Metro Aviation delivered a recently completed AS365 N3+ to Miami Valley CareFlight Air and Mobile Services in Dayton, Ohio. Originally introduced in the 1970s, the latest version of this platform boasts upgraded engines and avionics and is the first AS365 N3+ to be completed by Metro. “CareFlight at Miami Valley Hospital chose Metro because it… Read more »
Members of the NH90 team in New Zealand have a lot to celebrate: They have just completed the retrofit of four NH90 TTH helicopters at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) operational base in Ohakea. The purpose of the retrofit was to upgrade the first four NH90s from initial to final configuration. The RNZAF… Read more »
Lakeshore Helicopters’ newest AS350 B3e will be joiningthe company’sexisting Airbus Helicopters fleet of 3 AS350 B3/B3e’s. This aircraft, which will be based in Fort McMurray, Alberta,will support numerous missions including Onshore Oil &Gas, Research & Development, Hydro, Mining, Construction, Forestry and Charters. “The AS350B3e is able to provide a flexible and reliable solution for the… Read more »
The handover of the first EC145 T2 to DRF Luftrettung marks yet another milestone for Airbus Helicopters in the successful program for the BK117/EC145 family. In spring 2014, the latest addition to the family received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA and is now ready to take on a wide variety of missions…. Read more »
Two specially-equipped EC145 helicopters will be delivered for air ambulance service operations in Moscow according to terms of the state tender for the contract. As recently announced by the Moscow Health Department, following an open tender, Airbus Helicopters Vostok was awarded a contract to supply two medical helicopters for the Health Department’s Scientific and Practical… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has increased its global customer base with the first order from Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, which is acquiring a fully-equipped AS350 B3e for utility missions. Derazona Helicopters, a leading helicopter operator in Indonesia, has been providing services that range from transportation for the oil and gas industry to medical evacuation, aerial filming, charters… Read more »
Following the recent announcement of their rotary AOC, SaxonAir Helicopters offer the addition of the Airbus Helicopters EC155 to its fleet. The EC155 will be exclusively marketed alongside SaxonAir’s existing range of helicopters and is operated in collaboration with DanCopter. The EC155 B1 variant has excellent overall capabilities featuring a completely redesigned cabin providing 30%… Read more »
In the initial climb at less than 20ft agl and engine lost power and the pilot observed illumination of the overtorque warning light and heard the low rotor RPM warning tone. A forced landing was completed. There were no injuries to the pilot or passenger; the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. After… Read more »
Phoenix Heli-Flight have held a launch party for a newly arrived EC135T2e, emblazoned with a graphic of the Northern Lights. It will go into EMS service in September. See full story
A team of six technicians working for Russian helicopter operator UTair gathers closely around the EC175 full-size maintenance training helicopter installed at Airbus Helicopters Training Services in Marignane, France. Their attention is focused on mechanics instructor Yann A., as he explains the effect of tension on the aircraft’s electrical network, one of several subjects covered… Read more »
On the occasion of the Farnborough Air Show, Thales announces that the Thales Training Academy has received its final EASA FSTD1 Operator qualification by the French Aviation Safety Agency (DGAC), and is now operational to deliver training for civil helicopter operators. The academy is the first European training centre to operate the AS350 Full Flight… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) has partnered with Precision Aviation Services and Government Capital Corp. to provide tax-exempt financing for mission equipment technology upgrades and required major maintenance for law enforcement and government-owned AS350-series helicopters. Precision Aviation Services, of Peachtree City, Ga., AHI’s newest service center, will work with AHI and Government Capital to provide aircraft… Read more »
Metro Aviation is a trusted partner for airborne law enforcement units, completing aircraft for some of the country’s most notable agencies. The worldwide completion leader will be exhibiting at this year’s Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) conference and exposition at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ from July 16-19. Metro will feature an AS350… Read more »
Law enforcement operators across the United States and Canada continue to rely on Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) and Airbus Helicopters Canada (AHC) for 12-year Inspections on the popular AS350-series and EC120 helicopters. The 12-Year Inspection effectively resets the inspection cycles to zero (0) and allows the aircraft to be completely updated by incorporating all existing… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) is pleased to announce that the San Antonio Police Department has placed two new EC120’s into service, giving them an all-Airbus Helicopters helicopter fleet for patrol and search-and-rescue missions. Deployment the new EC120’s marks the beginning of a fleet upgrade project that will likely result in the purchase of at least… Read more »
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics’ Med Flight service has begun providing emergency medical response with two helicopters, 24/7. Med Flight will now have both helicopters in service between 9pm and 9am seven days a week in addition to regular daytime hours. Previously, only one of the two Med Flight helicopter was staffed from 9pm… Read more »
The design of a large-scale compound rotorcraft demonstrator dubbed LifeRCraft (Low Impact Fast & Efficient RotorCraft) will be led by Airbus Helicopters in the framework of Europe’s Clean Sky 2 Joint Technology Initiative, which was formally launched last week at Brussels. The go-ahead for this second phase of the Clean Sky effort will enable Airbus… Read more »
The enhanced EC135 T3/P3 version of Airbus Helicopters’ EC135 twin-engine rotorcraft demonstrated its improved performance – especially in high-and-hot operating conditions – during a three-day demonstration event in the Italian Dolomites. Operating from the facilities of Helicopters Italia near the city of Trento, the helicopter conducted 14 customer and operator flights last week, confirming the… Read more »
Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) is pleased to announce that the latest versions of its CMA-9000 Flight Management System (FMS) and CMA-5024 GPS Landing System have been certified recently by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the new AS332L1e and AS332C1e Super Puma helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. Esterline CMC’s CMA-9000 FMS and CMA-5024 GPS have… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters UK is celebrating 40 years of operations in the United Kingdom, supporting its rotorcraft industry as a vital element of the economy, security and infrastructure. With headquarters in Oxford, a base at Hawarden/Wales, a dedicated Oil & Gas Service Center in Aberdeen and a presence at customer operating locations across the UK and… Read more »
The important role of Airbus Helicopters in the ab-initio training of British military rotorcraft pilots is being marked by Airbus Helicopters during this week’s Farnborough Airshow. During the past four decades, thousands of British crewmembers have earned their wings, trained on mission scenarios and practiced their flying skills aboard Airbus Helicopters-designed rotorcraft. This activity traces… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) will feature the recently-delivered Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) AS350B3e helicopter at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Annual Conference in Phoenix, July 16-19 at Booth 811. The Oklahoma DPS AStar features an advanced avionics and mission equipment suite, including the Garmin G500H electronic flight information system, Wescam MX10 thermal imager,… Read more »
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has been selected to provide air filtration systems for CH-53 transport helicopters that Airbus Helicopters is upgrading for the German military. Donaldson’s products will filter cooling air for avionics bays on 40 medium-lift CH-53Gs that Airbus Helicopters is upgrading to the -53GA configuration… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters’ Farnborough International Airshow participation will emphasize the company’s long-standing commitment to the U.K.’s civil and military markets through its diversified helicopter product line, along with the company’s innovation for further improvements in rotorcraft performance, efficiency and reliability. During the biennial industry gathering at the UK’s Farnborough Airport this month, Airbus Helicopters’ significant role… Read more »
Airbus HelicoptersInc. (AHI) is pleased to announce that Government Capital Corp. will provide tax-exempt financing for mission equipment technology upgrades and required major maintenance for law enforcement and government-owned AS350-series helicopters. Government Capital, based in Southlake, Texas, has extensive experience providing financing to public agencies. In addition, Precision Aviation Services, of Peachtree City, Ga., AHI’s… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. has appointed Colin James as Managing Director, effective first of August. Mr. James, who has been leading Airbus Helicopter’s Engineering Test Centre organisation in the company’s Donauworth and Marignane facilities, succeeds Markus Steinke to head up the UK branch of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer. Within Airbus Helicopter’s Research and Development… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Inc.(AHI) has delivered a fourth EC135T2+ twin engine helicopter to the Massachusetts State Police, further demonstrating the company’s strong leadership position in the U.S. law enforcement helicopter market for both single engine and twine engine aircraft. Massachusetts State Police selected the EC135 in 2009as the replacement aircraft for their existing fleet of Airbus… Read more »
Wow. What a title. Just imagine how wide his new business card will need to be! The appointment of a new person at the top of Airbus Helicopters UK included mention of the new role for the previous UK head, Markus Steinke. To repeat it here, and just to confirm that his new massively-long job… Read more »
Vector Financial Services, the leasing division of Vector Aerospace Corporation (“Vector”), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service, is pleased to announce the signing of new leasing and hourly support agreements for Vector-owned AS332L with Starlite Aviation Group. The aircraft is being prepared for immediate deployment for use in Utility… Read more »
The first Level D full-flight simulator for Airbus Helicopters’ EC175 rotorcraft has received airworthiness certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), enabling launch pilots to be trained with this high-fidelity system. “Safety and support are of the utmost importance to Airbus Helicopters. Our introduction of these training systems responds to customers’ needs and expectations… Read more »
Shell Australia has launched a dedicated search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service to support the offshore oil and gas industry in the Kimberley – the first of its kind in Australia. The EC225 SAR helicopter is based at the Broome International Airport and is operated by CHC. It is supported by a dedicated team of… Read more »
On the occasion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s state visit in Beijing where she met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Airbus Helicopters signs a record 123 civil helicopters with three customers from various Chinese provinces today. The rotorcraft will be used for general aviation activities covering multiple missions including utility work, aerial tours, passenger transport,… Read more »
Fox Aviation of Montreal, Quebec has taken delivery of the first EC130 T2 helicopter in Canada. The aircraft will be flown privately and is the third Airbus Helicopters (formally Eurocopter) aircraft in the past 13 years to beselected by Fox Aviation.The initial purchase was for an EC120, followed by an EC130 B4 and now the… Read more »
Transport Canada has given its seal of approval to Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW206B3 engine, selected to power the new Airbus Helicopters EC135 P3 light, multipurpose twin-engine helicopter. The updated EC135 P3, announced at Heli-Expo 2013, is scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2015. The PW206B3, which received Transport Canada certification… Read more »
Lawyers representing several passengers injured when a Eurocopter Super Puma helicopter came down in the North Sea 32 miles south west of Shetland in October 2012 have welcomed an acceptance of responsibility from the helicopter manufacturer which paves the way for settlements to be agreed. Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Aviation Law team represents 12 oil rig… Read more »
On 1 July 2014 the Nordic Air Ambulance team was thanked for its service in the HEMS trial period in Karup, Denmark. The operation will now be inherited by Norsk Luftambulanse (NLA), which will operate the Karup helicopter in cooperation with SOS until 20 September 2014. Starting on 1 October 2014 Norsk Luftambulanse will commence… Read more »
Norsk Luftambulanse (NLA) has been awarded a contract for the operation of a new air ambulance base at Evenes, Norway. The National Air Ambulance Service of Norway, locally designated Luftambulansetjenesten ANS, announced the assignment on 18 June. The new emergency medical operation will be stationed at Harstad / Narvik Airport Evenes, and it will employ… Read more »
[electronic translation] Produced by Helibrás the Squirrel helicopter was selected to do the aerial images over the games in the 2014 World Cup Brazil style. In all, seven active aircraft (four AS350 B2, AS350 B3e and two AS350 B3) flying over stadiums and a reservation (AS350 B3e), all operated by Helisul, hired by a business partner… Read more »
[electronic translation] Helibras delivered three AS350 B2 Squirrel aircraft to Air Grouping of Public Safety (Graesp) Pará State in a ceremony held on this day 1, the Hangar Convention Center Amazon in Belém (PA). The event was attended by Governor Janet Simon, Secretary of the Security Luiz Fernandes Rocha and public authorities of Pará, in addition… Read more »
As part of its massive 288 day tour of the Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Games Baton has today been taken to and from the Clair platform in the North Sea. The baton is on a 40 day tour of Scotland from 14 June to 23 July, and the symbolic visit to the rig marks the… Read more »
In a joint announcement, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, Good Shepherd Medical Center and Champion EMS will be expanding Flight For Life medical air transportation service, beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Trinity Mother Frances’ new, instrument-rated EC-145 helicopter will be stationed at the East Texas Regional Airport in Longview. Primarily serving Gregg and Harrison… Read more »
Swedish patient airlifted from Troll A platform in North Sea broke loose and fell from the helicopter to his death while en route to Bergen. Body found one hour later
With Asia poised to be the fastest growing helicopter market in the coming years, key industry players from the ASEAN Helicopter Safety Team (AHEST) held the inaugural steering committee meeting this month to initiate actions to improve safety in civil helicopter operations in this region. AHEST was founded in late 2013 to expand the mandate… Read more »
FlightSafety International announces that Robert Standley has been promoted to an Assistant Manager at the company’s Learning Center in Dallas, Texas. He will oversee the Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream and Pratt & Whitney Canada maintenance training programs offered at the Center. “We are pleased that Bob has joined the Dallas Learning Center team. Our Customers will… Read more »
The Philadelphia Police Department has taken delivery of the first of two new Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 AStar helicopters, becoming the latest in a long and growing list of U.S. law enforcement agencies to utilize this high performance aircraft produced by Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI). “We’re very happy with the completion of our first helicopter,” said… Read more »
The delivery of Airbus Helicopters‟ initial two rotorcraft to Aerial Power Lines Sdn Bhd (APL) will enable this Malaysian operator to offer competitive solutions for electrical power line construction, maintenance and surveillance – furthering the country‟s evolution as a developed nation. Provided to APL during a ceremony today at the Airbus Helicopters Malaysia subsidiary in… Read more »
Mid Atlantic Sim Center Ltd, a newly established helicopter training organization in Iceland, and Indra signed an agreement for the supply of a Level D AS350 Full Flight Simulator earlier this week. The new simulator will be the first Level D AS350 Full Flight Simulator in Europe and will service both the Airbus AS350 B2… Read more »
The long-term partnership between Poland and Airbus Helicopters – built on the dual strengths of cooperation and the application of innovation – will be spotlighted during the company’s participation at this week’s Balt Military Expo and Natcon Conference in Gdańsk. During Balt Military Expo 2014, the company will unveil a new cooperation with three Polish… Read more »
The EC175 set off last week by Antonov for a six-week campaign in the United States to test its flight performance in high and hot environments. Successful completion of the tests will enable Airbus Helicopters to expand the helicopter’s flight envelope in extremely high temperatures and at high altitudes. “The heights and temperatures we will… Read more »
Geisinger Health System recently introduced a new state-of-the-art, twin-engine American Eurocopter EC-145 to its existing fleet of Life Flight air ambulances. This is the fifth EC-145 helicopter in the Life Flight fleet, part of an ongoing commitment to provide the best quality critical care to residents in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. “For more than 33… Read more »
Hélidax, a subsidiary of DCI and INAER, announces an extension of its activities to cover the armed forces’ training. In 2013, 400 hours for training crews from the 5th attack helicopter battalion in Pau (5th ATKHB) were performed on Hélidax EC120 aircraft, in the Calliope configuration. These training missions continue in 2014 with the supply of EC120… Read more »
After opening the frontiers of flight during a record-setting test program, Airbus Helicopters’ X3 is now ready for its place in history as this high-speed helicopter demonstrator is welcomed for display at the French national musée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space museum) of Paris-Le Bourget. The X3 will be exhibited in the… Read more »
Northwest MedStar, the region’s air medical program, received its third Airbus EC135 helicopter from Metro Aviation, Inc. to provide critical care transport for patients in the region. “We’re excited to introduce this aircraft to our fleet,” says Eveline Bisson, Northwest MedStar director. “In collaboration with the region’s hospitals and EMS agencies, our team brings an… Read more »
EagleMed LLC critical care air medical transport company has selected Metro Aviation as its preferred provider of helicopter simulator training for its pilots. EagleMed will conduct this important training at Metro Aviation’s Helicopter Flight Training Center in Shreveport, La., utilizing a Eurocopter AS350 Level 7 Flight Training Device. “EagleMed’s unconditional commitment to safety is further… Read more »
The first “built-in-Brazil” EC725 was provided to the Brazilian Navy last Friday, marking a major milestone in Airbus Helicopters’ cooperation with the country to supply mission-ready multi-role rotorcraft for its three military services and to develop a capable national helicopter industry. This milestone aircraft’s handover occurred at the new rotary-wing center of excellence operated by… Read more »
Captain Ron Kelly of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Air Wing accepted delivery Tuesday of an Airbus Helicopters Inc.AS350 B3eAStar produced for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS). The new law enforcement-equipped helicopter is a Mississippi-built product. Kelly, commander of the Highway Patrol Air Wing, said the AS350 B3e was clearly the best aircraft for… Read more »
Transport Canada has awarded DART Aerospace a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the PA100PUREairsystem for the AS350 and EC130 helicopters.Operators can now install the PA100 PUREairsystem in markets where the TCCA approval is recognized. The PA100 PUREair System, co-developed by Pall Aerospace and DART Aerospace, is a totally redesigned, reengineered, and retested engine air protection… Read more »
The CAA have advised in their snappily-named “Official Record Series 2, Number 2131” – dated 10th June 2014 – that PremiAir Aviation Services of Blackbushe have had their Type B Operating Licence reinstated effective from 23rd May 2014. It had been suspended six and a half months earlier, as we noted here. PremiAir have yet… Read more »
The rugged, capable and mission-ready military rotorcraft lineup from Airbus Helicopters will be displayed at next week’s Eurosatory 2014 defense exposition near Paris, France, along with a focus on the latest innovation for its product family. “The rapid evolution of operational requirements, for missions that are carried out by armed forces worldwide, requires an answer… Read more »
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 »
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 »
Helibras delivered the first EC145 the State Department of Health of Minas Gerais. The aircraft will be used for attendance during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the state. In aeromedical configuration, the model will carry two stretchers with patients, doctors, nurses, operating crew of Firefighters, Pilot and co-pilot. The helicopter is equipped with the… Read more »
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Section recently received a new AS350 B3e completed by Metro Aviation. This multi-mission law enforcement aircraft is equipped with a cargo hook for sling work including a Bambi Bucket for fire suppression and a hoist for rescue operations. The AS350 B3e is also equipped with an HD color/low-light camera… Read more »
Vector Financial Services, the leasing division of Vector Aerospace Corporation (“Vector”), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service, is pleased to announce the extension of leasing and support agreements for two (2) Vector-owned AS332L helicopters with Bond Helicopters Australia (Bond). “The Vector team understands the level of support our operations… Read more »
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 »
The worldwide fleet of EC225s that perform heli-lift duties for oil and gas operators increased by three today with Airbus Helicopters’ triple delivery of workhorse rotorcraft acquired by Milestone Aviation Group and leased to SonAir – an African operator – which will utilize them in Angola. The handover ceremony in Marignane, France marked the latest… Read more »
Early last month, an AS350 B3e Ecureuil operated by Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia (AHSA) played an important role in a technology demonstration led by Airbus Group’s Defence and Space division that may one day see tourists traveling to space. The project, known as the SpacePlane, aims to take passengers on short trips above the atmosphere… Read more »
