6-Jan-2012Source: South Yorkshire Police
South Yorkshire Police has today released performance results for their Air Operations Unit providing an insight into the valuable work of the Force’s single most recognisable resource, the helicopter named SY99. In 2011, the South Yorkshire Police Air Operations Unit completed 4,832 separate tasks, made 319 arrests and assisted with the apprehension of a further... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Transport Broker Group
The Transport Broker Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new helicopter hire service, Wow Jets. The exciting new venture will be add another string to the bow of the Transport Broker Group which specialises in affordable transportation rental services throughout the UK. Wow Jets will offer helicopter hire and private jet... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Precision Helicopters
We are very pleased to announce that from the 1st January 2012, Blakeman Heliwork Ltd of Piopio have amalgamated with Precision Helicopters Ltd (PHL). The Base will continue operating from 296 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio, providing enhanced helicopter services throughout the entire King Country area. Blakeman Heliwork developed a strong business and this amalgamation enables us... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: PRI
In January, the FAA is expected to issue new air space regulations allowing for the civilian use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Police departments are expected to be early and widespread users of the drones, but some are raising concerns about privacy. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Softtech
Flight Vector, a product of Softtech LLC, will be attending HELI-EXPO for the first time showcasing two exciting and innovative products: Flight Vector Mappingâ„¢ and Flight & Duty Trackerâ„¢. Both products will be on display at the Flight Vector booth #8548 located in Hall F near the HAI booth. Flight Vector Mapâ„¢ Track all of... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Online Registration for Education Courses closes Feb. 1, 2012. Do not miss your chance to register in advance and secure your seat in one of more than 26 education courses HAI is offering this year at HELI-EXPO. After Feb. 1, all registration is on site and based on availability. Courses will take place from Feb.... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: BMS
Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc. (BMS) starts 2012 by announcing its next generation airborne transmitter, the Heli-Coder 4 (HC4). The product is designed for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and is small enough that it can also be used in watercraft, land, unmanned air or ground vehicle applications. Among the new technological features in the HC4 are:... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is proud to announce the winners of the Association’s 2012 Salute to Excellence Awards, honoring those who maintain the highest traditions of the helicopter industry. “The Salute to Excellence awards couldn’t be better named,†said HAI President Matt Zuccaro. “In an industry for which safety is so important, everyone strives to... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that Geneva Aviation has secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for FAST Trac, which collects performance data from analog aircraft systems and legacy operations equipment. The FAST Trac kit, which includes both the Master Control Box (MCB) and the Remote Tap Units... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters Ltd has reported a boost in registrations for its training programs following its high profile presence at Europe’s largest helicopter exhibition, Helitech 2011. Since the event, which took place in the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, UK, on 27-29 September, Bristow has experienced a rise in enquiries for its training programmes held both... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters Ltd has invested around £4 million in a third flight simulator for its Aberdeen training facility. The S76C++ device, which will sit alongside the S92 and EC225 simulators, will be operational in April 2013. The CAA approved S76C++ full flight simulator duplicates all relevant aspects of the aircraft and its environment. It features... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Civil Aviation Administration of China has certified the 13-tonne AC313 earlier today. The AC313 was developed by government-owned manufacturer AVIC from the Harbin Z-8, itself relying very heavily on the 1960s French design – the SA321 Super Frelon. AVIC expect to market the AC313 for emergency rescue operations, forest fire prevention, transport, offshore operations, medical... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Views and News from Norway
Oslo won’t be getting its second police helicopter, promised and funded after last July’s terrorist attacks, for several more months because of delays tied to mandatory bidding processes. (see full story). The country currently operates an Ec135, and we assume (but have not confirmed) that the second aircraft will also be a 135. We also... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: News Advance
Liberty University is disbanding its helicopter flight-training program this year due to low student interest and limited job opportunities for helicopter pilots, LU officials said. Liberty launched the helicopter program in 2008 as a concentration for students majoring in aeronautics. (see full story)... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Garmin
Several people must have been very good last year because Santa delivered several new Garmin aviation GPS units this Christmas. Those happy recipients have been calling and asking all kinds of questions about their new toys. One question that I have heard a couple of times is about the differences in using Garmin FliteCharts compared... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has registered a new Eurocopter EC225 with the British CAA yesterday, serial number 2822 and registration G-JSKN. CAA records also show that an Export CofA has already been applied for with an expected processing date of 24th January, so it will not stay long before moving to another CHC base. This is not unusual. ... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Sandel
Sandel Avionics has announced it has received FAA TSO certification for a roll steering software upgrade in its popular 3-ATI SN3500 and 4-ATI SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays. The pilot-selectable feature works with an aircraft’s autopilot or flight director and compatible GPS or FMS unit to automatically make smooth, hands-off turns while flying a sequence of... 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
5-Jan-2012Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On December 26, 2011, at 0554 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N5016M, operated by SK Logistics, d.b.a. SK... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HFI
Helicopter Foundation International is looking for heritage aircraft to display at this year’s HELI-EXPO® in Dallas, Texas, to help highlight the importance of early rotorcraft to our industry. Heritage aircraft are defined as rotorcraft built in or before 1955, no longer in production, and that were able to sustain vertical flight. Those wishing to bring such... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Era Group
Era Group Inc. (“ERA”), one of the largest helicopter operators in the world, and a wholly owned subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc. CKH -0.61% (“SEACOR”) today announced it entered into a $350 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the facility, ERA has the ability to borrow up to $350 million. As... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday, Bond Offshore Helicopters registered a new Eurocopter EC225LP helicopter with the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Going by other similar activity in recent years, this likely means the delivery flight from the factory in Marignane started yesterday or is expected to today. Registered G-PUMR and with Eurocopter serial 2818, this example takes the current Bond... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sikorsky is anticipating FAA certification of the S-434 light turbine early this year. The S-434 is an improved version of the S-333 with a four-blade head and 300 more pounds in gross weight, taking the total to 2,850 pounds all up. Additionally it has a new tail rotor with 20% increased thrust, and structurally improved... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: SLSWA
Surf Life Saving WA’s new Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has commenced patrols of Perth’s metropolitan coast. The aircraft arrived last week from New Zealand and was purchased by SLSWA who have now moved to an owner operator model for the service, thanks to the philanthropic support of Tim Roberts. “The assistance and support of Tim... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Voxy
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken delivery of a BK117 rescue helicopter just as the region moves into the busiest time of the year. It joins the AS350 they already operate, more than doubling their capabilities (see full story)... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Air Technology
Air Technology Engines, headquartered in Naples, Fla., has signed a T53 Service Center agreement with Honeywell, authorizing the repair and overhaul of Honeywell’s T53 series helicopter engine. The news also makes a positive statement for small businesses everywhere. Air Technology Engines is the only small business authorized as a Honeywell T53 Service Center in the... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: UKSPA
Pegasus Helicopter Group PLC has announced plans to base its UK management headquarters at Tamar Science Park in Plymouth, Devon. Pegasus is an international company that is developing revolutionary two- and five-seat helicopters, employing a unique pressure jet technology which negates the need for a tail and tail rotor. Pegasus intends to market and sell... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Jetnet
JETNET LLC, the leading provider of corporate aviation information, has released November 2011 and the first eleven months of 2011 results for the pre-owned business jet, business turboprop, and helicopter markets. Market Summary – Business Jets and Business Turboprops Pre-owned business aircraft inventories continued to decline in November, but asking prices—especially for jets—have yet to... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Austrian operator Schenk Air has recently registered a pair of AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New helicopters as OE-XCS and OE-XSE – factory new deliveries with serial numbers 22253 and 22254 respectively. These replace a pair of AW109E Powers which have been sold to the Italian operator Elilombardia – and are seen in the image associated with... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada employees and retirees in Quebec have once again generously supported Centraide of Greater Montreal, donating more than $1.2 million to the organization’s annual campaign. Employees have donated $1 million or more for seven consecutive years. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “The pride in our employees and retirees grows... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Abu Dhabi Air Expo
Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), the renowned private aviation company based at Al Bateen Executive Airport and established in 2006 by HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has become an official partner of the 1st General Aviation Exhibition in the Middle East: Abu Dhabi Air Expo. Along side its VIP stand, where... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: CAA
To help pilots prepare for flying in south east England during the 2012 London Olympics the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), through the Airspace and Safety Initiative (ASI), have joined forces to host a free briefing day in central London on Saturday 10 March 2012. The event will... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
French company Sky Group has added a fourth AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New to their fleet – something unheard of in France where patriotism to the local Eurocopter brand is usually very high indeed. While subsidiary Skycam Helicopters does also fly Eurocopter aircraft, their AW109 fleet does set them apart in France. Serial number 22242, registered... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland has issued a statement this morning regarding the article originally published by Macau Business which we reported on earlier today in which it claimed Sky Shuttle had “sold four of its five Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters and continues to operate with Sikorsky S76C+ helicopters†– see Sky Shuttle sells AW139 fleet AW says that... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In a press release back in October 2009, the Hong Kong proudly announced “Sky Shuttle’s fleet conversion programme to progressively phase-out its Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters and bring into commercial service, the first of its six, brand new, high-performance AW 139 helicopters”. But now, local press are reporting they have changed their mind and have sold... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
French operator SAF Helicopters has bought a Eurocopter AS355N Twin Squirrel from Greek operator Interjet. Serial number 5586, and previously flown in Greece as SX-HIG, the helicopter is now registered in France as F-HJFD. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
3-Jan-2012
Captain Abera told the weekly Capital Ethiopia newspaper that his company has imported an AS350 model helicopter and they plan to increase their numbers in the future (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Jerry Trimble Helicopters
Jerry Trimble Helicopters (JTH) is proud to announce that Jessica Ward has received the Robinson Safety Course Scholarship offered by the Whirly-Girls. The Robinson Safety Course is a 3-day course conducted by the factory in Torrance, CA and includes both flight and ground training. Jessica began training at JTH in the summer of 2010 and... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is an internal memo released on December 23, 2011. Sent on behalf of Tom Lepine, Maria Renzella and Rick Potter (HeliHub Editor note – click here to see profiles of these executives) We know that over the past few weeks, many of you, valued members of the Ornge family, have been upset and concerned... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: St Catherines Standard
“It was something that has been in the process for quite awhile,” said vice-president Anna Pierce, adding further details will be made public in the new year. “The same team is still going to be here. It will mean a lot of cost savings for us.” (see full story)... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Christus Spohn Hospital
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South celebrates a brand new Halo Flight Landing Pad with a Helo Pad blessing. Previously, Halo Flight landed on a flat grassy area behind the hospital. That area has now been paved and outfitted with special lighting to help guide Halo Flight to the hospital. This enhancement to the hospital will... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: WETM
Sikorsky bought the 185-thousand square foot acre land back in 2004. But have since moved their operations to the former Wings of Eagles museum. (full story)... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 17th December, the DRF base at Dresden – known in Germany as “Christoph 38” – flew its 1,500th mission. The particular incident was a road accident were a 46-year old female driver sustained serious pelvic and leg injuries after her car left an icy road and hit a tree. Onsite assessment by local paramedics... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 29th December, the Austrian OAMTC organisation flew the 10,000th mission from its base at Salzburg. A 44 year old female driver skidded on icy roads and ended up against a tree, resulting in the milestone call-out 10 minutes flight from Salzburg for “Christoph 6”, a Eurocopter EC135. The team involved were emergency physician Josef... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
A second wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in a Nevada court against the Las Vegas-based operator of a sightseeing tour helicopter that crashed and killed five people earlier this month (see full story)... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
US aircraft major Sikorsky Friday delivered a mid-sized commercial utility aircraft to the Maharashtra government for transporting senior state leaders and bureaucrats. “The helicopter’s versatility, reliability, safety and operating cost efficiencies make it ideally suited for transportation of senior leaders, including heads of state,” a Sikorsky statement said. The S-76C++ joins a growing fleet of... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Caverton Helicopters
Caverton Helicopters of Nigeria has recently taken delivery of three (3) medium twin Agusta Westland helicopters to be used for offshore transport duties in support of the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. The helicopters are to be ferried from the Agusta factory in Vergiate, Italy to Nigeria and expected to commence commercial operations in... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Mountain Ridge Helicopters
Mountain Ridge Helicopters is pleased to announce that the VA has approved it’s Flight Instructor Course which after completion the pilot will be able to perform one of the most vital and influential roles in aviation, instructing others how to fly helicopters. Now, students enrolling in the Flight Instructor Course at Mountain Ridge can receive financial benefits under either Chapter 30... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Columbia Helicopters
“Our pursuit of commercial, and military helicopter maintenance and operational contracts in new areas has resulted in our ability to grow and hire more people,” said Michael Fahey, President of the Aurora, Oregon-based company. “At the same time, we are continually developing new contracts with our global petroleum and logging customers. Columbia Helicopters owns, operates,... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Flightglobal
Flightglobal’s Aviation Web Awards, aka THE WEBBIES, are back once again to celebrate and acknowledge the best and brightest aviation websites and online activities during the past year. Now in its fourth year and with new and modified categories, Flightglobal welcomes entries and nominations from the entire online aviation community, from established industry leaders to striving newcomers,... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
New Delhi tourism officials have agreed in principle to work with Pawan Hans to offer sightseeing rides around the Indian capital New Delhi and are considering widening out to the neighbouring states as well. Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) chairman Manish Chatrath said “We like the idea. It will be an added attraction... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter Vostok
(electronic translation) In December 2011, the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) has certified the helicopter AS350 B3e, thereby approving the operation of this new modification of the popular helicopter AS350 in Russia and CIS countries. “Helicopter AS350 has proven himself in the world and is of high demand in Russia and CIS. On receipt of the certificate... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Fishtail Air
With evident rising significance of the Nepalese Tourism Industry in the year 2011, we expect higher arrivals in 2012. Increasing visits and activities shall increase demand of helicopter operations in the Mountaineering seasons of 2012. High performance helicopters have always been an asset of safety assurance and thereby promotion of mountaineering in Nepal. Fishtail Air... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Texas Christian University
Engineering students are getting real life career experience in their senior project for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, Tristan Tayag, professor of the engineering department, said. Bell propositioned half of the senior engineering class to create a heads-up display for a helicopter cockpit. Lauren Lueders, senior design project manager, said. The display would provide visual cues to... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Frimley Park Hospital
Frimley Park Hospital has taken delivery of an early Christmas present in the form of a new helicopter landing pad for its £22m emergency department development. Sections of the helipad are now going into place on the roof of what will be one of the biggest and most modern emergency departments in the country when... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Suffolk County legislature has approved $7.5 million for a new helicopter for rescues on the east end, according to media reports. HeliHub.com believes this would equate to a Eurocopter EC145 to match the existing aircraft on EMS duties, although it is likely they will go through the expected procurement process with multiple types before... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a financially secure 2012. This is the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we trust many of our readers will take time to consider what that means to the world, perhaps through attending a... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: NEMSPA
To: All NEMSPA Members, Corporate Partners, and All Others affiliated with Air Medical Transport. First, I want to say “Thank you” to our members and corporate partners for your involvement and commitment to safety in the HEMS industry and for your support of the National EMS Pilots Association. Second I want to express my sincere... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Versapak
When it comes to saving lives, having the best preparation and equipment available is paramount to a successful rescue. For London’s Air Ambulance, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charity that provides 24-hour specialist trauma care to the people of London, this understanding is what allows them to provide their patients with the best possible... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: ALAEA
Members would be aware that negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) for Engineers at Bristow Helicopters have recently commenced. The first EA meeting was held at the Bristow HQ in Perth on 22nd November and at this meeting the ALAEA and EC bargaining reps presented to the Company our bargaining claim. A further EA... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CBC
Trinity Helicopters has opened an operations base in Iqaluit, and plans to keep helicopters on Baffin Island year-round. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CBS Chicago
The lawsuit was filed by SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The group is seeking to have a judge reverse the October ruling by the Illinois Department of Transportation that approved the heliport. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
One million members! The Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance company reached a milestone today with the announcement they have signed up their one millionth Air Evac Lifeteam member. “This is a great achievement for the company overall,” said Vice President of Membership Keith Hovey. “But more importantly, it means that a million people will not... Read more
23-Dec-2011
Police Service of Northern Ireland say that having a helipad in County Fermanagh will mean the aircraft can be refuelled at any time without having to return to its base. Two other remote landing pads are in operation – at Mahon Road in Portadown and Maydown, near Londonderry. (see full story) CAA photo... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Aviation Business
Australian Aerospace has become the first civil helicopter maintenance training organisation in the Asia-Pacific region to successfully transition from the previous maintenance regulations and be granted approval to operate under Australia’s new and tougher maintenance safety regulations. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: The Star
AgustaWestland’s American office struck a $6.7 million deal to hire a Toronto firm made up of ORNGE executives to provide it with “sales and marketing services.†(see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: UTair
The world’s largest operator of helicopter Mi-26 Airline “UTair” (UTair Aviation) has suspended flights of its fleet of Mi-26 in Russia and abroad as of today. Helicopters will be carried out in-depth inspection of the tail extraordinary beams. The admission of helicopters for further operation will be determined for each aircraft individually on the basis... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: US DoD
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo Texas, is being awarded $12,416,548 for delivery order 0016 under previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00383-10-D-003N) for the repair of various components for the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec 30, 2013.  The Navy Working Capital Funds being used... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Technology Engines
Air Technology Engines will be exhibiting again this year at the HELI-EXPO in Dallas, Texas. The 2012 show, which runs February 11-14, will be a one-stop shop for everything helicopter related, covering one million square feet of space, complete with helicopters on the show floor. There will be displays from more than 600 exhibiting companies... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Don’t miss the chance to register for education courses at discounted prices! Through Dec. 30, 2011, receive significant savings on professional development opportunities including Aviation Security, Flying in the Wire Environment, Mountain Flying Ground School, Pilot Human Factors, NVG Recurrent Training, Dealing with In-Flight Helicopter Emergencies, NVIS Aircraft Conformity, Pilot Crew Resource Management, Helicopter Operator... Read more