4-Feb-2015
2 POB both injured, one seriously. Heavy vertical landing with skids splayed out. Main rotor had chopped tail boom but main blades still attached to rotor head CADORS 2015C0395... Read more
3-Feb-2015Source: Synodon
Synodon Inc. (“Synodon”) (SYD), announces that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approving the installation of Synodon’s realSens(TM) system on Bell 206B Jet Ranger type helicopters registered and operating in the United States. Synodon already holds an STC for this helicopter in Canada as well as STC’s in both... Read more
3-Feb-2015Source: HeliRussia
Traditionally, on a platform of Crocus Expo IEC will be held the gala review of helicopters featuring all developments and technical achievements of the last year. In addition to full scale specimens a wide range of navigation equipment, systems of radio control, equipment for helipads will be presented in the frames of the exhibition. Participation... Read more
2-Feb-2015Source: Litigation Daily
Lawyers at Mayer Brown scored a victory in a patent fight between two of the world’s biggest helicopter distributors, persuading a judge to block Bell Helicopter from selling choppers with a landing gear design that infringes a patent held by Airbus. See Full Story... Read more
29-Jan-2015
Impacted terrain during autorotation demonstration... Read more
29-Jan-2015
Substantially damaged after main blades hit tail boom during landing... Read more
28-Jan-2015
Crashed on training flight killing all four on board... Read more
27-Jan-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), announced it has received an Approved Training Organization (ATO) certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). With this approval, the Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) is authorized to provide Part-FCL training courses for European customers, including the use of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) for the... Read more
26-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Netherlands recently announced the retirement of their three Agusta-Bell 412SPs as they transferred the SAR role over to their NH90s. Just three weeks on and Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert announced that preliminary agreement has been reached to sell the 412s to Peru. Although no financial numbers have been stated, and no contract yet signed, there’s enough... Read more
23-Jan-2015
Marines helicopter out of MCAS Miramar crashed on a training flight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Both on board died in the accident, named later as Capt. Elizabeth Kealey and 1st Lt. Adam Satterfield... Read more
22-Jan-2015Source: DHL
DHL Express today launches London’s first ever scheduled helicopter delivery service [Editor note – see below, it is NOT the first in London] Beating congestion, DHL’s new helicopter service will significantly enhance the connection between key financial centers in the USA and the UK, in particular. It will guarantee next day delivery of urgent documents... Read more
22-Jan-2015Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), honored Papillon Helicopters founder Elling Halvorson with the Bell Helicopter Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award at the 12th annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills on January 16. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the rotorcraft industry. “I’m truly honored... Read more
21-Jan-2015Source: nwfdasilynews
Aerosync Support, a company that repairs, modifies and upgrades helicopter, is coming to the Santa Rosa County Industrial Park in Milton. See Full Story... Read more
19-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Air Force of Honduras has recently taken delivery of a new Bell 412EP for the Presidential Flight. It replaces an older 412SP which has been on charge in this role since 1988, and was one of a fleet of ten bought at that time. It is not clear exactly how many of the original... Read more
19-Jan-2015
Emergency landing in baseball field. Engineer called. No damage.... Read more
17-Jan-2015
Aircraft on approach to landing was flown to the right of centerline for landing at the base helipad. Fuel tank is installed right of the helipad. At approximately 10ft AGL, main rotor blades contacted fuel tank obstruction light. Pilot maneuvered aircrat to the left, landing on the center of the helipad. No injuries to 3... Read more
15-Jan-2015Source: Ministry of Defence
As of 1 January 2015, the Defence organisation has taken its characteristic yellow AB-412 search-and-rescue helicopters out of service. These helicopters, which flew for Defence Helicopter Command, are to be disposed of. Consequently, 303 Squadron, stationed at Leeuwarden Air Base, will be disbanded in the near future. During the course of 2014, the 3 Defence... Read more
13-Jan-2015Source: Eagle Copters
EAGLE COPTERS LTD a world leader in helicopter sales, leasing,product development and engineering—proudly announces the receipt of Federal Aviation Administration certification for its Eagle 407HP. Less than two weeks after announcing itsTransport Canada certification, Eagle Copters is extremely proud to announce the receipt of FAA certification for their Eagle 407HP conversion program.By virtue of a... Read more
9-Jan-2015Source: HAI Salute
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) today announced the winners of its acclaimed Salute to Excellence Awards in nine categories. They include, among others, two helicopter search-and-rescue (SAR) teams, a firefighting pilot who refused to give up on a crew on the ground, and a flight instructor with perhaps more time in one of the world’s... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: WAA
Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) is pleased to announce that its new helicopter will begin operating on January 9th 2015. The charity was given the go-ahead for the helicopter, a Bell 429, to undertake Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions following a visit by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today (January 8). The Bell 429 is... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: Onboard Systems
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that it has been awarded a contract by Bell Helicopters to design and develop a new adaptation of its TALON® LC Hydraulic release external cargo hook system for the Bell 429 helicopter. The new version will include an Onboard Weighing System... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: wvva
Air Evac Lifeteam has opened a fifth base in West Virginia. See Full Story... Read more
8-Jan-2015
British Army Air Corps helicopter slightly damaged in emergency landing in forest clearing on a training flight. One report states they lost a tail rotor blade but this video clearly shows both still in place post incident... Read more
6-Jan-2015Source: Solar Atmospheres
Solar Atmospheres of Western PA (SAWPA) announced today that it has attained an approved supplier status for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. SAWPA has received approval for the heat treatment of steel and titanium alloy components used in the production of Bell Helicopters. Bob Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA states, “Solar Atmospheres of... Read more
5-Jan-2015Source: Airwolf Aerospace
Airwolf Aerospace the value leader in life limited aftermarket helicopter components is pleased to announce that it has received FAA STC SR03408CH for its TT straps for Bell 204, 205, 212, UH-1 and AH-1 Helicopters. Airwolf’s AA-204-310-101-101 and AA-204-310-101-103 TT Straps are in stock for immediate shipment. Senior Engineer, John Montana said, “we were able... Read more
5-Jan-2015Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $15,077,365 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-13-C-0023) for systems engineering and program management support for the production and delivery of AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2015. Fiscal... Read more
31-Dec-2014
Helicopter crashed on post-maintenance ferry flight from Phoenix to Sierra Vista, killing pilot Jeff Steele and mechanic Marc Hansen, who were both employed by Airwest Helicopters LLC. The helicopter was operated for Cochise County Sheriff’s Department... Read more
23-Dec-2014Source: Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the Executive Vice President of Engineering Dr. Cathy Kilmain has been appointed to the Texas Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee, headquartered in Austin, by Texas Governor Rick Perry. The committee of seven state-wide appointed members assists in the state’s economic development efforts to recruit and... Read more
23-Dec-2014Source: US DoD
Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, is being awarded $43,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of 14 AN/AAQ-30 target sight systems (TSS) and data to be integrated into U.S. Marine Corps Cobra attack helicopters. This integration is part of the U.S. Marine Corps H-1 upgrades program for the remanufacture of legacy aircraft with... Read more
23-Dec-2014Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,601,939 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-13-C-0023) for the procurement of additional logistics products and services in support of the H-1 upgrade effort. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in March 2016. Fiscal 2015... Read more
22-Dec-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Wiltshire Air Ambulance should start operating their new Bell 429 on 1st January, and their recent press release which stated “a delay of a week or so while we enhance our safety training on the Bell 429 and satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority of our mission readiness” was indeed very carefully worded. For some non-aviation... Read more
22-Dec-2014Source: Harford Sheriff's
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office helicopter has a new name, at least to some. Eagle 1, as it had been known, will be going by SABLE 1, which stands for Sheriff’s Airborne Law Enforcement, according to Cristie Kahler, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office. As part of an ongoing assessment of the year-old aviation unit, which... Read more
21-Dec-2014
Crashed in bad weather in a rubber plantation, during flood relief operations. Four POB named as pilots Capt Seksan Puraphol and Lt Apisit Prahacha, plus aircraft mechanics Pol Sgt Major Sa-ngun Muengkamrueng, and Pol Sgt Major Kittipong Saeng-Thit... Read more
19-Dec-2014Source: Craig Daily Press
When Classic Air Medical launched its Bell 407 helicopter for it 100th mission flight from Northwest Colorado on Dec. 8, it traveled a little bit out of its usual territory to transfer a 20-year-old woman having seizures from Rangely District Hospital to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. See Full Story... Read more
19-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BTA) received renewal for Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) Part 147 certification and approval to conduct six new technical training courses at the Bell Helicopter Singapore Service Center. The CAAS approval expands the BTA’s ability to provide regulated maintenance courses... Read more
18-Dec-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Following Bell’s announcement that they have delivered the 50th Bell 429 into “their definition of” Europe, HeliHub.com can reveal that the purchaser is Homeserve – a company that provides 24×7 “man in a van” repair for plumbing, drainage and heating problems to households that pay an annual fee for membership. The company also carries out... Read more
18-Dec-2014
Loss off power during low level powerline insulator washing ops. Both of the 2 POB suffered minor injuries. Boom and skids damaged... Read more
17-Dec-2014Source: Raytheon
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Bell Helicopter completed two successful launches of the Griffin B missile from a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey multi-mission aircraft at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. As an industry funded effort with Bell’s Xworx, Raytheon demonstrated the simplicity of integrating the Griffin B missile onto the V-22 platform. “This is the first... Read more
17-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), completed another successful year of Maintainers and Operators (M&O) Conferences for 2014 with its tenth and final conference in Sacramento, Cal., last week. Throughout 2014, Bell Helicopter’s Customer Support and Services organization was able to connect with more than 900 customers worldwide through the 10 conferences. This... Read more
15-Dec-2014Source: 3Ders
In partnership with Harvest, a rapid prototyping company, Bell has taken the rapid prototyping step of their design process to the next level and have developed a method of using 3D printing as a form of final manufacturing for some of their helicopter parts using Harvest’s high-quality EOS laser-sintering (SLS) machines. See full story... Read more
12-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the revolutionary Bell Boeing V-22 fleet of tiltrotor aircraft has recently passed the 250,000 flight hour milestone. To download video and images of the V-22, visit the Bell Helicopter media kit, or the Defense Video and Image Distribution System website. The V-22 Osprey has been... Read more
11-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the sale of a Bell 429 and an order for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X™ helicopters to Saudi Arabian aircraft operator and authorized Independent Representative (IR), Wallan Aviation. The Bell 429 will be configured for general/utility missions and has an expected delivery date of... Read more
11-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced a new addition to the European team. Effective immediately, David Bond will assume the role of Regional Sales Manager (RSM), responsible for overseeing sales activity in the United Kingdom (UK) and northern Europe. “David has an impressive background in helicopter operations and truly understands our customer’s... Read more
9-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the successful demonstration of forward-firing capability for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. The exercise took place last month at the United States Army Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. To download images and video of the forward-firing demonstration, please visit this link. “The forward-firing demonstration was a... Read more
8-Dec-2014Source: MOSAIC
The LifeNet of the Heartland helicopter at Rosecrans Memorial Airport has been upgraded in an effort to provide improved emergency medical transportation for critically injured or ill people in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. See Full Story... Read more
8-Dec-2014Source: US Army
Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center has partnered with both Bell Helicopter and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in cooperative Technology Investment Agreement with the Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System Programs. These programs focus on the critical performance and affordability enhancing drive system technologies for the Army’s current and future force fleet of rotorcraft, as... Read more
2-Dec-2014Source: Air Link Helicopter
Regional West Health Services has a new medical helicopter and Air Link has a brand new look. Med-Trans Corporation, which oversees Air Link’s aviation operations, delivered a brand new Bell 407GX helicopter to the medical center on Sunday. The new aircraft is black, red, and gray and its tail number is N911NE. It is the... Read more
2-Dec-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today named Matthew J. Hasik executive vice president, Commercial Business. Hasik will lead the combined Commercial Sales and Marketing and Commercial Programs organization. Hasik succeeds Danny Maldonado, a 24-year company veteran who has been selected to be president and CEO of Textron Financial. “We have seen tremendous... Read more
1-Dec-2014Source: NSW Police Force
The NSW Police Force has launched two new state-of-the-art additions to the Aviation Support Branch, PolAir 5 and PolAir 7. NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione, unveiled the new aircraft at the Aviation Support Branch at Bankstown Airport today (Sunday 30 November 2014). The Commissioner was joined by the Governor of NSW, His Excellency General... Read more
30-Nov-2014Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a $14,614,573 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N61340-14-C-1000) to exercise an option for services in support of the AH-1Z Program. This option includes delivery of one AH-1Z flight training device to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. In addition, this option provides... Read more
26-Nov-2014Source: Trakka Corp
Trakka Corp Pty Ltd is pleased to announce the Trakka A800 Tactical Helicopter Searchlight is being used to assist aviation assets in their performance of missions for the Government of Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The Trakka A800 searchlight’s advanced optics technology provides superior performance and flexibility expanding the Bell Jet Ranger’s mission capabilities. Due to... Read more
26-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), continues to expand its regional presence in China, announcing it secured purchase agreements for the sale of 61 new helicopters at Airshow China in Zhuhai, China. “The energy at the airshow was palpable,” said Chris Jaran, Bell Helicopter’s managing director and vice president, China. “Customers were clamoring... Read more
26-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of the 50th Bell 429 in Europe to an operator in the United Kingdom. The aircraft will be used to accomplish corporate/VIP transport across the region. [Ed:- see our analysis below by country] “The Bell 429 offers customers exceptional performance and a smooth, comfortable ride, and... Read more
24-Nov-2014Source: Kaman
Kaman Aerosystems (Kaman), a division of Kaman Aerospace Group, announced today that it has been awarded an extension to its current contract with Bell Helicopter to manufacture skin and skin to core components for several of Bell’s commercial helicopter models. This three-year follow on contract has an expected value in excess of $24 million. The... Read more
24-Nov-2014Source: Amarillo
Bell Helicopter will have a new ramp for testing its tiltrotors after the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. board of directors voted Thursday to give the company a $3 million construction grant. See Full Story... Read more
24-Nov-2014Source: Islandpacket
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office now has eyes in the sky — and they come free to local taxpayers. See Full Story File photo... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Research Markets
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7cx85w/strategic_factor) has announced the addition of the “Strategic Factor Analysis Summary (SFAS) Framework Analysis – 2015 – World’s 6 Leading Helicopter & Rotorcraft Manufacturers – Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Russian Helicopters, Sikorsky” report to their offering. The report provides comprehensive analysis as well as strategic insights into the overarching strategic... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Summit Aviation
Summit Aviation, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced today that it has added the Bell 429 helicopter to its factory authorization. Summit Aviation has been an Authorized Bell Helicopter Service Center for 25 years, providing maintenance, repair, inspection and modifications to various customer bases. “We have an outstanding group of experienced and factory trained technicians,” said... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Mesquite Local News
Training has begun for Mercy Air pilots and staff at Mesquite Airport as they begin familiarity training on a new helicopter manufactured by Agusta of Italy. The Agusta replaces a 1986 Bell which is showing its age. The Agusta is a twin engine ship that’s faster and more powerful than the outdated Bell unit. “We... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the final delivery of the sixth Bell 407GX to the Pennsylvania (PA) State Police. Announced earlier this year, this marked the 200th purchase agreement made for the Bell 407GX in North America. “Working with the team at Bell Helicopter to secure our new aircraft has... Read more
20-Nov-2014Source: TOI
The Combats Army Aviation Training School (CATS) has received a Bell 47G helicopter from the Punjab government recently as a museum piece. See Full Story... Read more
20-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter and Textron Systems, both businesses of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement with Dynamatic Technologies Limited of Bangalore, India establishing Dynamatic as a single source supplier of major airframe assemblies for the Bell 407GX and 407GT. The agreement is for a seven year period with options to extend through the life... Read more
20-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter President and CEO John Garrison issued the following statement regarding the death of former company CEO James Atkins: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Under his skilled leadership, he guided Bell Helicopter through some of the company’s most challenging times during its postwar diversification. Without Jim’s guidance and direction, Bell... Read more
14-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a new addition to the North American team. Effective immediately, Ron Orndoff will assume the role of Regional Sales Manager in North America, responsible for overseeing marketing and sales activities within the Midwest region. “Ron is an outstanding addition to our commercial sales team, and... Read more
14-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), today announced the sale of a Bell 412EP to Nishi Nippon Airlines Co., Ltd. The sale is the first conducted through Bell Helicopter’s new office in Tokyo, Japan. “We are proud Nishi Nippon Airlines has continued to demonstrate its confidence in the performance and economics of a... Read more
13-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today announced Lisa Atherton has been named Vice President, Global Military Business Development. In this role, Atherton will lead the combined domestic and international military business development activities for Bell Helicopter. Atherton will oversee an integrated team dedicated to driving military sales to both the U.S. Government... Read more
13-Nov-2014Source: KBR
KBR Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today that KBR Building Group, a subsidiary within KBR’s Services Group, has been awarded a contract to construct Bell Helicopter’s new facility in Lafayette, LA. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2015. Bell Helicopter will use the facility to assemble its newest commercial helicopter, the Bell 505 Jet... Read more
12-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), announced the sale of six Bell 407GX aircraft at Airshow China in Zhuhai. The announcements were made as part of a formal signing ceremonies at the Bell Helicopter display. The aircraft will be used for a variety of missions from aircraft leasing to general aviation. “We are... Read more
11-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), today announced the successful first flight of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X™ helicopter. The maiden flight took place at the company’s Mirabel, Québec manufacturing facility. “Bell Helicopter pioneered the short light single market, and here we are nearly fifty years later, changing the way the world... Read more
11-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), announced it will showcase the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and the Bell 525 Relentless for the first time in China at Airshow China in Zhuhai from November 11 – 16. In addition, the Bell 407GX will be on static display. “We are thrilled to offer our... Read more
11-Nov-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, (NYSE: TXT), announced several key initiatives to strengthen the aftermarket support for its growing customer base in China. The announcements were made as part of Bell Helicopter’s participation in Airshow China in Zhuhai. Mr. Dean Ashton joined the Bell Helicopter team in China as a Customer Service Engineer. Based... Read more
11-Nov-2014
Emergency night landing between two buildings after bird strike while ferrying a patient from Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. A nurse was reported injured by the bird entering the helicopter... Read more
10-Nov-2014Source: KYTX
The American Freedom Museum held the grand opening and dedication of its new outdoor “Huey Helicopter” exhibit, on Saturday, November 8th. See Full Story... Read more
6-Nov-2014Source: HeliHub.com
As Bell release a video on YouTube of the 505 JetRanger X prototype ground running, the company has also filed the registration papers with Transport Canada. C-FTVI is the first Bell 505 to be registered on a national register worldwide, and is filed as serial 65002. It is thus clear that the series starts at... Read more
6-Nov-2014Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $58,054,000 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive contract (N00019-13-C-0023) for the long lead materials for the manufacture and delivery of 13 Lot 13 UH-1Y Build New Aircraft and 14 Lot 13 AH-1Z Build New Aircraft for the U. S. Marine Corps. Work will... Read more
