1-Mar-2016Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement with Aichi Prefecture for a Bell 412EPI configured for parapublic operations and used specifically for firefighting missions and disaster relief. “The selection of the Bell 412EPI will enhance Aichi’s capability and help ensure the safety and security of citizens throughout the... Read more
23-Feb-2016Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, continues to expand its expertise and talent with the appointment of leadership and sales personnel across its enterprise. The new appointments include: Rob Lewis, Vice President and General Manager of the Commercial Business Unit; Andy Mills, Vice President of Global Business Development; Gary Starr, Vice... Read more
23-Feb-2016Source: Heli-One
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Heli-One, a leading global provider of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, was selected by South Korea’s National 119 to provide a 12-month inspection for their Airbus H225 helicopter. National 119 is the primary provider of firefighting and rescue services in South Korea, flying a fleet of Airbus aircraft.... Read more
17-Feb-2016Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, signed a number of contracts to supply seven Ka-32A11BC and two Mi-171 helicopters to China. The Fire Department of the Department of Public Safety, Qingdao, China, will receive two Ka-31A11BC helicopters in firefighting version in 2016. Four more multirole Ka-32A11BCs will be supplied to Chinese company Jiangsu Baoli... Read more
15-Feb-2016Source: USMC
Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 supported the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) in a fire fighting exercise aboard Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base, California, Feb. 11. The Marines with VMM-165 flew out to Diamond Valley Lake on Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base in an MV-22B Osprey to perform bucket dips... Read more
15-Feb-2016Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, announced today that it will release its earnings results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Jeff Roberts, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Eric Struik, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call at... Read more
18-Jan-2016Source: Sky Aviation
Sky Aviation is officially the first Civilian owner and operator of a CH-46E Sea Knight. Our long road began in March of 2014 when we bought four airframes from the GSA auction. With many hurdles in our path and much help we finally received our completed Type Certificate in July of 2015 and have an... Read more
13-Jan-2016Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, has been contracted through Australian partner Kestrel Aviation, for a third S64E Aircrane heli-tanker to support firefighting efforts in the State of Victoria, Australia. In total, Erickson has six Aircranes currently working in the country. “We are proud to help protect the lives and homes... Read more
19-Dec-2015
Helicopter was conducting fire control work with one crewperson on board. The fire control work included use of a Bambi Bucket to drop water on the fires, slung under the helicopter by a 100 ft long-line. The pilot elected to land the helicopter at Glenbrook helipad to refuel. The helicopter landed with the bucket and... Read more
9-Dec-2015Source: KTVL
The manager of Josephine County airports addressed concerns over a possible training site for Erickson, an aviation company which specializes in government services, manufacturing and MRO, and commercial services such as firefighting, energy construction, timber harvesting, HVAC & specialty, and oil and gas. See Full Story... Read more
4-Dec-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce a two-year service contract extension with the NSPA (NATO Support & Procurement Agency) and the Hellenic Fire Department (HFD) in Athens, Greece for aerial firefighting services. “We are privileged to support NATO and the Hellenic Fire Department for the protection of... Read more
27-Nov-2015Source: Tuoi Tre News
Firefighting departments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be equipped with two helicopters for aerial firefighting and rescue missions, according to a circular that will be in force at the beginning of next year.See full story.... Read more
26-Nov-2015Source: Rostec
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has signed a contract with China’s Jiangsu Baoli for delivery of 4 Ka-32A11BC fire-fighting helicopters in 2016-2017. Once delivered to China, the Ka-32A11BC helicopters will be used in fire-fighting operations, as well as for patrols and supporting special operations. ‘These helicopters are successfully operated in China. This contract... Read more
24-Nov-2015Source: HeiHub.com
Kaman has contracted with Chinese company Lectern Aviation Supplies to deliver two K-Max helicopters in 2017. This will be the first time the K-Max has been operated in China, and both aircraft are expected to begin operations fighting fires for the China Department of Forestry. “This agreement with Lectern represents the continued growth of confidence... Read more
11-Nov-2015Source: Avinco
Mont Blanc Helicopters (MBH) recently closed the purchase of a fire fighting AS 350B3 with the crucial assistance of Avinco. Further to its recent appointment for a fire fighting mission in Corsica, Mont Blanc entrusted Avinco with rapidly securing the appropriate helicopter. Avinco successfully secured the machine within a record one-week lead-time, by providing full... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce $60M in contract extensions, renewals and new wins awarded in the last 30 days. The new revenue, combined from the Government, Commercial and Manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) business units, will be realized in the coming quarters. “Since the... Read more
6-Nov-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce Brian Pierson as Vice President of Government Services. In this role he will lead all worldwide Government Aviation Services functions. “Erickson has nearly 50 years of expertise in serving defense, military, emergency response and humanitarian efforts,” said Jeff Roberts, CEO and... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, announced today that it will release its earnings results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 on Thursday, November 5, 2015 after the market closes. Jeff Roberts, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Eric Struik, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, will host... Read more
26-Oct-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Helicopter Service Company (HSC) has entered into a contract with Russian Helicopters and South Korea’s Department of Forest Aviation to repair four of the South Korean operator’s Ka-32T helicopters. According to the contract, the restorations aim to increase resources so as to extend the flight times of the helicopters to 2000 hours, with a 10... Read more
26-Oct-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
A delegation from Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, will visit South Korea on 19-20 October as part of its contract for overhaul of Ka-32 helicopters operated by Korea’s Forest Aviation Headquarters. The delegation will meet with the management team of LG International, visit the technical centre at Jeonju and discuss prospects for cooperation... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: HAI
For the first time since 2003, the House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, held a hearing specifically focused on the fire season and the costs which continue to consume the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) budget. USFS Chief Tom Tidwell, describing 2015’s historic fire season, told lawmakers it was “hotter, dryer, and 78... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) hired several new additions in senior leadership to complement its business development and sales capabilities. Joining Erickson as Senior Director of Sales for the company’s Government Aviation Services is Richard “Trey” Williams. William “Will” Fulton is the new Senior Director of Sales for Commercial Aviation Services. Tony Lustig has been hired as... Read more
14-Oct-2015Source: Kaman
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced today that it will report its third quarter 2015 results after the stock market closes on Thursday, October 29, 2015, and host a live webcast and conference call at 8:30 am ET on Friday, October 30, 2015. The call will be accessible by telephone within the U.S. at (866) 291-5954 and... Read more
13-Oct-2015Source: The Tribune
Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County has installed a 5,500-gallon helicopter dip tank west of Atascadero in the Summit Hills area. See Full Story... Read more
12-Oct-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, has welcomed a delegation from South Korea’s Civil Aviation Authority and Heli Korea to its Aviation Repair Plant No. 150. Following the visit the South Korean side extended a certificate for maintenance of Ka-32 helicopter engines. Russian Helicopters will therefore continue to provide maintenance of TV3-117 engines, VR-252... Read more
30-Sep-2015Source: Fire Aviation
No, this is not a movie. It happened for real on the Kettle Complex of fires in Washington August 27, 2015.See Full Story... Read more
17-Sep-2015Source: The Press Enterprise
Following an explosive summer in which drones repeatedly got in the way of pilots fighting wildfires and nearly slammed into a medical helicopter, a bill taking aim at them soared through Sacramento late Friday on the final, marathon day of the 2015 legislative session. See Full Story... Read more
17-Sep-2015Source: The Washington Times
A federal review found that Montana has a safe aviation program, but it is unlikely the state’s five firefighting helicopters will be used to respond to blazes on U.S. Forest Service lands this year, officials said Friday. See Full Story... Read more
14-Sep-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) is pleased to announce that Jason Johnson has joined the company as Senior Director of Sales for the company’s Manufacturing and MRO Business Unit. In addition to Mr. Johnson, Scott Cook has joined the company as Senior Director of Business Development for the Americas Region. In his role as head of Sales... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of the State Corporation Rostec) will supply to China by the end of 2015. 3 Ka-32A11BC. The Ka-32A11BC will be used in China for firefighting, as well as patrols and support special operations. Ka-32A11BC ideal for highly urbanized cities in China and its climatic features. Helicopter effectively performs work in dense urban areas,... Read more
28-Aug-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce today that it has been selected by Pan Aviation to provide emergency fire suppression support for the Municipality of Istanbul and the surrounding areas of Turkey. The agreement calls for the use of one specialized S-64E Aircrane to assist with regional... Read more
26-Aug-2015Source: Daily Inter Lake
A private contractor has been part the firefighting effort in Northwest Montana attacking fires from above. See Full Story... Read more
25-Aug-2015Source: KRCR News
CAL FIRE is beefing up their aerial firefighting fleet with a newly stationed “stage one,” or large, chopper at the Chico Municipal Airport. See Full Story... Read more
25-Aug-2015Source: Jakarta Post
The city administration plans to buy helicopters to help the Jakarta Fire Department fight fires in the capital. See Full Story... Read more
21-Aug-2015
During fire fighting activities, the helicopter, equipped with bambi bucket, immediately after the first water drop experienced control problems. Trying an emergency landing in a nearby area 1 km away, the helicopter in the final phase of the flight, started an abrupt spin and crashed. Helicopter was on contract to Forest Service of Sardinia. Only... Read more
19-Aug-2015
The commercial pilot reported that shortly after picking up a bucket of water from a pond he gained airspeed and initiated a climbing left turn back towards the fire. As the helicopter started to climb, he heard a drop in RPM and the helicopter lost power. He attempted to continue the climb; however, the helicopter... Read more
15-Aug-2015
Emergency landing in a cemetery, during which the main blades sliced the tail boom off. Helicopter substantially damaged but remained on its skids... Read more
14-Aug-2015Source: SDGE
Today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced it has renewed agreements to make a heavy-lift helicopter available to support fire-fighting efforts again this fall. The Erickson Skycrane helitanker has the capacity to carry and drop more than 2,500 gallons of water and can be in the air within 20 minutes to assist with fire... Read more
13-Aug-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce that it will present at the Canaccord 35th Annual Growth Conference. Jeff Roberts, President and CEO and Eric Struik, Vice President and CFO are scheduled to present on August 13th at 12:00p.m., from the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. About Erickson... Read more
10-Aug-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a leading provider of aviation services and products to a worldwide mix of commercial and government customers, today announced second quarter 2015 financial results. Jeff Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Erickson, commented, “Our second quarter results were below expectations as a result of challenges in the... Read more
8-Aug-2015
Positioning flight back to base at low level when it crashed and was written off... Read more
5-Aug-2015
Crashed into Beaver Lake while picking up water to fight a fire... Read more
4-Aug-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce newly designed and certified enhancements for the S-64 Aircrane to improve situational awareness for aircraft pilots. As part of a continuous improvement initiative, the company has installed and certified FAA mandated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT (transmit) systems, which are ADS-B... Read more
27-Jul-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services announced today that it will release its earnings results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 on Thursday, August 6, 2015 after the market closes. Jeff Roberts, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Eric Struik, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, will host... Read more
22-Jul-2015Source: The Sun Wildfires
Several lawmakers are taking steps to stop drones from interfering in firefighting efforts after several incidents in California. See full story... Read more
20-Jul-2015Source: South African Civil Aviation Authority
As of Tuesday, 14 July 2015, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended the Part 127 (Helicopter) and Part 135 (Air Transport Operations: Small Aircraft) Air Operating Certificates (AOC) of Working on Fire, trading as FFA Aviation (Pty)Ltd, for failure to comply with the legislative requirements applicable to AOC holders. Following a recent spate... Read more
20-Jul-2015
Press “pilot walked away from an emergency landing”. FAA “Aircraft destroyed”. Firefighting ops.... Read more
16-Jul-2015
Aerial electrical cable collision following water discharge during fire-fighting operation. The pilot managed to immediately land the helicopter. Initial assessment reveals bucket, helicopter tail and one main rotor blade damage.... Read more
11-Jul-2015
Crashed on firefighting ops, pilot to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries... Read more
1-Jul-2015Source: The Reporter News
Cal Fire has enlisted a second private helicopter to protect North Bay counties from wildfire, and the aircraft has already been credited with helping contain a fire near Lake Berryessa this weekend. See Full Story... Read more
30-Jun-2015
conducting forest fire fighting operations in the area of Fort Simpson, NT. Prior to landing in CYFS, the pilot maneuvered to set down the water bucket. While preparing to set down on the landing pad beside the bucket, the tail rotor blades contacted a fuel drum. The helicopter touched down shortly thereafter and remained upright.... Read more
29-Jun-2015
Crashed into water during firefighting operations and sank... Read more
25-Jun-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global aviation services company that provides comprehensive lift, placement, transport and logistics aviation services has renewed national wildland fire suppression contracts with the United States Forest Service, and other municipalities. Globally, Erickson has maintained operations in Greece, Turkey, and Australia. These agreements demonstrate Erickson’s continued commitment to provide the most... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: Mail Tribune
The vice president of a defunct Grants Pass helicopter company was sentenced to 12½ years in federal prison this morning for lying about the carrying capacities of his firm’s helicopters, including the overloaded Sikorsky S-61N that crashed at a Northern California fire in 2008, killing nine people. See Full Story.... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: Russian Helicopters
Rotorcrafts produced by Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) are actively involved in fire-fighting operations in Spain, Portugal, and other countries within Europe. The multirole Ka-32A11BC is the only coaxial helicopter capable of reaching the scene of the blaze in record time and delivering about 5 tonnes of water to extinguish the fire. The... Read more
8-Jun-2015Source: Kaman
Kaman have announced (their press release below) that the K-Max is to go back into production. This announcement has been expected for some time, perhaps a handful of years even, and has been waiting for a minimum number of orders to ensure the costs of ramping up the line again are justified. Between 1991 and... Read more
12-May-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the sale of the first Bell 412EPI in Japan to Aomori Prefecture’s Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency. “The Bell 412 is known around the world for its rugged reliability to perform the toughest of missions, and the new EPI offers improved performance with a state-of-the-art integrated avionics suite... Read more
11-May-2015Source: AHSAFA
The American Helicopter Services & Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA) has selected George C. Hill as its new Executive Director. Mr. Hill will assume the position on June 1, replacing Tom Eversole who has been the director since he started the association in 1998. “George Hill is uniquely qualified to build upon AHSAFA’s reputation as an... Read more
11-May-2015Source: my fox orlando
You’ve seen them in the movies, and you know our military relies on them, but did you know the Blackhawk helicopter is the most effective transport when fighting major forest fires? See Full Story... Read more
11-May-2015Source: NBC News
High above the southern California desert, helicopter pilot Desiree Horton swoops past parched chaparral, checking in with her firefighting crew. “How’s the height?” she asks. See Full Story... Read more
7-May-2015Source: The Durango Herald
Al Harper, owner of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, is seeking federal permission to allow his firefighting helicopter to battle blazes on federal lands near the railroad tracks. See Full Story... Read more
1-May-2015Source: Falck
Falck Safety Services has recently enhanced its fire training asset, installing a new three-storey fire rig, working in partnership with The Fire Training Group (FTG) located at Aberdeen Airport. The recent investment will enable Falck to continue to provide offshore workers with relevant, bespoke and OPITO-approved fire training courses using state-of-the-art facilities. Falck’s investment will allow... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Government in the Oita Preferecture in Japan has issued a tender for a “fire disaster prevention helicopter”. Specifications include the need for the helicopter to fit into its current hangar without altering that – or folding the helicopter’s blades. Local reports indicate that would rule out both the Bell 412 and AgustaWestland AW139, and... Read more
22-Apr-2015
Firefighting helicopter crashes with two fatalities – named later as pilot Darrell Rea and crew Jastin Visagie. Further details to follow and registration awaiting final confirmation – another source is quoting ZS-HBU (4491)... Read more
17-Apr-2015Source: DynCorp
DynCorp International (DI) announced today that they have been awarded a contract to continue supporting the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) aviation program helping suppress and control wildfires. Work will be performed at McClellan Park in Sacramento, California, and aircraft are deployed throughout 12 air tactical and 10 helitack bases throughout... Read more
30-Mar-2015
Helicopter down with two fatalities (named here as Steve Cobb and pilot Brandon Ricks) and one serious injury (Brendan Mullen). Bell 206L1 was contracted to US Forestry Service and the crew were working on a prescribed burn of 800 acres in the Desoto National Forest.... Read more
23-Mar-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services, today announced changes to the composition of its board of directors that it believes strengthen its governance and reinforce its commitment to independence. Gary Scott, a director of the Company since 2012, has been appointed Chairman of the Board, succeeding Quinn Morgan, who remains a... Read more
9-Mar-2015Source: INAER
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Magrama) awarded contracts to INAER for four of the five helicopters providing firefighting, surveillance and forest fire coordination services for the 2015 winter-spring season. This service will remain active during the months of March, April and part of May. The aircraft resources for this new contract include... Read more
9-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
By Andrew Drwiega, Heli-Expo, Florida, USA Kaman Aerospace is nearing the threshold that would allow the company to reopen its K-Max K-1200 production line, says Terry Fogarty, general manager of Kaman’s UAS Group. “With deposits now over 75% of what we require we are now anticipating that this will go ahead.” Speaking at Heli-Expo to... Read more
8-Mar-2015
The helicopter went down in mountainous terrain while water bombing the area, killing the pilot – named later here as Hendrik Marais... Read more
4-Mar-2015Source: Latitude Technologies
The USDA Forest Service has awarded Latitude Technologies the contract to supply Operation Loads Monitoring Systems (OLMS) for deployment by the US Forest Service on government and contractor aircraft engaged in aerial wildfire fighting operations in the US over the next four years. Government-owned aircraft include Cessna TU 206 and Citation Bravo, Raytheon King Air 90, A100... Read more
12-Feb-2015Source: Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has delivered a BK117C-2 helicopter to Kobe City. It is the ninth C-2 model to be used for firefighting and disaster relief. The new helicopter will be scheduled to replace an existing BK117 helicopter deployed by the Kobe Air Rescue Team. The Kawasaki BK117 helicopter was developed... Read more
9-Feb-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) announced today that it has initiated a comprehensive organizational restructuring that it anticipates will create significant new efficiencies and cost reductions, improve profitability, and enhance the Company’s overall competitive position. The Company will now be organized into the following four business segments: 1) Government Aviation Services, led by Chris Bassett 2) Oil... Read more
5-Feb-2015
Firefighting helicopter crashed while filling bucket in very shallow river. pilot Neal Andrews walked away unscathed... Read more
28-Jan-2015Source: Insurance News Net
A year after the devastating Labor Day wildfires of 2011, Travis County commissioners voted to buy a $2.4 million helicopter with a 325-gallon water tank. The purchase made Travis the only Texas county to own a helicopter specifically designed for fighting fires. See Full Story... Read more
