris, head of Italy’s Army aviation unit. The General was the instructor in an Agusta-Bell JetRanger which crashed on Mount Martha, near the Viterbo military base. Student pilot Lieutenant Paolo Tozzi was also killed in the accident. Major General Calligaris was appointed to... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: US DoD
EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,666,579 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-13-C-0037) to exercise an option for the installation and procurement of helmet display tracker system (HDTS) kits for AH-1W aircraft, including nine HTDS P-kits, 29 AH-1W Helmet kits, and installation of 54 HDTS. Work will be performed in... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $13,495,182 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order 0001 under a previously awarded contract (N00383-14-D-015N) for repair/overhaul work of five high priority items for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and is expected to be completed by January 2017. Fiscal 2014 Navy working... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
As parent company Textron reports it’s fourth quarter numbers, so they release the quarterly report on production volumes at Bell Helicopter. While military production continues fairly flat (and is predicted to near halve), so they have been compensated by commercial helicopter deliveries up 13% from 188 to 213 units. This covers Bell 206L3, 212, 407,... Read more
23-Jan-2014
Training flight, killing student Lieutenant Paolo Tozzi and General Feltrinelli Calligaris, head of Italian Army Aviation [named here]. Powerline reported down and press suggesting that was the cause.... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: Star Telegram
The layoffs are expected to affect mostly salaried engineers at the company’s corporate headquarters in far east Fort Worth, where it employs about 5,000 people. See full story... Read more
23-Jan-2014
The helicopter had just been started with an ground power unit (GPU). The pilot exited the aircraft in order to disconnect the GPU, when a gust of wind pushed the helicopter into the trees next to the helipad. The pilot was not injured. CADORS 2014C0375... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: Avincis Group
INAER Spain (INAER), a leading provider of emergency aerial services and aircraft maintenance has been awarded the air ambulance contract for the Balearic Islands through public tender. The new contract will strengthen INAER’s partnership with IB-Salut, for whom it has provided aerial emergency services since 2000. The contract will last for two years with the... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker has released the latest version of LIFE CYCLE COST 2014 Volume I. The most powerful aircraft budgeting and financial analysis tool available, LIFE CYCLE COST (LCC) from Conklin & de Decker, provides aircraft owners, operators, flight department managers, and aircraft consultants with independently researched ownership and operating cost data for more... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
Air Evac Lifeteam has made the decision to close its Elmore County air ambulance base in Wetumpka, AL effective today. Company President Seth Myers said low utilization of the service coupled with low reimbursement rates were major factors in the company’s decision to cease operations at the base which has been in service since April... Read more
22-Jan-2014
Precautionary landing in jungle due to weather. Location meant that helicopter crew was out of contact for 15+ hours, causing SAR response etc. 10 POB all safe... Read more
21-Jan-2014
Landing accident after reported transmission issue. Skids collapsed, main blades chopped tail boom... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: Tiger Tugs
Tiger Tugs announces the introduction of their new model 12.0 helicopter mover. The new Model 12 can handle helicopters weighing up to 12,000 lbs. This tug is ideal for handling aircraft like the Bell 212 and 412 safely and easily. With our unique wireless remote control system you can maneuver your helicopter in tight hangar spaces effortlessly while... Read more
20-Jan-2014
Precautionary landing in public park. Engineer called... Read more
17-Jan-2014Source: Royal
Royal Engineered Composites has been awarded work for Bell Helicopter’s new 525 Relentless. The Relentless program will require Royal to produce approximately 50 part numbers per aircraft. The composite components will be in support of the helicopter’s tailboom and cockpit assemblies. The Bell 525 Relentless will feature sponsons on the aft fuselage for retractable wheeled... Read more
17-Jan-2014
Hit cable at low level and crashed into wooded area. Some reports suggest the cable was intentionally put there by the dissident groups, and that this helicopter was one of 11 put into the region to restore order after the dissident group took control. Helicopter fitted with cable cutters. 5 pOB received minor injuries, and... Read more
15-Jan-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a signed agreement for the sale of 20 Bell 206L-4s to Air Medical Group Holdings (AMGH), one of the largest independent providers of helicopter air ambulance services (HAA) in the world. Deliveries are scheduled to begin this year and continue through 2017. “These new aircraft... Read more
15-Jan-2014Source: Inside Defense
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has approved a US Army plan to restructure its aviation forces that includes divesting all OH-58s and taking all AH-64s out of the National Guard – See full story... Read more
14-Jan-2014Source: Avincis Group
The Emergency Medical Service of Madrid, SUMMA 112, has awarded the air ambulance contract for Madrid to INAER Spain (INAER) through a public tender. The company will operate two medical helicopters under a four year contract with an option for a two year extension. The helicopters are an Agusta Westland 109 and a Bell 412EP,... Read more
9-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Colombian Navy has recently taken delivery of two Bell 412EPs, serialled locally as ARC-225 and ARC-226. These are Bell serial numbers 36639 test flown as N493AH and became ARC-225 with Colombian Navy, and 36640 test flown as N495FB and became ARC-226 with Colombian Navy Finished in a overall naval grey colour, the helicopters feature... Read more
9-Jan-2014
Crashed killing all five occupants – military personnel flying in a civilian helicopter. Former president quoted here said that crash caused by FARC terrorists... Read more
9-Jan-2014
Powerline patrol – encountered wind change at low level and was unable to recover. Main blades chopped boom... Read more
8-Jan-2014Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc, Hurst, Texas, was awarded an $18,556,810 modification (P00010) to contract W58RGZ-12-C-0030 to procure six additional months of contractor logistics support for Bell 407, Huey, Jet Ranger, and OH-58A&C helicopters. Fiscal 2014 funds in the amount of $18,556,810 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Aug. 8,... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Just before Christmas, a red and white Bell 429 arrived in the Philippines at the facility of Hawker Pacific Asia. This is serial 57155 and will be delivered shortly to Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company to replace their Bell 427. The company also operates a Bell 430 and an AgustaWestland AW139. The 429 is reportedly... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: Heli Charter
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (WAACT) today (7th January 2014) signed a 10-year contract in Swindon with Heli Charter Ltd for a new helicopter, which will come into service at the end of the year, when the lease on the current 12 year old aircraft expires. After a great deal of deliberation over the last... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: Aero Design
Aero Design Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has once again entered into an agreement with Bell Helicopter to update the existing Bell 429 Helicopter Cargo Basket and Step installation for inclusion of serial numbers 57081 and subsequent. The initial offering of the Aero Design – Bell 429 Cargo Basket Assembly received Canadian certification... Read more
5-Jan-2014Source: Air Bali
We are pleased to announce that the Air Bali operation has now officially moved into our new home at Benoa Heliport. Apart from being closer to our operations, we can now showcase our Heliport to future clients and guests. You can now see first hand our fleet of Bell 206 and 407 Helicopters that are... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation, the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Haiti Air Ambulance Service, Inc. (“Haiti Air Ambulance”), a New York not-for-profit corporation, to provide air medical transportation services to the Republic of Haiti. Under the agreement, which is similar to a traditional hospital services contract, Air... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: INAER
INAER Spain will take over the maintenance of the Armed Forces’ fleet of AB 212 helicopters. The contract was awarded through a public competition by the Nato Support Agency (NSPA) and will last three years with the option of a two year extension. INAER has already taken delivery of the first AB 212 at its... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: Beechcraft
Beechcraft Corporation announced today that Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) has agreed to acquire Beech Holdings, LLC, the parent of Beechcraft Corporation, for approximately $1.4 billion in cash. Bill Boisture, CEO of Beechcraft, said: “This transaction represents an important step forward in the evolution of Beechcraft’s business. The team at Beechcraft has worked tirelessly to strengthen our core business... Read more
2-Jan-2014
Helicopter crashed and ended up on its side... Read more
30-Dec-2013
One killed and four seriously injured in crash outside a hospital building. Judging by photos on Twitter such as this one and this one, it would appear that the helicopter struck wires, which brought it down. Fatality named here as Arif Setiawan and the other four were pilot Budi Indra and hospital employees Nilawaty Ginting, Yahya Sembiring, and... Read more
30-Dec-2013
Three POB injured after reported loss of lower caused helicopter to come down... Read more
29-Dec-2013
Fire fighting helicopter shot at from the ground by 9mm bullett... Read more
23-Dec-2013
Helicopter landed close to a landmine which was then triggered via mobile phone by a terrorist group. 2 injuries of 6 POB – named as Patrolman Diego Garzón and the pilot Captain Juan Gabriel Ramirez... Read more
22-Dec-2013Source: Scott's - Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) have made agreement with FDC/aerofilter to be their supplier of Inlet Barrier Filters for their new, Rolls Royce RR300 turbine-powered, 47GT-6 helicopters. Launched earlier this year and forecast for 1st delivery mid-2016, the 47GT-6 will include the Inlet Barrier Filter as standard equipment. “We are very pleased to be... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: Avincis
The helicopter used as prototype in the AB212 Helicopter Life Extension Program of the Spanish Navy (PEVH-AB212) took to the air for its first test flight. This milestone caps off more than three years of concept development, led by the Spanish Navy, with the resulting project being awarded at the end of 2011 to the... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,163,306 modification to a previously awarded advanced acquisition contract (N00019-13-C-0023) for additional logistics products and services in support of the H-1 upgrade effort, including logistic management support, technical material for maintenance planning, design interface, supply/material support, support of support equipment/technical data, distribution and inventory... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronic, Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $10,551,915 firm-fixed-price contract for the fabrication, test, and delivery of 45 low rate initial production technical refresh AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters mission computers in support of Marine Corps helicopters. Work will be performed in Woodland Hills, Calif., and is expected to be completed... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), completed another successful year of Maintainers and Operators (M&O) Conferences during 2013, providing the opportunity to connect with more than 900 customers from approximately 20 countries. This year, the Customer Support and Services (CSS) organization hosted conferences in several new locations including Beijing, China; Shanghai, China; Prague,... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded an $18,556,810 modification (P00009) to contract W58RGZ-12-C-0030 for an undefined contract action for six additional months of contractor logistics support for the Bell 407, Huey, Jet Ranger, and OH-58A&C helicopters in Al Taji, Iraq, in accordance with foreign military sales case IQ-B-UDZ. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) will release its fourth quarter 2013 financial results on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. The company will also host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern) to discuss the results and the company’s outlook. The call will be available via webcast at www.textron.com or by direct dial at (800) 230-1092 in the U.S. or... Read more
19-Dec-2013Source: RCAF
A dramatic rescue unfolded yesterday afternoon in downtown Kingston, Ontario, when a crew from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, located at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, saved a crane operator who was trapped above a massive building fire. Around 2 p.m. on December 17, a fire broke out in a student residence that was under construction... Read more
18-Dec-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announced it has received approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to perform maintenance and customization on Bell 206 series, Bell 407 series and Bell 429 aircraft under the certification of the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). “The CAAS approval offers enhanced service offerings to... Read more
17-Dec-2013
Crashed after the impact of the high-voltage transmission line during the agricultural spraying operation. Post impact fire... Read more
16-Dec-2013Source: SkyTrac Systems
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce the successful flight test of their Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) system in a Bell 212 with Skyline Helicopters Ltd. SkyTrac’s engineers were on site to conduct a test flight with Skyline to demonstrate rotor and engine component exceedances. SkyTrac’s FDM system – including an ISAT-200A, Cockpit Display Unit (CDU)... Read more
15-Dec-2013Source: Wheels Up
Kenny Dichter, Founder and CEO of Wheels Up, the revolutionary membership-based private aviation company and Kurt Carlson, CEO of HeliFlite, a full-service helicopter operator offering on-demand charter, have jointly announced a partnership providing Wheels Up members access to HeliFlite’s fleet of Bell 430 and Sikorsky S-76 executive-class helicopters for transfers between Manhattan and Tri-state area airports, effective... Read more
15-Dec-2013
Five POB all safe after helicopter damaged in emergency landing in mountainous area... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: Classic Lifeguard
Classic Lifeguard announced the opening of its newest base of operations located in Moab, Utah. The new base will serve the region with premium air ambulance services and leading industry practices and technology. Classic Lifeguard has made the decision to relocate one of their medically configured Bell 407’s to Moab in order to more effectively... Read more
13-Dec-2013
Crashed and caught fire on positioning flight to night training mission. 2 POB got out OK... Read more
12-Dec-2013
It appears that the Christmas bonuses were eliminated during negotiations between Bell and the UAW Local 218 untion for a new five-year contract, which was ratified on 13th October. See full story... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: Hawker Pacific
Following the recently concluded region-wide demonstration tour, Hawker Pacific, the leading aircraft sales and product support company in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East, is delighted to announce Australia’s first Bell 407GX helicopter sale to a private Australian customer. The aircraft, slated for delivery in early 2014, will be based in Sydney, used for corporate... Read more
11-Dec-2013Source: Bell
Gov. Bobby Jindal and Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison announced the company will build its new SLS helicopter line at Lafayette Regional Airport, leading to the first modern-era aircraft assembly facility in Louisiana history. The project will create 115 new direct jobs averaging more than $55,000 per year, plus benefits, while Bell will invest $11.4... Read more
10-Dec-2013Source: Scotts Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47) announced today that they have made an agreement with Lycoming Engines that will ensure supply of Lycoming VO-435 Engine “Hi-Dome” Pistons for at least the next 10 years. SB47 will become the sole distributor for factory-new, OEM-approved pistons, Lycoming part number 76172 used on the VO-435 engine, which is... Read more
8-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
It has been widely reported in recent days that the City of New York has filed a lawsuit against Bell, effectively requesting them to supply a new helicopter for the one that crashed, which they claim was defective. See story in NY Daily News However, in looking at this situation, you also need to consider... Read more
6-Dec-2013Source: AIP Aerospace
Texstars, LLC, a subsidiary of AIP Aerospace announced today that Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company,has awarded Texstars a contract to produce windshields for the Bell 525 Relentless program. The windshields on this aircraft are designed with significant safety improvement features. The pilot’s field-of-vision will be significantly enhanced with a wrap-around windshield, eliminating the need for... Read more
