UK

UK – Royal Marines Aircrewman Receives The Billy Deacon Memorial Trophy

UK – Royal Marines Aircrewman Receives The Billy Deacon Memorial Trophy

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

Eurocopter clears Bond over EC225 ditching

Eurocopter clears Bond over EC225 ditching

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  In an unpublished statement released only to the Aberdeen Press & Journal – and then widely re-reported elsewhere, Eurocopter have stated “the incident was caused by a rupture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

UK – Weston Super HeliDays set for 21-22 July

UK – Weston Super HeliDays set for 21-22 July

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

18-Jun-12 G-ROAD Robinson R44 II Corby, UK

18-Jun-12 G-ROAD Robinson R44 II Corby, UK

18-Jun-2012

Rotor blade clipped the branch of a tree while hover taxying... Read more

UK – SportsDirect upgrades to a GrandNew

UK – SportsDirect upgrades to a GrandNew

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

CHC celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

CHC celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

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

Gama Aviation adds details on retaining Scottish Air Ambulance contract

Gama Aviation adds details on retaining Scottish Air Ambulance contract

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

UK – ‘Jobs safe’ at AgustaWestland and RNAS Yeovilton after MoD budget overhaul

UK – ‘Jobs safe’ at AgustaWestland and RNAS Yeovilton after MoD budget overhaul

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

14-Jun-12 G-LNAA MD Helicopters MD902 Coventry, UK

14-Jun-12 G-LNAA MD Helicopters MD902 Coventry, UK

14-Jun-2012

Emergency field landing with patient on board while on transfer flight.  Patient continued to destination courtesy of AgustaWestland AW109 of Warwickshire & Northants Air Ambulance.  MD902 later flown short distance to Coventry Airport where it remained grounded at least the next day.... Read more

Scottish Ambulance Service renews with Gama – and upgrades to EC145T2

Scottish Ambulance Service renews with Gama – and upgrades to EC145T2

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

Prince William qualifies as an operational Royal Air Force SAR captain

Prince William qualifies as an operational Royal Air Force SAR captain

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

06-Jun-12 ZJ121 AgustaWestland AW101 Stanwick, UK

06-Jun-12 ZJ121 AgustaWestland AW101 Stanwick, UK

6-Jun-2012

Emergency field landing due to loose/missing tail rotor blade tape.  Stayed overnight and cleared for flight next day... Read more

Selex Galileo wins contracts for British Chinooks and US Army Apaches

Selex Galileo wins contracts for British Chinooks and US Army Apaches

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

UK pilot union comments on Shell’s rejection of Bond

UK pilot union comments on Shell’s rejection of Bond

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

UK Government warns EU flight time proposals may jeopardise safety

UK Government warns EU flight time proposals may jeopardise safety

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

RAF Odiham unveils Chinook gate guardian

RAF Odiham unveils Chinook gate guardian

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

Shell abandons plans to sign contract with Bond Offshore Helicopters

Shell abandons plans to sign contract with Bond Offshore Helicopters

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

UK – Two more new AW139s for CHC

UK – Two more new AW139s for CHC

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

Managing Director of Bond Offshore Helicopters quits

Managing Director of Bond Offshore Helicopters quits

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

Bond Aviation Group appoints new CEO

Bond Aviation Group appoints new CEO

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

UK – Herts Air Ambulance adds new response vehicle

UK – Herts Air Ambulance adds new response vehicle

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

Midlands Air Ambulance celebrates 21 years

Midlands Air Ambulance celebrates 21 years

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

UK – Ninewells Hospital helipad vandalised

UK – Ninewells Hospital helipad vandalised

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

The Helicopter Museum gives special access to Royal helicopter

The Helicopter Museum gives special access to Royal helicopter

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

Bristow ferry EC225 half way round the world

Bristow ferry EC225 half way round the world

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

CHC transfers Super Puma from Angola to UK

CHC transfers Super Puma from Angola to UK

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

Barclays London Heliport takes record bookings ahead of British Grand Prix

Barclays London Heliport takes record bookings ahead of British Grand Prix

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

Specialist Aviation Services add another MD Explorer

Specialist Aviation Services add another MD Explorer

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

Heliflight UK Ltd leaves Patriot Aerospace Group

Heliflight UK Ltd leaves Patriot Aerospace Group

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

UK CAA postpone EASA pilot licence start date

UK CAA postpone EASA pilot licence start date

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

Barclays Bank sponsor The London Heliport

Barclays Bank sponsor The London Heliport

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

Norwegian Police lease second EC135

Norwegian Police lease second EC135

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

UK – Nobody has applied for Helicentre Aviation pilot scholarships so far

UK – Nobody has applied for Helicentre Aviation pilot scholarships so far

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

22-May-12 Eurocopter AS332L2 North Sea, UK

22-May-12 Eurocopter AS332L2 North Sea, UK

22-May-2012

Bbrought back to land by sea after concerns were raised about fuel samples.  Date was the day it arrived back by boat.  May need to adjust this date once more details become clear.... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – May 2012

UK AAIB Bulletin – May 2012

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

Royal Aeronautical Society Rotary Wing conference approaches

Royal Aeronautical Society Rotary Wing conference approaches

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

Bristow adds new helicopter type to North Sea fleet

Bristow adds new helicopter type to North Sea fleet

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

UK – Virage Helicopter Academy set up by ex-Sterling instructor

UK – Virage Helicopter Academy set up by ex-Sterling instructor

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

Black Cats ready for Diamond Jubilee display season

Black Cats ready for Diamond Jubilee display season

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

UK – Suspended licences await pilots infringing Olympic zone

UK – Suspended licences await pilots infringing Olympic zone

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

YAA paramedics to take on Guinness World  Record challenge

YAA paramedics to take on Guinness World Record challenge

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

Bond AS332s and EC225s take to the air again

Bond AS332s and EC225s take to the air again

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

Helicopter Safety Steering Group meets over North Sea EC225 ditching

Helicopter Safety Steering Group meets over North Sea EC225 ditching

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

UK – Instructor denies charge of false representing student skills in flight test

UK – Instructor denies charge of false representing student skills in flight test

15-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com

Iain King, of Wetherby, appeared at York Crown Court on Monday where he denied making false representations to procure a private pilot’s licence for Mr Spencer, who was flying the helicopter. (see press story). This relates to the accident of Gazelle YU-HEW on 26 January 2008 which resulted in the fatal injuries of the pilot... Read more

Bond EC225 ditching – AAIB report consistent with Bond analysis

Bond EC225 ditching – AAIB report consistent with Bond analysis

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

PDG Helicopters adds Cinedeck RX solid state recorder

PDG Helicopters adds Cinedeck RX solid state recorder

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

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance paramedic receives award

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance paramedic receives award

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

Eurocopter UK showcases EC120

Eurocopter UK showcases EC120

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

UK – CAA eases night flying restrictions

UK – CAA eases night flying restrictions

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-12 G-REDW Eurocopter EC225 off Aberdeen, UK

10-May-12 G-REDW Eurocopter EC225 off Aberdeen, UK

11-May-2012Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters

Controlled ditching in North Sea and all 14 on board into liferafts and later rescued.  The helicopter remained upright on its emergency floats.  Flight number was “Bond 88R”... Read more

Bond Air Services issues notice regarding its EC135 grounding

Bond Air Services issues notice regarding its EC135 grounding

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

Some UK and Spanish EC135s grounded temporarily

Some UK and Spanish EC135s grounded temporarily

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

UK – First live fire tests of Hellfire from Apache

UK – First live fire tests of Hellfire from Apache

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

04-May-12 G-STGR AgustaWestland AW109SP Helsby, UK

04-May-12 G-STGR AgustaWestland AW109SP Helsby, UK

4-May-2012

Whilst manoeuvring for landing at a private helipad, the helicopter’s tail rotor blades struck an adjacent fence. The pilot received no unusual cockpit indications and was unaware of the tail rotor strike until after shutdown.... Read more

UK – Olympic partnership for London Heliport and Oxford Airport

UK – Olympic partnership for London Heliport and Oxford Airport

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

Famous Lynx retires to Fleet Air Arm Museum

Famous Lynx retires to Fleet Air Arm Museum

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

03-May-12 G-WIWI Sikorsky S76C++ Peasmarsh, UK

03-May-12 G-WIWI Sikorsky S76C++ Peasmarsh, UK

3-May-2012

Following an event in which high torque was used, flight data was analysed on behalf of the operator using incorrect conversion information relevant to earlier variants of the helicopter. The operator was therefore unaware that total torque had exceeded a level at which maintenance action was required.  This article suggests the passengers were Paul Macartney... Read more

UK CAA publishes new pilot licensing guidance

UK CAA publishes new pilot licensing guidance

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

London’s Air Ambulance trialling brain-cooling device

London’s Air Ambulance trialling brain-cooling device

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

02-May-12 M-EMLI AgustaWestland AW109E Northolt, UK

02-May-12 M-EMLI AgustaWestland AW109E Northolt, UK

2-May-2012

Rotor blades clipped a small branch of one of the trees while the helicopter was manoeuvring to land... Read more

AgustaWestland adapts house colours for Olympics

AgustaWestland adapts house colours for Olympics

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

UK – Improved helicopter facilities open at HMS Raleigh

UK – Improved helicopter facilities open at HMS Raleigh

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

HELP Appeal provides grants for UK EMS helipads

HELP Appeal provides grants for UK EMS helipads

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

New UK/Ireland agreement for recreational flyers

New UK/Ireland agreement for recreational flyers

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

Cobham CFO to stand down

Cobham CFO to stand down

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

The Helicopter Museum adds JetRanger

The Helicopter Museum adds JetRanger

30-Apr-2012Source: Helicopter Museum

The home of the world’s largest helicopter collection, The Helicopter Museum (THM) at Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset, is taking delivery on May 1st of one of the most iconic aircraft ever produced, a JetRanger helicopter. Developed in the mid 1960s, the 5 seat turbine engined JetRanger was one of the first helicopter designs to introduce... Read more

AgustaWestland bring AW139 to UK for London Olympics

AgustaWestland bring AW139 to UK for London Olympics

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

The Jet Business expands to include helicopters

The Jet Business expands to include helicopters

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

Bond renews Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance contract for five years

Bond renews Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance contract for five years

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

Bond Aviation Group suffers PR failure with new website

Bond Aviation Group suffers PR failure with new website

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

UK – Avon and Somerset Police EC135 to remain at Filton under NPAS

UK – Avon and Somerset Police EC135 to remain at Filton under NPAS

24-Apr-2012Source: Avon and Somerset Police

Avon and Somerset Police can confirm that a police helicopter will continue to be based at Filton airfield when the new National Police Air Service is launched. In October 2012 the National Police Air Service will begin adopting responsibility for police air operations from individual forces to the new service. In July 2013 Avon and... Read more

UK – 845 Naval Air Squadron celebrates 50 years

UK – 845 Naval Air Squadron celebrates 50 years

24-Apr-2012Source: Royal Navy

The celebrations were held on 17th April to tie in with the RNAS Yeovilton Air Day launch, which in turn will commemorate 30 years since the Falklands Conflict. After being welcomed by Commander (Cdr) James Newton DFC, 845’s current Commanding Officer, the guests received an insight into what the squadron has been up to in... Read more

Multiflight renews Air Total fuel contract

Multiflight renews Air Total fuel contract

23-Apr-2012Source: Multiflight

Multiflight has re-signed with fuel supplier AIR TOTAL for another three years. The renewed three-year fuel supply agreement is for the supply of Avgas and Avtur fuel at Multiflight’s private aviation facility at Leeds Bradford International Airport, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Multiflight owns and operates a 180,000 litre Avtur/JetA1 fuel farm, along with Avtur Fuel... Read more

UK – Wiltshire Air Ambulance adds medical director

UK – Wiltshire Air Ambulance adds medical director

21-Apr-2012Source: Swindon Advertiser

Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity has secured the services of Dr Rod Mackenzie as its medical director.  Dr Mackenzie is a consultant in emergency medicine and pre-hospital emergency medicine at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. His role with Wiltshire Air Ambulance is unpaid. (see full story)... Read more

CHC SAR pilot suspended for landing to buy steak

CHC SAR pilot suspended for landing to buy steak

21-Apr-2012Source: Daily Telegraph

Mobile phone footage on YouTube, since removed from the site, showed two crewmen collecting a bag of beef from several butchers who were there to see the landing.  CHC has launched an inquiry and confirmed that the pilot had been suspended. (see video and story)... Read more

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