1-May-2013Source: The London Helicopter
The UK’s first public helicopter service to sell individual seats online launches on 1st May when The London Helicopter introduces regular sightseeing flights from The Barclays London Heliport in Battersea. This innovative offering at www.thelondonhelicopter.com allows passengers to pre-book seats for helicopter sightseeing trips over the Capital taking off from London’s only commercially licensed Heliport. The new... Read more
1-May-2013Source: AL.com
MedFlight, the hospital’s air ambulance, is the first helicopter in the state of Alabama to carry blood on every flight (see full report)... Read more
1-May-2013Source: Isle of Wight radio
The first test flight for St Mary’s Hospital’s new helipad has taken place (see full story)... Read more
1-May-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. has chosen its fourth A-Star aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to support a variety of utility and transport missions throughout Alberta and British Columbia that include; long-lining, sling operations, fire suppression, heli-torch operations, air ambulance services, seismic operations, mining exploration, heli-skiing as well as, private and corporate charter services. “The AS350 B3e’s incredible adaptability... Read more
1-May-2013Source: American Eurocopter
Mike Spears has joined American Eurocopter as Senior Director, Lakota Production and Retrofit at its Columbus, Miss. production facility that produces theUH-72A Lakota helicopter. Spears replaces Fred Gerard, Senior Director of LUH Production, who is taking a leadership position with Airbus in Mobile, Ala. In his new position Spears will lead American Eurocopter’s team in continuing its record... Read more
30-Apr-2013Source: Portuguese AF
[Electronic translation] On April 20 was held in the premises of 552 Squadron“HORNETS”, based on the Air Base No. 11 , in Beja, the event commemorating the 50 years of operation of the helicopterALOUETTE III This event, which aimed to mark this milestone, brought together several generations of soldiers who worked and are working with the weapons system... Read more
30-Apr-2013
Substantially damaged. On approach to land on an undeveloped site. Just before landing, the tail rotor hit a mound of sand. The aircraft landed violently. The tail boom and a skid were significantly damaged. The pilot, alone on board, was not injured. CADORS 2013Q0909... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Jordanian Police have recently sold a batch of three Eurocopter Bo105s to Oceania Aviation in New Zealand after retiring them from active use four years ago – we assume they have been in storage in the interim period. Each has now been put on the local ZK- register, with Oceania working initially on ZK-HVA... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: Safran Engineering Services
Brazilian helicopter manufacturer Helibras, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, has selected Safran Engineering Services as the design authority to supply the installation design and full integration of multiple avionics communication and navigation systems, including a sophisticated new Glass Cockpit System from Sagem (Safran), as well as the integration of the auto-pilot system, for the modernization of... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: Birmingham Mail
West Midlands Police’s eye-in-the sky helicopter helped cops snare more than 500 suspects last year. The aircraft spent 1,175 hours in the sky and was also responsible for finding 27 people who had been reported missing. (See Full Story)... Read more
27-Apr-2013
Rotorwash from departing EC135 HB-ZJE caused blades on parked MD500E D-HMGD to strike and damage tail boom. Pilot of EC135 listed as Schweizer Bürger... Read more
27-Apr-2013
Five POB not seriously injured when helicopter crashed at ski resort. One report quotes a police officer saying there is a suspicion the pilot was impaired by alcohol, but most reports say the test was “routine”. Some reports mention contact with powerlines, others rule that out... Read more
26-Apr-2013Source: EADS North America
The U.S. Army has fielded the 250th UH-72A Lakota helicopter delivered to Army and National Guard units by EADS North America since 2006. Every Lakota — including an additional five produced for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School — has been delivered on time and on budget, by an American workforce that is more than... Read more
26-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s ability to integrate unmanned flight capabilities into its helicopter family has been validated by an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) demonstration program, which used an EC145 to fly routes that included deployment of an external sling load and a representative observation mission. Conducted at the French Air Force base in Istres, France, this program was... Read more
25-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently delivered a new Eurocopter AS350 to EagleMed as the result of a base expansion in Cody, Wyoming. The aircraft was completed at Metro’s headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana. The AS350 is equipped with Metro’s EMS kit that includes the transfill oxygen system with two outlets, medical inverter system, flip up seats, and LEMS... Read more
25-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
With a series of deliveries, Eurocopter has further extended its lead in Britain’s private/VIP market and once more confirmed the company’s role as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Two of the rotorcraft are the AS350 B3e evolved members of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, while the third is an EC120 B. [Editor note – Eurocopter has already issued... Read more
25-Apr-2013
Blade strike and ensuing heavy landing caused skids to deform. Fortunately helicopter did not fall over the edge of the mountain, but it was very close. Helicopter was registered HU26-18 and carried code “09-312”... Read more
23-Apr-2013Source: Sinequa
Sinequa, one of the leaders of the Search and Unified Information Access (UIA) market, announces that its solution has been chosen by EUROCOPTER, an EADS subsidiary, to improve access to enterprise data and thus increase performance and satisfaction of its employees. In line with the complexity of the company’s products, rapid and easy access to... Read more
22-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is making good progress and last week had their Eurocopter Bo105 at Perth’s Scone Airport to show off its colour scheme. It’s visit was only for a few days as it still needs some further equipment fitted before going live, but it did provide the charity the opportunity to announce that... Read more
22-Apr-2013Source: ASU
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) announced they have completed their 100th Night Vision cockpit modification on BK 117 Aircraft. This most recent lighting installation was completed at Helicopter Specialties in Janesville, Wisconsin. Helicopter Specialties is a helicopter completion center and performs maintenance, repair and overhauls. “Completing 100 NVIS lighting modifications for the BK 117 is a... Read more
22-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s first production Tiger helicopter in the HAD attack configuration was delivered to France’s DGA armament procurement agency today for operation by French Army Aviation units, providing a highly capable combat weapon system that is tailored to the world’s evolving battlefield conditions. This milestone followed DGA qualification of the Tiger HAD version on April 10,... Read more
22-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter Japan have recently delivered an EC135T2 to Shizuoka air commuter, who intend putting it in to charter work imminently. Shizuoka air commuter was established in 1991 and has a fleet of six helicopters, all from Eurocopter, including BK117 and EC135 models. One EC135 is contracted for a news gatherling contract. All are based at... Read more
19-Apr-2013Source: Fishtail Air
Fishtail Air’s newest helicopter commenced its first commercial flight on 11th April, 2013! The AS 350 B3+ single-engine light helicopter had arrived in Nepal on 29th March after having left Italy on 18th March 2013. Registered I-VIEW, the helicopter is fitted with 5+1 passenger seat version and is constantly ready to undertake real challenges and... Read more
19-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter last week held the first board meeting of its new Corporate Foundation, which unites the company’s humanitarian and philanthropic activities worldwide,underscoring the company’s increased commitment to social responsibility. The Eurocopter Corporate Foundation is an independent, apolitical and non-profit legal entity funded by Eurocopter, Eurocopter Deutschland and Eurocopter Group subsidiaries.The Foundation is dedicated to the... Read more
19-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Future generations of Chinese aviation technicians will benefit from hands-on training experience with an Ecureuil (AS350 family of helicopters) donated by Eurocopter China to the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC). This rotorcraft is to be located at the CAFUC campus in Guanghan, Sichuan Province as part of the Eurocopter-supported training courses for students... Read more
18-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s capabilities to serve the rapidly-expanding Chinese helicopter market by building on its 45-year presence in the country is being spotlighted at this week’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. While maintaining strong product sales, Eurocopter’s China subsidiary has also been multiplying its support and services offerings to meet the increasing helicopter... Read more
18-Apr-2013Source: Sandel Avionics
Sandel Avionics, Inc., a global leader in compact, integrated display systems technologies, today announced that Eurocopter will offer its SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays and SA4550 Primary Attitude Displays as optional equipment on EC135 helicopters. Sandel products are now offered in Eurocopter’s Blue Book, as part of the Mid-life Efficiency Package (MEP) for new production EC135... Read more
18-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently delivered the third of eight new EC135s to California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR). The new aircraft are part of a comprehensive fleet upgrade and standardization plan for the helicopter emergency medical service based in McClellan, CA. Metro will provide eight EC135s to replace the program’s older fleet, making it an all-Eurocopter... Read more
18-Apr-2013Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Helibras signed in its booth at LAAD – Defence & Security 2013, a contract for delivery of two new helicopters AS350 B2 Squirrel model for the Secretary of State for Public Security and Social Defense of Pará These aircraft were acquired to form the security planning of the State Government due to the... Read more
18-Apr-2013
Laser strike in cruise with patient on board. No detrimental effect to mission or crew on board ... Read more
17-Apr-2013Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] The Helibras brought to your booth at LAAD – Defence & Security 2013 to pilot Panther K2 unit that has been completely modernized and will be presented to the Army Aviation (Avex), held that, from now on, all evaluations of interventions carried in the helicopter. The Panther K2 was fitted with new wiring,... Read more
17-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Coast to Coast Helicopters took delivery of two enhanced AS350 B3e’s to increase support for the groups utility helicopters operations. Both aircraft will be operated by one of the group’s subsidiary operations; Mustang Helicopters. “The purchase of the AS350 B3e’s was an easy decision as the AStar family has continued to demonstrate its reliability and... Read more
16-Apr-2013
Emergency field landing, no apprarent damage... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Helibras announces during LAAD Defence & Security 2013 – International Exhibition of Defence and Security in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the details of the construction of a training center and Simulators Flight helicopters EC725 and EC225, models being produced in company’s new hangar in Itajubá (MG). The new Training Center and Simulators Helibras... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: ETV-10 News
Price residents may have noticed a helicopter flying over the city on Friday. The new chopper caught the eye of many residents and will soon be a permanent fixture to the area (see full story)... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: Portsmouth-Dailytimes
The Healthnet 4/Medflight 7 airbase located at 7106 Big Bear Creek Road in Lucasville recently received a new, larger helicopter to serve the air medical needs of the community (see full story).... Read more
15-Apr-2013
Precautionary landing and maintenance team called out after unexpected torque split... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: Air Care
Marks Air Care’s 20th anniversary and we wish to express our thanks to all healthcare providers in the region for so many years of teamwork and for helping keep us safe. Since our first mission in 1993, we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing critical care and rapid trauma interventions to patients in Southwest Michigan and Northern... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: EADS North America
EADS North America Chairman and CEO Sean O’Keefe issued the following statement regarding the proposed reduction of the Army’s UH-72A Lakota helicopter program from the 41 aircraft remaining to be purchased down to just ten: “During times of budgetary pressure, an extremely successful program like the Lakota — with its demonstrated low cost and unbroken... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: Daily Pilot
A 20-year law enforcement partnership that provided police helicopter patrols to Costa Mesa and Newport Beach touched down for the last time Thursday morning. (see full story)... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: Boston Medflight
MassDevelopment has issued an $8 million tax-exempt lease on behalf of New England Life Flight, Inc. in Bedford, which does business as Boston MedFlight. The emergency transport service will use lease proceeds to buy a medically configured helicopter that will replace an existing helicopter to transport ill and injured patients. Lease proceeds will also finance... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: The Baltimore Sun
Eighteen months after Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake voted to approve the purchase of four new helicopters for the Police Department, her proposed budget called for grounding one of them in a cost-saving move (see full story).... Read more
12-Apr-2013
Aircraft grounded after problem involving netting across an astroturf sports field at a school. Needed engineer before it could fly, stayed overnight and departed next morning.... Read more
12-Apr-2013
Precautionary landing after left transmission oil indication below normal limits. Later traced to faulty transmission oil pressure transmitter... Read more
11-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
This week’s LAAD Defense & Security exposition will feature a comprehensive lineup of Eurocopter light- and medium-lift helicopters, underscoring the company’s position as a rotorcraft supplier to Brazil’s civil and military operators while also highlighting its role as a strategic partner to the country’s aviation industry. Exhibited at the Riocentro convention center in Rio de... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: The Columbus Packet
MedStat EMS announces the expansion of its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (see full story).... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: ExecuJet Europe
ExecuJet Europe, the leading global business aviation organisation, is adding the first helicopter to its managed fleet, the Eurocopter EC155, based at Cambridge Airport. The EC155 helicopter has capacity for eight VIP passengers and two pilots. With a range of more than 500 miles, the aircraft will primarily be used for transfers to the City... Read more
9-Apr-2013
Blade strike on landing after snow blew up around helicopter on approach... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Just three weeks after Eurocopter appealed the process when they lost a tender for three helicopters to AgustaWestland, a court in Malta has upheld the original decisions. Eurocopter had resorted to an official court review after the failure of two administrative appeals to the Public Contract Review Board. The appeal was reportedly on the basis... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: AeroSimulators
AeroSimulators announced today that it has entered into simulator maintenance and support agreements with Bond Air Services and INAER Helicópteros Off-Shore. Under the support agreements, AeroSimulators will be responsible for the delivery and provision of spares, support equipment, maintenance and re-certification services, as well as on-site training and documentation. These support services will cover an... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: Canadian Government
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced that Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of light helicopters, under the Coast Guard helicopter fleet renewal procurement. “Our Government... Read more
7-Apr-2013Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Wales Air Ambulance completed a historic mission this week with the charity’s first ever night mission. The lifesaving charity made its maiden flight during darkness hours on Monday, March 25, saving the life of a 59-year-old man who had suffered a heart attack. The mission follows weeks of extensive night flight training for pilots and... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: Unity4
Not for profit organisations count on donations to further their cause and extend much needed help to the communities they serve. As a non-government funded charity, Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) needs the necessary financial support and selected Unity4, the global home agent contact centre outsourcer and technology provider, to carry out this key function noting... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Dutch shipyard Feadship is currently conducting pre-delivery trials on their largest superyacht to date – the 99m long ship known as “Project Dream”. In their press release they indicate that “Experience of a different kind underpinned some of the other special requests for this latest member of the Feadship fleet. Leveraging on the expertise accrued... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: Scottish Crown Office
On 1 April 2009 Super Puma helicopter AS332 L2 G-REDL crashed into the North Sea resulting in the deaths of all 16 men on board. Having carefully considered all the circumstances of this incident, Crown Counsel have decided that there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution and as result no criminal proceedings are instructed. The... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
As reported by HeliHub.com on 25th March – see Eurocopter to set up production in Poland? – what follows below is the official press release from Eurocopter Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) today announced the signature of industrial cooperation agreements with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) that include the creation of two separate full assembly... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services (Bond), the largest operator of air ambulance aviation units in the UK, has been awarded a new seven-year contract by North West Air Ambulance (NWAA). The contract, worth just over £10 million, is to provide air ambulance support across five counties in North West England. Under the new contract, Bond will continue... Read more
5-Apr-2013
“Christoph 1” helicopter cut telephone line on approach to site landing to pick up patient injured in equine accident... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation visited with representatives from Boston MedFlight and American Eurocopter recently to begin production of MedFlight’s new EC145. The new aircraft will replace one of their two BK117 C1s. The new fleet configuration will include the EC145, BK117, and the S76. “We are excited about operating our very first EC145 and look forward to... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: Step Change
Step Change in Safety has published its 2013 Annual Update report and has called on the UK oil and gas industry to continue its focus on improving safety performance. The report reviews the organisation’s achievements over the last year and identifies where it will focus its attention in future. Highlights include: The launch of the Workforce Engagement Toolkit –... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
The capabilities of Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a high-speed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites – a world’s first. This installation – called the Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA) – enables... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair. The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country. Metro Aviation received an... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter makes a breakthrough into the Bangladeshi civil helicopter market with the arrival of the country’s first Eurocopter rotorcraft this year. An EC130 B4 was delivered to R&R Aviation; while an AS350 B3e was showcased to civilian and governmental prospects in a two-day flight demonstration. Both aircraft are light helicopters belonging to Eurocopter’s world renowned... Read more
3-Apr-2013
Main rotor blades struck tail boom while running up on roof-top helipad. Incident blamed on freak wind gust... Read more
2-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Reports from South America are saying that the Peruvian Government has picked the Mil Mi-171 over the EUrocopter AS332L2 Super Puma for their 24 ship requirement for the fight against drug trafficking. The final deal is expected to be signed at a value of $486 million, of which $406 million relates to the helicopters themselves,... Read more
2-Apr-2013Source: Eurocopter UK
The AS350B3e, the newest version of Eurocopter’s successful Ecureuil family, is the latest addition to the UK’s important single engine helicopter fleet in Private/Business Aviation. After its entry into service in September 2011, the AS350B3e, the latest version of the powerful 7 seat, 2,3 ton AS350 single engine helicopter family was delivered for the first... Read more
30-Mar-2013
Impacted terrain while maneuvering during an SAR flight near Talkeetna, Alaska. The airline transport pilot, an Alaska state trooper serving as a flight observer for the pilot, and a stranded snowmobiler who had requested rescue were killed, and the helicopter was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire.... Read more
30-Mar-2013
Two Alaska State Troopers and a rescued snowmobiler died in the crash. A press release later named them as Alaska State Trooper pilot Mel Nading, Trooper Tage Toll of Talkeetna, and Carl Ober, the 56-year-old injured snowmachiner from Talkeetna... Read more
30-Mar-2013
Substantially damaged in landing accident. Sole occupant pilot not injured... Read more
29-Mar-2013
Helicopter landed to pick up a patient. While rotors were still turning, co pilot observed fuel leak and immediately told pilot to shut down helicopter and switch off electric. O-ring had failed in fuel line and was repaired on site.... Read more
28-Mar-2013Source: Spanish Military
[electronic translation] In his first combat mission, the ‘Tiger’ capacities to provide protection and security to our forces in retreat Three helicopters ‘Tiger’ Battalion Attack Helicopter (BHELA) No. 1, located at the base ‘Coronel Sánchez Bilbao’ de Almagro (Ciudad Real), have been embarked today on a transport plane ‘Antonov’ for transfer to the base of Herat.There... Read more
28-Mar-2013Source: The Sun
Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s (BHIC) unit BHIC Aeroservices Sdn Bhd (BHICAS) has been appointed as the approved maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre of Eurocopter (see full story)... Read more
27-Mar-2013Source: Tengri News
Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering JV [the agreement on establishing the JV was signed October 27, 2010 in France] plans to start producing EC645 T2 military helicopters,Tengrinews.kz reports, citing Kazakhstan Engineering’s Press Service (see full story).... Read more
27-Mar-2013Source: GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace has been contracted by Eurocopter UK to develop upgraded fuel tanks as part of the UK RAF’s life extension programme (LEP) for its fleet of Puma helicopters. The new self-sealing fuel tanks will enhance the helicopter’s survivability in today’s theatres of operation, providing extended protection for the crew against weapons such as heavy... Read more