19-Dec-2011Source: Alaska Dispatch
Alaska State Troopers want a bigger, better, faster, tougher helicopter for their Fairbanks-based operations. They’ve already convinced Gov. Sean Parnell that the $3 million aircraft is necessary. He included money for it in his proposed 2013 budget — a spending plan he described Thursday as focused on true needs over mere wants. (see full story)... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: Innovation Direct
An innovative new patented product designed to protect airplanes and helicopters from a potentially catastrophic situation, the Engine Safety Shield, has been developed by John Zunik of Brooklyn, New York. The invention’s unique design enables it to serve as a highly effective safety barrier for airplane and helicopter engines against birds and other airborne objects... Read more
18-Dec-2011Source: ARSA
The Symposium includes sessions on updates to regulations, policies and procedures that govern the maintenance industry, and more. Legislative Day gets you informed on the issues that affect your business and includes Capitol Hill meetings with your representatives, senators and congressional staff. More details for the Symposium will be posted as they become available. See... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Spectrum Aeromed
Michael Gallagher has joined Spectrum Aeromed as Vice President, Project Manager. In his new role, Gallagher will direct the activities of systems analysis, design, product development and sales in the implementation of air medical equipment solutions. “Mike Gallagher is a highly-skilled professional and proven leader. His outstanding background in mechanical engineering, lean manufacturing and customer... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: FAASTeam
Safety – Survival – Shivering – Yawning So what do these things have in common? Well, survivalists say that shivering is the first symptom you should look for if you suspect your buddy is falling victim to hypothermia. If that person doesn’t get to a warmer place soon, they are likely to be in danger... Read more
17-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
17-Dec-2011Source: Convio
Design consultancy Convio has completed a rebrand and website design project for charity The Children’s Air Ambulance. The Children’s Air Ambulance provides helicopter transfer sevice and life-saving treatment to critically ill children thorughout the UK. The rebranding is in line with the recent takeover of the charity by the umbrella organisation The Air Ambulance Service.... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Simplex
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted an STC for Simplex Aerospace’s new power line insulator and windmill cleaning system for the Eurocopter AS350 and 355 series. The STC, number SR02207SE issued on 12-15-2011, is the newest product in the company’s 65 year history of innovation. The Aerial Cleaning system represents the third generation of aerial cleaning... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
The Thales TopDeck® avionics suite to be installed in Sikorsky’s new S-76D™ helicopter will offer new “click to fly†ability based on a concept that has never been installed on a helicopter before: the Icube-S concept of Intuitivity, Interactivity, Integration and Safety. The S-76D helicopter is the newest model in the popular S-76® helicopter series manufactured by... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Helicopter NYC
With the launch of their new, more comprehensive website, Helicopter New York City now offers easier website functionality for booking helicopter tours online. “Our customers spoke and we listened,†states Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development at Helicopter New York City. “Our customer feedback was the impetus for a website redesign so users can quickly book... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Flight conditions further rapidly deteriorated and became extremely bad, one of the helicopters had an accident during the flight back to the Germany research ship Polarstern. Fortunately, the passengers were only slightly injured. Instant support could be given by the other helicopter team, which at the same time had a hard but safe landing... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Flight conditions further rapidly deteriorated and became extremely bad, one of the helicopters had an accident during the flight back to the Germany research ship Polarstern. Fortunately, the passengers were only slightly injured. Instant support could be given by the other helicopter team, which at the same time had a hard but safe landing... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Crashed shortly after take-off with two high profile politicians on board – total 5POB. Potential damage is to port skid? But it may just be uneven ground.... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Two male occupants were treated for superficial wounds and bruises... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have launched an official iPhone App to enable supporters to keep even more up to date with the latest news and activity from the life-saving Charity. The brand-new App, which is now available to download via the iTunes App store for £1.99, enables supporters to track HM98 & HM99 across... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: University of Utah Healthcare
With the goal of better serving southern and central Utah regions, University of Utah Health Care’s AirMed and Mountain View Hospital welcomed guests today to celebrate AirMed’s new 24-hour aircraft base at Mountain View Hospital in Payson. The new base in Payson was a strategic move for AirMed, as the crew relocated to Mountain View... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Garmin
Pilot Jeff French loves his company’s Citation Mustang. He also loves the Garmin G1000 avionics suite that comes on the Mustang as standard equipment. And with 5,500 flight hours under his belt, the company pilot for Sunridge Hotel Group really loves his recent Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) upgrade. Sunridge manages multiple hotel properties, primarily... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: FlightGlobal
Sikorsky declined to identify the customer, but said it was a corporate operator in the Northeast corridor of the US or one in the Middle East (see full story)... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Flying Magazine
The FAA’s AeroNav division held a meeting in Washington DC this week, and according to sources who asked not to be identified, its aim was to gather industry input on their plan to raise fees for its data (see full story)... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced that it has received an order for a BK117C-2 helicopter from Nishi Nippon Airlines Co., Ltd. The helicopter, to be used as medevacs in Oita prefectures, is slated for delivery starting in May 2012 . The Kawasaki BK117 helicopter was developed jointly by Kawasaki and European helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD),... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered the first Bell 429 with a multi-mission configuration to Fairfax County, Virginia. This is the first of two Bell 429s being delivered to Fairfax County. Their second Bell 429 is expected to deliver in the second quarter of 2012. This multi-role Bell... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Era Helicopters
Era Training Center (ETC) is pleased to announce that its first AW139 flight simulation training device (FSTD) has been FAA-certified as a Level 6 FSTD. This certification will allow helicopter operators to conduct AW139 training in ETC’s device under CFR Part 61 or train in the FSTD with their own instructors. ETC’s AW139 FSTD has... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: USPTO
Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,078,395) developed by Kenneth E. Builta, Euless, Texas, James E. Harris, Dalworthington Gardens, Texas, and Billy K. Gore, Euless, Texas, for a “control system for automatic circle flight.” The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A flight... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: OPEIU
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopter pilots, members of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 109 employed by Air Methods Corporation based in Denver, Colorado have ratified a new agreement covering more than 1,000 pilots. AMC operates in 45 states transporting close to 100,000 patients annually as the nation’s largest provider of air medical... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
A ceremony was held in Bucharest today for the delivery by Eurocopter Romania, a subsidiary of Eurocopter – the world’s leading civil and parapublic helicopter manufacturer – of an EC135 helicopter to Romania’s Ministry of Health. The ceremony was attended by the Romanian Minister of Health Ladislau Ritli, the Secretary of State in the Romanian... Read more
15-Dec-2011
Summit Air Ambulance is expanding its business with a new base in the Montana city of Belgrade, which they expect to have up and running by 1st January. (see full story). The company is based in Idaho and has a base at Boise in their home state of Idaho, as well as bases at Las... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
India’s aviation safety regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has grounded two Pawan Hans pilots pending an inquiry into an alleged safety lapse. The pilots were ferrying three oil workers on 10th December and made an unscheduled landing after realising when already airborne that a door of the helicopter was not securely shut. Having... Read more
15-Dec-2011
The City Council voted 6-2 Tuesday to approve a tax abatement for the expansion of Bell Helicopter’s headquarters in which the company will reap $13.5 million over 20 years if it meets requirements. (see full story)... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: Kansas City Star
The first wrongful death lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Nevada on behalf of the families of a honeymooning couple from India killed in a Las Vegas sightseeing helicopter crash that also took the lives of the pilot and a Kansas couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. (see full story)... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday, Schweizer 333 G-TAME departed Shoreham Airport by road after being purchased by Fuchs Helicopter, the Swiss operator. The UK fleet of five Schwiezer 333s has not flown for some time and originally numbered five. In May this year we reported G-TAMB had been bought by Fuchs, and now G-TAME has followed the same route.... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: Embry Riddle
Students in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Helicopter Specialty Degree program will be even more well prepared for work in the helicopter industry, thanks in part to L-3 Communications. L-3 has generously donated to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University a set of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to be used within the Bachelor of Aeronautical Science Helicopter Speciality degree program.... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: Strom Aviation
Strom Aviation, a full-service aerospace staffing company based near Dallas, Texas, has launched a new division in their organization, Strom Direct Aviation Staffing. Strom Direct is an independent provider of candidates for placement in permanent positions for Strom Aviation’s clients and with a particular emphasis on the corporate aviation and helicopter industries. Their primary focus... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has processed a registration transfer to allow it to operate an AW139 in Kazakhstan. Operating until recently from North Denes in the UK, G-CHCV was noted in early November being worked on in Stavangar, Norway – perhaps in preparation for its new role. C-CHCV is serial 41005, a 2007 manufactured aircraft which had 3,007... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: CALSTAR
The Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation has donated $25,000 to the California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) base in Ukiah. It is the ninth year in a row that the foundation has made a substantial donation to the base, known as CALSTAR 4. According to Deborah Pardee, R.N., M.S., North Bay Regional Director for CALSTAR, the donations... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: London's Air Ambulance
Today marked a moment in history when London’s Air Ambulance, the world’s leading air ambulance, began operating from its new home on top of the new Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. The helicopter landed at 8.05am for service. At 284ft high, the helipad is one of the highest in Europe and is almost the same... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) and Methodist Healthcare (Methodist) announce the expansion of their partnership providing emergency helicopter service to include a second base in Pearsall, Texas, called Methodist AirCare 2. Service began on December 12, 2011. AirCare 2 will provide life-saving 24/7 emergency medical helicopter service from a base located 50 miles southwest of... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
15-Dec-2011
Crashed and burned in a residential area on a post maintenance test flight. 1 fatal from 2POB – Pilot Pedro Malaver survived and engineer Edsel Pachecho did not.... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: STARS
Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris, STARS representatives and local media received a phase-one project briefing today at the site of the future STARS helicopter base at the Regina International Airport. Construction is progressing on schedule in advance of the anticipated spring 2012 launch of operations. “We’re very excited to move a step closer to introducing... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: University Centre in Svalbard
A helicopter crashed and sank in Adventfjorden in December 2003, never to be seen again – until last week. An underwater robot was cruising at 70 meters depth to take images of the ocean floor for a UNIS research project, when it hit upon the remains of the helicopter. The helicopter crashed and sunk in... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Air Zermatt has registered a new Eurocopter AS350B3e on Monday of this week. Serial 7309 and registered HB-ZPB, the new aircraft joins two AS350B2s, three AS350B3s, three Lamas and a Eurocopter EC135T2. Air Zermatt’s website currently shows two of the Lamas are for sale. Photo shows sister ship and not the new AS350B3e... Read more
14-Dec-2011
A federal magistrate has refused to order Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to pay damages to another company for allegedly hiding an internal report about a fatal accident in January 2009 (see full story) See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 04-Jan-09 N748P Sikorsky S76C++ Gulf of Mexico, US-Gulf of Mexico (8F)... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The NTSB preliminary report cites the following factors which they evidently see as very important in this stage of their investigation (1) the impact location in a narrow ravine (2) the non-standard routing taken by the pilot (3) dusk light conditions Check out the details in the Preliminary report Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: NTSB
On December 7, 2011 at 1630 Pacific Standard Time, a Eurocopter AS350-B2, registration N37SH, operated by Sundance Helicopters as flight Landmark 57, crashed in mountainous terrain approximately 14 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The 14 CFR Part 135 flight was a tourist sightseeing flight, which departed from Las Vegas McCarren International Airport (LAS), Las... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Emergency single-engine landing after chip light illuminated. Aircraft was en route to pick up patient.... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Early reports of private helicopter down on Raytheon property nr Tucson Airport. Pilot airlifted to UMC Trauma Center, no info on the other person on board. FAA spokesman said pilot reported engine failure prior to landing.... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky has achieved another significant milestone in its S-76Dâ„¢ helicopter program as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently certified the Pratt & Whitney CanadaPW210S engines that will be installed in Sikorsky’s new S-76Dâ„¢ helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The engine certification issued on Dec. 5 signifies that the PW210S engine meets the... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Aero Vodochody
As the first company in the Czech Republic caught Aero Vodochody in the quality management system up with leaders of the world aviation industry. Aero Vodochody has recently acquired three important certificates, which indicate the company responsible approach to its employees as well as customers. First, company was certified according to EN ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AHS
VFF is the philanthropic arm of AHS. Since 1977, VFF has awarded nearly 400 scholarships to promising undergraduate and graduate students who plan to pursue careers in vertical flight. VFF has made a real difference, with past scholarship recipients now in important leadership positions in government, industry and academia. Last year, VFF provided 18 scholarships totaling nearly $35,000,... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Appareo Systems
Appareo Systems is pleased to announce that it has undertaken a significant software development project with CHC Helicopter, providing the world’s largest helicopter services company with an innovative and robust electronic flight bag (EFB) application. The CHC EFB software will run on the Apple iPad, continuing CHC’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to achieve a... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first two AW139 OGP Safety Advisors Training Programmes for the oil & gas safety advisors community in September and November 2011 have been hailed a success by those attending. This initiative, launched early this year, complements the oil & gas seminars that have been organised... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Bel Air of Denmark has signed a contract for two AW189 helicopters. The aircraft will be used for offshore oil and gas transport missions in the North Sea. Bel Air is the latest offshore oil and gas operator to select the new AW189 helicopter to meet... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter Malaysia keeps up its 100% market share in the heavy helicopter category for offshore operations in Malaysia with two EC225 helicopter orders confirmed at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA), in addition to eight others operating in the country. As an affirmation of its leading position in the provision of heavy... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it has received the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) validation of the U.S. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the GTN 650 and GTN 750 series touchscreen avionics. With this validation, these avionics are certified and approved... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that DanCopter, a Blueway AS company, has taken delivery of the first of five AW139 medium twin helicopters. This aircraft will be used for offshore transport operations in Nigeria. An initial order for three AW139s was placed in 2010 which was followed by contracts for two additional... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: Mike Wiegele
Already boasting a 2 meter snow base, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing announces the opening of their 42nd heli ski and snowboard season this past weekend. “Nothing compares to the experience of heli skiing and boarding in Blue River,†says Mike Wiegele, “it is unmatched anywhere in the world. From our amazing and massive ski terrain, unparalleled service,... Read more
13-Dec-2011
“fell to the ground from low level” – tail boom severed by main blades, skids collapsed. 5 POB but none were patients.... Read more
12-Dec-2011Source: Living Legends
The 9th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation”® Awards, presented by Learjet, welcomes ONEflight International as a Presenting Sponsor.  The awards will be held January 20, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton. Considered the most prestigious and important recognition event of aviation, this intimate, memorable, and historic evening of aviation awards and entertainment will feature Morgan Freeman, with a special... Read more
12-Dec-2011Source: INAER
In the city of Puerto Varas has been installed an emergency helicopter operations center for southern Chile. At the base, a Bell 212 helicopter will operate, equipped with a mobile ICU and medical equipment for the patient to receive the first care, stabilization in the accident site and care during transport to hospital. “The use of helicopters to evacuate critically... Read more
12-Dec-2011Source: ARSA
In response to an ARSA request, the FAA will review agency policy and guidance regarding part identification when more than one number is applied to a part at production. In a Dec. 6, 2011 letter, FAA Aircraft Maintenance Division Manager Steven Douglas stated that the FAA, “[shares ARSA’s] concern that the presence of multiple part numbers may... Read more
12-Dec-2011
Damaged in hangar prior to being put into service. Fixed wing aircraft manoevred and struck helicopter twice, causing two long scratches, which are reported as “relatively minor” were then covered up using a marker pen. All activity caught on hangar video surveillance. Gadsden Police on the case... Read more
12-Dec-2011
External load operations. Load had been transferred when pilot felt something unusual and elected to make an autorotation landing. Lost control in the flare and the helicopter landed heavily and rolled onto its side – severely damaged. Pilot listed as Eduardo Boisset Encina... Read more
12-Dec-2011
Precautionary landing after “Engine out” warning. Maintenance engineers attended scene and reportedly “repaired the faulty wiring”... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co have started production of the 100th R66 – the company distributed a photo via Twitter at 3.21pm Pacific time on Saturday afternoon. See original posting here. As pointed out here by Rotorcorp, the Robinson parts people, what Robinson Helicopter Co lack in volume of tweets, they certainly make up for in quality!... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The current President of the board of Trustees of Rega Foundation stands down at the end of December 2011. Albert Keller has served for 10 years having taken over the role at the beginning of 2002. He has had an eventful time as a President, including the procurement of new helicopters, introduction of a new... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Sundance Helicopters AS350 that went down just west of Lake Mead had its engine and other parts replaced the day before it crashed, killing five people, investigators revealed Friday. Check out the NTSB press briefings:- early on Thursday 8th December 8pm on Thursday 8th December 5pm on Saturday 10th December William P Johnson –... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: Hindustan Times
Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan received the keys of a brand new US-made Sikorsky 76 last Tuesday. In a few weeks time, Chavan, governor K Sankarnarayan and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, will use the aircraft to fly to state functions and events. (see full story)Â File photo... Read more
11-Dec-2011
In November 2009, a Piasecki helicopter struck high tension wires shortly after departing from Adelanto airport as it headed for an airshow in Riverside, California. The helicopter crashed and burned, and all three aboard were killed. (see full story) See also HeliHub.com accident page – 07-Nov-09 N183YP Piasecki PV-18 Adelanto, US-California (3F)... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is holding a hearing on air race and air show safety. The hearing will be chaired by NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, and all five Board members will participate. During the one-day meeting, the Board will gather information on the safety regulations and oversight in the planning and execution... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: 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 November 24, 2011, approximately 1900 central standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N821JV, sustained substantial damage when... Read more
10-Dec-2011
Emergency landing due to mechanical issue. Upon inspection by the mechanic, a clogged left hydraulic filter was found which had made the collective feel stiff. After replacement, the aircraft was returned to service.... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Late on Wednesday this week, a Sikorsky S92 from Cougar Helicopters completed its ferry flight from Newfoundland to Aberdeen in the UK. This delivery flight is the initial stage of the helicopter being leased to Bristow for operations on the North Sea. We are awaiting Cougar’s response to our enquiries regarding the length of the... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
WPD Helicopter Unit have now registered their first EC135P1 as G-WPDB. Previously D-HAIT with German EMS operator ADAC, it is expected to be joined by sister ship G-WPDA from the same source within days. As recently as 22nd November, the helicopter was still in its ADAC yellow scheme at Bonn-Hangelar airport, but it is expected... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: Malaysia Star
Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC) is expanding into the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business following its latest agreement with Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd. (see full story)... Read more
