25-Jul-2011Source: Aersolution
Aersolution GmbH, founded 2006 as an aircraft engineering service supplier, has extended its product range to entire EMS interiors for rotary and fixed wing aircraft. For several years, Aersolution has designed high end modifications for medium and large body VIP fixed wing aircrafts. In parallel, Aersolution developed complex interior components for Emergency Medical Service operators... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: CAA
Further development of the airspace security restrictions covering the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012 were announced today by the UK Government, as part of its paramount objective to deliver of a safe and secure Games for all. A number of changes to the Government’s original proposals, announced on 7 March, have been made... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: FB Heliservices
FB Heliservices is pleased to confirm that it plans to attend Helitech in 2011 with four of its aircraft on show Bell 412 Griffin HARII, a Search and Rescue helicopter based on the Bell 412EP, operated by 84 Squadron RAF since 2003 at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. READ MORE about 84 Squadron… Eurocopter AS 350, a... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Brisbane Times
The Gold Coast needs a police helicopter to fight crime and the council might help fund it, Mayor Ron Clarke says. Mr Clarke will today ask councillors to vote on a plan to partially fund a six-month trial. (Full story)... Read more
25-Jul-2011
Light helicopter crashed after striking wires during low level agricultural operations... Read more
25-Jul-2011
Had just flown over a block of cherry trees and was turning to fly back when it hit power lines 40-50 feet above the ground. Crashed and burned, killing pilot. Stephen W. Nelson reportedly died of asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation... Read more
25-Jul-2011
Agricultural ops, crashed into field, killing 54-year-old Hubert Dane Harris Jr., of Little Rock, AK.... Read more
25-Jul-2011
The video report on the link given states that the same operator had two helicopter accidents today, one fatal at Chelan (see HeliHub.com report) and one on the ground at Brewster... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, and Asia’s leading company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have reiterated their commitment to take their five decade long relationship to the next level. The long-time partners are in the process of signing agreements to further strengthen their industrial cooperation and links. This association will focus on increasing existing collaboration... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts
At this year’s Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) 41st Annual Conference & Exposition, Night Flight Concepts, a premier provider of comprehensive night vision solutions, and Delta P, a consulting company specializing in aerospace physiology, are pleased to unveil a new educational website, LaserStrikeProtection.com. The site is dedicated to helping aviation organizations understand and mitigate the... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Norwich Bulletin
Hartford Hospital officials have renewed their commitment to keeping the Life Star program at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT (Full story)... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Brisbane Times
The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia, which represents the aviation companies involved in firefighting, crop spraying and oil-spill clean-ups, warned the carbon tax was a “direct attack” on the industry for “absolutely no benefit”. Adding six cents a litre to aviation fuel, chief execctive Philip Hurst said that companies will struggle with the price hike... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Blue Sky Network
Blue Sky Network (BSN), a leading, global provider of satellite tracking solutions, announced today that its sister company, BSN Brazil Comunicacao Por Satelite LTDA, has obtained an SMGS license (Non Geostationary Satellite Global Mobile Service) in Brazil, enabling the company to provision Iridium-based satellite services in Brazil. Iridium delivers connectivity to 100 percent of the... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems announced today a series of organizational changes to better align leadership with the needs of the business. David Coleal will join the company as senior vice president/general manager of the Fuselage Segment. In that role, Mr. Coleal will be responsible for the company’s fuselage structures and components, comprising more than $2 billion dollars... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: FDC/aerofilter
FDC/aerofilter is pleased to announce that the service life for the Eurocopter AS350 series and EC130 B4 inlet barrier filter elements has been increased to 4500 hours, with no limitation on the number of cleanings. In addition, the recommended service interval has been increased to 300 hours. The FAA recently approved a revision to FDC/aerofilter’s... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Tanis Aircraft Products
Tanis Aircraft Products announce that they will be exhibiting in a new location at AirVenture Oshkosh 2011—in outdoor exhibit number 286, next to hangar B. Tanis will display an array of aircraft engines complete with Tanis Preheat Systems. In the Tanis exhibit, showgoers can get a hands-on look at the popular ROTAX 912 engine, courtesy... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board is offering two investigative courses and one transportation disaster response course over the next two months at its training center just outside Washington, D.C. The five-day ROTORCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION course (Aug. 22-26) provides participants with a comprehensive overview of the procedures and methods used and the skills required with all... Read more
24-Jul-2011
1 fatal – owner Chris Watts aged 45. A fixed wing pilot flying in the area reported this online “There was a lot of horrible, low drifting clag about with drizzle and the situation was rapidly changing.” Caught fire on crash landing.... Read more
23-Jul-2011
Struck powerlines and force landed. It is believed that this helicopter operates for the ABC channel 8 KTUL under the name “Ranger 8”... Read more
23-Jul-2011
Take off phase, ended up on its side... Read more
23-Jul-2011
Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter entered a nose-high attitude with low power setting and lost altitude while in instrument meteorological conditions. The flight crew arrested the descent and continued on to St. John’s. There were two pilots and 5 passengers on board the helicopter and no one was injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the... Read more
23-Jul-2011
Unmanned helicopter crashed during a demonstration flight... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the launch of UK involvement in the AW169 commercial helicopter programme with the support of a £22 million loan by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. The announcement was made today by the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a study of accidents involving E-AB (sometimes called homebuilt) aircraft in order to evaluate the safety of this growing and innovative segment of general aviation. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will support the project by hosting a web-based survey for E-AB owners of the aircraft; their survey findings... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) has signed a preliminary sale contract for two AW169 helicopters. The contract was signed today by Andy Williamson, CEO, WNAA and Bruno Spagnolini, CEO, AgustaWestland, during a ceremony at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the presence of the Rt Hon... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, Texas – American Eurocopter announced today that the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has selected an AS350 B2 helicopter to replace its aging military surplus helicopter. The new rotorcraft will augment the mission capabilities of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit and will increase the availability of aerial support to the citizens of... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: AgustaWestland
It was announced that the Government has awarded AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, a total of £10 million in research and development grants that will be delivered through the Technology Strategy Board. The funding will go towards a new programme consisting of three R&D projects. The programme will ensure that the UK maintains its leading position... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: Nordic Rotors
In a recently published incident report the Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) aims criticism at the Swedish helicopter search and rescue (SAR) organization. The report itself deals with a ship incident that occurred on 2 December 2008. The RORO cargo/passenger vessel M/S Sea Wind was en-route from Turku (Finlad) to Stockholm (Sweden) when... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, Texas – Today, at the 2011 Airborne Law Enforcement Association convention in New Orleans, American Eurocopter is introducing a new safety innovation for helicopter operators: an Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC) Training Course in the AS350 Level B Flight & Mission Training Simulator. The course is applicable to all mission environments and American... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today it will release financial results for its fiscal year 2012 first quarter ended June 30, 2011, after the market closes on Monday, August 8. In conjunction with the release, Bristow has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast... Read more
22-Jul-2011Source: SkyBooks
SkyBOOKS, Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and affiliate of Bell Helicopter, has issued Release 4.5 of its Electronic Record Keeping Program, expanding customer browser options. With SkyBOOKS V4.5 release, users now have compatibility with Internet Explorer® 7, 8, and 8 – Compatibility Mode, Fire Fox, Chrome, and Safari, while iPad® users can now... Read more
22-Jul-2011
Crashed and burned in bushland. Rescuers had to abseil 10m cliff to reach crash site. Pilot named as Colin Greenwood, age 35, and passenger was the helicopter’s owner Bruce Campbell, aged 65... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Barry Cordage
To: All helicopter longline owners and users Barry was made aware of a recent incident involving a longline, which we believe should be communicated to the industry. This incident was reported to us by one of our test pilots who was flying with a synthetic longline protected by a hook-and-loop (Velcro) jacket made by another... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent U.S. Federal government agency charged by the U.S. Congress with investigating transportation accidents, determining their probable cause, and making recommendations to prevent similar accidents from occurring. We are providing the following information to urge your organization to take action on the safety recommendations in this letter.... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Avidyne
Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight deck and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, today introduced their new AXP340 Mode S Transponder with ADS-B Out capability to meet the mandate for the NextGen airspace initiative. The AXP340 transmits ADS-B Out information via Extended Squitter (ES) to appropriately-equipped ground stations and other ADS-B In-equipped... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Wysong Enterprises
Wysong Enterprises, Inc., (Wysong) announced today that they delivered the second of four Bell 407 EMS Helicopters to Med-Trans Corporation. The completion work included a custom paint scheme, complete avionics system, airframe kits, and numerous safety systems as well as a complete emergency medical interior. “We have completed numerous aircraft for Med-Trans Corporation and the... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky have been assigned patent #7,984,146 – developed by James N. Rozak, Cheshire,CT and James P. Cycon, Media,PA. The topic is listed as “aircraft health and usage monitoring system with comparative fleet statistics.” The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) utilizes... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Data Link Solutions
Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture of Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, was recently awarded a direct commercial contract from NATO Air Command and Control System Management Agency (NACMA) to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low-Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) for Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania. The MIDS-LVT terminals are scheduled for delivery in early 2012. “This contract broadens... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Aircell
Aircell, the world’s leading provider of inflight connectivity for business aviation, announced that it has appointed industry veteran Dennis Hildreth Manager, OEM Sales. In his new role, Dennis is responsible for managing the company’s ongoing relationship with business aircraft manufacturers and he will be an active participant in the company’s strategic growth. He reports to... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro this week joined the leaders of six major aviation associations in calling for members of Congress to discard a legislative proposal that would impose a $25 “departure fee†on both airlines and general aviation. This, in combination with the reported change to the depreciation schedule for aircraft, would cause undue burden... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Helitech
Offshore wind farms are expected to make a significant contribution to European electricity demand over the next 40 years, according to a report being published this month by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). While onshore wind farms currently represent 96.5% of total installed wind energy capacity, the offshore wind sector is growing fast and... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today, its Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) has launched a new Tactical Flight Officer course. Designed as a two-part training program including an on-line academic session and resident hands-on training, the Bell Helicopter Tactical Flight Officer course presents officers with the practical skills and active engagement... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation, the largest air medical transportation company in the world, provided an update on second quarter 2011 preliminary results, as well as a status update on pending acquisition of OF Air Holdings and its subsidiaries (together, Omniflight). Based on preliminary 2011 second quarter results, total community-based patient transports were 10,319. Patients transported for... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Aero Maintenance
Aero Maintenance Ltd of Walton Wood in Yorkshire have successfully carried out the first ever UK full 12-year overhaul of an EC 120, they’ve also given it an outstanding new interior and re-spray too! Previously, the 12-year inspection was to be carried out by Eurocopter only, but an amendment to the MSM (Master Servicing Manual)... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW109 Power, Grand, Grand New (E/S/SP) helicopters. This new IBF prevents engine damage in adverse and ramp environments alike. AW109... Read more
21-Jul-2011
While taxiing at Port Keats airport, the helicopter collided with a light pole and rolled onto its side. The crew, passengers and a person on the ground sustained minor injuries.... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter today delivered the 1,000th EC135 to its new owner. Fifteen years after the first of these helicopters rolled off the production line at the Eurocopter plant in Donauwörth, the group’s President and CEO Lutz Bertling handed the keys of the new aircraft on this landmark occasion to Peter Meyer, the President of ADAC, Germany’s... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Beaumont Enterprise
San Juan County Sheriff’s Office flies on an annual budget of just $100,000 – which pays for parts, fuel and licensing pilots; it does not include salaries. Full article... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: South Bend Tribune
WSBT’s cameras took an exclusive ride with MedFlight, one of the area’s only medical helicopters – see full story. Memorial MedFlight utilizes an EC 135P2 helicopter and is based at the South Bend Regional Airport, operated for them by Omniflight. The particular helicopter is registered N3842, and is serial number 0428... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Citizen's Voice
Geisinger’s Life Flight program is celebrating two milestones this month – the 30th anniversary of the program’s inception and 10 years of having one of its helicopters based at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Avoca (full story)... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is looking ahead to the late summer when its current contracts for both pilotage and maintenance expire. Both aspects are currently provided by Medical Aviation Services, but YAA has decided to “do its own thing” and will employ their own Chief Pilot and are working towards their own Air Operators Certificate. Further... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Rail.co
Network Rail runs the railway infrastructure across the UK, and employs two AS355s on contract from PDG Helicopters. See this article for a profile of this operation... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Connect Amarillo
The union representing the 100+ employees whose jobs Bell wants to move to Amarillo has already taken steps to try and block the company’s action. (full story)... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: KHOU
After the Mayor of Houston cut their fuel budget by 75%, the Police’s aviation unit has cut their daily flying hours from 20 to 3. Full story... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix Inc. is very proud to announce the delivery of the eighth Night Vision Goggle (NVG) modified AS350 to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “We are very pleased to be working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on this project” stated General Manager Dennis Trout. “We are performing the night vision cockpit modification... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts
At the Airborne Law Enforcement Association’s 41st Annual Conference and Exposition taking place in New Orleans this week, Night Flight Concepts will showcase their innovative online NVG parts ordering tool and RMA procedures that will help customer streamline maintenance and repair, reduce time and cost and operational downtime. “We are very pleased to showcase our... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Helinet Technologies
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, has announced its selection by the City of Ontario, California to deploy an integrated microwave downlink solution for the Ontario Police and Fire Departments. The multi-ship system enables real-time transmission of HD and SD images to both fixed... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Precision Aviation Group
Atlanta, Ga.-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG), the exclusive provider of ISMRO® (Inventory Supported Maintenance Repair & Overhaul), announces the promotion of Ketan Desai to Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Desai joined PAG subsidiary Precision Accessories & Instruments (PAI) in 2005, and was previously the Director of Sales & Marketing for PAG. “Ketan’s dedication to supporting... Read more
20-Jul-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association’s (ALEA) annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, from July 20-22. Markus Schmitz, President and General Manager, commented: “ALEA’s Annual Conference keeps us in touch with the airborne law enforcement community and other ALEA members. Communication with our customers... Read more
20-Jul-2011
Very heavy landing, both occupants injured. Skids splayed out, tail boom broken but stayed upright. The pilot is 27-year-old Edwin Eilbacher of Hillsborough, N.J. His passenger is 44-year-old photographer Julia Armstrong-Robertson of Newark, Del.... Read more
20-Jul-2011
Helicopter owner Frank Gomes said he had finished spraying the field and had turned the crop duster over to his apprentice for a practice run. “The practice didn’t go all that well today,” Gomes said, declining to comment further.... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Helicopter charity Wales Air Ambulance is expanding its Welshpool-based operation from a five-day service to seven days a week, from 19thJuly. The lifesaving service, currently celebrating its tenth anniversary, is increasing its air cover for Mid Wales to 365 days a year following an ongoing fundraising drive by the charity. Wales Air Ambulance will announce... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter will be highlighting its custom training solutions during the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 20 to 23. ALEA attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #715 for more information and learn how American Eurocopter can create training programs to suit multiple mission environments and scenarios. American... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that it will expand its simulator-based Night Vision Goggle training program through a collaborative agreement with Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU). “Our Customers will benefit from the addition of this comprehensive simulator-based NVG training to FlightSafety’s wide variety of initial, recurrent, specialty and enhancement courses designed specifically for helicopter operators,â€... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), will display its newest 407 – the 407GX – during the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) 41st Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans this week. “The Bell 407GX is one of Bell Helicopter’s newest versions of the very successful Bell 407 platform, and we are delighted... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: UK Dept for Transport
The Secretary of State for Transport (Philip Hammond): On 8 February I informed the House that, owing to irregularities in the bidding process, the Government had concluded that it was not appropriate to proceed with the previously planned joint MOD/DfT PFI procurement for future search and rescue capability. The investigation into the circumstances that led... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Star-Telegram
When Bell Helicopter officials announced last month that they were selling the company’s interest in the BA609 civil tilt-rotor aircraft program, it meant giving up on a $600 to $700 million investment. (Full story)... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: HAI
HAI is pleased to announce the first-ever HELI-CENTERâ„¢ at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. from July 25-31, 2011. This ‘Hub of Vertical Flight,’ located directly across from the flight line, is the perfect place for thousands of fixed-wing pilots and the general public to walk through a portal into the World of Helicopters. The HELI-CENTERâ„¢... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Vector Aerospace
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector), a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation (www.vectoraerospace.com), and  an industry-leader in providing helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services is exhibiting at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association’s (ALEA) 41st Annual Conference and Exposition taking place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana,... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Seychelles Nation
The Helicopter Seychelles Company celebrated on Friday afternoon the return of its flagship A109C , and has re-launched its operations – after a failed merger with the ZilAir helicopter company. The 109 is the only helicopter currently in Seychelles capable of flying at night, in bad weather and certified to fly into restricted area helipads.... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: The Helicopter License Center
The Helicopter License Center announced today it has launched a one-of-a-kind website for anyone interested in learning to fly helicopters in the United States, both privately and professionally. The new website, located at HelicopterLicenseCenter.com, is designed to provide aspiring helicopter pilots and enthusiasts a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate resource that not only defines the different types of... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: Ex-Im Bank
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, Conn., will export a new S-92 helicopter to Lider Aviação, the largest air-taxi service company in Brazil, with the support of a long-term loan guarantee of approximately $18 million from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). The guaranteed lender is the Private Export Funding... Read more
19-Jul-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART is pleased to announce that their subsidiary Apical Industries has received Brazilian approval for their EC135 Emergency Float Systems with or without Liferafts. Transport Canada, FAA and EASA approval have been previously received. Apical’s EC135 Emergency Float Systems each include four floats. The floats are constructed utilizing lightweight urethane-coated nylon fabric. Each float has... Read more
19-Jul-2011
At least 1 of 4 occupants killed... Read more
19-Jul-2011
Just prior to touchdown the tail rotor struck a hedge and a concrete post, damaging the tail rotor and its gearbox. There were no injuries. On arrival at an industrial depot the normal landing position had been obstructed by two articulated lorries.... Read more
