14-Sep-2012Source: Law360
The Federal Circuit has recently allowed Textron Innovations Inc. to pursue its patent suit against Eurocopter over the design of the Bell 429’s skids, overturning a lower court ruling it said misinterpreted the application outlined by the patent. (see full story) See also the HeliHub.com story filed 31-Jan-12 Bell and Eurocopter decide to behave like... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Crews of Lerwick Harbour pilot boats and Bond Offshore Helicopters’ aircraft are working together to ensure the high level of skill required in Bond’s search-&-rescue operations in Scottish waters. The combination has now reached its 100th exercise since the pilot boats began supporting Bond’s training programme in early 2011. Bond’s offshore search and rescue operation... Read more
14-Sep-2012Source: Heli-One
Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) announces the recent signing of an agreement to integrate upgraded communications equipment on the Slovenian National Police’s Eurocopter EC135 helicopter. Specifically, the contract calls for the installation of a Tetra radio. The Tetra product is a private mobile communications system that can... Read more
13-Sep-2012
Flight for Life has staged a “Rocky Mountain Ransom” to raise money to buy an AS350B3e (see full story)... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
Today, at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2012, American Eurocopter announced that EagleMed LLC, one of the oldest and most experienced air medical transport service providers in the Midwest United States, has purchased an AS350® B2 and an AS350 B3. The aircraft will join EagleMed’s all-Eurocopter rotor wing fleet and will be utilized to service growth... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
Today, at an event during the ILA Berlin Airshow 2012, American Eurocopter announced that Med-Trans Corporation, an industry leading air medical provider, has signed an agreement to purchase up to 16 EC135® helicopters. The order includes 10 firm bookings and options for an additional six helicopters. The new EC135s will help Med-Trans sustain its market... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
The upgrade of UK Ministry of Defence Puma aircraft took a further major step forward yesterday when Eurocopter handed over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft to MOD. This upgrade will significantly enhance the aircraft’s performance, mission capability and safety. The first modified aircraft will fly from Oxford into QinetiQ’s Boscombe Down facility where it will... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
A 1976-built Eurocopter Bo105 has been sold to the CIS state of Georgia and was delivered yesterday, reports Avia-DejaVu.net. The Bo105C started its operational life with the Dutch Police until it was withdrawn from use in 2010 on the introduction of the Eurocopter EC135 to their fleet. The remaining Bo105 fleet were taken to Emmen... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
ADAC Air Rescue today signed its latest order in a framework acquisition agreement with Eurocopter for the purchase of 14 EC145 T2 and three EC135 P2e helicopters, which are to be delivered between 2013 and 2017. The contract concluded today at the ILA Berlin Air Show was for an EC145 T2, which is part of... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s delivery of the first production modernized CH-53GA transport helicopter to the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) was celebrated during a ceremony today at the ILA Berlin Air Show. The Eurocopter Military Support Center Germany currently is performing the comprehensive upgrade of 40 Bundeswehr CH-53G aircraft to the CH-53GA specification for both national and international deployment... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter is to lead the project defining a large-scale compound demonstrator through a multinational European program, applying the expertise gained from the company’s highly successful X3 hybrid demonstrator and its track record of helicopter innovation in integrated systems, flight controls and aerodynamics. This new activity will be conducted in the framework of Europe’s proposed Clean... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
A significant milestone in Eurocopter’s Tiger support helicopter program has been reached following the delivery of the first four helicopters to be upgraded for deployment to Afghanistan. This now leaves the German Army in possession of a complete batch of ASGARD helicopters – a vital prerequisite if the Tiger is to be deployed in theater... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran group) announced today that it has signed a contract with Eurocopter as a single-source supplier of wheels and brakes for the new-generation X4 helicopter. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty will provide the two nose wheels, two main wheels and two electric brakes, as well as several other products: the electronic brake controller (EBC), developed and produced by... Read more
13-Sep-2012Source: Turbomeca
During the ILA Berlin Air Show, Turbomeca (Safran group) announces the signature of a Support by the Hour agreement with the German Federal Police. This Support by the Hour agreement (SBH®) covers 32 Arrius 2B2 engines powering 16 twin-engine EC135T2i helicopters. Spread over 12 bases, the German Federal Police is performing air rescue missions around... Read more
12-Sep-2012Source: Potomac Flight Training
On August 16, 2012, the FAA qualified and approved Potomac Flight Training, LLC’s Twin Turbine Helicopter (TTH-1) simulator as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). The full motion, visual simulator built by Fidelity Flight Simulation of Pittsburg, PA is designed as an EC-135 and is approved as a Helicopter Advanced ATD. It is authorized for... Read more
11-Sep-2012
Eurocopter will present its latest civil and military helicopters at the 2012 ILA Berlin Air Show, including the X3 high-speed hybrid demonstrator, the newly-developed EC145 T2, and the enhanced CH-53GA for the German Army – all of which underscore the company’s technological leadership and the capability to meet quality and performance demands of international customers.... Read more
11-Sep-2012
Tail rotor struck sand bank on take-off.  Substantial damage included the tail rotor, tailboom, tail rotor gearbox, horizontal stabilizer, 1 main rotor blade and the long shaft. CADAORS ref 2012Q2152... Read more
10-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
EADS and its Divisions – Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – will present a broad selection of cutting-edge products, technologies and services at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2012, which takes place 11-16 September 2012. Eurocopter will have an extensive showing including AS350B3e, EC635, EC145T2 mock up as a special forces carrier, Tiger UHT (German... Read more
10-Sep-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters’ clinical lead, Dr. Mark Bloch, today gave insight into the critical work of paramedics on search and rescue (SAR) helicopters, and the challenges they face working in extreme conditions offshore. Bond has been operating the Jigsaw SAR service for BP in the North Sea since 2006. In that time, Bond’s on-board paramedic... Read more
9-Sep-2012
Skid snagged ground taking off from sloping ground, causing helicopter to turn onto its side. Debris from helicopter killed... Read more
6-Sep-2012Source: CFDT
The CFDT union, representing many Eurocopter France staff, has sent the following letter to Chief Executive Lutz Berling [electronic translation follows] As staff representatives Eurocopter, we learned from the press August 30, 2012, the signing of an MOU with “the Tianjin Free Trade Zone” (TFTZ) for the creation of an industrial and Squirrels customization. This... Read more
5-Sep-2012Source: ND Army National Guard
The North Dakota Army National Guard, together with representatives of North Dakota’s Tribal Nations today dedicated the NDNG’s newest helicopter, the UH-72A Lakota. More than 500 people showed up to witness a historic ceremony that included a tribal blessing of the helicopter that joins the NDNG aviation inventory. The dedication ceremony took place at United... Read more
4-Sep-2012Source: Research and Markets
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6h46ws/worlds_5_leading) has announced the addition of the “World’s 5 Leading Helicopter Manufacturers – Strategic Initiatives, Developments & Focus – Q1-Q3 2012 – Eurocopter, Bell, AgustaWestland, Sikorsky, Boeing” report to their offering. This report will be useful for… Comprehensive Strategic & Competitive Assessment of these 5 Key Industry Players Identification & Analysis of Imminent Market Opportunities... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: Warsaw Business Journal
The Polish army is planning to strengthen its aviation capabilities by purchasing 26 helicopters for the price of zł.3 billion (approx $900M). The tender for the new helicopters will be held this autumn. (see full article)... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: Suffolk Police
Suffolk Police has increased its presence on social networking sites by launching a Twitter account for the force helicopter. @Angliaskycops launched this morning and police are encouraging residents to follow the new account. Last August Suffolk Police launched a Twitter account for the whole force, tweeting about campaigns, news stories and more. The account now... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
SwissHeli.com are reporting that Skymedia have leased in OE-XRS – an early model Eurocopter EC135T1 from Schider Helicotper Service in neighbouring Austria. It is currently operated by Air Glaciers from their heliport at Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: US DoD
EADS-NA, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $33,512,268 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Security and Support Mission Equipment Packages for the UH-72A Weapon System. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2014. The bid was solicited through the... Read more
3-Sep-2012Source: Eurocopter
The contract requires an AS 350 B3 Squirrel on the ice between November 1 and late February each summer. Operating from Scott Base, they would carry Antarctica NZ crew (mostly scientists) and their equipment. (see full story)Â File photo... Read more
2-Sep-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The Thai Government has in the last week approved the purchase of four Eurocopter EC725 helicopters for SAR work by the Royal Thai Air Force. These are thought to be the first four of a potential order for ten, with a further batch to be confirmed in later years. They will certainly modernise the SAR... Read more
1-Sep-2012
Accident caused the deaths of the captain of the aircraft, chief-inspector Tiago Casimiro, his assistant, João Adelino João Brandão, as well as the workers of the Provincial Electoral Commission, Lourenço Mussenoho and Maria Augusta João.... Read more
1-Sep-2012
Tail rotor drive shaft sheared... Read more
1-Sep-2012
Hit by laser while circling potential EZ landing site. Source identified, arrest made... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Following the decision to replace their existing Eurocopter EC120 fleet, Baltimore Police have recently launched operations with the first of their four new helicopters – replacing the four old ones which are all at or close to their 12 year overhaul. By taking new aircraft, the Maryland city has also been provided the opportunity to... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: HeliWagon
HeliWagonTM announced this week that the company has delivered a new HeliWagon to Duke University Medical Center. The new HeliWagon is located at Duke Life Flight’s base at Johnston County Airport in Smithfield, North Carolina. Duke Life Fight was the first North Carolina hospital based helicopter service in 1985. This is the first HeliWagon delivered to... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: Helibras
[Electronic translation from local language press release] Helibras, sales leader of turbine helicopters, is launching Bralog, its new platform of logistics and customer service, to enhance and facilitate the provision of parts and services to the company’s helicopters already marketed nationwide. The project is divided into several stages, but has already begun to operate in... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: Eurocopter
In a signing ceremony today witnessed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Eurocopter and Tianjin Free Trade Zone inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the creation of a completion and customization center for Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family of light helicopters in Tianjin through a joint venture. Eurocopter intends to... Read more
31-Aug-2012Source: Eurocopter Canada
On Aug. 30, 2012, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) completed its 300th cowling for the EC145 at its composite manufacturing facility in Fort Erie, Ont. “We are very proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by our composites team,†said Guy Joannes, President and CEO, ECL. “Composite manufacturing at ECL has earned its reputation for... Read more
31-Aug-2012
Four injured when helicopter came down after hitting cables. The helicopter was involved in maintenance work on the cables. Two were “ejected”, from an underslung cradle, and two were in the helicopter. Pilot Joel Prisse has dislocated shoulder and crew Philippe Pournin has multiple lower limb fractures. Aircraft destroyed... Read more
30-Aug-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s solution for the Polish Armed Forces will be the theme of its participation at next week’s MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition at Kielce, Poland, which is to include the display of a combat proven multi-role EC725. As the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter’s 11-ton military product line, the EC725 has become a... Read more
30-Aug-2012Source: Otago Daily Times
Sister companies Heliworks and Southern Lakes Helicopters will provide “semi-dedicated” Squirrel helicopters equipped with NVG, searchlights, beacon search, extended range capability and winch and long-line retrieval systems. (see full story)... Read more
27-Aug-2012
Emergency landing of media helicopter due to oil leak and heavy smoke flume in the air. Helicopter was operating for KTLA Channel 5. Pilot was Tim Lynn... Read more
25-Aug-2012
Starboard cargo door opened and object fell out and struck tail rotor. Emergency landing made without further incident. Helicopter fitted with SpacePod cargo doors.... Read more
24-Aug-2012
Intoxicated person approached helicopter outside pilot’s peripheral vision while at flight idle and with the patient on board being stabilised. New helipad lacked chain or fence to stop anyone approaching pad, which is adjacent to public-access area... Read more
24-Aug-2012
Transmission chip light came on. Power reduce and an emergency landing was made at Pope Army Airfield which was about 3-4 miles away without further incident... Read more
23-Aug-2012Source: Canadian Government
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced that the Government of Canada is setting the stage for the purchase of new helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard. A Letter of Interest to invite aerospace representatives to an Industry Day has been... Read more
21-Aug-2012Source: Wales Air Ambulance
This year a Wales Air Ambulance crew received the prestigious Gail Williams’ Award for their efforts in the Glyn-Neath mine rescue. The winners, put forward by Wales Air Ambulance Operations Manager Jason Williams for their clinical excellence in attending the mine collapse, were the Swansea based crew of HEMS paramedics Chris Connor and Jason Hughes... Read more
21-Aug-2012
#2 engine low oil pressure illuminated and engine lost power in landing phase. Otherwise uneventful landing... Read more
21-Aug-2012
Emergency landing into water 1m deep while on search for light aircraft – one of whose occupants was Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. Â Â The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) identified the five people on board the helicopter as Navy pilots Lt. Rowene Colita, Lt. Jg. Nelson Alquiza, co-pilot; AD3 (Aviation Machinest-3) Rodrigo Gernale, AD2 Leo Calmante... Read more
20-Aug-2012Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corporation and AirMed of Augusta, Georgia announced today a newly formed partnership between the twoorganizations to operate the AirMed air medical services.  The newly formed partnership will work in unison to manage the highly regarded AirMed flight program well into the future. The two organizations recently joined forces as AirMed was looking to establish a... Read more
20-Aug-2012Source: US DoD
EADS-NA, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,811,574 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure contractor logistic support for the UH-72A program. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S.... Read more
20-Aug-2012
Came down suddenly short of intended landing point while on approach on a training flight. Student Edvaldo Francisco dos Santos (a Major in the Military Police), 46, suffered a fractured spine, and flight instructor John Bosco da Cunha, 62, a fractured right tibia.... Read more
18-Aug-2012
Main driveshaft failure in low level hover... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: North West Air Ambulance
The North West Air Ambulance is excited to announce significant changes, which will enhance the service being provided to patients across the region. Over the next few weeks, our charity will move our aircraft to bases at two of the region’s dedicated trauma hospitals, allowing qualified doctors to travel onboard to incidents which require specialist... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] The Helibras will attend the 9th LABACE – Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, held at Congonhas airport in Sao Paulo, between days 15, 16 and 17 August. The company will deliver two new aircraft to Brazilian customers and make them their new building plans in the area of ​​services – technical assistance,... Read more
17-Aug-2012Source: Becker Avionics
OSF Aviation, LLC, a division of OSF HealthCare based in Peoria, Illinois, recently took delivery of their first of four (4) new Eurocopter EC145 Air Medical helicopters with the Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System installed. These EC145s are part of a fleet replacement program for OSF’s operations. OSF Aviation is the provider of air... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Thai operator Heliluck Aviation Co has recently started operations of the country’s first Eurocopter AS355NP. Serial 5766 and delivered via Eurocopter South East Asia in Singapore, HS-PNG is role-equipped as a filming platform and commences operations immediately on contract to a local television station. The helicopter is a fully ENG unit, with Gyro Cineflex V14... Read more
16-Aug-2012Source: Kershaw Aviation
A ‘first’ for Queenstown-based aviation company A New Zealand aviation company is continuing on its expansion path by taking delivery of a brand new helicopter, the first of its kind to arrive in New Zealand. Kershaw Aviation Group has completed the avionic and equipment fit out of a Eurocopter AS 350 B3e. The aircraft will... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Maxcraft Avionics
Maxcraft Avionics Ltd., an established Avionics company located on Pitt Meadows Airport near Vancouver, B.C., has announced that they have received Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH12-43 for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System in Eurocopter AS355 models E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP rotorcraft. Approval for the G500H allows installation of... Read more
15-Aug-2012Source: Beaumont Health System
With an expanded organ transplant program and an increase in patients from outside Southeast Michigan, Beaumont Health System is taking to the skies with a new air medical transportation service, Beaumont One. The twin-engine EC135helicopter will transport patients within Michigan and northern Ohio. The service was launched Aug. 13. Beaumont is contracting with PHI Air... Read more
15-Aug-2012
Door fell off on take off. Landed without further incident... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: Australian Army
The suspension, which began on 26 June 2012, was put in place as a safety measure when fumes were detected in the cockpit of an aircraft that performed a precautionary landing at Shoalwater Bay training area the day before. Following a detailed investigation and assessment into the source of the fumes, the Army Operational Airworthiness... Read more
14-Aug-2012Source: University of Michigan
Three new maize-and-blue helicopters will soon be saving lives in the air above the Great Lakes states, and speeding patients toward advanced care at the University of Michigan Health System’s hospitals. The arrival of three newAmerican Eurocopter 155helicopters marks the beginning of a new era for the 29-year-old U-M Survival Flight program, which was the first medical... Read more
12-Aug-2012
Helicopter went AOG and was grounded for four days on a helipad which averages six EMS landings per week... Read more
11-Aug-2012
Crashed from low level (approx 15m) after hitting a tree. Aircraft destroyed... Read more
11-Aug-2012
While firefighting, refilling hose struck trees and then swung up into main rotors and the tail boom. Extensively damaged.... Read more
9-Aug-2012
Detail to follow – CADAORS 2012C3400... Read more
9-Aug-2012
Pilot had left the rotors to run down and departed the helicopter. “Blades seen to begin oscillating, striking the tail boom and the ground beside the helicopter”... Read more
8-Aug-2012
Crashed near the beach at Porto Seguro, reportedly due to pilot Ruan Oliveira Santana, 31, losing control in heavy winds. Pilot and five passengers all got out OK – named as Rogério Andrade, 47, RaÃssa Aguiar, 19, and three children. Photos here... Read more
3-Aug-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter has completed its highly successful seven-week X3 demonstration tour in the United States, enabling a full range of civil and military operators to witness – and experience – the revolutionary flight characteristics of this high-speed, long-range hybrid helicopter. The X3 returned this week to its home base at the Istres Flight Test Center in... Read more
2-Aug-2012
Industry sources tell us (with photo evidence provided) that the helicopter took off with clamshell rear doors still open. Tower alerted pilot who returned to the airfield. Some items fell from the helicopter in the interim.... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: STARS
July 30, 2012Â – Today STARS air ambulance is beginning 24-hour-a-day operations at its Regina base. Until now, the STARS Regina base has only operated 12-hours per day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time to become comfortable with the terrain and providing service in... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
The French DGA armament procurement agency has taken delivery today of its second NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and seventh NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), marking an important step forward in the largest European helicopter program launched to date. The ceremony celebrating this dual delivery was held at the Marignane, France headquarters of Eurocopter, and... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that it delivered an EC145® to the University of Utah’s AirMed Program. AirMed currently has a fleet of four helicopters. This is the program’s first Eurocopter aircraft and will be providing a much needed upgrade to one of its older aircraft. “We were getting to the point where it wasn’t cost... Read more
30-Jul-2012Source: UTair
UTair Aviation has attracted financing from British bank HSBC on a security of French insurance agency COFACE. The deal presupposes delivery of 19 new Eurocopter AS 350/355 helicopters. The airline already operates five helicopters of this type. By the end of 2012 UTair will operate another four helicopters, while in 2013 the airline will take... Read more
27-Jul-2012Source: Commercial Appeal
Memphis Police have a fleet of three Bell 206 JetRangers an a Eurocopter AS350. Each is currently grounded by a maintenance requirement (see full story)... Read more
