Pensacola Helicopter Safety Seminar
Source: HAI, 13-May-13
Join HAI, the FAA Safety Team, a cast of industry experts, and your peers for a free workshop for all helicopter pilots, operators, students, and instructors in the southern region on June 8 in Pensacola, Fla. Let’s all reach the highest level of safety! Topics covered will include helicopter accident trends, human factors, safety initiatives, [...]
02-May-13 N209LF Eurocopter EC130 Walnut Hill, US-Florida
02-May-13
EMS Helicopter grounded after technical (electrical?) fault on take-off. Patient on board and taken onwards by ground ambulance
Metro Aviation Pilot Recognized for Safety
Source: Metro Aviation, 01-May-13
Metro Aviation conducted annual training for 34 lead pilots last week. Pilots gathered at the company’s new training facility at its Shreveport, Louisiana headquarters. During the culminating dinner, Metro recognized Joseph “Woody” Woodard, Lead Pilot for the First Flight program in Melbourne, Florida. Woodard was honored for his quick thinking and commendable actions during a [...]
23-Apr-13 N473SD Hughes OH-6A Crystal River, US-Florida
24-Apr-13
Emergency landing at night on highway US19. Pilot minor injuries treated at scene, co-pilot uninjured
HAI Talks Helicopters at Sun ‘N Fun Fixed-wing Show
Source: HAI, 17-Apr-13
Several HAI staff members spent the past week bringing a taste of the rotorcraft world to their fixed-wing brethren. Sun ’N Fun in Lakeland, Fla., is traditionally considered the start of the flying season for fixed-wing pilots – especially those who fly strictly for the fun of it. Thousands gather at Lakeland-Lindner Airport (KLAL) for [...]
Tour operator vows to fly helicopters quietly
Source: Florida Today, 08-Apr-13
This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)
Bravo Helicopters owner dies in R44 accident
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Apr-13
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause [...]
Metro Aviation to complete EC155 for second HEMS user in US
Source: Metro Aviation, 03-Apr-13
After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair. The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country. Metro Aviation received an [...]
03-Apr-13 N3101H Robinson R44 Tamiami, US-Florida (2F)
03-Apr-13
Crashed into a parking lot two miles after take-off, killing both occupants. Non-aviation witnesses report an explosion before the helicopter reached the ground. Post crash fire. The deceased were later named by Miami Dade Police as pilot Mark Palmieri and passenger Ross Allen. One report states it was a post-maintenance test flight
30-Mar-13 N770CQ Robinson R44 Halledale, US-Florida
30-Mar-13
Precautionary landing – no further details known
L-3 Vertex win $12M contract for TH-57 support at NAS Whiting Field
Source: US DoD, 26-Mar-13
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC., Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $12,946,025 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-12-D-0003) for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station, [...]
Gainesville PD helicopter relaunches after 15 months
Source: WUFT, 21-Mar-13
Gainesville Police Department launched its helicopter back in the air Tuesday after a 15-month hiatus.Helicopter (see full story). File photo
Brown Helicopter Signs Up for the 47GT-6 Helicopter
Source: Scott’s Bell 47, Inc, 19-Mar-13
The 47GT-6 helicopter was announced by SB47 earlier this month at the Heli Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, NV and will enter service in 2016. The 47GT-6 will be powered by the RR300 engine and will also include a new, modern Instrument Panel similar to that currently being developed by SB47 for use on the [...]
19-Feb-13 N2099S Schweizer 300CBi Titusville, US-Florida
19-Mar-13
Heavy landing, deforming the skids, on the side of Highway US-1 after engine malfunction
Bristow Academy Announces Agreement with Aero Dynamix
Source: Bristow Academy, 05-Mar-13
Bristow Academy announced today an agreement with Aero Dynamix to use Aero Dynamix night vision systems to enhance its night vision training program, as well as offer the installation of Aero Dynamix night vision systems to its customers worldwide. Both companies are industry leaders in night vision applications – Bristow Academy in rotary pilot training [...]
06-Feb-13 N5072R Hiller UH-12B Meritt Island, US-Florida
06-Feb-13
Heavy landing from 75ft after pilot reported loss of power, Port skid collapsed, tail rotor damaged. 3 POB, 1 to hospital, 2 refused.
Wild hogs beat two helicopters in a week
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Feb-13
Low-level helicopter flying, engaged in doors-off ammunition-ready feral hog hunting has been a major factor in two helicopter accidents in the last seven days. Estimates vary between two and four million hogs across the US. These wild animals are responsible for significant damage to pastures, leading to losses on behalf of the land owners. This [...]
26-Jan-13 N9041U Hiller UH-12B Adams Ranch, US-Florida
26-Jan-13
Apparent engine failure on a flight to shoot feral hogs. Pilot William Harward and his two passengers, Massad Ayoob and Jonathan Strayer, were treated at Raulerson Memorial Hospital in Okeechobee and released
Sheriff reassures Orange County residents on use of UAV program
Source: Orange County Sheriff, 25-Jan-13
We are currently in a test phase of this Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platform and will not be using this UAS until we have appropriate permissions and have implemented training and guidelines. The OCSO has no intention of using this technology to spy on the citizens of Orange County, but to have it as a [...]
First R22 blade recovered from Tampa Bay
Source: Tampa Bay Online, 13-Jan-13
Following Robinson’s offer of a reward for the recovery of the two blades of an R22 involved in a fatal accident, the first blade has now been brought up and the second one sighted (see full story) File photo
L-3 Wescam Opens Authorized Service Center in Florida
13-Jan-13
L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has signed an agreement with L-3 Component Overhaul and Repair (COR) to open a WESCAM Authorized Service Center (WASC) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Now fully operational, the facility provides customers in the United States with a 40,000-square-foot center equipped to maintain its MX™-Series of electro-optical and infrared imaging turrets. [...]
Lockheed Martin shutting down Gyrocam plant in Sarasota
Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal, 11-Jan-13
A spokeswoman said Lockheed will transition all work from the Sarasota plant to its Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Orlando and Ocala by the end of March. (see full story)
Bad start to 2013 – four helicopters down in US, including two on EMS work
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Jan-13
Wednesday 2nd January saw a bad start to 2013 with no fewer than four helicopter accidents in the US already recorded on the HeliHub.com accident pages. Two of these were EMS helicopters, a Med-Trans Bell 407 in Iowa and an Air Methods EC130 in Oklahoma. The former occurred after night fall and took the lives [...]
Robinson offers reward for blades from fatal R22 accident
Source: Robinson, 02-Jan-13
On 30 November 2012, a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed into Tampa Bay near Apollo Beach. Most of the helicopter was recovered with the exception of the two main rotor blades. An extensive search of the properties in Apollo Beach was unsuccessful in locating the missing blades. Investigators are confident the blades are located offshore. Robinson [...]
02-Jan-13 N345VH Robinson R22 Tampa, US-Florida
02-Jan-13
Helicopter tipped over onto its starboard side on a training flight landing
18-Dec-12 N804MP Eurocopter AS350B3 Miami, US-Florida
18-Dec-12
Bird strike – turkey vulture broke windshield and injured pilot – the only person on board. Safe landing in a parking lot
30-Nov-12 N2626N Robinson R22 Apollo Beach, US-Florida (1F)
30-Nov-12
Crashed into water, killing sole occupant pilot John “Larry” Ward. Witness reported rotor blade separation
Aeromed to establish base in Punta Gorda
Source: NBC2, 28-Nov-12
Charlotte County commissioners in Florida gave Aeromed the green light to base a medical helicopter in Punta Gorda. (see full story) Aeromed currently has two EC135s and three BK117s – operated for them by Air Methods
28-Nov-12 N911FK Sikorsky S76A Tavernier, US-Florida
28-Nov-12
Tail rotor damage after striking tree. EMS aircraft, accident time 0130 local.
Timberview Helicopters restricted to Destin Airport base
Source: Destin Log, 25-Nov-12
With a unanimous vote this last week, Okaloosa County Commissioners have essentially forced Timberview Helicopters to operating out of the Destin Airport. Previously operating from floating barges, the airport base cuts their turnover by 70% (see full story)
Okaloosa to consider restrictions on helicopter tours
Source: NWF Daily News, 05-Nov-12
New helicopter tour operations may be restricted to taking off and landing at Destin Airport if Okaloosa County commissioners approve a change to the Land Development Code. (see full story)
Professional Aircraft Accessories celebrates Grand Re-Opening
Source: Professional Aircraft Accessories, 04-Nov-12
Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, has cut the grand re-opening ribbon and welcomed guests in to see their new 20,000 square-foot expansion. The addition brings their total facility size to approximately 60,000 square feet and accommodates the growth of the company’s landing gear service area, accessory shop, instrument and avionics lab as well [...]
Florida – Brevard County buys two AS350B3e for mosquito control
Source: American Eurocopter, 31-Oct-12
American Eurocopter today announced Brevard County, Florida, has purchased two AS350 B3e helicopters. The aircraft will be utilized for mosquito control, firefighting and herbicide application throughout the county, which is located along Florida’s east coast, replacing an AS350 B3 and two 206Bs currently being used. “We carefully considered our options before making the purchase,” said [...]
ShandsCair purchases Eurocopter EC155B1
Source: American Eurocopter, 23-Oct-12
American Eurocopter, the leading provider of helicopters to the U.S. air medical transport industry, today announced that ShandsCair, the air medical and critical care transport system for Shands at the University of Florida, has purchased an EC155 B1. With a range of more than 300 miles, the EC155 B1 will expand ShandsCair coverage area in [...]
Hurlburt Field bids farewell to Huey
Source: US Air Force, 12-Oct-12
It’s been a fixture on the base’s flightline for decades, marked by its noticeable difference in design from the larger C-130s and elaborate CV-22s operated by 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen. Yet perhaps now the only way one can see a UH-1 Huey at Hurlburt Field will be the one honored in the base’s Airpark. The final flight of Huey, [...]
Okaloosa County approves new helicopter tour company in Destin
Source: Destin4Me, 12-Oct-12
Okaloosa recently approved a new tourism helicopter company in Destin that has some residents up in arms. Beach Helicopter can proceed with their plans to set-up a 6,000-square-foot helipad off U.S. Highway 98 (see full story). Beach Helicopter are understood to operate a Robinson R44
20-Sep-12 N911CK Eurocopter EC135T1 Naples, US-Florida
20-Sep-12
Bird strike to upper cowling and rotor system, during night flight. Maintenance cleaned and inspected finding no damage
Lee County MedStar maintenance director put on administrative leave
Source: Naples News, 14-Sep-12
A Lee County MedStar director was put on administrative leave while the Lee County Sheriff’s office investigates claims he stole hundreds of dollars worth of helicopter fuel (see full story)
$6.8M mosquito-control AS350 purchase hits political turbulence
Source: Florida Today, 06-Sep-12
Brevard County Commission two weeks ago authorized the $6.8 million deal by a 3-2 vote, after hearing arguments that the county would save money through the purchase because of reduced maintenance costs and greater efficiency in the use of chemicals and fuel. The county expects to sign the contract with American Eurocopter within a few [...]
01-Sep-12 N577LF Eurocopter EC135P2+ Escambia County, US-Florida
01-Sep-12
Hit by laser while circling potential EZ landing site. Source identified, arrest made
Florida’s Lee County suspends EMS operations for 6-9 months
Source: Lee County, 29-Aug-12
Aeromed has relocated its emergency medical helicopter from LaBelle to Fort Myers as of 10 a.m. today to provide coverage in Lee County while MEDSTAR is out of service. Lee County Emergency Medical Services temporarily suspended its MEDSTAR flight operations on Tuesday, August 21 to begin reconfiguration toward national accreditation standards. MEDSTAR is expected to [...]
Coastal Helicopters awarded $9.0M contract for flight test support
Source: US DoD, 28-Aug-12
Coastal Helicopter, Inc.*, Panama City, Fla., is being awarded a $9,043,184 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for aircraft flight test support of programs such as the Advanced Littoral Reconnaissance Technologies, Office of Naval Research. Work will be performed in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (70 percent) and Panama City, Fla. (30 percent), and is expected to [...]
24-Jul-12 N9679F Hughes 300C St Petersburg, US-Florida
24-Jul-12
General media reported it as a tail rotor issue while hovering. Helicopter came to rest close to a fence
Northrop Grumman, US Navy establish Fire Scout Training Center in Florida
Source: Northrop Grumman, 16-Jul-12
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has established a new training facility for Fire Scout unmanned helicopter operators that offers improved flight simulators, hands-on aircraft maintenance and classroom instruction. Opened July 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., the Fire Scout Training Center will meet increasing demands for trained operators as the system is used more during [...]
Era Training Center extends USAIG Safety Bucks Program to B206 customers
Source: Era Training Center, 06-Jul-12
As an approved training provider for USAIG Safety Bucks customers, Era Training Center LLC (ETC) provides industry relevant training programs to the global helicopter industry. In early June 2012, ETC provided Bell 206B helicopter recurrent training to Aircoastal Helicopters, an FAA Approved Part 135 operator in Palm Beach, Florida. As a longtime USAIG customer, Aircoastal [...]
04-Jul-12 N561CH Robinson R44 Tallahassee, US-Florida
04-Jul-12
Crashed into lake – student pilot on night training exercise
Okaloosa County declares ‘moratorium’ on new helicopter businesses
Source: Destin Log, 03-Jul-12
With a recent 4-0 vote, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for helicopter sightseeing tour operations in the Destin area. (see full story)
Volusia County Sheriff helicopter base – environmental rule violations
Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal, 27-Jun-12
Volusia County sheriff’s officials are finalizing an agreement with the state to resolve environmental rules violations at the department’s helicopter facility at the DeLand Municipal Airport. A January inspection by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection found the department failed to fill out paperwork required for monthly inspections of the fuel tank used to store [...]
South Florida Water Mgt District seeks aerial application proposals
Source: HAI, 26-Jun-12
The Procurement Bureau of the South Florida Water Management District, B-1 Building, 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406, will receive sealed proposals up to the 2:30 p.m. opening time on July 26, 2012 for the spraying of aquatic, ditchbank and invasive vegetation by helicopter and provide aerial flight services for site inspection [...]
13-Jun-12 Boeing CV-22B Navarre, US-Florida
13-Jun-12
Crashed on training mission out of Hurlburt Field’s Eglin Range, injuring all five occupants
Destin Helicopter Tours promoting tourism flights
Source: Destin Helicopter Tours, 07-Jun-12
For those looking for a way to enhance a Destin, Florida vacation experience, Destin Helicopter Toursprovides the solution. Even vacationers who have been to Destin many times before will be able to see things in a whole new way after a helicopter tour. The view from the helicopter provides memories that last a lifetime. The helicopter [...]
04-Jun-12 N427AL Bell 427 Indiantown, US-Florida
04-Jun-12
Hit buzzard in flight, emergency landing ended up with helicopter on its side. 5 POB to hospital as a precautionary measure, but not seriously injured. Helicopter registered to Southern Aviation Systems, but address points to this being linked to corporate operator Southern Waste Systems
Med-Trans Florida Takes Flight
Source: Med-Trans, 28-May-12
Med-Trans Florida, located at Tamiami Airport in Miami is the second aircraft in the southeast region of Florida for Med-Trans Corporation. Med-Trans Florida will serve as a community asset, rapidly transporting critically ill and injured patients needing urgent acute critical care. Med-Trans Florida has Preferred Provider Agreements with numerous health systems throughout South Florida and [...]
Miami commissioners approve Watson Island heliport
Source: Miami Herald, 25-May-12
A New Jersey company will build and operate the new heliport, which will be known as the Watson Island Aviation and Visitors Center (see full story)
25-May-12 N806LA Bell 206B Longboat Key, US-Florida
25-May-12
Lost power and force landed on beach. Slight damage to tail boom noted from press photo. Helicopter was en route to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport made an emergency landing this afternoon on Longboat Key’s Gulfside beach.
Palm Beach County Sheriff selects Becker Intercom for Bell 407GX
Source: Becker Avionics, 26-Apr-12
Becker Avionics have announced that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Florida, has selected the DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for its new Bell 407GX helicopter. The aircraft is currently being outfitted with a law enforcement completion package at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. The new Bell 407GX is equipped [...]
Helicopter pilot to speak at Embry-Riddle’s Veterans Appreciation Day
Source: Embry-Riddle, 12-Apr-12
Vietnam veteran Sanford “Sandy” N. Kaplan, an Embry-Riddle alumnus, will be the guest speaker Tuesday, April 17, for Veterans Appreciation Day at the university’s Daytona Beach campus. Kaplan started by taking flying lessons in 1957 at the age of 16. After high school, he attended Embry-Riddle’s flight training school in Miami in 1959 for 11 [...]
11-Apr-12 N135WJ Eurocopter EC135P2 Palm City, US-Florida
11-Apr-12
Emergency landing while en route to an accident scene – smoke in the cockpit. Registration assumed as this is the only helicopter operated by Martin County on this work and our report stated “Martin County LifeStar”
06-Apr-11 N244AM Eurocopter EC135P2+ St Augustine, US-Florida
06-Apr-12
Ingested plastic carrier bag on final approach to land on road to pick up accident victim. Aircraft went U/S and patient continued by road. Mechanic called to clear aircraft for flight.
02-Apr-12 N911FR Bell 412EP Opa Locka, US-Florida
02-Apr-12
Tail rotor struck ground during hover taxi
Sikorsky breaks ground on 35,000 sq.foot hangar in Florida
Source: Orlando Sentinel, 27-Mar-12
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. broke ground Tuesday on a new helicopter hangar that some hope will give lift to bigger expansion plans in Palm Beach County. (see full story)
23-Mar-12 N31PB Bell 407 Delray Beach, US-Florida
23-Mar-12
Emergency landing in wooded area. Helicopter ended up on its skids with its nose against a wall, narrowly missing a convenience store. Pilot and copilot both both injured
AAR recognized as a South Florida business leader
Source: AAR, 20-Mar-12
AAR (NYSE: AIR) was recognized as “Corporate Business of the Year” from the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce for its presence in Miami and its public-private partnerships with the Chamber and a local nonprofit to mentor at-risk high school students and introduce them to exciting careers in aviation. AAR, a leading provider of products and services [...]
Broward County Sheriff’s Office renews NVG contract with Night Flight Concepts
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 13-Mar-12
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has renewed commitments for a comprehensive Night Vision Goggle training program from Night Flight Concepts – BCSO’s designated NVG solution provider. The training program includes renewal of NVIO™ NVG Initial and Recurrent Computer-Based Training (CBT) for pilots and fire rescue crewmembers [...]
06-Mar-12 N83AP Bell 206B Titusville, US-Florida
06-Mar-12
JetRanger working with Bristow Academy crashed and turned over. Main rotors ripped off, tail boom damage but skids appear to in one piece? No injuries
Tampa Police acquires new Laser Armor™ light interference filters
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 01-Mar-12
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that Tampa PD Aviation Unit, a long-time user of NFC NVG Maintenance Services, has procured new Laser Armor™ Light Interference Filters (LIF) to protect their NVGs from malicious laser strikes encountered by their pilots and aircrew members. The aviation unit is one of the first law enforcement [...]
Broward County Sheriff orders third EC135
Source: American Eurocopter, 12-Feb-12
American Eurocopter today announced the purchase of an EC135™ helicopter by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Florida, the third EC135 in its fleet and the fourth Eurocopter aircraft overall. The BCSO helicopter is an eye in the sky for deputies on the street and a vital lifesaving tool in medical emergencies. Last year [...]
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Exceeds 10,000 Flight Hours
Source: American Eurocopter, 12-Feb-12
American Eurocopter today announced the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has exceeded 10,000 hours of flight time on its fleet of aircraft from American Eurocopter — three AS350 B2’s and one EC120. Since the delivery of the first AS350 in September 2002, the HCSO has utilized its fleet to answer more than 17,000 calls [...]
Bristow Academy and Turbomeca partnership ready for first training session
Source: Turbomeca, 12-Feb-12
Turbomeca (Safran group) and Bristow Academy announced that their first training courses will be held the week of 5 to 9 March 2012. This first session is provided in the training partnership formed last fall. Lectures will be given to the Bristow Academy , Titusville, Florida Campus, Space Coast Regional Airport (KTIX). This formation of [...]
Southeast Aerospace appoints QA Director
Source: Southeast Aerospace, 11-Feb-12
Southeast Aerospace (SEA), a custom aerospace solutions provider located at Melbourne International Airport, has hired Marla Westcott to lead the company’s efforts to obtain AS9100 certification by fall 2012. Westcott brings more than 30 years of experience from NASA’s Space Shuttle Program to SEA’s Quality Department. In her most recent position, Marla led the Florida [...]
FAA approves Cobham to transfer Artex ELT products to Florida
Source: Cobham, 09-Feb-12
Cobham Beacon Solutions announced they have received 24 Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Artex Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) product line. The FAA has allowed transition of the previous approval from Cobham Avionics in Prescott, AZ to ACR Electronics in Fort Lauderdale FL under the new Part 21 [...]
ShandsCair in Marion County Florida selects Med-Trans
Source: Med-Trans, 09-Feb-12
Two press releases for this story – first from Med-Trans In continuing with the Marion County Board of Commissioners’ effort to provide citizens with outstanding health services, Marion County Fire Rescue, Shands at the University of Florida (a premier Level 1 Trauma Center headed by Frederick Moore, M.D., one of the most recognized national figures [...]
Batchelor Foundation makes $700K grant to fund Miami helicopter purchase
Source: University of Miami, 05-Feb-12
The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science announced that it has received a challenge grant for $700,000 from the Miami-based Batchelor Foundation to support its exploration research efforts. The funds will be applied toward the acquisition of a helicopter outfitted with a suite of scientific equipment that will serve as the [...]
