20-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com
An inquest in Belfast into the fatal crash of an A109A, registered N2NR, heard today that the GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) was not switched on. A lawyer for the inquiry, Ronan Daly, told the inquest in Belfast that the GPWS “was not actually in use (and that) it was not the requirement for a... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: JSfirm
JSfirm.com Manager, Jeff Richards, is pleased to report the results of their annual survey regarding the hiring outlook for aviation companies in 2012. “Eighty five percent (85%) of companies surveyed expect to hire in 2012” Richards said. “Over 650 companies participated.†JSfirm.com is a leading job board and active resume database dedicated to the aircraft... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Esperia Aviation Services
Electronic translation – Esperia Aviation Services, a leading VIP helicopter transport / corporate, this year will be an official partner of the prestigious Audi Polo Gold Cup 2012 which will open the season on the shores of frozen Lake Misurina, in the beautiful surroundings of Cortina D’Ampezzo. Esperia, as usual, will manage the transport services... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, is pleased to announce Transport Canada’s approval of the MD900) for day/night, VFR operation in Canada. With this Canadian approval, the MD900 has now been certified for operation in fifty countries, since its introduction in 1994. The certification t is a significant step... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has announced that the City of Columbus, Ohio has ordered an MD 500E for delivery in 2012 and an option for a second aircraft to be delivered in 2013. This purchase represents the thirteenth and fourteenth MD 500E in active service in accordance... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has announced that the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners has approved the purchase of three MD 500E helicopters for use by the Police Patrol Support Unit for airborne law enforcement. The selection of MD Helicopters was made after a six month RFP... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the Garmin G500H electronic flat panel displays. The G500H system, approved under the Type Certificate of the MD 500, is available for production and for retrofit installation for the MD 500E, MD 530F and MD... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: HFI
Helicopter Foundation International was very busy at HELI-EXPO 2012. The foundation held its annual golf tournament, hosted mentoring panels, and shared a great deal of information with attendees about our mission and goals. New additions to our plans for the show this year were a silent auction, heritage helicopter display and historical interviews. The third... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that its new replacement cargo hook kit for the Eurocopter EC135 aircraft has been certified by the FAA and is currently in production. Onboard has also submitted the kit to Transport Canada and EASA for certification in Canada and Europe, respectively. “Onboard has received many... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Kaman
Kaman Aerospace Group announced today the appointment of Pat Wheeler to Vice President, Strategic Initiatives reporting to Greg Steiner, President. Wheeler joined Kaman with the 2011 acquisition of Vermont Composites, Inc. where he served as President and CEO for the past seven years, effectively building that business from a start-up to a key industry supplier... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Kaman
Kaman Aerospace Group announced the appointment of Gary Tenison to Vice President, Business Development and Marketing, reporting to Greg Steiner, President. Tenison will be responsible for leading accelerated, profitable growth of the Aerospace Group’s core businesses. He will coordinate strategic planning, ensuring alignment across the Group. In addition, he will help identify, coordinate, and lead... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Agusta A109E (G-GCMM), tail rotor strike, Fiveways Trading Estate, Corsham, Wiltshire, 19 July 2011 Hughes 369E (G-KSWI), partial tail rotor control failure, Somerset, 19 June 2011 (1 serious injury)... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: SAFE
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee identified loss of control–inflight (LOC-I) as the number one cause of fatal general aviation accidents over the last decade. Consequently, this year’s FAASTeam Safety Standdown offers a multi-layered approach to help pilots reduce the risk of an inflight loss of control. The recently videotaped program is hosted by FAA Research Psychologist... Read more
20-Feb-2012
Canadian and European regulators have held up certification of the five-seat Robinson R66 helicopter and requested more tests on the hydraulic system, said company president Kurt Robinson. (see full story)... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Spectrum Aeromed
Ricky Reno has joined Spectrum Aeromed as their new Vice President and Account Representative of Military and Government Initiatives. In his new role Reno will be responsible for global sales and service of all government and military programs at Spectrum Aeromed. “Ricky Reno brings with him a wealth of knowledge and broad based experience,†said... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Concorde Battery
Concorde Battery is pleased to announce certification of the higher capacity RG-224 for the Bell LongRanger. Concorde’s sealed lead acid recombinant gas (RG®), absorbed glass mat (AGM) RG-224 is a 24Ah battery designed for improved performance and longer life in demanding applications. Many users are getting superior performance with the current 17Ah RG-222 however, the... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Honeywell
Honeywell will provide the Zing® Test Elite rotor track and balance maintenance technology to MD Helicopters to support the entire fleet of current and new MD500 series helicopters. Zing® Test Elite provides precision rotor track and balance measurements to operators. Based on the Zing HUMS 1134 on-board system, Zing Test Elite is a carry-on system... Read more
20-Feb-2012
Engine failure, autorotation... Read more
20-Feb-2012
Engine vibrations in flight, made emergency landing and there was a fire in the engine too... Read more
19-Feb-2012
Window smashed by vandals after helicopter went AOG and had to be parked up overnight. North West Air Ambulance have confirmed helicopter registration and date – note that the BBC are reporting the wrong date in their story... Read more
19-Feb-2012
Crashed into field after mid-air collision with fixed-wing Beech Bonanza. Minor injuries. R22 pilot was experienced fixed wing pilot logging night hours as a student.... Read more
19-Feb-2012
“Damaged the aircraft during takeoff after the transport skiers to the summit Karifuridake, the aircraft is rolling to the right”... Read more
18-Feb-2012Source: HAI
The ILA Berlin Air Show 2012 and the Helicopter Association International jointly announced on Feb. 13 the formation of a partnership to create a new, improved “International HeliCenter†at ILA 2012 show to be held September 11-16 at the all new Berlin Brandenburg Airport ExpoCenter. HAI will fulfill a significant role in the further development of... Read more
18-Feb-2012
Crashed and caught fire. Sole occupant (Gustl Schrempp – the owner) killed.... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Thales
As of April 2012, Pascal Bouchiat will be joining Thales as Chief Financial Officer. He will be a member of the Group’s Executive Committee, in charge of financial control and accounting, corporate finance and treasury, investor relations, tax and insurance. Previously, Pascal Bouchiat had been Chief Financial Officer at Rhodia, in charge of finance, information... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian industry giant Oboronprom, presented its Mi-171A2 model at HeliExpo 2012 in Dallas, TX. The helicopter was displayed at booth number 3422. This is a heavily modernised and revamped version of the Mi-8/17, the Russian bestseller that ranks among the most popular helicopters in the world. “Russian Helicopters have become... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: HAI
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Helicopter Association International (HAI) have renewed an agreement that assures the return of the popular Heli-Center on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh flightline in 2012 and includes other support for this year’s 60th annual EAA fly-in gathering, which will take place July 23-29. EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower and HAI President... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Outerlink
Outerlink Global Solutions is pleased to announce its selection as the satellite tracking and communications provider for Maverick Aviation Group’s new fleet of Eurocopter EC130 T2 aircraft. “Outerlink Global Solutions prides itself on providing innovative communication technology solutions. Maverick Aviation Group has been a long standing customer and we are pleased that they will continue... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: CBC
The Newfoundland and Labrador government has already committed to spend $400,000 on a memorial to mark the crash, which killed 15 workers heading to their jobs at offshore oil platforms and the two Cougar Helicopters pilots who were transporting them. (see full story)... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
As part of Eurocopter’s Vision 2020 to achieve a balanced portfolio with emphasis on growing the Support & Services line of business, its South East Asia subsidiary based in Singapore will serve as a hub for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, to provide training, major inspection and heavy structural repairs for the medium... Read more
17-Feb-2012
ONtario Ministry of Health as called in the Police in regard of two transactions – a $6.7-million payment AgustaWestland channelled back to Ornge, as part of the air ambulance’s purchase of 12 helicopters for $148-million, and a $1.2-million loans made to former CEO Chris Mazza (see full story)... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro, Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison, and a large number of active service, reserve, and veteran members of the military gathered on Tuesday for a special appreciation at the Helicopter Foundation International’s Heritage of Helicopters display at HELI-EXPO 2012. The call went out throughout the morning for any current or former member... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: EtQ
EtQ, Inc. is pleased to announce the implementation of EtQ Reliance Safety Management System (SMS) at Air Methods—an air medical emergency transport organization. Air Methods selected EtQ Reliance in order to fully automate its SMS and move away from its previous paper system. Collecting, analyzing, trending and reporting of safety events are priorities for Air... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Honeywell
In its 14th Turbine-Powered Civilian Helicopter Purchase Outlook report, Honeywell (NYSE: HON) expects global deliveries of new civilian-use helicopters will increase to 4,700 – 5,200 over the five-year period 2012 – 2016. The forecast shows slower near term economic growth prospects in key markets have added uncertainty to operator purchase plans this year, however, recent... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: BAE Systems
Bell Helicopter has selected BAE Systems to provide fly-by-wire flight control computers for its 525 Relentless super medium class helicopter. BAE Systems flight control computers provide the ability to operate in austere environments safely and reliably, with decreased pilot workload. “BAE Systems has more than five decades of experience developing and producing flight control and... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Precision Aviation Group
Atlanta-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the Worldwide Aerospace and Defense industries, subsidiary Precision Accessories & Instruments (PAI) has been approved as an Authorized Repair Center (ARC) for the Eurocopter Group. Under an agreement with American Eurocopter Corporation (AEC), PAI is authorized to provide MRO Services on... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Composite Technology Inc. (CTI), a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, today opened one of the world’s most powerful structures to dynamically balance helicopter main rotor blades. Designed by Sikorsky to test main rotor blades that rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise, the bi-directional whirl tower will enable helicopter operators and... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Export Corporation, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp has opened a business office in Mexico City. The office will provide sales and logistics support to the growing number of BLACK HAWK aircraft operated by the Mexican armed forces. Among those attending a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the... Read more
17-Feb-2012Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that it has elected retired U.S. Navy Admiral Gary Roughead to its board of directors. Roughead served as the 29th Chief of Naval Operations for the Navy prior to his retirement from the service in 2011. The addition of Roughead increases Northrop Grumman’s board of directors to 13 members, 12... Read more
17-Feb-2012
Emergency landing after bird strike with mallard duck and cracked windshield.... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
The Southern Vietnam Helicopter Corporation of Vietnam (VNH South) signed a contract today with Eurocopter South East Asia for its fourth EC225 heavy helicopter. This acquisition follows closely on its last purchase of the same aircraft type six months ago, as it continues to expand its fleet for offshore oil and gas operations. On the... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter has wrapped up a highly successful 2012 Heli-Expo exposition, marking 20 years of helicopter excellence announcing orders and commitments for 191 rotary-wing aircraft, as well as spotlighting the latest innovation in production, safety and services. The high point of Eurocopter’s activity at Heli-Expo – the world’s largest helicopter industry event – was its rollout... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Branding Iron
Branding Iron Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, (Branding Iron) announced that Victoria, Canada based Latitude Technologies named them as their agency of record at Heli Expo in Dallas. “We are very proud to ad Latitude Technologies to our list of great aviation clients,” said Co-Owner of Branding Iron Scott Emerine. “Latitude Technologies is a leading... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has appointed Airflite Pty Ltd. to provide sales representation covering the Australian and New Zealand regions. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp Airflite Pty Ltd,is an Australian company with headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. Airflite will support sales initiatives on the S-76® and S-92® helicopters, with a focus on... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Component Control
Component Control announced today that customer RLC, the largest privately-held helicopter operator in the Gulf of Mexico, is leveraging Quantum MRO and Logistics software to implement trend-based preventative maintenance programs that improve helicopter performance and reduce downtime. Â RLC, certified by the FAA to provide full-service helicopter maintenance, currently operates 10 aircraft bases and maintains a... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Women in Aviation
A new feature at this year’s International Women in Aviation Conference is an all-female panel of helicopter experts, moderated by Helicopter Association International President Matt Zuccaro. The Helicopter Panel will take place during the General Session on Friday, March 9, 2012, which is sponsored by Helicopter Association International, EAA, GAMA and NBAA. The panel is... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Nightline Inc
Nightline, Inc., a US, Small Business Administration HUBZone certified, veteran-owned defense company, and global supplier of Generation III Night Vision Equipment, is now an official distributor of Wilcox helmet mounts. The Wilcox L2 G06 Ratchet Strap Bracket with the Integrated Breakaway Base and Universal NVG Mount featuring two modes of operation. The first mode allows... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Life Flight Network
February 15, 2012 – Aurora, OR… Life Flight Network, a not-for-profit air medical transport service in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, announced today they will open a new helicopter base in Redmond, Oregon on February 22, 2012. “Our decision to open a base in Redmond follows substantial research and dialogue with area healthcare professionals... Read more
16-Feb-2012
Rapid yaw to the left on take-off, which the pilot managed to control and bring the helicopter back to a safe landing. Mechanic found tail/rotor servo cannon plug was coated with residual oil... Read more
16-Feb-2012
Heavy landing close to airport due to mechanical issues on climb out... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Scandinavian Air Ambulance is acquiring four Eurocopter EC145 T2 helicopters for emergency medical transportation services in the north of Finland, with these rotary-wing aircraft performing demanding day/night operations over land and water in temperatures ranging from – 45°C to +35°C. The newly-ordered helicopters are to be flown from three northern bases – Oulu, Kuopio and... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter is pledging continued support of open and clear communications on helicopter environmental issues, with plans to publish updated emissions and sound-level ratings for its fleet while also extending the environment-related dialog with operators worldwide. The Eurocopter ratings result from the company’s industry-leading efforts to propose the use of standardized environmental performance indicators to rate... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Heliflight Maintenance Center’s first year of operations as a Eurocopter-certified maintenance operation in Panama was marked today during a ceremony held at the Heli-Expo 2012 exhibition in Dallas, Texas. Located at Albrook Airport on the Panama Canal Zone, Heliflight Maintenance Center was the first such facility certified in Central America by the Eurocopter de Mexico... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
HTM Helicopter Travel Munich today signed a letter of intent to acquire an EC145 T2, adding this enhanced version of Eurocopter’s popular EC145 rotary-wing aircraft to its fleet for the servicing of offshore wind farms. The EC145 T2 was selected for its outstanding operational performance, including the capability to support offshore wind farm missions by... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Corail Hélicoptères – which operates an all-Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft fleet – has ordered two new EC130 B4s, bringing this helicopter of reference for worldwide tourism operations into service with the Réunion island operator during 2012. Factors in Corail Hélicoptères’ selection of the EC130 B4 include its low operational sound levels, which is within the regulations... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Germany’s DRF Luftrettung today signed a power-by-the-hour service agreement with Eurocopter, ensuring optimized technical support with fixed maintenance costs and minimized downtime for this air rescue organization’s large helicopter fleet. DRF Luftrettung currently operates 45 Eurocopter helicopters for emergency medical services, composed of the EC145, EC135 and BK117 versions. In 2011, the company agreed to... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter presented yesterday an award of excellence to Transportes Aereos Pegaso for the more than 2,000 flight hours logged in 2011 by one of this operator’s EC135 P2 helicopters during oil and gas industry transportation missions in the Gulf of Mexico. The milestone aircraft, which carries Mexican registration number XA-UDN, accumulated a total of 2,014... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter signed yesterday a contract to supply Air Greenland with one enhanced AS350 B3e version, marking the latest expansion of this European operator’s Ecureuil single-engine family fleet. Air Greenland currently operates 12 Ecureuil helicopters: 10 of the AS350 B3+ variant and two AS350 B2s. The new agreement was inked on Eurocopter’s exhibit stand at the... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it has delivered in January 2012 the first of two AW109 Power helicopters to Keystone Med-Flight LLC. These aircraft will be used to perform flight management operations for the Hahnemann University Hospital’s, Tenet Health System –  “MidAtlantic Medevac†Air medical Transport System in Pennsylvania. The AW109 Power... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Executive HeliShares, a Briles Wing & Helicopter, Inc. Company, located in Van Nuys, CA has selected the AW109 Power and GrandNew product lines as the VIP platforms of choice for their exclusive Fractional Ownership Program on the West Coast of the United States. Briles Executive Helishares... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the GrandNew light twin engine helicopter has been selected as the platform of choice by the Columbia River Bar Pilots in Oregon, USA. The GrandNew will replace the existing AW109 Power helicopter that has served as their transport since the early 2000’s. The GrandNew helicopter will... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Exclases Holdings Ltd. has signed a contract for two AW169, two AW139 and two AW189 helicopters. This purchase marks the entrance of the new generation AW169 and AW189 models into the Russian market and further expands the presence of AgustaWestland in Russia. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Vector Aerospace
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com, a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services announces it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for installation of the Skytrac ISAT 100/200 Helicopter Flight-Following and Satellite communication... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Vector Aerospace
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com, a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) was awarded the Rolls-Royce FIRST Network ‘Total Quality’ award at the Rolls-Royce event held on February 11 at Heli Expo 2012. Steve Walford, vice-president of... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Vector Aerospace
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com, a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation and one of the world’s leading providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) was awarded the Rolls-Royce FIRST Network ‘Program Investment’ award at the Rolls-Royce event held on February 11 at HeliExpo 2012. “Over the past several years,... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) signed a first contract Support By the Hour, SBH ®, with Papillon Airways. This contract covers the initial batch of six year Arriel 2D engines powering the Eurocopter EC130 T2 brand new, with The Possibility to equip The Entire Arriel 2D engine fleet of Papillon. The Turbomeca SBH ® contract Provides total... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that it will open a dedicated helicopter sales office in New York City next month. This will be the only OEM sales office opened in the area and will be located in midtown Manhattan at the Atlantic Aviation Metroport™. “New York City and the northeast region is a burgeoning market for... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, Era Helicopters and American Eurocopter announced Era’s acquisition of seven EC135® helicopters. With this purchase, Era’s fleet will include 17 EC135s. “Era and American Eurocopter are committed to aviation excellence by incorporating the latest technology aircraft and training in order to provide the highest levels of safety... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has received an order for one S-76Dâ„¢ helicopter from Swiss-based Air Engiadina. “We thank Air Engiadina for their confidence in Sikorsky Aircraft products,” said Alex Sharp, Sikorsky European Regional Sales Manager. “The S-76D helicopter will bring outstanding safety, reliability, proven performance and value.” Air Engiadina, as... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Metro Aviation has signed an agreement with American Eurocopter to use the AS350 Flight Simulator as part of the operator’s pilot training program. American Eurocopter owns the only AS350 Level B full motion flight simulator in the world. “We are strong advocates of simulator training for EMS pilots,†said Mike Stanberry, President of Metro Aviation.... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Top Flight Component Support Plans provide a comprehensive service for parts and components supply and offer customizable coverage from a single component to comprehensive “Nose to Tail” plans American Eurocopter is not only the leading provider of civil and parapublic helicopters in the United States, but it also strives to provide the best aftermarket support... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Yorkshire Post
South Yorkshire Police Authority’s chief executive Bill Wilkinson says they “ considered in detail the business case provided last year and whilst not against the principle of a national police air service, decided to retain the current air provision in South Yorkshire. Legal advice has also been sought surrounding the authority’s options to challenge the... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has delivered two offshore utility helicopters to China Southern Airlines’ Zhuhai Helicopter Branch company, with a third delivery to occur next week, to support the offshore oil operations in the South China Sea by Zhuhai’s customers. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Zhuhai Helicopter Branch is among the major... Read more
15-Feb-2012
SAR mission, very heavy landing... Read more
15-Feb-2012
Unscheduled landing in a parking lot... Read more
