11-Jun-13 ZK-IJE CHR Safari Dairy Flats, New Zealand
11-Jun-13
Helicopter crashed beside the runway at Dairy Flat Airfield - skids collapsed but it otherwise stayed upright. Minor injuries to pilot
NZ panel declines Stanley Point helipad proposal
Source: North Shore Times, 07-Jun-13
One of New Zealand’s richest families has been denied consent to build a private helipad on its sprawling Stanley Pt property. (See Full Story)
07-Jun-13 ZK-HTA Bell 206B Nelson, New Zealand
07-Jun-13
Emergency landing after engine problems. Tail boom cut but helicopter did end up on its skids
30-May-13 ZK-HYR Robinson R22 Rangiora, New Zealand
30-May-13
Destroyed in take-off accident on first solo flight
Donaldson Protects HNZ’s AW109SP Fleet
Source: Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense Group, 29-May-13
Helicopters New Zealand has selected Donaldson Aerospace & Defense’s Inlet Barrier Filters (IBFs) to protect the engines of three new AgustaWestland AW109SPs it purchased to fly around-the-clock transfers of marine pilots for iron-ore freighters serving ports on Australia’s hot northwestern coast. Helicopters New Zealand chose the Donaldson IBFs, the only filtration system certified for installation [...]
26-May-13 ZK-HNA MD Helicopters MD500E Eglington Valley, New Zealand
26-May-13
Engine failure followed by autorotation, and resulting in moderate skid and tail boom damage.
NZ heliski firm fined $6,000
Source: Southland Times, 21-May-13
A Queenstown heliski operator has been fined for illegally landing and operating tours on another company’s block without permission. (see full story)
Helmet saves Otago helicopter pilot’s life
Source: MSN, 16-May-13
A Central Otago pilot has escaped with his life and a lucky lid after his unattended helicopter took off, crashed and the tail rotor grazed his helmet. (See Full Story)
HNZ reports results for Q1 ended 31-Mar-13
Source: HNZ Group, 15-May-13
The Corporation generated revenue of $54.2million, compared with revenue of $62.5million in the first quarter of 2012. This net decrease is mainly due to the completion of the Ornge contract in the first quarter of 2012 and a decrease in revenues from the northern and southern hemisphere markets due to the current challenging economy. The [...]
HNZ declares monthly dividends
Source: HNZ Group, 15-May-13
HNZ Group Inc. (“HNZ”) (TSX:HNZ.A, HNZ.B) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared monthly dividends of $0.091875 per Common Share and Variable Voting Shares, payable on each of August 15, 2013,September 13, 2013 and October 15, 2013 to holders of record at the close of business July 31, 2013, August 30, 2013 and September [...]
Kaman confirms New Zealand will buy ten SH-2G Super Seasprite
Source: Kaman, 09-May-13
Kaman Corp. KAMN +0.63% today announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman), has entered into a $120 million contract with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence for the purchase of ten SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. The contract is consistent with the previously announced [...]
New Zealand heli-hunters to fight ban
Source: TVNZ News, 09-May-13
Heli-hunters are vowing to fight moves from Associate Conservation Minister Peter Dunne to ban their sport, saying any legislation to outlaw it “defies logic and common sense”. (See Full Story)
New Zealand heads for helicopter hunting ban on conservation land
Source: TYNZ News, 08-May-13
Associate Conservation Minister Peter Dunne has won a decisive court battle in his quest to ban helicopter hunting on conservation land. (See Full Story)
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust announces new CEO
Source: ARHT, 08-May-13
Auckland’s Westpac Recue Helicopter service has today named Greg Barrow as its next CEO. Announcing the appointment, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Chairman Murray Bolton says Mr Barrow comes into the role with a lifetime of aviation experience behind him. “In recent months we have undertaken a thorough and robust recruitment process and Greg has come [...]
NZ – Six-seat Composite prototype ditches into Auckland harbour
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-May-13
The only flying prototype of the all-composite six-seat helicopter dubbed “Adventourer” has ditched into Auckland Harbour in the channel between North Head and Rangitoto and sunk, bringing the development program to a halt. The salt water will no doubt mean a complete re-build and a significant pause in the development program of the KC518 helicopter being [...]
07-May-13 ZK-ICM Composite Helicopters KC518 Auckland, New Zealand
07-May-13
Technical issue forced pilot to ditch prototype 5-place turbine helicopter into Auckland Harbour
02-May-13 ZK-HAM Robinson R22 West Coast, New Zealand
02-May-13
“Helicopter took off on its own and came down on its side”
HNZ accident-free in 2012 with over 65,000 flying hours
Source: HNZ, 01-May-13
After collating all the statistics from their operations world-wide, HNZ Global have been celebrating a completely accident free 2012. Flying more than 65,000 hours in mostly specialized ‘niche’ helicopter operations all around the world, the “clean slate” represents a remarkable effort, especially for such a large and diverse organization. “Operating in both the utility market [...]
Jordanian Police sell three Bo105s
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Apr-13
The Jordanian Police have recently sold a batch of three Eurocopter Bo105s to Oceania Aviation in New Zealand after retiring them from active use four years ago – we assume they have been in storage in the interim period. Each has now been put on the local ZK- register, with Oceania working initially on ZK-HVA [...]
Heliski firm admits landing breach
Source: The Southland Times, 23-Apr-13
A Queenstown heliski company has admitted landing in another company’s block on The Remarkables without permission. (See full story) File photo
New Zealand buys the Seasprites Australia rejected
Source: Kaman, 19-Apr-13
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) today announced that the New Zealand Cabinet has authorized the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) to enter into an approximately $120 million contract with Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) for the purchase of ten SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. The MoD and [...]
New Zealand proposes AD to force R44 bladder tank issue
Source: NZ CAA, 11-Apr-13
The CAA proposes the following new Airworthiness Directive requiring the replacement of aluminium fuel tanks on Robinson R44 series aircraft with new bladder-type tanks of improved resistance to post-accident rupture. The AD is prompted by reports of three Robinson R44 accidents in Australia involving fuel tank ruptures and fires. These accidents resulted in the loss [...]
10-Apr-13 ZK-HTQ Robinson R22 Tarras, New Zealand
10-Apr-13
Helicopter was left unattended with the engine running. The helicopter became airborne, spun around, and struck the ground.
09-Apr-13 ZK-HLY Robinson R44 Christchurch, New Zealand
09-Apr-13
Moved on its pad while the pilot was conducting checks after engine start, with the tail rotor striking and rupturing a container of AVGAS.
03-Apr-13 ZK-IBK Eurocopter BK117 Wellington, New Zealand
03-Apr-13
Main rotor blades struck tail boom while running up on roof-top helipad. Incident blamed on freak wind gust
HNZ Group Reports 2012 Year-End Results
Source: HNZ Group Inc., 28-Mar-13
HNZ Group Inc. (TSX: HNZ.A, HNZ.B) (“the Corporation”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, today announced its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS The Corporation generated revenue of $60.7 million, compared with revenue of $68.7 million in the fourth [...]
HNZ Group declares monthly dividends
Source: HNZ Group Inc, 28-Mar-13
HNZ Group Inc. (“HNZ”) (TSX : HNZ.A, HNZ.B) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared monthly dividends of $0.091875 per Common Share and Variable Voting Shares, payable on each of May 15, 2013, June 14, 2013 and July 15, 2013 to holders of record at the close of business April 30, 2013, May [...]
NZ Investigators comment on over-water flying
Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Mar-13
Technically not “safety recommendations” but the latter part of the investigation report into the accident of Bell LongRanger ZK-ISF in January 2011 pulls no punches on what helicopter pilots should consider when flying over water. The pilot was not wearing a life jacket, and was in the water over two hours before being rescued. The [...]
Seven fatal helicopter accidents in first nine days of March 2013
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Mar-13
March 2013 has not started off well from the point of view of accident statistics, with seven fatal accidents in the first nine days. HeliHub.com carries extensive coverage of helicopter safety data and has included the following in recent reports 09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F) 07-Mar-13 Eurocopter/IAR SA330L Bacau, Romania (2F) 05-Mar-13 [...]
09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F)
09-Mar-13
Crashed on a ridge above the Oamaru Valley, east of Turangi, after dropping off a hunting party. The body of pilot Mark Didsbury was found 50m away from the helicopter
Marenco at Heli-Expo – appoints Australia/NZ distributor
Source: Marenco, 05-Mar-13
Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd. is thrilled to participate to its third Heli Expo, held this year in Las Vegas, USA. Our team and Martin Stucki, the founder of the company and designer of the SKYe SH09, will be present on the show where we will describe our progress to our clients, prospects and suppliers. We have [...]
24-Feb-13 ZK-HAD Robinson R44 Lake Rotorua, New Zealand
24-Feb-13
Witnesses heard a loud bang before the R44 on a scenic tour made an emergency landing in the lake. Helicopter remained upright in less than 1m of water. All 4 POB exited safely
Air NZ launches helicopter tours through Helicopter Me
Source: Helicopter Me, 18-Feb-13
New Zealand-based helicopter tour company Helicopter Me has expanded its offerings of helicopter tours in the Auckland area The organization has a full repertoire of tours including city and coastal scenic tours, fly in and dine outs, and several helicopter adventure tours. In addition, Helicopter Me recently partnered with Air New Zealand and Alert Taxis [...]
28-Jan-13 ZK-HKV Eurocopter EC130 Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
28-Jan-13
Emergency landing after fuel indication dropped to zero with rotor speed warning. Apparent wiring issue
It’s an incident, not an accident, argues NZ operator
Source: Mountain Scene, 24-Jan-13
Louisa Patterson, owner of NZ operator Over the Top, is at loggerheads with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority, maintaining it was just an “incident” based on CAA’s own guidelines. “As an incident, this will not affect the safety record that Over The Top are so proud of”, she says (see full story)
New Zealand – Heli Tours adds second aircraft
Source: Heli Tours, 23-Jan-13
Heli Tours new 2nd Helicopter has arrived! ZK-HOI is a H369D modern turbine Helicopter from USA, it is a very fast, very agile type of Helicopter and can fit up to 4 passengers. It also has a large, long cargo pod that fits neatly underneath the Helicopter too. It is polished and ready for work. [...]
22-Jan-13 ZK-IMZ Robinson R22B Nokomai Station, New Zealand
22-Jan-13
Helicopter was flying up a valley and suddenly lost altitude due to a suspected downdraft. the helicopter hit the ground and rolled 6 times, breaking off the tail
21-Jan-13 ZK-HIY Robinson R22B Karamea, New Zealand
21-Jan-13
Helicopter experienced unusual vibrations while flying at 4500ft. Pilot decided to make a precautionary landing but the tail struck the ground during landing and helicopter rolled over.
Northland Emergency Services Trust hit by theft from hangar
Source: NZ Herald, 17-Jan-13
Almost $10,000 worth of specialist tools and 10kg of copper cabling has been stolen from the hangar used by the organisation behind the Northland Electricity rescue helicopter. (see news story)
Sikorsky Helitech partners with Euravia to support P&WC PT6T engines in Australasia
Source: Euravia, 14-Jan-13
EURAVIA is pleased to announce the signing of a two year teaming agreement with SIKORSKY HELITECH, Australia to provide P&WC PT6T engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Lancashire, England, EURAVIA specialises in aftermarket services for a wide range of P&WC PT6 engines. The strategic partnership will support [...]
11-Jan-13 ZK-IPY Robinson R44 II Glenorchy, New Zealand
11-Jan-13
Main rotor blade struck the tail boom during start-up due to a wind gust. Significant damage was caused to the tail boom, with associated damage to the rotor blades.
Register Update – New Zealand – December 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Jan-13
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
New Zealand’s Beck Helicopters celebrates 40 years
Source: Stratford Press, 21-Dec-12
Formed in 1972 to meet an increasing need for helicopter services in the province, Alan says the business has grown from a single Bell 47 helicopter, a small hangar and small staff base to one which now operates three Bell Iroquois and one Bell Jet Ranger helicopter across New Zealand and carries out maintenance on [...]
Helinet Aviation acquires NZ aerial camera company
Source: Helinet Aviation, 17-Dec-12
Helinet Aviation Services, a diversified flight services company, announced today the acquisition of Shotover Camera Systems, developer of the world’s first gyro-stabilized camera system for shooting aerial footage in Ultra High-Definition, the next generation digital video standard announced earlier this year. Lightweight and compact enough to be transported as excess baggage by a single person, [...]
NZ tour operator Heliview buys MD600N
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Nov-12
New Zealand operator Heliview has bought an MD600N from Simm Samm Airways in India, primarily to use as a tour helicopter. Bought in September, but only registered locally on 20th November and is expected to join the active fleet imminently. Heliview is run by husband and wife Richard and Jolanda Foale, who bring complimentary skills [...]
New Zealand – Waikato Region upgraded from Bell 222 to BK117SD2
Source: Philips SAR Trust, 27-Nov-12
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are [...]
HNZ Group announces new training school in Nelson
Source: HNZ Group, 26-Nov-12
HNZ Group Inc has confirmed it will establish an internationally-recognised advanced helicopter training school in Nelson. The announcement was made at HNZ Group Inc’s Nelson headquarters this morning by the company’s international Board, in the presence of the New Zealand Prime Minister, Nelson MP Nick Smith, and Canadian High Commissioner Caroline Chretien. HNZ Group Inc [...]
New Zealand – HeliPro win patient transfer contract
Source: MidCentral Health, 25-Nov-12
MidCentral Health is pleased to announce that it has awarded its air ambulance services contract for patient transfers to HeliPro. HeliPro is an organisation with extensive experience in providing state of the art equipment, aircraft and professional pilots in delivering search and rescue and commercial pilot services across the whole of New Zealand. MidCentral Health [...]
ARHT helicopter to carry ultrasound equipment
Source: Voxy, 13-Nov-12
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)
HNZ Group reports 2012 Q3 results
Source: HNZ Group, 13-Nov-12
HNZ Group Inc. (TSX: HNZ.A, HNZ.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, today announced its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. THIRD QUARTER RESULTS The Company generated revenue of $70.0 million, compared with revenue of $85.4 million in the third quarter of 2011. [...]
HNZ Group delares monthly dividends
Source: HNZ Group, 13-Nov-12
HNZ Group Inc. (“HNZ”) (TSX: HNZ.A, HNZ.B) announced today that its Board of Directors has declaredmonthly dividends of $0.091875 per Common Share and Variable Voting Shares, payable on each of February 15, 2013, March 15, 2013 and April 15, 2013 to holders of record at the close of business January 31, 2013, February 28, 2013 [...]
Two AS355s sold from Czech Republic to New Zealand
Source: HeliHub.com, 09-Nov-12
Two Aerospatiale AS355 F2 Twin Squirrels have arrived for Pacific Aircraft Services at Christchurch. On the right in the photo is OK-BIC (c/n 5388) which originally with the Guardia Nacional de Venezuela as GN-8884 followed by a spell as F-WQED before moving to the Czech Republic. On the left is OK-AIA (c/n 5512) which is [...]
08-Nov-12 Robinson R22 Central Otago, New Zealand (1F)
08-Nov-12
Experienced pilot killed in “perfect weather conditions” after reportedly “falling out of the sky”. Police stated that the pilot was Julian Dean Kramer (52), also known as Julianne Kramer – chief flying instructor at Wakatipu Aero Club. Helicopter may be ZK-HCG (1499)
NZ – Taupo’s rescue helicopter has new sponsor
Source: Philips Search & Rescue Trust, 12-Oct-12
Taupo’s rescue helicopter is a well-known sight in the sky. Libby O’Brien found out more about the helicopter’s facelift and the company playing a new role in helping the service take flight They say pigs may fly, but no-one has ever expected a cow to become airborne, let alone play a major part in search [...]
28-Sep-12 ZK-HLZ Robinson R44 Hastings, New Zealand
28-Sep-12
During a an orchard spraying operation, while pilot was concentrating on avoiding a line of tree, the tail rotor struck a wire. Tail rotor effectiveness was lost and the main rotors struck some trees. Helicopter rolled over
NZ operator fined for “red zone” breach
Source: Otago Daily Times, 26-Sep-12
A Wanaka helicopter company, its pilot and its sole director were fined over NZ $27,000 after admitting charges brought by the NZ CAA, the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries. (see full story)
Canadian Helicopters completes name change to HNZ
Source: HNZ Group, 24-Sep-12
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced today that, further to its news release dated May 14, 2012, the change of its name to HNZ Group Inc. (the “Company”), as approved by its shareholders at its annual meeting on May 11, 2012, will be [...]
Both Taranaki rescue pilots quit
Source: MSN, 17-Sep-12
Both of the pilots working for Taranaki’s rescue helicopter have quit their jobs as the trust that runs the service struggles for money. (see full story)
Register Update – New Zealand – August 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Sep-12
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Southern Lakes Helicopters wins three year Antarctic contract
Source: Eurocopter, 03-Sep-12
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) File photo
Heliworks Queenstown and Southern Lakes Helicopters win rescue contract
Source: Otago Daily Times, 30-Aug-12
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)
Successful NH90 trial onboard HMNZS Canterbury
Source: New Zealand Defence Force, 17-Aug-12
The interface trial is the first stage of a process intended to integrate helicopter and ship operations – an important step towards the New Zealand Defence Force goal of establishing a Joint Amphibious Task Force (JATF) by 2015. While the JATF will be structured for the deployment of combat forces, the most likely contingencies it [...]
Kershaw Aviation receive first AS350B3e in New Zealand
Source: Kershaw Aviation, 16-Aug-12
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 [...]
Canadian Helicopters reports 2012 Q2 results
Source: Canadian Helicopters, 16-Aug-12
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, today announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 . SECOND QUARTER RESULTS The Company generated revenue of $62.9 million , stable in comparison with revenue of $63.3 million in [...]
Keeping the “International” in HAI, heading to New Zealand
Source: HAI, 13-Aug-12
HAI Vice President of Regulations and International Affairs Dave York is heading to New Zealand this week for that country’s Aviation Industry Association’s annual Aviation Week conference. On Friday, August 10, he’ll speak about global safety initiatives. He’ll discuss how the backbone of the United States’ Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen) – Automatic Dependent [...]
09-Aug-12 Eurocopter AS350 Minnaret Peaks, New Zealand
09-Aug-12
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”
20-Jul-12 Mokau, New Zealand
20-Jul-12
helicopter involved in agricultural work crashed. Pilot Marty Fry walked away from the accident
Register Update – New Zealand – June 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jul-12
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
NZ Dept of Conservation grants Heli Tours an historic 18-year permit
Source: Voxy, 27-Jun-12
Queenstown-based helicopter company Heli Tours has been granted an historic 18-year permit multi conservancy concession for heli landings, the first of its kind permitted by the Department of Conservation. (see full story)
Northland EMS S76s gain long-range tank from tsunami write-off
27-Jun-12
Northland Emergency Services Trust bought an S76 which had been written-off following the 2011 tsunami in Japan. It has proved much more profitable for re-usable spares than they imagined, the latest item put to use being a long-range tank. Valued at NZ$224,000 new, the tank comes from the insurance-rejected shell they bought for just NZ$30,000. [...]
South African Air Force buys 6 Particle Separators
Source: Airwork, 26-Jun-12
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 [...]
Royal New Zealand Air Force sends UH-1s to assist Papua New Guinea elections
Source: Royal New Zealand Air Force, 26-Jun-12
Two Royal New Zealand Air Force UH-1H Iroquois helicopters have been loaded on to a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 for deployment to Papua New Guinea, with a third to follow on a further C-17 on Friday. New Zealand and Australia are providing support to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and authorities to ensure [...]
Kaman confirms SH-2G(I) negotiations with New Zealand
Source: Kaman, 21-Jun-12
Kaman Corporation confirmed today that The U.S. Department of State has granted authorization that would permit the Company to negotiate a possible sale of SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite Helicopters to the Government of New Zealand. The potential sale would include eleven SH-2G(I) helicopters, a full motion flight simulator, training aids, spares inventory, publications and the introduction [...]
14-Jun-12 ZK-ISG Robinson R44 Whangarei, New Zealand
14-Jun-12
Wire strike while involved in spraying operations at low level. Landed safely, although cut wire meant that 530 customers were without electricity
13-Jun-12 ZK-ISG Robinson R44 Opuawhanga, New Zealand
13-Jun-12
Helicopter struck power lines during an agricultural spraying operation. The helicopter was damaged but a safe landing was made.
