27-Jul-2012Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow recently completed a two-year contract involving a Eurocopter AS332L in the Baltic Sea for ENI Saipem. Capt. Rosh Jaypalan shares his experience during the contract and talks about the commitment, dedication and effort required to achieve success. Bristow’s International Business Unit (IBU) provided an AS332L for crew change and medevac services for the Castoro... Read more
27-Jul-2012Source: HeliWagon
HeliWagonTM has delivered a new HeliWagon to the Erie County Sherriff’s department. “I saw one of the HeliWagon’s demonstrated at ALEA and I knew we needed one,†said Erie County Sherriff’s Department Captain Kevin Caffery. “Our tug needed replacing, our trailer needed refurbishing and I did the math. When I saw the HeliWagon it was a... Read more
27-Jul-2012
Helicopter contacted and broke powerlines on EMS flight as “Christoph 10”. Note – Registration is NOT confirmed, but is a recently ex-factory new delivery which was assigned to the “Christoph 10” base, and photos here show D-HUTH... Read more
25-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
With a view to increasing the close-proximity services it offers its customers, Eurocopter’s subsidiary in the Southern Cone has put its partnership with Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes SAC on an official footing and has also opened its first certified services center in Peru. The new center, based in the city of Ayacucho and opened... Read more
25-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com understands that Belgian operator NHV has acquired two Eurocopter EC155s from Bristow. One – with UK registration G-ISSU – has already been delivered to NHV’s heliport close to Ostend Airport, and will presumably move to the local OO- register and be repainted yellow in the near future. A photo of it on arrival in... Read more
25-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter continues its U.S. tour of the X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter today in Manassas, Va. where the aircraft performed a flight demonstration for dignitaries, local elected officials, company employees and the news media. The Washington, D.C., metro area is the final leg of flight demonstrations for civil and military customers across the country. The tour... Read more
25-Jul-2012
AS532AL on a pre-delivery test flight out of Marignane crashed killing all six occupants. Some reports are suggesting it struck wires but that is not confirmed... Read more
24-Jul-2012Source: RCIPS
Four members of the RCIPS Air Operations Unit are now certified emergency medical responders – thanks to a joint initiative between the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority and the police. In addition, the Cayman Heart Fund has very generously donated a defibrillator for use on the police helicopter. The four crew members recently completed an... Read more
24-Jul-2012Source: Statoil
Statoil has awarded CHC Helikopter Service AS three new helicopter contracts, including offshore flights from Kristiansund and Brønnøysund, as well as the search and rescue helicopter stationed on the Heidrun platform. Statoil needs to have four transport service helicopters in Kristiansund, two in Brønnøysund, one search and rescue helicopter on Heidrun, as well as a... Read more
24-Jul-2012
Post flight check found engine cowling missing... Read more
24-Jul-2012
Emergency Services text stated :-  North Andover| Special| 492 Sutton St|MSP Helo Air-4 making a precautionary landing at Lawrence Airport- aircraft disabled in the runway.| 00:30. “Air 4” is N8924AH from the name on the tail (see photo)... Read more
23-Jul-2012Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (SAFRAN Group) has signed a contract with Eurocopter for the automation of the new generation of helicopter turboshaft engine with its new X4, the TM800. The X4 Eurocopter is a helicopter next generation of the category of 5 to 6 tons. The future device will feature a new engine: the e Turbomeca TM800. This... Read more
21-Jul-2012
Struck wires at low level while spraying and ended up upside-down on roof of building.... Read more
21-Jul-2012
Extensive vibration in the cruise led to emergency landing. Tail rotor bearing issue... Read more
21-Jul-2012
Air ambulance struck cables on climb-out from road accident scene.  Pilot Augusto Stazzonelli, co-pilot Stefano Turetta, doctor Fabio Martorana, a nurse, an alpine rescue specialist and the patient survived.... Read more
20-Jul-2012
Crashed into river, killing 3 – named as Siti Khuzaimah Anuar, Pepter Ato Mayau and Henry Lau Tee Yong. German pilot Rico Steger, 35, was the only survivor. Weather was reported as a factor (also cited in later report)... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: York Region
York Regional Police have confirmed the first of three possible one-year contract extension to the contract with National Helicopters to provide pilots and maintenance services. The deal is worth $568,908 excluding taxes. The region’s police services board also approved the 10-year overhaul valued at $709,000. (see full story). See also the recommendation document put forward... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s new Maintenance Mission Control Center in Oxford, England is setting new standards in operator support – particularly for the security agencies involved in the upcoming London Olympic Games. Located at Oxford Airport and operated by Eurocopter UK, this facility manages more than 2,000 maintenance events per year at Eurocopter bases in Oxford and Hawarden/Wales,... Read more
17-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
The Tokyo Fire Department has signed on another EC225 this month, adding to its Eurocopter fleet of fire-fighting, emergency medical services as well as search & rescue helicopters. This affirms Eurocopter’s leading position in Japan as the preferred choice for such missions, and proves its capability in meeting high expectations. Following the purchase of an... Read more
17-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Challenge Aero Ukraine has recently added a Mercedes-Benz Style EC145 to their fleet – which also includes two Eurocopter EC135s, two Bell 430s, along with single examples of Eurocopter EC120B, Eurocopter EC155, and an AgustaWestland 109S Grand Conceived in a styling project led by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, the interior of... Read more
17-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter, the world leader in the civil and parapublic helicopter market, is providing its development personnel with the most modern high-performance infrastructures and resources, all in support of its innovation program, a core feature of the Group’s Vision 2020. Following on from the launch of the Systemhaus project at Donauwörth in Germany, which will reach... Read more
17-Jul-2012Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (the “Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Helicopters Australia Pty Limited (“HNZ”), has entered into an agreement with Rio Tinto for a renewed contract for an extended period with new helicopters. Beginning in March 2013, HNZ will replace... Read more
16-Jul-2012Source: Royal Air Force
RAF Puma helicopters have arrived at Ilford Territorial Army Centre as they prepare for a key role providing air security for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The aircraft from 33 Squadron, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, are part of a multi-layered air security plan. These additional security measures build on the RAF’s existing air... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The EC135® has proven to be one of the most popular light twin-engine helicopters in the world, and it is known across the globe for its reliability. The global EC135 fleet has accumulated more than 2,400,000 flight hours. The aircraft’s unparalleled combination of performance, safety, comfort and versatility make it appealing to a variety of... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: American Eurocopter
In October of last year, the Baltimore Police Department ordered four EC120® helicopters as part of a fleet renewal program for its current fleet of four EC120s that it has been operating since 2000. The delivery of two of the department’s new EC120s will take place in July, with the remaining two delivered in August.... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
(elctronic translation from Japanese) Nakanihonkoku Inc., the machine operating 11 EC135 helicopters for the doctor, has been quick to provide a means of fast-moving medical institutions from the scene of the accident. Other, made ​​by Eurocopter helicopters operated 30 aircraft, news gathering, has been engaged in the mission, such as disaster prevention. President Mikio Kunimitsu... Read more
13-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter will provide the leading Northern European helicopter operator Blueway Group with a total of four new EC225s in 2012. Two of these helicopters are already in service for crew change operations on the Danish continental shelf. The third aircraft was delivered today during a ceremony at Eurocopter’s facilities in Marignane while the final helicopter... Read more
13-Jul-2012
Landed hard and rolled onto its side. Aircraft destroyed ... Read more
13-Jul-2012
Flipped over on landing. Night landing assumed, given time listed as 0740Z in California... Read more
12-Jul-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation will be exhibiting again this year during the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) 42nd Annual Conference and Exposition at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from 11-14 JUL 2012. The company will be featuring their latest AS350B3 law enforcement completion provided to the Texas Department of Public Safety Aviation Section. The aircraft is the first... Read more
12-Jul-2012Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), a leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today that it has secured several major new multi-year contracts for the provision of a total of 20 large aircraft that are expected to generate in excess of $2 billion in revenue. In Europe, Bristow has been particularly successful with a number... Read more
11-Jul-2012Source: Cobham
Cobham Commercial Systems and DAC International have announced the first installation of a HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System in Brazil. Cobham, HeliSAS’ manufacturer, and DAC, HeliSAS’ South American sales representative, worked with Aristek Comércio Aeronautico, Sao Paulo, to install the system on a privately-owned Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter. HeliSAS is lightweight, and designed specifically... Read more
11-Jul-2012Source: Dart Helicopter Services
AKV Inc an affiliated partner of DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce receipt of Transport Canada approval for their new ETM1000 Exceedence and Trend Monitoring System. AKV Inc.’s Exceedence Trend Monitoring System is designed to continuously monitor and record all engine and drive train parameters for values in excess of the airframe and engine operating... Read more
10-Jul-2012Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker announced the release of their 2012/2013 Aircraft Performance Comparator with the most comprehensive aircraft comparison data available to the industry. Part of a family of innovative software products created by Conklin & de Decker, the Aircraft Performance Comparator is a must-have tool for anyone that is acquiring a Business Jet, Turboprop,... Read more
9-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
The upgrade of UK Ministry of Defence Puma aircraft took a major step forward last week with Eurocopter completing its first internal qualification of the Puma Mk2 aircraft. This upgrade will significantly enhance the aircraft’s performance, mission capability and safety. The first modified aircraft will fly into the UK in the coming weeks to conclude... Read more
9-Jul-2012Source: Donaldson
One of the first European AS350B3e helicopters is flying with proven, advanced engine protection from Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI). Donaldson delivered its AS350B3e Inlet Barrier Filter system to utility operator Scandair for installation on the company’s new aircraft. Scandair joins customers worldwide protecting their helicopter engines with... Read more
6-Jul-2012
One serious injury after rotor blades hit disembarking passenger – CHP crew member Tony Stanley, who was getting out to help pick up injured hiker Jeremy Kilburn – both were then airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: Renault
On July 1, 2012, Renault announced the appointment of Jean-Michel Billig as a member of the Executive Committee and Executive Vice President, Engineering and Quality, replacing Odile Desforges. After graduating in 1987 from Ecole Centrale Paris as an engineer, he began his career at Eurocopter in Munich as head of the man-machine interface for the... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: Hampshire IOW Air Ambulance
How many people can say that over 4,500 guests attended their birthday party. Â Well Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance had just that. Â On Saturday 30th June 2012 we held our 5th Birthday Summer Fair at Popham Airfield, as our big birthday celebration and it was the most wonderful day. Â The sun shone for... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: Devon Air Ambulance
Angela Griffin returns to Sky1 and Sky1 HD with the second series of the hit action-packed documentary series “Emergency with Angela Griffinâ€. This time, however, the Devon Air Ambulance service features in seven out of the twelve episodes with Angela flying alongside the crew. Over 12 busy weeks, Angela spent many shifts with the Devon... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s participation at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow will highlight the capabilities of the company’s growing rotorcraft family – including the new EC175, a new seven metric ton-category helicopter which is setting the standard for cabin size, mission payload and range performance. For its appearance in the biennial UK industry event, the EC175 is to be... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The new headquarters building for Cornwall Air Ambulance was opened yesterday by the Duchess of Cornwall. It is the first time in the UK that the fundraising and admin side of an air ambulance charity has been co-located with the operational side of the helicopter – the new hangar can hold two helicopters and is... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter have recently supplied the five helicopters to the State Flight Test Center in Moscow for evaluation tests, a source with knowledge on the situation told Interfax-AVN on Wednesday. The five comprise of three single-engine AS350B3 Squirrels and two AS355NP Twin Squirrels from Eurocopter. A fleet acquisition of at least 50 is still feasible, despite... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Ecocopter
[Electronic translation] Among its applications is a navigation system with aeronautical maps, airport information, radio aids, weight balance, video security briefings, and others. Ecocopter again make a difference in service, through the incorporation of iPad2s in their helicopters with the latest technology that allow these tablets. The tool offers a great application platform utility that allows... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Calgary Herald
Dr. Gregory Powell and wife Linda retire but remain ambassadors for pioneering Alberta emergency service (see full story)... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: EADS
From commercial and military aircraft to satellites and secure communications systems, EADS and its Divisions – Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – will present a wide array of innovative products at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs from July 9 to July 15. Visitors will see the Group’s extensive capabilities in the fields of aerospace... Read more
4-Jul-2012
Helicopter crashed killing all four occupants shortly after take off from Lensk Airport. Operator UTair named the victims as pilot Gordeychuk Vasily, mechanic Druzenko Ivan and passengers Verezhak Yaroslav and Arthur Popov. Unclear how relevant this is, but UTair have also stopped using Lensk for refuelling as a result of the accident.... Read more
4-Jul-2012
Pilot had difficulty adjusting power. Skid hits edge of helipad when landing, causing it to roll over onto its side... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: Helihub.com
Ukrainian defence firm Ukroboronprom is reported by Novosti as being close to deal to buy five EC145s from the new factory in Kazakhstan, quoting the president of defense holding company Kazakhstan Engineering, Bolat Smagulov Smagulov expects contract signature within the next few months, he said at the opening of the new Eurocopter plant in Kazakhstan. ... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: Vertical Aviation
Vertical Aviation LLC of Scottsdale, Ariz. has added an AS350B2 to its 135 certificate. The Helicopter will be based in Boulder City, Nev. The Helicopter just completed maintenance and conformity inspection at our facility and is on its way home to go to work doing Grand Canyon Tours and Las Vegas Strip night tours. Give... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter continues its U.S. tour of the X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter today in Huntsville, Ala., where the aircraft will perform the first of several flight demonstrations for military leaders and aviators in several locations across the country. The X3 will demonstrate its unique flight characteristics, which include a cruise speed of 200 knots, high rates... Read more
3-Jul-2012Source: National Guard
The New York Army National Guard welcomed two UH-72 Light Utility Helicopters to the fleet of rotary wing aircraft operated by its Army aviation units here June 29. The new helicopters were purchased specifically to be used in domestic operations in aid of law enforcement or during state emergencies. The UH-72A Lakota is the newest... Read more
2-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sunday 1st July saw Dancopter commence operations out of Norwich Airport in the UK, flying for Shell. Two EC155s were noted at the airport this morning – OY-HJA & OY-HSL. Handling work at Norwich is being provided to the Danish operator by SaxonAir Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
2-Jul-2012Source: Sanford Health
Sanford Health Air Ambulance completed upgrades to its fleet with three new helicopters that went into service on July 1, 2012. The entire fleet includes three EC-145 helicopters, one Bell 230 and four King Air B200 fixed-wing airplanes. The aircraft are based out of Sioux Falls, SD, Fargo, ND and Bemidji, MN and serve patients... Read more
1-Jul-2012
Force landing due to a technical issue on positioning flight back to base after firefighting... Read more
30-Jun-2012
Helicopter crashed into river, killing all four occupants, on a flight from Sedona to Scottsdale. Wreckage located the next day. A later report from KGUN9suggested that authorities had “discovered a severed cable near the crash site and found marks on the rotor blade consistent with hitting a cable”. Fatalities were named as helicopter owner/pilot Raymond... Read more
28-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Radio Netherlands has issued a report that their local Defence Ministry is looking to dispose of aircraft in an effort to both raise some money and to save operational costs – their target is to shave a billion euros from its budget. Apart from a proposed sale of fifteen F-16 jets to Romania, they also... Read more
28-Jun-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation Inc. recently delivered the second EC135T2+ to the Massachusetts State Police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year at which time the unit received pilot and mechanic training from American Eurocopter. The second aircraft is similar to the first with the exception of the complete HELINET Downlink system and a Eurocopter Deutschland... Read more
28-Jun-2012Source: TU-THO
Helicopter carrying six employees of mining company Newmont and two crew of the IAS Helicopter Company this afternoon made an unscheduled landing at Beposo in the Ashanti Region. All people on board the aircraft are safe. Damage level is not known – company announcement implies a safe single engine landing. Some press reports contain a... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
The German Federal Police today formally accepted its remaining two EC155 B1 helicopters from Eurocopter to complete an extensive fleet upgrade program involving 20 of these versatile, multi-role, twin-engine rotary-wing aircraft. A ceremony at Blumberg, Brandenburg marked the service entry of the 19th and 20th EC155 B1s, joining others that are deployed at German Federal... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Westpac Life Saver Rescue
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher recently announced $1.5million in funding for Surf Life Saving NSW to assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. “This funding will ensure this vital search and rescue helicopter service continues to provide a 24/7 service in the Greater Sydney Region and a... Read more
26-Jun-2012
A blessing and dedication was held Thursday at the Lihu‘e Airport Heliport, officiated by Lady Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira of Ke Akua Mana Church. (see full story) The company’s website has a great page on its history – from which the following early photo comes – Jack Harter on the left in this shot standing next to... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Australian Army
The suspension was put in place following the precautionary landing of a helicopter at the Shoalwater Bay training area on 25 June after the aircraft’s two-man crew detected fumes in the cockpit. The aircraft landed safely with no injuries to the crew or further damage to the aircraft. Defence is presently investigating the cause of... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
25-Jun-2012
Helicopter test landings were conducted Wednesday afternoon atop the new 11-story hospital in northwest Escondido, at the crossroads of Interstate 15 and state Route 78. (see full story)... Read more
25-Jun-2012Source: US Coast Guard
Cmdr. Michael J. Brandhuber is appointed the commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans in an official change-of-command ceremony in Belle Chasse, June 22, 2012. As commanding officer of the air station, Brandhuber is responsible for 120 personnel and five MH-65C Dolphin helicopters that are responsible for conducting search and rescue, law enforcement... Read more
25-Jun-2012
Offshore support helicopter escorted to Sumburgh Airport by Coastguard helicopter after a warning light illuminated... Read more
25-Jun-2012
Fumes in the cockpit – led to fleet grounding (for second time)... Read more
23-Jun-2012
Extensively damaged after hitting mountain. Took authorities four days to find wreckage. No word of, or from, crew – thus presumed fatal. Aircraft took off 22nd June just before midnight and last known contact was at 00.10am with ATC at Uruapan, Michoacan... Read more
22-Jun-2012
BAE Systems says it will dedicate an area of Filton Airfield to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity after the closure of the airfield in December. The charity is launching its fundraising campaign next month to upgrade from its current 1968-build Bo105 with a more up-to-date EC135. (see full story)... Read more
22-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Austin Police Department have put a funds request in to the City Council for $3,745,000 to buy a new Eurocopter AS350B3 – and the request will be heard at their scheduled meeting on 28th June at Austin City Hall. The paperwork submitted indicates that this is ostensibly to replace their 1969-vintage Bell OH-58A. There is... Read more
21-Jun-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Eurocopter today began the U.S. tour of its X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter, which will demonstrate the unique operational capabilities of this advanced transportation system during a month of visits to military facilities and hub locations for civil helicopter operators. The tour was initiated with a debut X3 flight presentation at the Grand Prairie, Texas headquarters... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
Africa’s first full-motion helicopter flight simulator has been commissioned by Eurocopter in Kempton Park, the world’s leading manufacturer of civil and military rotorwing aircraft. The simulator, designed to train pilots and flight engineers operating Super Puma and similarly compatible helicopters including the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Oryx , is located at the SimAero training... Read more