10-Jan-2014Source: Londons Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, celebrates 25 years of service on 9th January 2014. Having treated over 30,000 critically injured patients in London and attended most major incidents, since inception, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of the people of London to... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced the appointment of two senior figures to key leadership roles within its recently merged safety and airspace functions. Rob Bishton, a senior airline executive with a wealth of industry experience will take over as Head of the CAA’s Flight Operations department, while Tony Rapson, a former Royal... Read more
9-Jan-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Special Bulletin S9/2013 – Eurocopter EC135 T2+, G-SPAO, Glasgow City Centre, 29 November 2013 Sikorsky S-76C (G-XXEB), yaw control restriction on approach, Denham Aerodrome, 23 May 2013... Read more
8-Jan-2014Source: TAAS
It was another very busy year for The Air Ambulance Service in 2013, with the Charity carrying out its 20,000th mission. According to the latest figures, the Charity’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) passed this incredible landmark in December. Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) has now completed over 14,500 rescue missions since it was founded... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: Heli Charter
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (WAACT) today (7th January 2014) signed a 10-year contract in Swindon with Heli Charter Ltd for a new helicopter, which will come into service at the end of the year, when the lease on the current 12 year old aircraft expires. After a great deal of deliberation over the last... Read more
6-Jan-2014Source: The Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2014, and to kick-start its year of celebrations it has unveiled an exhibition that charts another important Anniversary in the world of helicopter aviation. “The First Helicopter Rescue” tells the tale of the daring rescue mission that took place 60 years ago in April... Read more
5-Jan-2014Source: EDP24
Representatives from Hellesdon Parish Council will meet with Norwich International Airport chiefs and helicopter operators to discuss concerns about noise from helicopters based at the airport. See full story The accompanying photo is from Norwich Airport, but is only representative. Other operators at the airport include Bristow, NHV and Dancopter.... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare, UK, is seeking two particular aircraft to expand what is already a most impressive line-up of helicopters. In a posting on a popular forum website, the user heli1 – widely believed to be the Chairman of the Museum’s Trustees, Elfan ap Rees – posted a request initially for an Alouette... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Just prior to the Christmas break, UK AgustaWestland distributor Sloane Helicopters delivered a GrandNew from the factory in Italy to a corporate customer. Serial 22325 is flying as G-MUZZ and replaces an AW109 Power G-WELY which the customer bought new from Sloane six years ago. Sloane are marketing the Power for immediate sale, with just... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: RMT
Transport and offshore union RMT today issued a fresh call for First Minister Alex Salmond to take immediate and decisive action to establish a public inquiry into helicopter safety and a series of wider, associated issues relating to safety in the North Sea offshore industry. RMT has written to the First Minister and is awaiting... Read more
1-Jan-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation’s new East Midlands heliport complex which has been built at Leicester Airport has officially opened. The £500,000 expansion of Helicentre Aviation’s operations includes a brand new hangar, offices and ground training facilities, an apron and six helipads and the company also provides Jet A1 and AvGas refueling services, handling and hangarage to visiting... Read more
1-Jan-2014Source: TAAS
The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) team have announced that they have reached their 2013 income target of £3million through their retail outlets across the country. Renowned for their edgy boutique style shops, TAAS has won numerous prestigious awards for its unique take on the traditional Charity shop, including 2013 Charity Retail Wow! Factor Awards for... Read more
23-Dec-2013Source: Irwin Mitchell
LAWYERS representing a family bereaved in the Clutha helicopter crash have called for all passenger-carrying helicopters to be fitted with black box recording devices. Aviation legal experts from Irwin Mitchell, who also act for the victims of North Sea helicopter ditchings, have been instructed by John McGarrigle, whose 57-year-old father, also called John McGarrigle, died... Read more
23-Dec-2013Source: HIOWAA
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance can announce that Tony Nicholson has been appointed to the role of Chairman, stepping up to his new post on 1st January. He has been a Trustee of the Charity since 2010 and has a distinguished background in both the public and private sectors. Originally an operational helicopter pilot... Read more
22-Dec-2013Source: ITV
The very first paramedic to serve with Cornwall Air Ambulance is retiring – his first mission was in 1987 see full story... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: Heli UK Expo
Gama Aviation has confirmed their attendance at the Heli UK Expo at Sywell Aerodrome, from 3rd – 4th June 2014. Gama Engineering Ltd. has earned a reputation for excellence in the field of aircraft and helicopter maintenance and support. Fully validated by both their EASA/FAR Part 145 approval status in addition to their full turn-key EASA Part 21J design, Part 21G... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: KSS Air Ambulance
Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance yesterday (Wednesday) became the first air ambulance in the country to launch a 24-hour Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) following three years of research and preparatory work. Up until recently, and unlike the rest of Europe, the service could only fly by daylight and so traditionally operated... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: UK Government
Prime Minister David Cameron and Business Secretary Vince Cable have welcomed the announcement that UK helicopter company,AgustaWestland, has signed a £1 billion contract to supply 16 helicopters plus support and training to the Norwegian government. Prime Minister David Cameron said: This £1 billion deal between AgustaWestland and the Norwegian government is testament to the first class engineering... Read more
18-Dec-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has delivered a repaired French Lynx Mk4 to the end customer. “I am pleased that we have quickly and effectively completed our first international Lynx Depth repair contract in collaboration with Eurocopter”, said Ross Powlesland, Operations Director for... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: Heli UK
The first Heli UK Leaders Round Table Discussion took place at the Gama Aviation facility at Fairoaks Airport on December 5th. The informal, off-the record meeting was facilitated by Heli Buyer Europe & Avbuyer.com and gathered together Industry experts from the UK helicopter industry. The lively Round Table Discussion was followed by a dinner sponsored by Hayward Aviation and www.Avbuyer.com .... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: BALPA
In response to Bond Air Services decision to ground its fleet of EC 135s, BALPA said: “Pilots are looking to the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to take charge and provide the industry with the information that has informed the decision to ground the Bond EC-135 fleet. Flight safety... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Air Services, the operator of the Scottish Police EC135 which had a tragic accident on 29th November, issued the following statement on Thursday 12th:- “During normal operations yesterday, one of our EC135 fleet has experienced an indication defect that requires further technical investigation. Therefore as a precautionary measure we have temporarily suspended service operations... Read more
13-Dec-2013
“Pan Pan” message following cockpit warning light. Bristow aircraft landed safely with 18 pax and 2 crew... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AS350B (G-JESI), cockpit fire in flight, forced landing, Lindley Hall Farm nr Fenny Drayton, 3 August 2013... Read more
11-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Group
Following a competitive tender process Bristow Helicopters Ltd has been successful in securing a significant new contract to provide helicopter services to BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd. The contract is for a five year term, with an option to extend, and has a value around £125million. Bristow will provide helicopter support for BP’s offshore installations... Read more
9-Dec-2013
The widow of an investment banker killed in a helicopter crash in the Andes launched legal action against his employer today, accusing it of failing to ensure his safety. See full story... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The AAIB has in the last three hours published an initial summary of their findings to date of the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135 accident in Glasgow on 29th November. The accident killed the pilot from Bond Air Services, and the two police offciers in the helicopter – and a further six on the ground. The... Read more
8-Dec-2013Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd (Bond), one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract with Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd (Nexen). Bond will provide crew change support for Nexen’s operations in the UK North Sea for an initial period of five years with... Read more
6-Dec-2013Source: Norbert Dentressangle
Norbert Dentressangle has secured a major contract renewal with AgustaWestland; the Anglo-Italian helicopter company that is one of the world’s leading providers to military and commercial operators in the vertical lift market. Owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland operates globally through a number of subsidiaries, joint ventures and collaborative programmes with major aerospace and defence companies.... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: Kings College Hospital
The helipad will be built on top of the existing ten-storey Ruskin Wing building at the hospital in Denmark Hill, south east London. King’s is home to the largest Major Trauma Centre in the South of England. It is also the ‘hub’ for the South East London, Kent and Medway (SELKaM) major trauma network, which... Read more
4-Dec-2013Source: CAA
Information on the current noise certificate, such as the certificated noise levels, is now available on G-INFO [the online register of British aircraft. Ed] against individual aircraft. If noise certificate data is available against a particular aircraft an additional label called Noise Certificate Information will appear on the main aircraft results screen. Further noise certificate... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Helicopters
In the past few weeks, Bristow SAR management has been “on the road,” giving presentations at meetings scheduled across the UK, attended by an extraordinary array of operational partners with which Bristow will collaborate in years to come. Everyone working in search and rescue operations understands the importance of establishing good working relationships with Bristow’s... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
A further body has been recovered from the Clutha Vaults bar in central Glasgow following the accident involving the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135T2i on Friday evening. This brings the death toll to nine, of which six were in the bar and three in the helicopter – Bond Air Services pilot David Traill and police officers... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued an update on 26th November 2013 which stated “The Type B Operating Licence held by PremiAir Aviation Services Limited has been suspended with effect from 12 November 2013“. The actual document was “Official Record Series 2, Number 2110“. The CAA grants two types of Operating Licence, Type A and... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today updated GA stakeholders on its plans and progress in delivering a better deal for the UK’s general aviation sector. The update follows publication of the Government and CAA’s responses to the recent General Aviation Red Tape Challenge. Initial work is focused on setting up the new General Aviation... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Helicopters
On Saturday, November 30, Bristow celebrates its contribution to achieving a significant milestone — 30 years of delivering search and rescue (SAR) services from Sumburgh on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Bristow crew members past and present, the MCA, Sikorsky and representatives of local search and rescue operational partner organizations will gather... Read more
27-Nov-2013Source: EHAAT
The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Flight for Life Lottery is now more popular than ever, reaching the highest number of members in its 15 year history! A record breaking 107,000 chances are now being played across Essex and Herts all helping to keep your local Air Ambulances operational and saving lives across both... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: RAF
Pictures released today show crews from 33 and 230 Squadrons carrying out training flights of the upgraded aircraft from their base at RAF Benson in Oxford. The multi million pound upgrade means that the helicopters benefit from new engines which give them 35 per cent more power and improved fuel efficiency to allow them to... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: BBC
Headcount reduction is largely brought on by the wind down to the retirement of the Sea King in 2016. See full story... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the UK county of Yorkshire is proposing a helipad at their “Embrace Centre” at nearby Dodworth. The Hospital has used architects Beamont & Cowling to manage the planning application (ref 2013/1239). The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the documentation pack gives an overview description as follows: “The proposal is to provide... Read more
24-Nov-2013Source: Sunday Times
Engineering company Babcock International – who run Devonport and Rosyth military dockyards in the UK – is in advanced talks on a blockbuster £1.5bn takeover of Avincis Group. See story ... Read more
20-Nov-2013Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance have today flown their first mission from the Charity’s new state-of-the-art air support unit at Nostell Priory near Wakefield. The rapid response helicopter was called to a road traffic collision involving a male cyclist and a vehicle in Holmfirth near Huddersfield and flew to the scene of the incident in only... Read more
19-Nov-2013Source: FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International announces that David Judge has been promoted to Assistant Manager of the company’s Learning Center located at the London Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom. “We are pleased to promote Dave to Assistant Manager,” said Paul Hewett, Manager, Farnborough Learning Center. “His experience, leadership abilities, and dedication to provide outstanding service and the... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Prime Resi
Architect Will Alsop is apparently all set to submit plans for a 19-storey residential scheme next to the London Heliport in Battersea. See full story... Read more
15-Nov-2013Source: Trakka
Trakka Corp Pty Ltd today announced that the A800 Trakkabeam Tactical Searchlight has been selected by Bristow Helicopters for all 22 of its new UK Search and Rescue aircraft. Bristow has been awarded the contract to deliver the UK SAR helicopter service from 2015 by the Department for Transport. Bristow will be utilizing the unique,... Read more
15-Nov-2013Source: Elite Helicopters
We are delighted to announce that we have received our new CAA ATO certificate, which approves us to provide both Flight Instructor Courses and EC120 Type Rating Courses, in addition to the courses we already offer for the PPL(H) and CPL(H)as well as the R22, R44, B206, B206L and AS350 Type Rating. Our Operations Team are now taking... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: Rotormotion
After sixteen years operating rotary wing executive charter and flying illustrious clients from the Dalai Lama to Prime Ministers, rock stars to Royalty, from its Redhill Aerodrome base, RotorMotion announced today that has completed its sale to Castle Air. The deal will see RotorMotion’s fleet of Agusta 109’s relocate to Castle Air’s new Biggin Hill... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK announced today that it has been awarded an extension to the Lynx Aircraft and Component Servicing , Repair and Overhaul contract by the Ministry of Defence. The announcement, which will secure Lynx depth maintenance at the site, has rewarded the company’s commitment to the strengthening of relationships with its customers by offering... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: 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
13-Nov-2013Source: Herts Air Ambulance
Herts Air Ambulance celebrates 5 years of being in operation and saving lives across Hertfordshire. To mark this very special milestone the Charity hosted a celebration evening for its supporters at the prestigious Haileybury College in Hertford with special guest Ray Winstone our new celebrity patron! Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and dinner followed by... Read more
10-Nov-2013Source: DLRAA
Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) have begun operating with their brand new state of the art helicopter. The Agusta Westland AW109SP Grand New is one of the fastest civilian helicopters in the country and can reach speeds of 185mph. The helicopter was handed over to DLRAA by Sloane Helicopters, who provide all three... Read more
10-Nov-2013Source: Unite
Unite’s Back Home Safe campaign was formally launched in Aberdeen by Tommy Campbell, Unite Regional Officer, and Chris Gordon from Thompson’s Solicitors. In attendance were Unite representatives from throughout the Oil & Gas Industry. The importance of the campaign was emphasised by Tommy who demanded that Oil and Gas UK take immediate and meaningful action.... Read more
8-Nov-2013Source: Belfast Telegraph
A drone aircraft has been used in a security operation for the first time in Northern Ireland policing since the G8 summit. The PSNI confirmed that the technology was used to help public safety as a “small, viable device” was defused in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast. see full story... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: RAeS
The European Rotorcraft Forum (ERF) is one of the premier events in the rotorcraft community’s calendar, bringing together manufacturers, research centres, academia, operators and regulatory agencies to discuss advances in research, development, design, manufacturing, testing and operation of rotorcraft. The International Committee invites prospective authors to submit abstracts of papers for presentation at the forum.... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Lifesaving charity Wales Air Ambulance has installed portable incubators in its three aircraft, helping seriously ill infants receive the critical care they need by air. The ‘Babypod’ is the first of its kind in Wales and can be installed on each helicopter within minutes, saving precious time in a paediatric emergency. Wales Air Ambulance airlifts... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Unite the union have invited media to the launch on Wednesday 6th November of their ‘Back Home Safe’ campaign which calls for immediate improvements to the safety of offshore helicopter flights on the North Sea. The union’s demands which reflect the wishes and concerns of Unite members and the wider offshore workforce call for; Safer emergency... Read more
3-Nov-2013Source: Midlands Air Ambulance
Leading regional charity, Midlands Air Ambulance, has made a strategic decision to purchase outright the service’s first helicopter, which will be based at the RAF Cosford airbase in Shropshire. As the UK’s largest and busiest air ambulance service, Midlands Air Ambulance currently leases three EC135 helicopters from Bond Air Services, but will be replacing the... Read more
3-Nov-2013Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy announced earlier this year that five Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarships will be awarded in summer 2014, but for the second year running application numbers are set to be very low. Between the five scholarships, there is an opportunity for anyone able to meet the pre-requisites before the deadline to apply, from complete... Read more
3-Nov-2013Source: Helicopter Museum
The hard work and professionalism of the Volunteers and Staff of Weston-super-Mare’s Helicopter Museum has been acknowledged by The Arts Council of England, with the aviation attraction being awarded a new National Accreditation Status. The Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK. The Helicopter Museum was originally accredited in 1997 but... Read more
30-Oct-2013Source: BBC
BBC believes their new kit will “transform the way TV news looks in the future.”. See full story... Read more
30-Oct-2013Source: Royal Navy
A special trials version of Wildcat – replacement for the trusty Lynx which has been in service since the 1970s – has joined aviation training/casualty treatment ship RFA Argus to gather crucial data to allow the helicopter fly from large Royal Navy warships. Wildcat will spend the bulk of its time operating from Royal Navy... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: Heli UK Expo
The Heli UK Expo has begun the registration process for pilots to select their desired fly-in slots and further enhance the on-going experience as a Fly-In Helicopter Show. Free Entry will automatically be granted to pilots and passengers flying into the show on the3rd and 4th of June 2014. The Sywell Aerodrome ATC online booking... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed Tim Johnson as its new Head of Policy. He will lead a new team formed by drawing together existing functions in the CAA, to strengthen policy development, improve co-ordination (particularly in Europe and internationally), and facilitate better sharing of skills across the organisation. Iain Osborne, Group Director... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: London’s Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, is the proud winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to London’ award in the London Lifestyle Awards 2013. This recognition comes shortly after the service reached a milestone in treating 30,000 patients. Due to celebrate its 25th anniversary in January... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: Selex ES
Selex ES, a Finmeccanica company, has been awarded a contract worth €8.1M (£6.8M) from the UK Ministry of Defence to supply further Titan 385ES-HD electro-optic turrets for the Royal Air Force’s fleet of CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters. The contract follows the successful delivery of 45 Titan turrets procured under previous contracts and will see 15... Read more
28-Oct-2013Source: Irwin Mitchell
An offshore oil worker seriously injured in a fatal Super Puma helicopter crash off the coast of Shetland in August has spoken of his need for answers about the cause of the tragedy, as a memorial service is held to remember those who died in the incident. James Nugent, 41, from Newquay, suffered a spinal... Read more
28-Oct-2013Source: Wales Online
Plans for an SAR base have been given the go-ahead by councillors. The helicopter base can now be created at the former RAF St Athan base after the Vale of Glamorgan council awarded planning permission. See full story... Read more
28-Oct-2013Source: BBC
Nearly 150 new homes are being bought by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in south Somerset for military personnel moving to RNAS Yeovilton. It comes as 600 soldiers prepare to join the Yeovilton base from 1 Regiment Army Air Corps. See full story... Read more
24-Oct-2013Source: London’s Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance has reached a significant milestone in treating 30,000 trauma patients since it began in 1989. Thanks to the generous support of the London community, our charity has been able to save the lives of many people with time-critical medical interventions delivered at the scene of the incident. Trauma is... Read more
22-Oct-2013Source: Milestone Aviation Group
Milestone Aviation Group, the global leader in helicopter leasing, announced today that it has financed the delivery of an AgustaWestland AW109 GrandNew to Sloane Helicopters. Sloane, a UK-based provider of helicopter sales and services, will use the helicopter for the UK’s East Midland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance... Read more
21-Oct-2013Source: Bond Air Services
Gloucestershire-based Bond Air Services (Bond) is delighted to announce the start of a new air ambulance operation for North West Air Ambulance in the Merseyside area. The new service will be provided by a Eurocopter EC135T2 aircraft, which has been modified for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operations [Editor note – not specifically modified for... Read more
21-Oct-2013Source: Oil & Gas UK
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has issued Special Bulletin S7/2013 as part of its on-going investigation into the tragic L2 helicopter accident on 23 August 2013 off Sumburgh Head, Shetland. The bulletin states that “to date, the wreckage examination and analysis of the recorded data have not found any evidence of a technical fault... Read more
21-Oct-2013Source: Step Change in Safety
The AAIB has issued a second special bulletin as part of its on-going investigation into the tragic helicopter accident on 23rd August off Sumburgh Head. Step Change in Safety’s Helicopter Steering Group (HSSG) welcomes this second bulletin and acknowledges the additional information that it contains. The first bulletin from the AAIB issued on 5th September... Read more
21-Oct-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The crash of a CHC Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma 1.5 nm west of Sumburgh Airport on 23 August 2013 as drawn a lot of comment and speculation. The British aircraft investigators – the Air Accicent Investigation Branch (AAIB) have issued a second bulletin on the accident – S7/2013 – AS332 L2 Super Puma, G-WNSB – now come... Read more
