5-Jul-2012Source: Museums at Night
Lee Mills, General Manager of the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare, asking to nominate his team for an award – read this article to see why.... Read more
5-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland is to hold a delivery ceremony next week at the Farnborough Air Show for the AW159 Wildcat. The company will host the event on Wednesday 11th July from 9am in the morning. A short ceremony in the presence of Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Defence, will be followed by a... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Royal Navy
More than forty aircrew and engineers are laying the foundations for the future of the Commando Helicopter Force by getting to grips with its new aircraft – learning from the RAF. In under four years, the Merlin, not the redoubtable Sea King, will be the mainstay of global operations by the force, the wings of... Read more
2-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sunday 1st July saw Dancopter commence operations out of Norwich Airport in the UK, flying for Shell. Two EC155s were noted at the airport this morning – OY-HJA & OY-HSL. Handling work at Norwich is being provided to the Danish operator by SaxonAir Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
29-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The UK has for a long time been a Robinson sales stronghold, dating back to 1979 with Sloane Helicopters taking the dealership for the UK and the 18th R22 off the production line. The UK Robinson fleet peaked in 2008 at 568 (231 R22s and 337 R44s), and even with the recession biting since, the... Read more
28-Jun-2012Source: BBA Aviation
Lisa Cooper has been appointed Regional Sales Manager for BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO). Cooper will provide sales coverage for the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and Portugal. She is a 20-year veteran of H+S Aviation Ltd, a BBA Aviation ERO company. “Lisa has worked in customer service at H+S for 20 years,” commented... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Fleet Air Arm Museum
The new exhibition will display the largest collection of Falklands aircraft. It will include two Sea Harriers, the Westland Sea King which was piloted by HRH The Prince Andrew and a captured Argentinean Agusta109 helicopter which was later used by British Special Forces. Attending the exhibition opening will be Rear Admiral Chris Parry who, as... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
UK Coastguard S92 captain Paul Bentley has been demoted after landing in a field on the Island of Orkney in April to pick up meat from a butchers. Mr Bentley had been suspended by operators CHC after the incident came to light after a video was posted on YouTube. Mobile phone footage – which has... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: London Heliport
A new pricing scheme to stimulate renewed interest amongst operators and owners of single-engine executive helicopters to use London’s only commercially-licensed heliport, is being announced today, 25th June, ahead of this summer’s Olympics in July.  The Reuben Brothers, who already own London Oxford Airport, purchased the heliport in Battersea four months ago. Today, management of... Read more
25-Jun-2012Source: CAA
A definitive pilot’s guide to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been launched today by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI). The 100-page manual navigates pilots through the various security and operational airspace restrictions in place for the duration of the Games, as well as detailing the specific additional procedures to be followed... Read more
22-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
British powerline patrol operator WPD Helicopter Unit is expanding its EC135P1 fleet from two to four aircraft. The third EC135 arrived Thursday 21st June at Oxford Airport for the fitment of high-intensity strobe lights by Eurocopter UK, and was still carrying it’s German registration D-HKUG, serial 0090. It will shortly be re-registered in the UK... Read more
22-Jun-2012
BAE Systems says it will dedicate an area of Filton Airfield to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity after the closure of the airfield in December. The charity is launching its fundraising campaign next month to upgrade from its current 1968-build Bo105 with a more up-to-date EC135. (see full story)... Read more
22-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Cotswold Helicopters, UK distributor for the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, are expecting to take delivery of the second British example of the type before the end of June – subject to the weather, which has quite frankly been appalling here in the UK for some weeks now! The helicopter is completed in an overall silver-grey... Read more
22-Jun-2012Source: The Herald
Inverness-based PDG Helicopters has bought out the loan stock and shares owned by Maven Capital Partners – funded by the business and a £900,000 term loan from Clydesdale Bank. (see full story)... Read more
20-Jun-2012Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Robinson R44 (G-SRPH), loss of control on takeoff, Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland on 11 February 2012 Special Bulletin S2/2012, EC225 LP Super Puma (G-REDW), controlled ditching, 20 nm east of Aberdeen, 10 May 2012... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Royal Navy
Sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Breitling UK, the Trophy has been established to further the memory of Mr Billy Deacon who was tragically lost while carrying out his duty as winchman with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Search and Rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles in 1997. The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In an unusual move, Eurocopter has announced that there is no blame on Bond Offshore Helicopters for the ditching of their EC225 on 10th May. In an unpublished statement released only to the Aberdeen Press & Journal – and then widely re-reported elsewhere, Eurocopter have stated “the incident was caused by a rupture of the... Read more
18-Jun-2012Source: The Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare has confirmed that the 2012 Weston Super HeliDays fly-in and static helicopter display will take place over the weekend of 21st – 22nd July at the museum’s Weston Airfield Site. Already confirmed is the German Navy and participation from para-public agencies, in addition to a number of visiting civil helicopters... Read more
15-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The UK CAA yesterday registered a factory-new AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew as G-MAOL – serial 22271. Although the registered owner is listed as “Mash Aviation Ltd”, the address matches that of sporting goods retailer SportsDirect – and owner Mike Ashley’s central company is “Mash Holdings”. Ashley is also the owner of football’s Premiership club Newcastle United... Read more
15-Jun-2012Source: Cancer Research UK
CHC Helicopter has pledged to donate £5,000 to Cancer Research UK to celebrate the charity’s patron Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The company made the donation on behalf of staff working at CHC’s operations in Aberdeen, North Denes and Humberside, as well as search and rescue crews in Sumburgh, Stornoway, Lee-on-Solent and Portland, on... Read more
14-Jun-2012Source: Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation Limited (Gama), part of the global Gama Group, announced today that the Scottish Ambulance Service has selected Gama to be its dedicated provider of Air Ambulance services for a further 7 years (2013 – 2020). Gama’s long association with the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Scotland which commenced in 1993 was today furthered... Read more
14-Jun-2012Source: Western Daily Press
Vital defence jobs in the West should be secured by a massive defence equipment programme announced yesterday, local MPO David Laws has said. (see full story)... Read more
11-Jun-2012Source: Scottish Ambulance Service
The next generation of Scotland’s air ambulance service will operate larger helicopters with more room and equipment for enhanced clinical care, as a new contract is due to be awarded to the incumbent air operator, Gama Aviation. The contract will commence in April 2013 and run for seven years with a lifetime cost of £120... Read more
7-Jun-2012Source: Prince of Wales website
The Duke of Cambridge has qualified as an operational captain within the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force. Flight Lieutenant Wales, as he is known in the military, will now command Search and Rescue operations in RAF Sea King helicopters. Until now, Flight Lieutenant Wales has only co-piloted the aircraft. The operational captaincy check... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: Finmeccanica
Finmeccanica has been awarded new orders for a value worth EUR 220 million through its companies Ansaldo Energia, SELEX Galileo, SELEX Elsag and Telespazio. Ansaldo Energia, through its subsidiary Ansaldo Nucleare, has signed a service contract worth EUR 104 million with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina – Sociedad Anonima (NASA). The aim of the contract is to upgrade... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: BALPA
Commenting on the decision by Shell to withdraw from a contract with Bond helicopters following three incidents in three years, Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, said: ‘People are used to contracts changing; it is part of commercial life in the North Sea. What is of concern in this instance is... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: UK Government
Proposed EU rules on the working hours and conditions for pilots and cabin crew must be improved or safety could be at risk, says the Transport Committee in a report examining draft proposals from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to change the rules that govern how many hours a pilot can fly. Report: Flight... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: Basingstoke Observer
Government defence secretary Philip Hammond was at RAF Odiham last Thursday to meet serving RAF personnel and unveil a new ‘Gate Guardian’ – a retired Chinook helicopter which had been donated by Boeing Rotorcraft UK. (see full story) File photo Editor update – the said aircraft flew as 03-08003 in the US Army, and the... Read more
31-May-2012Source: STV
It is reported that the oil giant has pulled out of a deal with Bond to take over its UK flights as it did not have “sufficient assurances†of the safety of Bond’s operations. (see full story)... Read more
29-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
CHC Scotia Ltd yesterday registered two more new AW139s on the British Register. Serial number 31414 as G-MGAR and 31418 as G-LOWC. This brings their UK registered fleet to eight, including the three contracted for Coastguard SAR work. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
The second part of Bond’s press release deserves a separate story… It was also announced that Bill Munro has decided to step aside as Managing Director of Bond Offshore Helicopters. Malcolm Paine, hitherto Director of Operations at the company, will assume leadership of the business with immediate effect. Paine brings an extensive knowledge of Bond... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond issue a two-part announcement of people changes, here is part 1… The Bond Aviation Group announces the appointment of Richard Mintern to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Mintern comes with nearly 30 years’ experience leading different functions of international aviation businesses, most recently as Group COO of The Monarch Travel Group. Prior to... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Herts Air Ambulance
Herts Air Ambulance is being backed up with a new response vehicle thanks to the region’s emergency vehicle services and repair specialists, Essex Emergency Services 2000 Ltd in Romford, Essex. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Clinical Manager, Stuart Elms took delivery of the Volvo 4×4 on Friday 4th May at North Weald Airfield, home of the... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Midlands Air Ambulance
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating its 21stanniversary this week! Monday, May 21st marked 21 years of life saving missions for the rapid response service and the charity would like to say thank you for all the local support received over the last 21 years, ensuring the service has remained operational. The charity completed its first airlift... Read more
28-May-2012Source: STV
The helipad is on the grass area at Maggie’s Centre near to the entrance to accident and emergency. It consists of a concrete square with a ring of recessed landing beacons, which were damaged. (see full story)... Read more
24-May-2012Source: The Helicopter Museum
If you would like to savour the luxury of Her Majesty The Queen’s own helicopter, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be available over the Bank Holiday weekend of June 2nd – 4th, when The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare opens up its Royal Wessex helicopter to visitors. Be sure to bring your children and your camera too.... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow yesterday returned a Eurocopter EC225 to the British register as G-ZZSH, having previously been flying it in Australia for two years as VH-ZFH. However, it is unusual for such ferry flights to be done by air, as was the case here. The EC225 finally landed at Aberdeen around 2pm on Tuesday, and while we... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
CHC have in the last 24 hours registered a AS332L2 Super Puma in the UK – serial 2398 as G-CHCY. This aircraft had previously been operated for eight years by SonAir in Angola in full CHC colours and titles. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
23-May-2012Source: London Heliport
With six weeks still to go before the 2012 British Grand Prix, The Barclays London Heliport is anticipating its busiest weekend of the year to date, having confirmed record bookings for the forthcoming Formula 1 Santander Grand Prix at Silverstone. Bookings from City-based corporates and private individuals ahead of the July 6-8th weekend are up on... Read more
23-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Specialist Aviation Services has added another MD Explorer to its fleet – a lease from sister company European Support Centre bvba in Belgium. SAS’s Nigel Lemon told HeliHub.com that they see greater market opportunity for the Explorer in the UK and have thus transferred it from the Belgian register – where it was OO-EMS –... Read more
23-May-2012Source: Heliflight UK
On 18th May 2012 Heliflight UK Ltd, one of Gloucestershire Airport’s longest established helicopter operators left the Patriot Aerospace Group and returned to its roots. Founder Jon Lane said ˜we’ve had an interesting couple of years as part of a larger organisation but with Patriot wanting to concentrate on its general aviation businesses at Coventry... Read more
23-May-2012Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the introduction of new EASA pilots’ licences in the UK has been delayed until 17 September 2012. The CAA said that due to the complexity of the transition to the new licence format, and changes to the associated requirements and infrastructure, the original 1 July 2012... Read more
23-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The London Heliport, still known by many as Battersea Heliport, now has a sponsor. Although no press release was issued, a hint was given in the footer of another press release that Barclays Bank have been the title sponsor of the Heliport from earlier this month. HeliHub.com will aim to get more information on this... Read more
23-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Up to now, Norway has had a single police helicopter – a1 Eurocopter EC135T2 based at Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (ENGM) and operated by Pegasus Helicopter. They have operated it since April 2004. A second helicopter was promised and funded after last July’s terrorist attacks, and back in January, we reported that there was a delay in... Read more
22-May-2012Source: Helicentre Aviation
In February this year Helicentre Aviation announced the launch of two Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarships – unbelievably not a single application has so far been received with just over ten months remaining until the March 2013 deadline! The two scholarships have been designed to offer graduates of Helicentre’s PPL(H) and CPL(H) courses the chance to... Read more
20-May-2012Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- MD900 Explorer (G-CEMS), landing gear failure at Leeds Bradford Airport on 29 July 2011 Robinson R22 Beta (G-BXUC), loss of control after landing at Gloucester Airport on 22 September 2011 Robinson R44 II, Raven II (G-ROTG),... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Royal Aeronautical Society
Rotary Wing Mission Training Rehearsal & the Role of Flight Simulation London / 29-31 May 2012 Register to attend Discounts available for Air Ambulances, HEMS and SAR providers - Contact the Conference Office for further details In light of a number of recent accidents and incidents involving civil and military helicopters, this timely Conference will evaluate the role... Read more
17-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow has registered their first AW139 in the UK. Now officially G-CHBY, the AW139 was ferried from Denmark to Norwich as OY-HLB on 3rd May. It is expected to operate on rig shuttle flights in the Southern North Sea very soon, and we are endeavouring to find out who it is contracted to. The UK... Read more
17-May-2012Source: EADT 24
Virage Helicopter Academy was set up by David Pierssene and Tim Kingsley with the backing of businessman Tim Gallup, who agreed to fund and become the owner of the venture. (see full story)... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Royal Navy
Validation’s what you need… if you want to be the best Naval helicopter display team in the land. The head of the Fleet Arm Arm watches the Black Cats put on their final practice display before he gives the seal of approval to their 2012 season. Rear Admiral Tom Cunningham, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff... Read more
16-May-2012Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today confirmed the enforcement policy that will be in place to deal with infringements of this summer’s Olympics security airspace restrictions. The existing CAA policy of not generally pursuing a prosecution in cases when an airspace infringement is inadvertent, and the pilot has taken all reasonable steps to resolve... Read more
16-May-2012Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Seven of the YAA Paramedics, who will be joined by nine more colleagues from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and friends and family, will attempt to break the ‘Longest marathon playing five-a-side football record’. The current record stands at 40 hours, however the team are determined to break this record by aiming for at... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd., one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services announced the resumption of flights following the release of important data from Eurocopter. The full fleet of helicopters will return to service over the next 24 hrs. Bill Munro, Managing Director of Bond Offshore Helicopters said, “Bond puts safety first, above... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Oil & Gas UK
The Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) met today, Monday 14 May, to share preliminary information on the recent helicopter ditching incident in the North Sea. Making up the HSSG are helicopter operators, oil and gas operators and contractors, offshore trade unions, the pilots’ union BALPA, the regulators HSE and CAA and Oil & Gas UK.... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd., one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services concur with the initial findings of the AAIB interim Service Bulletin S2/2012 issued which indicates component failure. The bulletin states that, “An initial visual inspection of the main gearbox has identified a 360° circumferential crack on the bevel gear vertical shaft,... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Oxygen DCT
Leading on-shore helicopter operator PDG Helicopters has become the first company in the UK to use a Cinedeck RX dual channel, solid-state recorder to deliver high quality digital aerial filming to clients in film, TV broadcast, commercials and corporate production. Based in Scotland, PDG Helicopters has over 40 years of knowledge in helicopter charter, a... Read more
14-May-2012Source: Saffron Walden Reporter
ESSEX & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Critical Care Paramedic Laurie Phillipson was surprised this morning live on ITV’s Daybreak by Dr Hilary who presented him with a Health Heroes Award. (see full story)... Read more
14-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
UK private operators and owners of light single-engine helicopters are to explore the advantages of Eurocopter’s EC120 during the company’s Discovery Weekend event, to be held at the Oxford Airport facilities of its Eurocopter UK affiliate on May 12. Attendees at the gathering will be given a first-hand look at the EC120 B Colibri in... Read more
13-May-2012Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced a change to night flying regulations which will allow aircraft to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in the hours of darkness. Currently, all civil aircraft flying at night in the UK must comply with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) but, from the 8 June 2012, this... Read more
10-May-2012Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services, the UK’s largest independent emergency and mission critical helicopter operator providing air ambulance helicopter services, police and marine support to offshore wind farms and lighthouses, will resume flight operations of the EC 135 fleet at 07:00 on 9th May. Bond Air Services took the decision to suspend all flight operations for the... Read more
9-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Four weeks ago, Eurocopter issued an AD regarding the main rotor hub of the EC135 after a crack was found. This was an “ordinary AD” as far as those of us in the industry are concerned, and there was a schedule of actions which need to be taken by operators just like there normally is.... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Royal Navy
For the first time the tank-busting Hellfire missile has been fired in the UK as HMS Illustrious and the Army Air Corps let rip off the Scottish coast during the biggest military exercise of the year. Two Apache helicopters from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps fired one Hellfire missile each at a training target that... Read more
3-May-2012Source: London Heliport
London Oxford Airport and the London Heliport, now under single ownership*, are exhibiting together at EBACE in Geneva during May 13-16 (Stand No 1653) to highlight the synergies and ease of travel to interlining jet operators, especially during the London Olympics this summer. They will also be incentivised with discounts for the interlining jets, says Business Development... Read more
3-May-2012
Lynx XZ720 shot up or sank five Iraqi warships in three days in January 1991 – and also came through machine-gun fire in the Falklands. The five tallies painted on the cabin door show that this Lynx has seen some action. It is, for this is one of the most battle-hardened helicopters in recent Royal... Read more
2-May-2012Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published comprehensive information on the latest flight crew licensing requirements for UK licensed pilots. The new document, CAP 804, notifies the requirements for UK national licences and provides a complete guide to the new EASA licensing regulations. The full publication is available for download from the Publications... Read more
2-May-2012Source: London’s Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance, the Charity which runs London’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, has become the first in the UK to trial a novel device for directly cooling the brain using evaporative, nasal spray technology, the RhinoChill® IntraNasal Cooling System in pre-hospital cardiac arrest patients. London’s Air Ambulance will conduct this study on its Physician Response... Read more
1-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Last Friday, HeliHub.com broke the story that AgustaWestland have brought a demonstrator AW139 to the UK for the London Olympics. Courtesy of Nigel Hitchman, we have now caught up with the colour scheme of this aircraft – a blend of the standard Finmeccanica grey/red starburst with three extra blue and one extra red stripe to... Read more
1-May-2012Source: Royal Navy
The Torpoint base stepped in when Plymouth Airport closed and now serves as a ‘lily pad’ for helicopters working for the Flag Officer Sea Training. In their distinctive blue livery, two Dauphin helicopters which serve the RN’s premier training organisation are parked on new landing pads at HMS Raleigh. This is the new and improved... Read more
1-May-2012Source: HELP Appeal
After the successful funding and completion of two hospital emergency landing pads – one onsite at Southampton General Hospital and the other at Oswestry Spinal Injuries hospital – the HELP Appeal is now looking for further helipad projects at key A&E hospitals across the country. The HELP Appeal, established by the County Air Ambulance Trust, provides non-repayable grants to hospitals... Read more
30-Apr-2012Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced that following, agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), pilots of UK-registered amateur-built aircraft, and other listed types flying to the Republic of Ireland, can now do so for up to 28 days through a general exemption. Previously pilots were required to make individual applications to... Read more
30-Apr-2012Source: Cobham
Warren Tucker, who has served as Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) of Cobham plc (‘Cobham’) since May 2003, had previously discussed with the Cobham Board long term planning with regard to tenure on the Board. Following Andy Stevens’ retirement for medical reasons and at the Board’s request a final decision was delayed to allow for the... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland have brought one of their AW139 demonstrator aircraft from Italy to the UK for the London Olympics, which start with the opening ceremony on Friday 27th July this year. Arriving as I-AWRH, the helicopter has now been re-registered as G-OLYM – an obvious give-away that it is here for the Games. HeliHub.com will report... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: The Jet Business
The Jet Business founder Steve Varsano and his marketing team travel to Geneva for Europe’s premier business aviation show, EBACE, during 13-16th May to highlight their new added proposition – helicopters. Hard on the heels of its successful opening of the world’s first showroom for business jets, which has seen hundreds of visitors welcomed through its doors, the... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services has been awarded a new, five-year contract, worth £8 million, by air ambulance charity, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The contract will see Bond continue to provide a complete helicopter support service, including aircraft, crew and maintenance support until 2017. Bond has been providing the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the Air... Read more
26-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Aviation Group has merged separate websites for each of its onshore and offshore operations into one Group website. Gone are www.BondOffshoreHelicopters.com and www.BondAirServices.com – both replaced by www.BondAviationGroup.com While the intent to merge two websites into one is understandable, and the willingness to expand on the predecessor sites with a new “Media” section, the... Read more