29-Aug-2011Source: AllAfrica
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is to commence the training of rotor craft pilots in Q3. The organisation is purchasing two B206s from Canada. (see full story)... Read more
29-Aug-2011
A new owner has been announced today for Totally Tourism, including the Glacier Helicopters business once co-owned by Helicopters (NZ). (See full story)... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: Sikorsky
SHELTON, Connecticut – Sikorsky Helitech, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, announced today the signing of an agreement with FlightSafety International to provide maintenance training for customers in the Asia Pacific area. The three- year agreement is the first of its kind to offer Pratt & Whitney Canada Aircraft Engine maintenance... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: STV
The helipad has been branded “almost useless” after it was revealed two-thirds of emergency flights are unable to land there. The National Health Service said that locating the pad to the rear of the hospital was the only option open at the time of construction, and they are planning a replacement which could be available... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
UK Robinson dealer Sloane Helicopters has recently delivered the third R66 into the UK market. Serial #0031 has been handed over to a private owner in the North East of England, who will continue to operate it on the FAA registration N4478K until EASA certification is achieved by Robinson Helicopter Co in Torrance. At that... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
Christopher Hart was sworn in today for his second two-year term as NTSB vice chairman. He became a board member for the second time on August 12, 2009, and six days later was designated as vice chairman by President Obama. Vice Chairman Hart had previously served as an NTSB board member from 1990 to 1993.... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
NASDAQ filing this week show that COO of Air Methods Corp. Paul H Tate sells 4,000 shares of AIRM on 24th August at an average price of $65.25 a share. – total value $261,000 Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: Rebtech
As the result of a competitive bid award by the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit, REBTECH has teamed with Paradigm Aerospace Corporation (PAC) to provide the first night vision compatible cockpit and cabins for the agency’s Bell 407 helicopters. Installation of the REBTECH night vision Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) was completed at the PAC facility... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: PHPA
THe PHPA has advised that… From our friends at the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group (SCAUWG): Pilots in the Southern California area will be interested in the newly announced NPRM for the Long Beach Class C airspace. You can see the details at: http://www.scauwg.org/scauwg/LongBeachClassCAirspace2011Revised.html There will be public meetings in October and the NPRM... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Pakistan government has reportedly decided to expand the Islamabad heliport by cutting short the size of a cricket stadium planned nearby several years ago, reports local news website Dawn.com. The transfer of 8 acres (3.24 hectares) has been approved by the Capital Development Authority according to an official requesting anonymity, with the reason given... Read more
29-Aug-2011
Landed hard and tail blades struck the ground... Read more
29-Aug-2011
One report says 10 on board, 6 to hospital. A second report says 13 to hospital. Linked to event for launch of a cable car construction project.... Read more
29-Aug-2011
Flying to the Henry Goodrich drill rig northeast of St. John’s when its pilots aborted the flight. about 48 kilometres offshore after the pilots became concerned about “higher than normal vibration.” They decided to turn back to the airport as a precaution.... Read more
28-Aug-2011
Crashed in mountainous terrain. Two passengers survived with serious injuries, but pilot Phil Cotter, age 62, died. Uncorroborated reports quote cargo net round the main rotor head.... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Around 7pm local time on Friday evening, an Air Methods AS350B2 crashed in an open field killing the 58-year old female patient and three male crew. As with all helicopter accidents and incidents this is recorded in our Safety pages. The helicopter was operated in the colours of LifeNet. For more information on this specific... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Japan’s Doctor Heli organisation currently flies a fleet of 15 Eurocopter EC135s and 5 MD Explorers on EMS work across Japan. The EC135s are operated for them by Aero Hirata, and the Explorers by Aero Asahi. Doctor Heli is on the point of adding a third type – the AgustaWestland AW109. There have at least... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
With 1,000 aircraft produced, it seems a little surprising that no Eurocopter EC135s have yet been registered in South Korea – that is, until last week. Serial number 0942, a Pratt & Whitney engined EC135P2+ was registered last week to Korean Air as HL9496. HeliHub.com has approached the operator for more information on the expected... Read more
27-Aug-2011
Helicopter went down around 9.15pm killing four members of the same family – named as R44 owner Yvon Beaudoin, 65, his partner, 67-year-old Marie-Paule Frechette, his son Eric Beaudoin, 43, and his granddaughter, 8-year-old Melizandre Beaudoin. CADORS 2011Q1877... Read more
27-Aug-2011
Helicopter ditched in the Gulf of Mexico, 10 miles off Sabine Pass, TX. Emergency floats deployed and photos show helicopter upright floating on the water.... Read more
27-Aug-2011
Solo student pilot, emergency landing off the off the BeachLine Expressway, sparking a brush fire. Pilot had reportedly landed quickly due to an onboard fire.... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Sunday Business Post
Irish Health Minister Dr James Reilly let slip in a recent Q&A session after a speech at McGill Summer School that the government is in discussions with a helicopter provider, according to this article in the Sunday Business Post... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Houston Chronicle
Life Flight was created 35 years ago this month, the brainchild of Dr. James “Red” Duke (who is still Life Flight’s medical director) and the late Lester “Whitey” Martin, former Houston Fire Department deputy chief and a champion of HFD’s early EMS services. (full story)... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Leading WA-based helicopter company Heliwest has won a long-term contract to provide emergency response services to Western Power in the southern half of the state. Heliwest already provides scheduled inspection flight services to Western Power and has now added emergency response flying to its operations. Heliwest chief pilot Captain Ashley Williams said the contract specified... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: US DoD
Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., McMinnville, Ore., was awarded a $16,546,552 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the medical evacuation services and training support for the U.S. Army in Alaska. Work will be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Four bids were solicited, with two bids received. The U.S.... Read more
26-Aug-2011
A Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) employee has said relocating from an airfield that is due to close will have a “substantial impact” on services. The service is based at Filton airport near Bristol, which is to close from the end of 2012 following a review of its commercial and economic viability. (see story)... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Flightglobal
Building upon its work on a DARPA program, AeroVironment said that it intends to release an unmanned vertical takeoff and landing system in the next three or four years (Full story)... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Standard
A Department of Planning and Community Development review of helicopter landing sites wants to ease the requirements for operators. The review suggests a permit should not be required where the hours of helicopter operation and frequency are limited and where there is a one-kilometre setback from a sensitive use. (Full story) Photo shows the Twelve... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro encourages all HAI members and operators of aircraft to review security ahead of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. U.S. officials have stepped up warnings over the threat posed by lone individuals or small groups. At this time no specific or credible information has been issued about... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: HFI
Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) works to ensure the helicopter industry’s future success and to preserve its rich past. Last year, HFI awarded 18 scholarships: Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarships (4), Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarships (6), Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarships (7) and one Michelle North Scholarship for Safety, to attend courses at various institutions throughout... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Honeywell
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Egret Acquisition Corp. successfully completed the tender offer for all shares of common stock of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), including the associated common stock purchase rights, at a price of $33.00 per share, without interest and net of applicable withholding taxes. The tender offer expired... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
Marion, IL – Todd Test, flight paramedic for the Marion, Ill. Air Evac Lifeteam base, has been honored with the company’s 2011 Region 1 Flight Paramedic of the Year award. Test’s region consists of Air Evac Lifeteam bases in Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. The Flight Paramedic of the Year is presented to the paramedic who... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: Rotormotion
London Executive Aviation (LEA), one of Europe’s largest business jet charter operators, and top helicopter charter business RotorMotion are together celebrating the success of the inaugural ‘Aviation Polo Challenge’. In a closely fought pro-am match, including three Argentinean professional players, a late goal from the RotorMotion team secured a 6-5 win over LEA. Everyone agreed,... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Pilot had reported that he was calling in to a nearby airport for refuel shortly before. Air Ambulance crashed in open countryside killing the three crew – Randy Bever, 47, a nurse, Chris Frakes, 36, a paramedic, and James Freudenberg, 34, the pilot – and the patient Terry Tacoronte, 58... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Extensively damaged by severe hailstorm when parked at a hotel. Hail stones the size of tennis balls!... Read more
26-Aug-2011
Helicopter landed hard after a hydraulic failure. There were 5 people on board, including 4 passengers from Alberta Forestry Dept. The pilot received a broken collarbone and the helicopter was substantially damaged (CADORS 2011C3219)... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: PHPA
This year the PHPA and the Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Expo will be joining forces, with the PHPA taking a more active role in this year’s show.  The event is being held at the Los Alamitos Army Airfield & Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos on Sunday, October 23, 2011. One of the tasks PHPA has... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: Castleberry
Castleberry Instruments and Avionics announced that its repair station has earned FAA full Class 1, 2, 3 Radio, Class 1, 2, 3, 4, Instrument and Limited Airframe ratings. These upgrades enable Castleberry to add all Avionics, all Instruments, as well as Installations and certain Aircraft certifications to its current service offerings. “Earning these ratings will... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: Zetron
A mission-critical communications control system from Zetron has been deployed by Bristow Helicopters’ North Sea oil and gas operation in a bid to help achieve a demanding world-wide quality target – and it is already paying dividends. The Zetron DCS-5020 Digital Console, installed at Bristow’s Aberdeen logistics control room, enables three controllers to coordinate some... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant
At MAKS-2011 International Aviation and Space Salon Russian Helicopters holding company signed two macrocontracts for delivery of Mi-171 helicopters produced by JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (JSC U-UAP). According to the agreements achieved, 40 helicopters of Mi-171 type are planned to be delivered to JSC UTair Aviation, 39 helicopters of Mi-8 type – Gaspromavia Aviation Company... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan has signed a contract for an AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used by the Hiroshima Prefecture Disaster Relief Department to perform fire fighting and disaster relief missions. The helicopter is due to enter operational... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Helitech
Helitech has formed its first Steering Committee to help ensure that the event continues to reflect the needs and aspirations of the rotary-wing industry in future years. With the event celebrating its 25th year of supporting the rotary wing arena this year, the aim is to continue to shape Helitech to meet the requirements of... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: WCSC
Following their announcement of the contract with MUSC, Med-Trans have recently started operations of a new EC135P2+, registration N452MT and Eurocopter serial 0974 out of Charleston. A profile of the new operation can be found here... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Collier County EMS pilot suspended in July for leaving his running helicopter has won his appeal. Mark Holmes was suspended without pay July 28 and ordered to complete a safety course and pass a test before returning to work, which he immediately passed. The suspension involved an incident on July 14, when Holmes was... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
The NTSB has issued a long statement of recommendations to the FAA following their investigation of a May 2009 accident to a Robinson R44 operated by Alaska State Troopers. The recommendations are summarised at the end of the document as:- Therefore, the National Transportation Safety Board makes the following recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration:... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: HeilHub.com
The Rio Grande Valley’s longest-running helicopter ambulance will be permanently grounded this autumn, thanks to Texas state budget cuts. The South Texas Emergency Care Foundation has operated Valley AirCare since 1995, but operating their AS350B2 in recent years has been an increasing challenge as cost reimbursements continued a downward slide and fuel prices soared. With... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Courier Gazette
Profile article on the PHI Air Medical base at McKinney TX is featured here. The base operates a Eurocopter EC135P2+, registered N325PH... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Systems Interface
SIL will be showing a selection from the Avlite’s portfolio of environmentally sustainable, eco-friendly, solar powered airfield and Helipad lighting. Avlite Systems is a world-class solar aviation lighting systems manufacturer with a proven reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions designed specifically for defence, government, civil and humanitarian aid operations in the most remote... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
The Evansville, Ind. Air Evac Lifeteam base has been selected as the company’s 2011 Region 1 Base of the Year. Region 1 consists of Air Evac Lifeteam bases in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. The Base of the Year Award is presented to the base in the Air Evac Lifeteam system that best exemplifies the... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: Oliver VTOL
Oliver VTOL LLC, today announced the “Hexplane,” an innovative six-engine vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that holds the promise to fly faster, further and safer than any VTOL in the industry. The Hexplane design has three wings and six tilt-able propulsion units that will enable the aircraft to fly above 25,000 feet at cruise... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: PAMA
The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) has elected its 2011 Board of Directors. Those elected for two-year terms as PAMA Directors are: Chairperson – Roger Sickler, President, Air Land Turbine Services Inc. Vice Chairperson – Jeff Gruber, Instructor, Columbus State Community College Secretary – John Wicht, DER, Rapco Inc. Treasurer –Richard Wellman, Field Service Representative,... Read more
23-Aug-2011
The new EC145 boasts several new state-of-the-art features, including NVG capability, several global positioning units, terrain avoidance technology, onboard weather systems and a glass cockpit that Sgt. John Ratliff said was the “latest and best technology.â€Â (Full story) The particular aircraft is registered N39VA, serial 9384. File photo... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: GES
Global Experience Specialists (GES) a leader in exhibition, event and retail marketing services announced that it completed another successful product launch for long-time client Bell Helicopter. The most recent product launch was at Heli-Expo 2011, the largest trade show dedicated to the international helicopter community. GES delivered a sophisticated, high-impact experience to showcase and debut two new... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker announced the latest release of their innovative LIFE CYCLE COST 2011 Volume II. The most comprehensive aircraft budget and financial analysis tool available, LIFE CYCLE COST from Conklin & de Decker, provides aircraft owners, operators, flight department managers, and aircraft consultants with extensive ownership and operating cost data for nearly 400... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Robinson R44 Raven, G-GDOV – 16 May 2011 – Chagford, Devon... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Scott’s – Bell 47
Scott’s – Bell 47, Inc. (SB47), OEM for the Model 47 helicopter, today announced a reduction of their Main Rotor Blade spares pricing to $45,000 per blade, -13 & -21, and $45,500 for the -23. This reduction is driven by the customer survey responses received over the past 6 months and is afforded by their... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Helijet
Helijet’s regularly-scheduled Victoria to Vancouver passenger service landed Tuesday morning with a special delivery: the Fairmont Empress’ famous tea and scones and a freshly-logoed helicopter to promote a new business partnership between North America’s largest scheduled helicopter carrier and Fairmont Hotels. The new partnership between The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Empress and Helijet means great Helijet rates (up... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters Ltd (Bristow) has appointed David Laskowski to oversee its operations in the busy northern North Sea energy sector. Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, Laskowski will serve as Development Manager responsible for day-to-day management of up to 250,000 passenger movements annually through the Integrated Aviation Consortium (IAC) contract. He will play a key role in... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix Inc. is very proud to announce the completion and delivery of the Howard County Police night vision goggle modified Bell 407 aircraft. ’We are very pleased to be working with a large number of law enforcement agencies on the conversion of their aircraft for night vision goggle operations’ stated General Manager Dennis Trout.... Read more
