Swiss Air Force receives last of 20 EC635 Helicopters
Source: Rotorhub, 23-Dec-09
The Swiss federal procurement, technology and real estate competence centre, armasuisse, handed over the last of 20 EC635 helicopters to the Swiss Air Force.
Eurocopter delivers two EC145 to Helicopteros Marinos for Offshore Missions
Source: Rotorhub, 23-Dec-09
Eurocopter has completed the delivery of two EC145s to Helicopteros Marinos, an Argentinean offshore operator that serves the oil and gas industry in the southernmost area of Argentina.
Eurocopter inaugurates new maintenance center in Bangkok
Source: RYT9, 22-Dec-09
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA), Eurocopter’s subsidiary in Singapore, has made an initial major investment in the new center, covering new facilities, specialized tools and qualification training for personnel.
Multiflight sells N2 Dauphin to Great North Air Ambulance
Source: Multiflight, 22-Dec-09
Multiflight has sold one of its charter helicopters, a Eurocopter AS 365N2 Dauphin helicopter, to GNAAS
Ibaraki Prefecture Orders Kawasaki KB117C-2 Firefighting Helicopter
Source: Rotorhub, 22-Dec-09
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has announced that the Ibaraki Prefectural Government has signed a deal for its latest BK117C-2 helicopter.
Albania buys 5 Eurocopter military helicopters
Source: Business Week, 21-Dec-09
Albania signed a euro78.6 million ($113.2 million) deal Friday to buy five military helicopters from France-based Eurocopter.
MONOC moves from PHI Air Medical to Med-Trans Corp
Source: Ashbury Park Press, 21-Dec-09
The agreement was signed between the Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corp. and the Dallas-based Med-Trans Corporation, said Vincent Robbins, chief executive officer of MONOC.
AGL Action Rescue Helicopter cutbacks risking lives
Source: News Mail, 21-Dec-09
THE long-term unavailability of Bundaberg’s twin-engine rescue helicopter and impending cutbacks to the service’s staff is putting lives at risk, according to a former paramedic.
Eurocopter EC175 makes its first flight
Source: Rotorhub, 18-Dec-09
Eurocopter has joined the fray of first flights this month, by finally taking the wraps off its latest product, the EC175.
Cayman Islands government issues tender for police helicopter piloting services
Source: Cay Compass, 17-Dec-09
The two–year contract – with a possible two year extension – is being advertised overseas as well as locally. Applications will be reviewed by the Central Tenders Committee and the submission period will close at noon on Friday, 22 January.
New helipad ready at St. Elizabeth East – the first rooftop pad in Lafayette
Source: WLFI, 15-Dec-09
The new Saint Elizabeth East is one step closer to opening its doors after a successful test landing on the hospital’s new rooftop helipad.
Great North Air Ambulance temporarily moves EMS AS365 base in response to flood demand
Source: News and Star, 14-Dec-09
An air ambulance is currently based in Flimby to deal with emergencies on the south side of the River Derwent.
US Army contracts $247M for another 45 UH-72 Lakotas
Source: EADS, 14-Dec-09
The U.S. Army awarded the fifth year contract for the Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to EADS North America for $247.2 million. This contract increases the company’s supply of 45 additional Lakotas along with hardware to equip the rotary-wing aircraft for medical evacuation, personnel transport and multi-mission applications.
Twin Engine Rescue Helicopter For Hawke’s Bay
Source: Voxy, 13-Dec-09
The Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust is stepping forward with the arrival of a twin engine BK117 on the 23rd December. Trust Chairman, John Newland announced that the Trustees agreed to go ahead with the biggest change in the history of the Trust since its inception in 1992.
Attorneys file lawsuits for Italian tourists killed in New York mid-air
Source: NorthJersey.com, 10-Dec-09
Five wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against the pilot of a Piper fixed-wing aircraft that collided over the Hudson River with a helicopter carrying Italian tourists.
First Cabri G2 delivered to Eurocopter
Source: Rotorhub, 10-Dec-09
On the 24th of November, at Aix-les-Milles airport, Eurocopter took delivery of its first Cabri G2 from Helicopteres Guimbal.
EC175 makes first flight amid silence from Eurocopter
Source: AIN, 09-Dec-09
The Eurocopter EC 175 medium twin helicopter made its first flight on Friday 7th December at the company’s headquarters in Marignane, France, according to a source close to Eurocopter.
French Defense Ministry orders two Eurocopter EC225s for SAR missions
Source: Eurocopter, 09-Dec-09
Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS and the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, is pleased to announce the purchase of two EC225s by the French Defense Ministry for the country’s navy.
MONOC to announce new operator after signing contract next week
Source: Asbury Park Press, 09-Dec-09
Air ambulance services will continue to be provided by the helicopter MONOC 1 as negotiations with a new aircraft operator are finalized, said Vincent Robbins, president and chief operating officer of Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corp.
09-Dec-09 Eurocopter AS350 Pewsey, UK
09-Dec-09
A gamekeeper could have killed two Army helicopter pilots when he drove his Land Rover straight at the low flying aircraft, a court has been told. The pilot of a squirrel helicopter avoided disaster when he saw Malcolm Hughes’ car driving towards him.
Questions raised over Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust fundraising costs
Source: NZ Herald, 08-Dec-09
Statements filed with the Charities Commission show the Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust received almost $5 million in donations in the year to March 31 – but spent some $2 million raising the cash.
Indian Air Force announce short list for Cheetah replacement program
Source: Press Info Bureau, 08-Dec-09
The Request for Proposal for replacing the Cheetah helicopters was issued in July 2008 to six vendors. Further action as per the existing procedures including Defence Procurement Procedure, 2008 is underway.
American Eurocopter receives historic D-Level repair designation
Source: American Eurocopter, 08-Dec-09
In a celebration event on its Grand Prairie headquarters, American Eurocopter received D-Level certification from Eurocopter for the repair and overhaul of tailbooms and stabilizers for EC135 model aircraft. It becomes the first company to receive this designation outside of Europe.
08-Dec-09 VH-LXC Eurocopter KB117B2 Orange, Australia
08-Dec-09
Firefighting operations. While in the vicinity of the drop point, BK117 VH-LXC‟s main rotor contacted the trailing edge of AS350 VH-NFO‟s vertical fin. There was light damage to the AS350 and there were no injuries
08-Dec-09 VH-NFO Eurocopter AS350B2 Orange, Australia
08-Dec-09
Firefighting operations. While in the vicinity of the drop point, BK117 VH-LXC‟s main rotor contacted the trailing edge of AS350 VH-NFO‟s vertical fin. There was light damage to the AS350 and there were no injuries
American Eurocopter Delivers Second AS350B3 to Miami-Dade Police Dept
Source: American Eurocopter, 07-Dec-09
American Eurocopter delivered another AS350B3 helicopter to the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit. This is the second of four AS350B3s that have been ordered
Eurocopter delivered two EC155 to Chinese operator COHC
Source: Eurocopter, 07-Dec-09
Eurocopter delivered the first two EC155 B1 Dauphin helicopters to Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (COHC) in Shenzhen, China. The delivery is part of a contract signed on October 12, 2008 for a total of ten helicopters of this type.
Dart Announces FAA/EASA Approval of DART’s Spacepod™ & LH Door Hinge Modification Kit for EC130
Source: Dart Helicopter Services, 04-Dec-09
DART Helicopter Services has announced that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received EASA approval of their Aft Facing Seats (2×2) for Bell 205/212/412 aircraft. Transport Canada approval and FAA approvals have been previously received.
Sensor turret installation is validated for the UH-72A
Source: Rotorhub, 03-Dec-09
Flight tests have been completed with the electro-optical/infrared sensor turret for UH-72A Lakotas that will be operated by the US Army National Guard in Security and Support (S&S) missions.
French Public Service Dauphins mark 15 years of rescue
Source: Rotorhub, 03-Dec-09
The Public Service Dauphins of the French Navy have marked a milestone, rescuing 1,430 people over 15 years.
03-Dec-09 D-HEOY Eurocopter EC135 Seefeld, Austria
03-Dec-09
Hit a railway cable while filming the new Tom-Cruise-movie “Knight and Day”. The helicopter only suffered minor damage and landed safe after the incident.
Eurocopter Japan delivers first EC135T2i Training Helicopter to Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
Source: Eurocopter, 02-Dec-09
The delivery ceremony took place at the Tokyo heliport in the presence of the Japan Ministry of Defense and MSDF representatives as well as Defense attachés from the German and French Embassies, manufacturer and air industry community members.
Malaysia needs 27 Eurocopter EC725s to replace entire Sikorsky S61 fleet
Source: Bernama, 02-Dec-09
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Datuk Seri Rodzali Daud said 12 Eurocopter EC725 helicopters will not be enough to replace the Nuri (Sikorsky S61A).
Gazpromavia looks to buy five Eurocopter EC225s to support Shtokman gas field
Source: UA Tenders, 01-Dec-09
To win the tender “Gazpromavia”, Eurocopter specially developed a new modification of helicopters to the volume of the fuel tank 800 liters.
Eurocopter lightning test results verify finite element analysis
Source: FlightGlobal, 01-Dec-09
Lightning strike tests at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth facility have verified finite element analysis accuracy for carbonfibre structure current flow simulation, according to a European research consortium
Paradigm Helicopters takes delivery of first AS350B3 helicopter
Source: American Eurocopter, 01-Dec-09
American Eurocopter announced today that Paradigm Helicopters has taken delivery of its first AS350B3 helicopter. Paradigm Helicopters is a commercial helicopter company located in Houston, Texas, that provides a variety of services including aerial photography, movie/TV camera operation, real estate and survey flights, utility patrols and tour packages.
Montenegrin army to overhaul 11 helicopters
Source: Emportal, 01-Dec-09
A source in the Defence Ministry has told Vijesti that in the forthcoming period this ministry is planning to overhaul and modernize 11 Gazelle type helicopters.
Eurocopter Charts Future Growth In Malaysia
Source: Bernama, 30-Nov-09
World’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter, hopes its participation in the Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2009 is a reinforcement of its commitment to chart its future growth as the market leader in Malaysia.
More laser attacks on Essex police helicopter pilots
Source: Daily Gazette, 29-Nov-09
Reckless yobs are putting lives at risk by shining laser pens at the police helicopter. Essex Police revealed the lights were shone into pilots’ eyes 15 times so far this year, an increase from seven in 2008.
Lack of safety features cited in California EMS crash
Source: Washington Post, 28-Nov-09
A medical helicopter that crashed this month in the dark hills north of Reno, Nev., killing three, lacked safety features recommended for years by federal experts, including night vision equipment and a system to warn the crew when the aircraft was too close to obstacles or the ground.
Bond Offshore Helicopters EC225 North Sea ditching report delayed
Source: STV, 26-Nov-09
An official report to determine why a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched into the North Sea has been delayed, the Government announced on Tuesday.
Iraq request 15 Light and 12 Medium Utility Helicopters
Source: DSCA, 21-Nov-09
The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of up to 15 AgustaWestland AW109s, or alternatively, 15 Bell Model 429s, or 15 EADS UH-72A Lakotas; and, up to 12 AgustaWestland AW139s, or alternatively, 12 Bell 4122, or 12 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks
Air Methods Maryland takes over Hagerstown base vacated by Stat MedEvac
Source: Herald-Mail, 21-Nov-09
An air medical transport company based in Colorado began service out of Hagerstown Regional Airport this week, following a several-week gap after STAT MedEvac ended operations there in mid-October.
Currituck County providing $200K for new helicopter
Source: Hampton Roads, 19-Nov-09
Currituck County has agreed to donate $200,000 toward the purchase of a new Nightingale emergency and medical transport helicopter. Operated through Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Nightingale had requested up to $1 million as part of a fundraising campaign for a $7 million aircraft
United Rotorcraft Solutions Awarded Customizing Contract for Four Helicopters by Cannon Aviation Group
Source: Vertical, 17-Nov-09
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) has been awarded a contract by Cannon Aviation Group to customize an Agusta A119, two Bell 407′s and a Eurocopter EC130. Cannon has configured these helicopters to meet their customers’ requirements. The aircraft began arriving at the URS facility this week with delivery expected by mid-February.
EADS North America delivers first H-72A training helicopter to the US Navy
Source: EADS North America, 16-Nov-09
EADS North America has delivered the first of five H-72A training helicopters for the U.S. Navy today, marking a new milestone in the company’s production of multi-role helicopters for U.S. military services.
Eurocopter’s latest and most advanced products presented at the Dubai Airshow
Source: Vertical, 12-Nov-09
Eurocopter will participate at the 2009 Dubai Airshow with two of its state-of the-art helicopters – a Tiger will be performing daily flight presentations and a full scale mock-up of the EC175 in offshore configuration will be displayed on the EADS stand
Dutch Alouette IIIs fly back to their ‘nest’
Source: Dutch military, 12-Nov-09
The first Alouette III helicopters built 45 years ago recently made a historic flight back to the French factory
Lightning strike simulation project heralds easy protection design for modern composite structures
Source: CAD CAM News, 12-Nov-09
Lightning strike tests of a helicopter at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth facility have verified the accuracy of finite element analysis techniques for characterising the electromagnetic behaviour of complete and custom-cabled modern aircraft structures constructed using advanced composite materials.
Surf Life Saving Queensland adds EC135
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, 10-Nov-09
SUNSHINE Coast beaches will be safer this summer thanks to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s newest piece of equipment – a twin engine helicopter. The EC135 chopper’s keys were handed over to SLSQ by Queensland emergency services minister Neil Roberts.
DLR tests new helicopter control system: successful first flight with two active sidesticks
Source: DLR, 05-Nov-09
The use of two active sidesticks and the resulting total replacement of the conventional helicopter control system are new. In 2007, DLR tested the right-hand sidestick in flight and is now setting new benchmarks with the first flight to use two sidesticks.
North Devon air ambulance base is taking shape
Source: Devon 24, 05-Nov-09
DEVON Air Ambulance will soon have a purpose-built second airbase at Eaglescott Airfield in North Devon. Having worked from a portable building for the past four years, the crew are looking forward to spending the remainder of the winter in their new warm and dry base, due for completion around Christmas.
Dart Helicopter Services Announces EASA Approval of AS350/355 Vertical Reference Window Kits
Source: RotorNews, 05-Nov-09
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner; DART Aerospace Ltd., has received EASA approval for their Vertical Reference Floor Window Kits for Eurocopter AS 350/AS 355 models of aircraft.
Eurocopter Canada appoints new President & CEO
Source: RotorNews, 04-Nov-09
Mr. Guy Joannes has been appointed to the position of President and CEO of Eurocopter Canada Limited. Guy graduated with an Aerospace Engineering Degree from ESTACA, Paris in 1978 and with a Management Degree from ICG, Paris in 1990.
SkyTrac Systems Obtains STC for Eurocopter EC145 and Bell 204/205/210/214
Source: SkyTrac Systems, 30-Oct-09
SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce that it has obtained a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its automated flight following and satellite communications equipment on the following airframe types: Eurocopter EC 145, Bell 204/205, Bell 210 and Bell 214.
Falcon Aviation Services launches its sightseeing services during Formula 1
Source: AME, 30-Oct-09
The Private Jet and Helicopter provider will also be offering aerial sightseeing tours onboard of their Eurocopter EC130 to discover Abu Dhabi from the sky.
ADAC upgrades Becker Avionics Digital Audio and Intercom System on two EC145s
Source: ALEA, 30-Oct-09
ADAC Luftfahrt Technik recently upgraded the existing Becker Avionics DVCS 5100 Digital Audio and Intercom System installed on two ADAC EC145 HEMS helicopters to the new state-of-the-art DVCS 6100. The replacement was easy because the new DVCS 6100 is designed as a ‘drop-in’ replacement for the DVCS 5100 series. With this upgrade, only the existing [...]
Helipad plans at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital are set for approval
Source: Somerset County Gazette, 29-Oct-09
PLANS for a helicopter landing pad at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital are set for approval. Hospital bosses want the emergency helipad in front of the Accident and Emergency department, in the Queen’s Building.
