13-Jun-2014Source: Aberdeen City Council
A proposal for a new helicopter hangar at Aberdeen International Airport is to be considered by councillors next week. The Bond Offshore Helicopter plan, which proposes building a hangar at the corner of Farburn Terrace and Cordyce View, adjacent to the firm’s eastern terminal, has been recommended for approval. The proposed hangar, which would be... Read more
13-Jun-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
Today, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) issued its final determination following its investigation into the causes linked to two controlled ditchings that occurred in the North Sea on May 10, 2012 and October 22, 2012 aboard EC225 helicopters. Airbus Helicopters affirms the conclusions drawn in the report concerning the causes of the two controlled... Read more
13-Jun-2014Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
Local MPs have lent their support to a campaign for lifesaving improvements to landing facilities at the region’s Major Trauma Centre. Cornwall Air Ambulance took its campaign to Westminster on Monday 9th June at the annual reception of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Air Ambulances. Derriford Hospital is the region’s designated Major Trauma Centre... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R44 II (G-ODAZ), near RAF Wittering, Peterborough, 26 March 2014... Read more
12-Jun-2014
The pilot was attempting a practice autorotation when the accident occurred. He did not realise that he had failed to achieve a split between engine and rotor rpm, with the result that the rotor rpm reduced to below the normal operating range. The pilot was unable to prevent the helicopter striking the ground hard. It... Read more
11-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The formal report on the accidents to a Bond and a CHC EC225 in 2012 has now been released by the AAIB. A further seven new Safety Recommendations have been made, including five related to the liferafts and one related to the fatigue performance of components manufactured from high strength low alloy steel. These are listed below... Read more
11-Jun-2014Source: Swindon Advertiser
Wiltshire Air Ambulance are preparing to sign a five year lease allowing them to continue to operate from Wiltshire Police HQ at Devizes. See full story... Read more
11-Jun-2014Source: Exaro
AgustaWestland reportedly faces the prospect of a criminal investigation in the UK if any evidence appears in the current Indian investigation warrant it – see full story... Read more
10-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
British operator Sloane Helicopters recently marked an impressive 45 years in business, and 25 years at their Sywell headquarters. As many countries marked the 70th anniversary on Friday of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, Sloane also remembered the launch event of their current facility at Sywell on 6th June 1989 and the company starting... Read more
10-Jun-2014Source: TAAS
Since 2008, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) has been on hand to provide potentially lifesaving care to those who need it most. Thousands of people across the three counties have benefitted from the Charity’s lifesaving service and on Wednesday 4th June, during National Volunteering Week, the Charity reached a significant milestone. The service... Read more
9-Jun-2014Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
The annual event celebrate innovation and achievement among Cornish businesses. The 2014 awards ceremony was held at St Mellion International Resort in May. Guest speaker was businessman Gerald Ratner, famous for his honest appraisal of his own jewellery products. Cornwall Air Ambulance was recognised in the Best Third Sector Business category, sponsored by the Eden... Read more
8-Jun-2014Source: Cornishman
From December, the county will have two night-capable MD902s, and the charity is asking people and communities with potential sites to consider offering them. See full story... Read more
6-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Air Services have confirmed to HeliHub.com that the contract they have with Great Western Air Ambulance will see an aircraft upgrade in October 2014. The move is largely prompted by their current Bo105 being incapable of operating from the newly-opened helipad at Bristol Royal Infirmary, one of two hospitals in the centre of GWAA’s... Read more
5-Jun-2014Source: The Helicopter Museum
The hard work and continued efforts of the work force at The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare has been recognised by Buckingham Palace with the group being awarded The Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service. This prestigious accolade is the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK. Winners are chosen by a National Awards Committee and... Read more
4-Jun-2014Source: Cotswold Helicopter Centre
Cotswold Helicopter Centre, the sole UK distributors for Helicopters Guimbal are delighted to announce the sale of two brand new Cabri G2 helicopters to an unnamed flight training school in the south east of England. This order will take the UK Cabri fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2015. Andy Moorhouse from Cotswold... Read more
4-Jun-2014Source: NPAS
Brand new state-of-the-art camera and mission system equipment is being installed across a third of the National Police Air Service Fleet. The new equipment integrates a new high end camera with mission planning and mapping systems while retaining existing airframes with plenty of service life left. This enhancement will allow these aircraft to continue to... Read more
3-Jun-2014
Main blades hit hangar while manoevering close to the fuel pumps... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: BBC
The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it has no plans to duplicate the 32 safety improvements planned for Scottish offshore helicopters. See full story... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: Lochaber News
THE Blar Mor development site in Fort William is to be investigated as a possible location for a permanent helipad for air ambulance helicopters. See full story... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: BAE Systems
The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BAE Systems a $28 million (£16.7 million) contract for the third-generation (Gen3) configuration of its Common Missile Warning System (CMWS). This contract, which represents the first direct commercial sale of BAE Systems’ Gen3 CMWS technology, will enable the U.K. military to provide its aircrews with the latest CMWS... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: Heli Air
Heli Air is pleased to announce that Heli Air Scotland will officially open its new purpose built Heli Centre with a launch party reception on June 6th 2014 at the new Eastern hangar premises at Cumbernauld Airport. At the launch event, guests will be given a tour of the premises and the opportunity to see... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published a series of recommendations to help drive improvements in the way the aviation industry manages aircraft noise. More people in the UK are affected by aviation noise than any other country in Europe. With the Airports Commission currently considering proposals for increasing the UK’s aviation capacity,... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on its future policy for General Aviation (GA) regulation. It builds on the recent GA Red Tape Challenge and the formation of the CAA’s first dedicated GA unit and will define how the CAA regulates GA on a day-to-day basis. The proposed policy seeks... Read more
2-Jun-2014
On touchdown the aircraft ‘porpoised’, initially nose down, due to contact with the heels of the skids followed almost immediately by the cyclic being displaced fully aft and a progressive left (lateral) cyclic displacement. The cyclic was then centralised longitudinally as the aircraft pitched up before it was again displaced fully aft, on this occasion... Read more
1-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
British operator Elite Helicopters are this week taking delivery of the seventh G2 Cabri in the UK, and thus become the fourth training school to offer the type. Elite Helicopters is based at Goodwood and flies a range of helicopters from Robinson R22 up to AgustaWestland AW109 for both training and charter. Serial Number 1068... Read more
30-May-2014Source: KaarbonTech
KaarbonTech has become the first company to receive a special permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle within London airspace. The first flight, commissioned by The GeoInformation Group, took place over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the home of the London 2012 Games. Flight plans, prepared by qualified... Read more
30-May-2014Source: Irwin Mitchell
HeliHub.com editor note – The press release below from Irwin Mitchell is followed by a response from Bond Air Services, requested by the HeliHub.com team Lawyers representing families who lost loved ones in The Clutha helicopter crash six months ago have described the initial offers of compensation from the company responsible for operating the aircraft... Read more
29-May-2014Source: RAF
Captain Paul Shawcross Royal Navy handed over command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury this week to Colonel Julian Facer. Colonel Facer was commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in 1991 and is an experienced Apache Attack Helicopter pilot. His recently commanded 7 Training Regiment (AAC) at Middle Wallop, where... Read more
29-May-2014
Emergency landing due to weather with three on board going to a rugby match at Huddersfield... Read more
28-May-2014Source: Yorkshire Air ambulance
The emergency rapid response charity – which operates two MD902 Explorer helicopters – has revised all its operator manuals to meet new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements that come into force on October 28. It now becomes just the third out of nearly 70 UK operators to be awarded a new Air Operators Certificate... Read more
27-May-2014Source: Heli UK Expo
This year at the Heli UK Expo’s first launch, Cotswold Helicopter Centre will be displaying 5 Cabri G2s at the event taking place at Sywell Aerodrome from the 3-4 June 2014. Cotswold Helicopter Centre, the exclusive UK distributors for Hélicoptèrs Guimbal will have five Cabri G2 Helicopters on display at Heli UK Expo. The Cabri... Read more
26-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Heli Air has become the first Robinson dealer to complete everything required to have an R66 legally carrying a registration from an EASA country. Their first delivered R66 – serial 0016 and flying up to now on the FAA registration N66NN – has now become G-JNNH for owners Jenny ‘n Nick Hawes (hence the “JNNH”). HeliHub.com... Read more
26-May-2014Source: Great North Air Ambulance
AN acclaimed businessman from the North-East has been appointed as chairman of trustees at the region’s air ambulance. Technology entrepreneur Professor Brian Jobling (on left in photo, Ed) has joined the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) in a move which both parties hope will secure the long-term future of the life-saving charity. Mr Jobling... Read more
23-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The second AW189 for delivery to Bristow Helicopters is ready for its flight from the AgustaWestland factory in Italy to the UK. This follows its registration with UK’s Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday as G-OENA, with serial number 49007. In strict numerical terms, this example precedes the first delivery, G-OENB serial 49008 but it is... Read more
22-May-2014Source: Heli UK Expo
AT Aviation provide the GA community a location to buy and sell light aircraft with greater ease and transparency. AT Aviation will be showcasing the following aircraft in their static display stand; two B206BIII , B206LI, MD500E , H269 , R44 Raven II and an Alouette . List Your Aircraft A separate section of the... Read more
21-May-2014Source: Bolton News
Since 1999 over 18,000 emergency missions have been flown – see full story... Read more
21-May-2014Source: Heli UK Expo
HQ Aviation are THE Robinson Helicopter Specialists with a top of the range Flight Training School, EASA Part-145 Aircraft & Component Maintenance Facility & a Robinson approved Overhaul Centre! Make sure to visit HQ Aviation Ltd at this year’s Heli Expo UK Event! Rumor has it they will be bringing at least 10 of their... Read more
20-May-2014Source: North Bristol NHS Trust
The helipad at the new Accident and Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital Bristol has had its first successful test landing. At around 2.45pm on Friday, May 16 the Great Western Air Ambulance landed at the site. Martin Warren, Logistics Manager for the Move, said: “This is a landmark moment ahead of the Accident and Emergency... Read more
20-May-2014Source: London Oxford Airport
London Oxford Airport’s resident executive helicopter charter operator Capital Air Services is preparing to mark its 20th anniversary in September with the arrival of a brand new Sikorsky S76D. This will be the first of its type available for charter in Europe and Capital is managing this helicopter for a private owner who is moving... Read more
16-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Plans to move Glasgow Heliport were first aired at least four years ago as the site owners wanted to use the land for a hotel. Ever since its launch, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre have been supportive of the heliport in one corner of its site alongside the River Clyde, so there was no... Read more
16-May-2014Source: Great North Air Ambulance
The region’s air ambulance has opened a new base at Newcastle International Airport. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) will now operate out of Tyne and Wear after a partnership agreement was made with the airport. GNAAS will still hold its main operational headquarters at Durham Tees Valley Airport near Darlington. It also operates... Read more
16-May-2014Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
Cornwall Air Ambulance is warning it may be unable to take critically ill patients to the region’s Major Trauma Centre in the hours of darkness unless major changes are made to the hospital’s infrastructure. The charity-funded emergency helicopter will be capable of flying in the dark from January 2015. However the charity is warning current... Read more
16-May-2014Source: Durham Tees Valley Airport
Durham Tees Valley Airport, which has been the base for police air support operations across the area for almost 20 years, is now playing a key role in the development of the national service. The airport has invested in the construction of the new purpose-built hangar which is now the new ‘home’ for the national... Read more
15-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
On May 3rd, Bell’s 429 demonstrator was shipped into their European base at Prague in the Czech Republic. Within four days it had arrived in the UK where it has been demonstrated to Bond Air Services this week and is expected to visit other operators in the air ambulance market as well. The helicopter is... Read more
14-May-2014Source: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
The new £3 million helideck at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) was used for the first time on Friday 9 May by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance just two days after its official opening. Air ambulances across the region have spent the last few weeks undergoing orientation test flights for the new helideck which is located... Read more
14-May-2014Source: HeliUK Expo
Sloane Helicopters is delighted to announce that it will be at HeliUK Expo, at Sywell Aerodrome, 3-4 June 2014. As the UK and Ireland distributor for AgustaWestland and Robinson helicopters, Sloane will carry a wide range of aircraft on static display throughout AeroExpo UK and HeliUK Expo, as well as further aircraft at the Company’s... Read more
13-May-2014Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has appointed its first Medical Director with Mr Alastair Wilson joining to lead the clinical team, working alongside Brig. Professor Tim Hodgetts who has responsibility for Clinical Quality and Development. Mr Wilson has an impressive background in Accident and Emergency medicine and in the delivery of emergency medical care by... Read more
11-May-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 S3/2014: Agusta AW139 (G-LBAL), near Gillingham Hall, Norfolk, 13 March 2014... Read more
11-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Great Western Air Ambulance Trust (GWAA) has confirmed to HeliHub.com that they expect to upgrade from their current Bo105 helicopter to an Airbus Helicopters EC135 this summer, with the target of the third week of August. GWAA is one of just two UK air ambulance operators in the UK flying the Bo105, with Scotland’s... Read more
8-May-2014Source: Bristol Royal Infirmary
Air ambulance providers from across the region have spent the last few weeks undergoing orientation test flight for the new helideck on the roof of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). The last test flight finished on Tuesday 6 May The construction of the £3 million helideck is part of a wider programme of redevelopment and... Read more
8-May-2014Source: Oil & Gas UK
In response to the annoucement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today, Oil & Gas UK chief executive, Malcolm Webb, said: “The CAA consultation with industry has been highly constructive, prompting and accelerating the introduction of breakthrough lifesaving equipment over a year ahead of CAA proposed action A10 (CAP1145) – a real milestone for safety... Read more
8-May-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced changes to two of its requirements aimed at improving offshore helicopter safety. It follows discussions with the oil and gas industry, helicopter operators and representatives of the offshore workforce and pilots. In February the CAA announced a series of measures to improve the safety of offshore operations.... Read more
7-May-2014Source: HeliUK Expo
Bell 505 Jet Ranger X mock-up to have its first UK reveal at HeliUK Expo, 2014 Heli Charter will also be exhibiting the Bell 407 and are sponsors of Heli UK Expo, 3-4 June at Sywell Aerodrome. Heli Charter, the UK Bell Independent Retailer, will be bringing the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X mock-up to... Read more
6-May-2014Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services recently hosted a customer day at its impressive Almondbank facility in Perth. The event showcased the growing capabilities offered at the site – including a new composite repair facility, completed on 4 April – all of which are set to deliver... Read more
5-May-2014Source: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
On Wednesday 30th April 2014, over 150 delegates from across the UK joined Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) for the 5th Aeromedical Conference at the ultra-modern CEME Conference Centre in Rainham. This free event sponsored by Medical Aviation Services saw a host of nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers present a variety of topics... Read more
2-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Trial flights commenced on Thursday 17th April of the newly constructed helideck facility on the roof of Bristol Royal Infirmary – Initial trials were conducted using the Great Western Air Ambulance Bo105 helicopter, as depicted in the images here. Air ambulance MBB Bolkow105DBS-4, G-NDAA, undertook the first test flight on 17th April to prove the capability... Read more
1-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
A few weeks back, two Eurocopter EC135T2+ helicopters arrived in the UK at the end of a ferry flight from Azerbaijan. Previously operated by Silk Way Helicopter Services on EMS work from January 2012, the two had been replaced by new AgustaWestland AW139s and taken by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer in part-exchange. They have now been... Read more
1-May-2014Source: Original FM
The three-to-five year programme, run by CHC, will train 35 young people to become qualified engineers for North-Sea aircraft. See full story... Read more
1-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com
BBC News is reporting that the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is seeking the cancellation of a seminar which is looking at the legal implication of the CAA’s offshore safety review. In particular they are concerned that the event will be used to advise employers of offshore workers how to relieve them of their... Read more
1-May-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a series of template risk models, highlighting a number of specific safety scenarios, which airline and airport operators, air navigation service providers, maintenance organisations, ground service providers and regulators can use as part of their own safety management systems (SMS). The models will allow organisations to assess... Read more
1-May-2014
Bristow EC225 en route to Talisman’s Clyde platform returned to base after a warning light came on... Read more
30-Apr-2014Source: Heli UK Expo
Northrop Grumman has confirmed their participation at the Heli UK Expo during the 3-4 June 2014, at Sywell Aerodrome. Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH (NG LITEF) is a leader in the development and manufacturing of inertial sensors – gyros and accelerometers – for navigation, reference systems and platform stabilization. Their customer base with civil and military applications covers the globe. Northrop... Read more
30-Apr-2014Source: Heli UK Expo
Heli UK Expo is delighted to confirm its first Heli UK Expo Challenge Cup in partnership with Helicopter Club of Great Britain, which will take place during the Helicopter exhibition at Sywell Aerodrome, 3rd – 4th June 2014 Heli UK Expo will host an Air Challenge Qualifying Round and Finals over two days, which will... Read more
29-Apr-2014Source: Magpas
Magpas is pleased to announce that it has joined the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA), which represents the majority of Air Ambulance operations in the UK following meeting the necessary membership criteria and agreeing to abide by the AAA’s Code of Conduct. Full, Associate or Affiliate members can access a tailor made range of benefits,... Read more
29-Apr-2014
Offshore helicopter diverted to Sumburgh Airport due to warning light. Airport was on full emergency alert. Safe landing. 18 pax and 2 crew... Read more
28-Apr-2014Source: HIOWAA
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are pleased to announce that Marcus de Ferranti has been appointed to the role of Chairman with immediate effect. With a strong aviation background that started as a Harrier pilot in the Royal Air Force, de Ferranti has had a highly successful career, both in the public and... Read more
27-Apr-2014Source: Avincis Group
Babcock International Group PLC (“Babcock”), the UK’s leading engineering support services company, announced today it has received approvals from the Spanish Council of the National Markets and Competition Commission and the Portuguese Competition Authority in respect of the acquisition of the Avincis Group. All conditions to completion of such acquisition have therefore been satisfied. Completion... Read more
27-Apr-2014Source: HIOWAA
On Thursday 17th April we carried out our first blood transfusion since we began carrying blood on board all flights earlier this month. The patient was taken to University Hospital Southampton following a road traffic incident in the New Forest. Using technology first utilised by the British military in Afghanistan, we are able to store... Read more
24-Apr-2014Source: Vector
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com/), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has selected Atkins Global as a collaborative partner in producing a Safety Management System (SMS) which will enhance the support of its operating processes. “We are looking to optimise and widen our current practices to ensure that we have... Read more
22-Apr-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The UK distributor for Helicopteres Guimbal – Cotswold Helicopter Centre – has told HeliHub.com in an interview this week that Cabri sales are shooting ahead. With six currently in country, they are now holding orders for another nine. The latest one of these is scheduled for delivery in June 2015. At present there are three... Read more
22-Apr-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Leicester-based academy Helicentre Aviation have announced they will shortly be taking enrollments for a BSc (Hons) Professional Aviation Pilot Practice Degree / Higher Apprenticeship* which will allow graduates to obtain the degree alongside their professional helicopter pilot’s licence. The BSc will be open to UK, EU and international students, with UK and EU students benefiting... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum at Weston-Super-Mare now has more than 100 aircraft in it’s diverse collection gathered from around the world, including a number of unique one-off helicopters and autogyros. The Museum, which celebrates it’s 25th anniversary of opening to the public this year, is planning further expansion to better display the collection. At the end... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: Marshall
Marshall Aviation Services’ aircraft brokerage business, JETability, has enjoyed a strong first quarter with a notable number of international sales transactions. Led by experienced Sales Director, Howard Povey, the business has sold three aircraft – a Cessna CJ2+, an Agusta Westland 109E Power, and an Airbus Helicopters AS355N. Howard and the team have built up... Read more
11-Apr-2014Source: Gama Engineering
Gama Engineering Ltd, the Fairoaks Airport, UK based EASA Part 21J and UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Design Approved Organisation Status company, has been awarded a contract to supply the design solution and major parts for a Traffic Alerting System, GPS and 8.33kHz VHF Comms upgrade to a number of Airbus Helicopters’ Gazelle helicopters for... Read more
