Uk News

Coast Guard S92s and AW189s are too big for hospital helipads

Coast Guard S92s and AW189s are too big for hospital helipads

9-Sep-2016Source: HeliHub.com

The Department for Transport bought 11 Sikorsky S92 and Agusta Westland AW189 helicopters from the American company Bristow for £1.9 billion, but the helicopters themselves are too large to land at hospital helipads. The hospitals Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol and Sheffield are being affected by the lack of helicopters available. Newcastle officials have brought the... Read more

Navy and Coastguards from 11 countries meet for HOSTAC conference

Navy and Coastguards from 11 countries meet for HOSTAC conference

8-Sep-2016Source: US Navy

Navy and Coast Guard representatives from 11 countries came together for dialogue and information sharing during a Helicopter Operations from Ships other Than Aircraft Carriers (HOSTAC) conference in Singapore, Aug 29-Sept 2. Conference participants represented Great Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. HOSTAC is an... Read more

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland to launch with two EC135s

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland to launch with two EC135s

8-Sep-2016Source: Babcock

AANI are delighted to announce Babcock Mission Critical Services Onshore as the aviation supplier of the Charity’s two aircraft. They will also provide aviation training and the pilots of both helicopters. Babcock has decades of experience in providing Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across the UK and currently operates from more than 20 UK bases,... Read more

Bristow introduces new Director of UK SAR

Bristow introduces new Director of UK SAR

2-Sep-2016Source: Bristow

As a key member of the UK SAR leadership team since the start of the contract, Bristow Helicopters Limited recently promoted Russell Torbet CBE to director UK SAR, responsible for overseeing the operation of the civilian search and rescue (SAR) service for the UK on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). In this... Read more

UK – New Scilly Isles helicopter service proposed with AW139s

UK – New Scilly Isles helicopter service proposed with AW139s

25-Aug-2016Source: Penzance Heliport Ltd

Plans are underway for the reinstatement of the popular scheduled helicopter service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. The helicopter flights will play a vital role in a multi-modal transport service for the islands.   A planning application for a new heliport on Jelbert Way, Penzance, is expected to be submitted this autumn following a... Read more

BHA President Calls for Post-Brexit Reassurances

BHA President Calls for Post-Brexit Reassurances

22-Aug-2016Source: BHA

The President of the British Helicopter Association, The Lord Glenarthur, has called on the Government to do all in its power to Ensure the voice of the UK’s aviation expertise is not wasted, as the country withdraws from the EU. Speaking During a House of Lords Debate on Tuesday 5thJuly, The Lord Glenarthur said: “A... Read more

The distressed H225 fleet – A review

The distressed H225 fleet – A review

19-Aug-2016Source: Allan Blake

In an article published on 6th July 2016, “Future of H225 compounded by HUMS investigation remark”, I concluded that “The CHC Chapter 11 process has a long way to run yet.  The outcome for the offshore helicopter market will be significant as strategies for his large fleet emerge from the affected lessors; all of them... Read more

UK CAA suspends heli pilot licence for infringing Red Arrows display

UK CAA suspends heli pilot licence for infringing Red Arrows display

18-Aug-2016Source: CAA

A pilot has pleaded guilty to flying his helicopter through a Red Arrows display, causing the world famous aerobatic team to abandon their routine. Luton Magistrates’ Court heard Andrew Kane (62) from Leighton Buzzard, flew his Gazelle helicopter into restricted airspace, put in place to protect the Red Arrows’ display, at an air show at... Read more

Universal Wiring completes delivery of 750 miles of cabling for AW101 upgrades

Universal Wiring completes delivery of 750 miles of cabling for AW101 upgrades

17-Aug-2016Source: Universal

Universal Wiring Systems announced that it had delivered 750 miles of electrical harnessing to complete the wiring phase of AgustaWestland’s Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme (MCSP). The company has provided harnesses for 30 Merlin Mk2 helicopters, each comprising 25 miles (41km) of wiring, which completes the MCSP deliverables. Awarded in 2005, the programme upgrades 30 of... Read more

New CEO for Cobham plc

New CEO for Cobham plc

17-Aug-2016Source: Cobham

Cobham plc announces that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bob Murphy, is to step down from his role and from the Board no later than the end of 2016 to pursue other opportunities.  The Board thanks Bob for his leadership during challenging times, including: the development of a clear strategy with a focus on connectivity;... Read more

East Anglian Air Ambulance appoints four Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine consultants

East Anglian Air Ambulance appoints four Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine consultants

16-Aug-2016Source: EAAA

These consultants are committed to working a day a week for the Charity, but will also spend time overseeing EAAA’s governance. This will involve developing the Charity’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment, future direction, training, and of course, will provide on-call consultant advice. The four permanent consultants are, Dr Pam Chrispin and Dr Jeremy Mauger,... Read more

Yorkshire Air Ambulance prepare to launch first H145 in early September

Yorkshire Air Ambulance prepare to launch first H145 in early September

16-Aug-2016Source: YAA

The final countdown has begun at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as they look forward to welcoming their new Airbus H145 helicopter in to operations next month. The rapid response emergency service Charity unveiled the new helicopter back in June, and now after having its medical fit completed, the team have entered into the final stages... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – August 2016

UK AAIB Bulletin – August 2016

14-Aug-2016Source: AAIB

The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness... Read more

New UK heliport for Police and EMS operations approved

New UK heliport for Police and EMS operations approved

12-Aug-2016Source: HeliHub.com

The controversial proposals for a dual-service heliport at Almondsbury have now received planning approval, according to the Gazette series.  The site, close to the junction of the M4 and M5 motorways, will become the new base for both the National Police Air Service and the Great Western Air Ambulance in the Bristol area.  Both currently... Read more

Wales Air Ambulance invests in two high-tech incubators

Wales Air Ambulance invests in two high-tech incubators

11-Aug-2016Source: Wales Air Ambulance

Significantly quicker transfers of neonatal babies are to be introduced with the launch of Wales’ first flight incubator, it was announced. The two £70,000 bespoke incubators to be introduced on board the Wales Air Ambulance Charity (WAAC) is the most advanced in the UK. Its introduction will replace long road ambulance journeys for vulnerable babies.... Read more

Vector Aerospace may lay off 60 in UK

Vector Aerospace may lay off 60 in UK

10-Aug-2016Source: HeliHub.com

A local news outlet in Portsmouth is reporting that 60 jobs at the local Vector Aerospace facility at Fleetlands are at risk after the company lost s contract. Portsmouth News says Vector had bid for the Digital Automatic Flight Control System upgrade programme for the Royal Air Force’s Chinook helicopter fleet. Steve Burnell from Boeing Defence... Read more

Three helicopter incidents lead British Gliding Association to issue winch wire alert

Three helicopter incidents lead British Gliding Association to issue winch wire alert

10-Aug-2016Source: BGA

Following a number of recent incidents that have compromised safety when aircraft over-flying glider sites have come into close proximity with winch-launching gliders, the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) and the British Gliding Association (BGA) seek to remind pilots about the dangers of over-flying gliding sites, especially as the summer months mean much greater gliding activity... Read more

Lockheed Martin updates last of 30 AW101 Merlins for UK military

Lockheed Martin updates last of 30 AW101 Merlins for UK military

10-Aug-2016Source: Lockheed Martin

The Ministry of Defence has taken delivery of the 30th upgraded Merlin Mk2 helicopter from industry. Lockheed Martin UK joined representatives from the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence for a ceremony to mark the handover of the final airframe at Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset. For the last ten years, employees from both... Read more

Amazon partners with UK Government on Drones

Amazon partners with UK Government on Drones

9-Aug-2016Source: Amazon

Amazon has today announced a partnership with the UK Government to explore the steps needed to make the delivery of parcels by small drones a reality, allowing Amazon to trial new methods of testing its delivery systems. A cross-Government team supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided Amazon with permissions to explore... Read more

New helipad planned at Hull Royal Infirmary

New helipad planned at Hull Royal Infirmary

8-Aug-2016Source: HEYH

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has submitted proposals to Hull City Council’s Planning Committee to create a new helipad at the back of Hull Royal Infirmary. The hospital serves the region as a Major Trauma Centre, regularly receiving emergency patients via helicopter and organising patient transfers via air ambulance. A number of providers... Read more

Yorkshire Air Ambulance to feature in new TV series

Yorkshire Air Ambulance to feature in new TV series

4-Aug-2016Source: YAA

The life-saving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance is to feature in a new prime time television series. Helicopter ER will hit our screens later this year in a peak 8pm slot on UKTV’s real life channel, Really. The new series is being made by many of the team who created Helicopter Heroes, the popular BBC... Read more

First British H135 military training helicopter takes to the skies

First British H135 military training helicopter takes to the skies

3-Aug-2016Source: Airbus

Airbus Helicopters has carried out the first flight of the initial UK MFTS aircraft, bringing delivery one step closer. With 12 UK MFTS aircraft already in production at the company’s site in Donauworth, the programme is meeting the challenging deadlines by delivering key programme events to time including production ramp up and initial ground runs... Read more

Royal Navy Lynx instructors awarded Trophy with support from CAE

Royal Navy Lynx instructors awarded Trophy with support from CAE

1-Aug-2016Source: Royal Navy

The Royal Navy’s instructors at the Lynx Simulator Facility at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton were recently awarded the Breitling Trophy for achieving the best overall performance during the annual Naval Flying Standards inspection. The inspection was conducted by the office of the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff – Aviation and Carriers (ACNS-A&C) for... Read more

South Wales Police introduces Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

South Wales Police introduces Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

21-Jul-2016

The force has acquired one drone which will be used to carry out a wide range of tasks including assisting with searches for missing people, policing large scale events, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping officers safe. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used by many organisations across the world. Regulated in the UK by... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – July 2016

UK AAIB Bulletin – July 2016

21-Jul-2016Source: AAIB

The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness... Read more

BBGA pledges status quo on EU legislation for aviation, post Brexit

BBGA pledges status quo on EU legislation for aviation, post Brexit

19-Jul-2016Source: BBGA

Negotiations for aviation must be considered as a priority in the first wave of discussions with the EU, now that the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) CEO Marc Bailey highlighted today.   “We have developed legislation alongside EASA that supports our sector. It is therefore... Read more

Queen opens East Anglian Air Ambulance base at Cambridge

Queen opens East Anglian Air Ambulance base at Cambridge

14-Jul-2016Source: EAAA

Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visited the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). During the visit, Her Majesty opened the Charity’s new operating base, the Egerton-Smith Centre, which is sited at Cambridge Airport. The Royal party arrived at 11:20 am and were met by the Lord Lieutenant Sir Hugh Duberly and... Read more

Sikorsky opens spares base in Australia with next base pencilled for UK

Sikorsky opens spares base in Australia with next base pencilled for UK

14-Jul-2016Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT) today announced the opening of a Forward Stocking Location in Brisbane, Australia, at the Sikorsky Helitech facility (photo below). The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Air Show.  The in-country warehousing of spare parts provides Australian S-76® and S-92® commercial helicopter operators quicker access to materials and... Read more

Sikorsky recognises British SAR program

Sikorsky recognises British SAR program

14-Jul-2016Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky recognized Bristow Helicopters Limited and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency today at the 2016 Farnborough Air Show for excellence in lifesaving achievement with the S-92®helicopter. Bristow Helicopters Limited is an affiliate of Bristow Group Inc. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT). Bristow Helicopters currently operates 14 S-92 helicopters on behalf of... Read more

Registration opens for Future Helicopter Technology conference

Registration opens for Future Helicopter Technology conference

12-Jul-2016Source: SMI

Registration is now open for the conference Future Helicopter Technology taking place in Prague on the 26th and 27th October 2016. This, the 3rd event in SMi’s series of helicopter technology conferences, revered as the highest level meeting for rotary fleet commanders from the most forward thinking military nations, will focus on effective strategies for... Read more

Sikorsky and Bristow sign 10-Year S-92 support deal

Sikorsky and Bristow sign 10-Year S-92 support deal

12-Jul-2016Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky and Bristow Helicopters today signed a 10-year agreement providing Bristow’s S-92® fleet with extended support for its aftermarket material needs. Sikorsky’s Total Assurance Program provides Bristow continued aftermarket support to operate its S-92 fleet within a known budget, reducing the risk of unplanned costs. The contract was signed in a ceremony at the 2016... Read more

Sikorsky and Babcock Sign 10-Year S-92 Support Agreement

Sikorsky and Babcock Sign 10-Year S-92 Support Agreement

12-Jul-2016Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky and Babcock Mission Critical Services Ltd. today signed a 10-year agreement providing Babcock’s S-92® helicopter fleet with extended support for its aftermarket material needs. Sikorsky’s Total Assurance Program provides Babcock continued aftermarket support to operate its S-92 fleet within a known budget, reducing the risk of unplanned costs. Babcock MCS Ltd. is a division... Read more

UK military signs new partnering arrangement with Leonardo Helicopters

UK military signs new partnering arrangement with Leonardo Helicopters

12-Jul-2016Source: UK MOD

The new arrangement recognises the mutual relationship between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland), and includes commitments to working together on year-on-year improvements in cost effectiveness. It also recognises our respective roles in enhancing national prosperity through exports, where success generates revenue for the company and helps sustain valuable UK jobs and... Read more

UK military picks Safran Turbomeca engines for EC135 training fleet

UK military picks Safran Turbomeca engines for EC135 training fleet

12-Jul-2016Source: Safran

Safran has been selected to supply engines for the training aircraft selected for Rotary Wing training under the UK’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme. Safran Helicopter Engines will provide Arrius 2B2Plus and Arriel 2E turbines for the fleet of Airbus Helicopters H135 and H145. Safran maintains its position of preferred engine manufacturer for helicopter... Read more

UK confirms Apaches to be built by Boeing

UK confirms Apaches to be built by Boeing

11-Jul-2016Source: Boeing

Boeing  will deliver 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the British Army under an agreement signed between the U.S. and UK governments, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced today. The agreement is also a precursor to potential, significant long-term support opportunities for Boeing. David Pitchforth, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence UK... Read more

Cotswold launches Guimbal Cabri G2 ground handling trolley

Cotswold launches Guimbal Cabri G2 ground handling trolley

8-Jul-2016Source: Cotswold

French manufacturer Hèlicoptères Guimbal are believed to be the first helicopter manufacturer to build and market their own ground handling trolley.  Previously, manufacturers have often released the crank-up wheels, but left the trolleys to after-market suppliers. Guimbal has built a four-wheeled trolley with a lithium-battery powered lifting mechanism, with the intention it is pulled by... Read more

CAE confirms sale and details of seven FTDs for UK

CAE confirms sale and details of seven FTDs for UK

8-Jul-2016Source: CAE

CAE was awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin to provide Airbus Helicopters H135/H145 synthetic training equipment in support of the United Kingdom’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) program. CAE will provide a total of seven flight training devices (FTDs) and one command and tactics trainer (CTT) for the Airbus Helicopters H135/H145 family, which were recently... Read more

Air Charter Service wins two year humanitarian contract

Air Charter Service wins two year humanitarian contract

6-Jul-2016Source: ACS

Air Charter Service, has been selected as a supplier for the UK Government’s humanitarian division, the Department for International Development (DFID) for the next two years. Business Development Director, Lloyd Robinson, explains more: “We have had a close relationship with DFID for a number of years and are delighted to be part of the framework... Read more

Future of EC225 compounded by HUMS investigation remark

Future of EC225 compounded by HUMS investigation remark

6-Jul-2016Source: Allan Blake

The Chapter 11 insolvency process is a daunting one for companies entering into the procedure, but it can also be a stark reminder to suppliers that the contracts they entered into with debtors can not only be worthless but also leave them with significant additional burdens to consider.  For the CHC Helicopter Group of companies,... Read more

EASA approves AW189 FIPS Full Ice Protection System

EASA approves AW189 FIPS Full Ice Protection System

6-Jul-2016Source: HeliHub.com

In the absence of any official announcement from Leonardo Helicopters, we can confirm that operator Bristow Helicopter has announced the EASA approval of the Full Ice Protection System for the AgustaWestland AW189.  In an SEC filing, they state the following:- On Wednesday, June 29, 2016, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Major Change... Read more

HeliGroup appoints Business Development Director

HeliGroup appoints Business Development Director

1-Jul-2016Source: HeliGroup

HeliGroup has announced that Ed Sale, formally Sales Manager for Airbus Helicopters UK, has joined HeliGroup as Business Development Director. In his new position Ed is responsible for capturing new business for HeliGroup across all rotary wing segments including training, charter, management and sales.  Additionally, Ed will be enhancing new and existing customer relationships to... Read more

Minimal showing from Airbus Helicopters at Farnborough 2016

Minimal showing from Airbus Helicopters at Farnborough 2016

1-Jul-2016Source: Airbus

The following is an extract from an Airbus Group press release and suggest that the helicopter aspects of the Group’s display at Farnborough will be minimal:- The twin-engine H145 will be on static display, representing Airbus Helicopters’ most advanced rotary wing offering, including the latest engines and Helionix advanced avionics suite. The H145, which will... Read more

Wales Air Ambulance to add fourth EC135

Wales Air Ambulance to add fourth EC135

29-Jun-2016Source: Wales Air Ambulance

Wales is set to have the biggest air ambulance operation in the UK, as its service launches a fourth helicopter.   Wales Air Ambulance will operate its additional aircraft – an EC135 T2e – from Cardiff Heliport. Since its launch in 2001, it has flown 24,000 missions across the country. Its current fleet of three helicopters... Read more

Helipad launched at Sheffield hospital

Helipad launched at Sheffield hospital

29-Jun-2016Source: HELP Appeal

Today marks the launch of a new state-of-the-art helipad, at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, with funding over £1 million from the HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to delivering helicopter landing pads at all Major Trauma Centres and key A&E hospitals across England and Scotland. The site is now fully... Read more

Bristow opens up Scatsa interline opportunities to more oil companies

Bristow opens up Scatsa interline opportunities to more oil companies

29-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Bristow Helicopters in the UK has announce the launch of Bristow Logistics Services Shetland (BLSS) as a new offering to transport oil and gas workers through Scatsta Airport. This will be run in parallel with the existing Integrated Aviation Consortium (IAC) work they have had at the airport for the last 20 years, and will... Read more

Bristow appoints new UK SAR leader

Bristow appoints new UK SAR leader

28-Jun-2016Source: Bristow

Bristow Helicopters Limited today announced the appointment of Russell Torbet CBE to director UK SAR effective August 1, 2016, responsible for overseeing the operation of the civilian search and rescue (SAR) service on behalf of HM Coastguard. Torbet replaces Samantha Willenbacher who has been promoted to Bristow Group’s regional director for the Americas Region. Torbet... Read more

Busy Babcock create Aberdeen space by moving out three Super Pumas

Busy Babcock create Aberdeen space by moving out three Super Pumas

24-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Babcock Mission Critical Services Offshore are going through more fleet changes than most following the grounding of the Airbus AS332L2 and EC225 models.  In recent weeks they have taken on four new Sikorsky S92s, but that seems to have given them a storage issue at Aberdeen. Yesterday, Babcock transported three AS332L2 Super Pumas by road... Read more

UK – Elite Helicopters to open second base

UK – Elite Helicopters to open second base

24-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Elite Helicopters – a British operator which has been flying for 21 years – has announced they will be opening a second base.  The chosen location is Fairoaks Airport on the south-west suburbs of London.  The company originally started flying from White Waltham airfield, but has been located at Goodwood for the vast majority of... Read more

Cotswold Helicopter Centre and Gama Aviation name Fairoaks base manager

Cotswold Helicopter Centre and Gama Aviation name Fairoaks base manager

23-Jun-2016Source: Cotswold

The recently announced joint venture between Cotswold Helicopter Service and Gama Aviation has now named the base manager to lead their new Fairoaks base. Alex Hoff, with 7,000 hours flying experience, will be leading the new office when it opens in the next few weeks. His experience across helicopter types includes Robinson R22/R44, Bell JetRanger,... Read more

First Photo – AW169 for Lincs Notts Air Ambulance in UK

First Photo – AW169 for Lincs Notts Air Ambulance in UK

23-Jun-2016

The accompanying photo is the first published image of the new AgustaWestland AW169 for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance in the UK.   This aircraft will replace an MD902 Explorer at their base on the old RAF Waddington military base.  Currently being flown on the Italian test registration I-RAIS, the intended British registration G-LNAC is visible. ... Read more

Heli Charter to display new 407 GXP at Heli UK Expo and Farnborough

Heli Charter to display new 407 GXP at Heli UK Expo and Farnborough

22-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Organisers of Heli UK Expo have confirmed that Heli Charter will be displaying the new Bell 407GXP which they are delivering to Topflight Aviation at the event at Sywell, UK from 30th June to 2nd July.  Gary Slater of Heli Charter confirmed to HeliHub.com that this will be accompanied by the blue Bell 505 mockup,... Read more

Helicentre Aviation launches 2017 Scholarship Programme

Helicentre Aviation launches 2017 Scholarship Programme

21-Jun-2016Source: Helicentre

With just over three months remaining until Helicentre Aviation Academy’s 2016 Scholarship applications close, the company has announced that its Scholarship programme will run for a fifth year. Since the programme started in 2012, eleven pilots have been awarded professional training scholarships totalling over £300k (GBP), with two more awards due to be made towards... Read more

UK agent appointed for Mototok ground handling tugs

UK agent appointed for Mototok ground handling tugs

19-Jun-2016Source: 247GT

Mototok have appointed British company 247GT Ltd as their agents for UK and Ireland.   Mototok aircraft tugs and helicopter tugs are electric remotely controlled and manoeuvrable, enabling one man operation, smart hanger parking with zero emissions. Mototok aim to leverage the latest technology available as their underlying philosophy in their product design.  The Mototok aircraft... Read more

Wales Air Ambulance moves into new HQ

Wales Air Ambulance moves into new HQ

17-Jun-2016Source: Wales Air Ambulance

Wales Air Ambulance has moved into the charity’s first owned home, after a 12-month project to build a new headquarters and airbase for its South Wales operation.  The service has transferred the EC135 from its previous southern base at Swansea Airport and fundraising staff to a purpose-built facility at Llanelli Gate, Dafen and aircrews have... Read more

UK – The Air Ambulance Service marks 25,000th mission

UK – The Air Ambulance Service marks 25,000th mission

15-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) has recently confirmed the completion of its 25,000th mission, a massive achievement.  In reaching this total, it has three AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters and night support by road.  No figure has been released for how many of the 25,000 missions were by road, and how many by air. The landmark call... Read more

HELP charity donates £40K to upgrade Scottish EMS helipad

HELP charity donates £40K to upgrade Scottish EMS helipad

14-Jun-2016Source: HELP Appeal

The emergency helicopter landing pad at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway has had a state-of-the-art upgrade thanks to a £40,000 donation from the HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal – the only charity in the UK dedicated to funding the construction of hospital helipads. NHS Western Isles received the surprise cash injection from the HELP... Read more

CHC confirms redundancies

CHC confirms redundancies

9-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

As CHC shrinks its global fleet by 90 over 60 days, it is inevitable that headcount will also be reduced.  The Aberdeen office of CHC have provided HeliHub.com with the following statement today:- “We have commenced formal consultation discussions with employees, who may be affected by redundancy, and their trade unions at our Aberdeen base.... Read more

HeliGroup UK opens for business

HeliGroup UK opens for business

9-Jun-2016Source: HeliGroup

HeliGroup (www.heligroup.co.uk), a subsidiary of Helicopter Services, has today opened for business. Heligroup has been formed to focus on the UK helicopter charter and management market and to build upon the advanced training that Helicopter Services currently provide. HeliGroup, created by entrepreneur Matthew Munson, aims to differentiate itself in the market by providing exceptional customer... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – June 2016

UK AAIB Bulletin – June 2016

9-Jun-2016Source: AAIB

The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky SK92A (G-VINL), landed on the incorrect oil rig, Golden Eagle Complex, North Sea, 22 August 2014 Bell 206B (G-RAMY), loss of control in flight and rotor/fuselage contact, near Creg-Ny-Baa public house, Isle of Man, 6... Read more

British military thanks landing site owners

British military thanks landing site owners

8-Jun-2016Source: Royal Navy

The majority of remote Helicopter Landing Sites within the Yeovilton operating area belong to private landowners and are offered for use on a good will basis. These sites are vital to the training carried out by the Commando Helicopter Force and other aviation units to deliver operational capability. In order to maintain and reinforce this... Read more

Vector UK gains EASA Design Organisational Approval

Vector UK gains EASA Design Organisational Approval

8-Jun-2016Source: Vector

Vector Aerospace has announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted Design Organisation Approval (DOA) to its UK division, Vector Aerospace International Ltd. The addition of this DOA, number EASA.21J.516, represents a significant addition to Vector Aerospace’s commercial aerospace approvals, enabling the company to design and certify changes and repairs, including supplemental type... Read more

Grant-funded helipad at Derriford Hospital completes first year with 280 landings

Grant-funded helipad at Derriford Hospital completes first year with 280 landings

8-Jun-2016Source: HELP

There have been over 280 air ambulance and search and rescue helicopter landings at Derriford Hospital since the helipad was opened in June 2015. Many of the patients have been involved in vehicle incidents or sustained falls. Before the helipad was built, the hospital had to settle for a grassy set-down area for air ambulances... Read more

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance takes delivery of AW169

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance takes delivery of AW169

7-Jun-2016Source: AW169

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT) has taken delivery of their new AgustaWestland AW169, supplied under contract by Specialist Aviation Services.  The helicopter will replace one of the two older MD902 helicopters currently in service and greatly increases the operational capacity of the life-saving service.  Every year the specialist doctors and paramedics treat nearly... Read more

Babcock adds two factory-new S92s to North Sea fleet

Babcock adds two factory-new S92s to North Sea fleet

7-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Babcock MCS have imported two brand new Sikorky S92 helicopters in recent days, with the pair arriving airfreight in an Antonov An-124 to Prestwick Airport and then transported by road to the company base at Aberdeen.  They have been registered G-MCSA (serial 920273) and G-MCSB (serial 920281), the first use of a new series of... Read more

CHC transfers two S92s from Canada to North Sea

CHC transfers two S92s from Canada to North Sea

7-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Embattled offshore operator CHC, in the midst of reducing their fleet by 90 helicopters over 60 days, is taking steps to ensure current contract commitments can be met following the grounding of EC225 and AS332L2 helicopters.  In common with other operators on the North Sea, CHC have brought in two Sikorsky S92s from Canada to... Read more

Yorkshire Air Ambulance adds doctors to team

Yorkshire Air Ambulance adds doctors to team

6-Jun-2016Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) has worked with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) and commissioners to launch a new Yorkshire Critical Care Team which will see 11 consultants in emergency medicine and anaesthesia working on the life-saving helicopter 12 hours a day, every day of the year. The team will carry additional drugs as... Read more

Gazelle Squadron Display Team cleared to fly for 2016

Gazelle Squadron Display Team cleared to fly for 2016

6-Jun-2016Source: Gazelle Squadron

On Tuesday 31 May 2016, the Gazelle Squadron Display Team flew to RAF Abingdon in Oxfordshire with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Display Authorisation Evaluator. The CAA display authorisation is a mandatory process for any pilot that wishes to perform a flying display in the UK, and involves many months of planning, practicing and evaluating... Read more

Bristow moves one S92 from Brazil to UK

Bristow moves one S92 from Brazil to UK

6-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

Bristow Group has moved an offshore-equipped Sikorsky S92 from Brazil to the UK.  Owned in the name of their own Brilog Leasing division, the aircraft was previously operated in Brazil by Lider Taxi Aereo as PR-JBH from new in spring 2012. The helicopter is now registered G-CIYD and is serial 920159.  I was operated by... Read more

Cobham signs 18-month military test flight contract with QinetiQ

Cobham signs 18-month military test flight contract with QinetiQ

6-Jun-2016Source: Cobham

Cobham have announced the signing of a contract with QinetiQ for the provision of helicopter support to the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) and Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron (RWTES).  Both of these organisations are are jointly operated by QinetiQ and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) under the Long-Term Partnering Agreement. Cobham will... Read more

Arena Aviation expands into passenger ops with two AW109s

Arena Aviation expands into passenger ops with two AW109s

2-Jun-2016Source: HeliHub.com

British operator Arena Aviation is well-known for its aerial filming work, and currently operates a fleet of six Airbus AS355s and one Robinson R44. Their customer list includes BBC, ITV, BT and Sky and they have full-livery AS355s for both BBC and Sky. Operations are based at Redhill Aerodrome, close to London’s Gatwick Airport. Arena... Read more

Sloane Helicopters renews UK and Ireland Distributorship Agreement with Leonardo

Sloane Helicopters renews UK and Ireland Distributorship Agreement with Leonardo

26-May-2016Source: Leonardo

Leonardo-Finmeccanica has announced the renewal of the Distributorship Agreement with Sloane Helicopters for a further three years for the UK and Ireland market with respect to the AgustaWestland GrandNew light twin helicopter model, and the signing of a contact for a further aircraft. The announcement, made during an official ceremony at EBACE 2016 (Geneva, 24th... Read more

SaxonAir orders a new AW109SP GrandNew

SaxonAir orders a new AW109SP GrandNew

25-May-2016Source: SaxonAir

UK based operator SaxonAir Charter announces at EBACE Geneva the addition of another helicopter to their fleet through the signing of a brand new Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW109SP Grand New.  The helicopter will be operated through SaxonAir’s rotary division SaxonAir Helicopters. As well as the operation of a mixed fleet of aircraft from Mustangs to the Gulfstream G550, the... Read more

UK Childrens Air Ambulance to fly two AW169s

UK Childrens Air Ambulance to fly two AW169s

24-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) have confirmed to HeliHub.com that they are to add two AgustaWestland AW169s to their fleet, and both will be dedicated to their pediatric operation, known as The Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA).  One will be based in North and one in the South of England in order to provide a national... Read more

Bristow brings S92 back from Nigeria for North Sea cover

Bristow brings S92 back from Nigeria for North Sea cover

24-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com

As the grounding of the EC225 continues, the North Sea operators are looking around their fleets to see how they can cover the shortfall.  Bristow has identified a Sikorsky S92 in its Nigerian operation, and the aircraft is currently on its ferry flight north. The particular aircraft only departed Aberdeen on 23rd March and ferried... Read more

Cotswold Helicopter Centre in Cabri G2 JV with Gama Aviation

Cotswold Helicopter Centre in Cabri G2 JV with Gama Aviation

23-May-2016Source: Cotswold

Cotswold Helicopter Centre are pleased to announce a joint venture agreement with Gama Aviation which will create a new base at Fairoaks Airport.  This airfield on the south-west outskirts of London is very well placed for easy road access to Central London as well as the UK capitals two key airports, Heathrow and Gatwick.  This... Read more

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