6-Jan-2011
NTSB report noted that an autopsy revealed traces of an antihistamine and an opiate on the body of pilot Dennis Donovan, aged 70. See also HeliHub.com accident report page – 05-Jan-10 N5016U Bell B206 nr Redinger Lake, US-California (4F)... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System has been selected by Lee County MEDSTAR for integration into their recently acquired Bell 430 twin-engine helicopter. The aircraft is currently undergoing completion at Sarasota Avionics and will be specifically tailored to their needs. The DVCS6100 was chosen due to its unique ability to effectively manage and control all... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: US DoD
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $9,077,929 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 14 support equipment workarounds for organizational- and intermediate-level maintenance in support of the MV-22 and CV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2014. Contract funds in... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Barco
Visualization pioneer Barco is proud to announce that it has been selected by flight simulation leader CAE to supply projection technology for the helicopter simulators at the Army Aviation School based in Bückeburg Germany. Under the terms of the contract, Barco will upgrade eleven helicopter simulators with a total of 88 Barco SIM 7 high-resolution... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that it has completed the integration of six of its support and service subsidiaries, officially merging them into Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. By combining its service organizations Bell Helicopter has restructured operations to provide customers with a comprehensive support solution– making it easier for them... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $22,021,303 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-10-C-0035) to exercise an option for logistics products and services in support of H-1 helicopter upgrade program. Services to be provided include logistics management support, technical material for maintenance planning, design interface, supply/material support, technical... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: US DoD
Robertson Aviation, LLC, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded a $16,830,672 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0009) to exercise an option for the procurement of V-22 mission auxiliary fuel tanks, refueling kits, and accessories. Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $10,010,693 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for prop rotor gearboxes used in support of MV-22 helicopter. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2013. ... Read more
23-Dec-2010Source: US DoD
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 17 a $9,312,910 firm-fixed-price contract. This award will provide for the analysis, testing, repair and overhaul of 40 gas turbine engines to the OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. Work will be performed in Neosho, Mo., and Oakland, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Sep. 30, 2011. One bid... Read more
22-Dec-2010Source: US DoD
L-3 Communications Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded on Dec. 16 an $8,114,626 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for radio frequency B-kit communications hardware to support the Kiowa Warrior OH-58D program. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: US Army
BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Army Aviation Command showcased the arrival of three new Bell T-407 training helicopters with a ceremony and aerial display at Camp Taji Dec. 15. “This is a landmark occasion for the Government of Iraq,†said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force, and... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: Sikorsky
SHELTON, Conn., – Sikorsky Helitech, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, today announced the merger of several support agreements that will provide deeper component and accessories maintenance for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Kiowa aircraft fleet. The $7.5 million contract represents a consolidation of services that were previously administered as separate... Read more
21-Dec-2010
The accident was fatal victim Colonel Dionysos Bomfim, 65, and left the injured co-pilot Yves Monte Costa... Read more
20-Dec-2010
But the general who led the crash investigation said Thursday that there was strong evidence to indicate that the $87 million-plus aircraft, which has a history of technical problems, experienced engine trouble in the final seconds leading to the crash. HeliHub.com accident reports here... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: Flightglobal
Since winning the Light Observation Helicopter competition in 1967, the OH-58 has been adapted multiple times and survived. Flightglobal reviews it as it approaches its fifth decade in service.... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: Flightglobal
Initially envisioned as an effort to modernise the drive train of the US Marine Corps’ AH-1W fleet, the AH-1Z Viper has essentially evolved into a new aircraft... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The 12th Police helicopter unit (Italian – 12° Nucleo Elicotteri Carabinieri) which serves the region of Catania on the Italian island of Sicily has just completed 25 years of flight. The unit currently operates five helicopters (two 206s, one 412, one A109A and a 109 Nexus) from its base at Fontanarossa Airport. Since 1985 it... Read more
17-Dec-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced its plan to extend the capability and performance of the widely respected Bell 412EP helicopter, which will be available to customers in 2012. A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) project that will extend the wide range of missions that can be performed by the 412EP is... Read more
16-Dec-2010
Landing accident, damage level not given in FAA preliminary report... Read more
15-Dec-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announce the successful test of Fire-X, a new vertical unmanned system. Development and demonstration of Fire-X is funded by Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter. Both companies began work on this program in early 2010 and completed its first fully autonomous flight... Read more
15-Dec-2010
Reportedly on approach to land and crashed “from 200 ft”. Ground completely covered by snow, possible contributory factor... Read more
14-Dec-2010
Training accident – student seriouslyinjured, instructor killed... Read more
13-Dec-2010Source: Brownsville Herald
Two 407s and a Eurocopter were seized, having been exported from the U.S. to Guatemala and Canada were seized in Washington and Idaho states as federal investigators continue to locate assets of drug lord Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, a Matamoros native currently imprisoned in the US.... Read more
12-Dec-2010Source: Southland Times
A former Central Southland man today takes command of a Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron poised to retire the UH-1 and introduce the NH90... Read more
12-Dec-2010Source: Amarillo Globe News
Bell Helicopter’s Amarillo work force will grow by more than 100 workers next year as the company expands production of the Marine Corps’ newest attack helicopters, officials have confirmed... Read more
10-Dec-2010Source: Bell
[This is Bell’s formal press release. Here on HeliHub.com we ran this story on 1st December] FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 8, 2010) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra, was approved for full rate production Nov. 28. The H-1 program office... Read more
10-Dec-2010Source: Bell
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 8, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that the FAA has completed its review and approval of the Bell 429 Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement, following earlier approvals by EASA and Transport Canada. The finalization of the Category A Helipad Flight Manual Supplement validates... Read more
10-Dec-2010
Wire strike during low level patrol. Pilot Tim Kearns was flying in Isom with Mike Lasslo from Kentucky Power and Ed Toppings from United Coal.... Read more
9-Dec-2010Source: Van Horn Aviation
TEMPE, Ariz., December 8, 2010 – Composite tail rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation (VHA) recently added two Canadian companies as authorized dealers for its composite tail rotor blades. AOG Heli Services (www.aogheliservices.com) based at Norman Rogers Airport in Kingston, Ontario, and Avialta Helicopter Maintenance Ltd. (www.avialta.com) based at Villeneuve Airport in Edmonton, Alberta, have... Read more
9-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
As the temperatures in Florida plummet, so helicopters are called in to fly low level over fields to minimise the chance of frost ruining the crop. Sadly, these operations brought no fewer than three casualties in one County earlier today. Robinson R44 N666SL clipped a post at Palm Beach Glades County Airport, Pahokee around 2am... Read more
9-Dec-2010
Heavy landing on shoreline and skid splayed out. Three passengers with minor injuries, two others have no injuries.... Read more
8-Dec-2010
The helicopter was carrying six security officers, two inmates, an official from the country’s organized crime investigation unit, and two pilots. Local reports differ on the number of fatalities, some saying 3, others 4, others 7. Weather was apparently a factor... Read more
8-Dec-2010
NTSB officials said the pilot, identified as Jerry Freeman, 53, of Miami, told investigators he had been flying since 3 a.m. and was tired when he crashed. FAA reports the person suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries Helicopter was involved in low-level operations to keep frost from forming on crops... Read more
7-Dec-2010Source: Bell
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 6, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, was awarded a $27M contract to provide the Yemen government with a comprehensive mission package to support military requirements. The package includes: four commercially designated Huey II aircraft, pilot and maintenance training, spares, special tooling and dedicated service representatives. “This... Read more
7-Dec-2010Source: Skybooks
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (December 6, 2010) – SkyBOOKS, Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and affiliate of Bell Helicopter, has issued Release 4.4.2 of its Electronic Record Keeping Program. Release 4.4.2 streamlines maintenance functionality to the web-based solution. Streamlined features include: Streamlined Flight Time Functionality * Flight Log Records and Aircraft Usage are automatically posted... Read more
2-Dec-2010Source: Vector Aerospace
Langley, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a subsidiary of Vector Aerospace Corporation; one of the world’s leading independent providers of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has recently been granted a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Integrated Cockpit Display System (ICDS, or “glass cockpit installationâ€) for... Read more
1-Dec-2010Source: US Navy
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra was approved for full rate production Nov. 28. The H-1 program office received official word on the milestone III approval decision from Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, Dr. Ashton B. Carter through an acquisition decision memorandum. “This... Read more
1-Dec-2010Source: Sify
The pair, Uday M. Warekar (33) and Palraj Thevar (38), were working for Air Works Engineering, the company in-charge of maintaining Anil Ambani Group’s Bell-412... Read more
30-Nov-2010Source: FlightSafety
LaGuardia Airport, New York (November 30, 2010) – FlightSafety International has received approval from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil for its Bell 212 and Bell 412 full flight simulators. “The approval of our Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopter simulators by the ANAC shows our commitment and ability to provide our Customers in... Read more
30-Nov-2010Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International’s mission is to advance the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce. That mission charges each of us to commit ourselves to promoting the highest level of safety and efficiency. This culture of professionalism is nurtured when we encourage and recognize outstanding achievement and contributions made by individuals and organizations. Each... Read more
29-Nov-2010Source: Bajan Reporter
Horizon Helicopters of Barbados has entered into a joint venture with National Helicopters Inc. of Ontario Canada to provide helicopter services in support of an international science campaign based in Barbados.... Read more
28-Nov-2010Source: Star-Telegram
On any given day, dozens of helicopter pilots and mechanics — many from countries around the globe — are in the halls and classrooms and on the flight line at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy at Alliance Airport. Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/11/26/2660323/bell-helicopter-training-academy.html#ixzz16cY7uuK8... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Cootamundra Herald
Cootamundra will be home to one of the biggest firefighting helicopters in regional NSW this summer, with the arrival of a Bell 212 aircraft to be operated by Canadian operator Valhalla Helicopters.... Read more
25-Nov-2010Source: Flightglobal
The Philippine air force will receive five used Bell UH-1 transport helicopters under a deal facilitated by the US Army Security Assistance Comman... Read more
23-Nov-2010Source: Bell
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (November 23, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that San Juan Regional Medical Center will add the world’s most advanced light twin helicopter, the Bell 429, to its air ambulance fleet. The purchase of the 429 supports San Juan Regional Medical Center’s AirCare unit based out... Read more
23-Nov-2010
Instructor and student suffered minor injuries in an accident during helicopter flight training... Read more
22-Nov-2010Source: Bell
FORT WORTH, TX. (November 22, 2010) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the sale of two (2) 429 helicopters to Chevron, one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. The aircraft will be servicing Chevron’s oil & gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico with deliveries planned in... Read more
22-Nov-2010
Report from Israel of the death of Avi Sivan, previously a highly respected officer in the Israeli Defence Force. No other names of the other three fatalities have been released, or the circumstances of the accident.... Read more
22-Nov-2010
E-MED Rescue 24 launched the first-ever air ambulance in Windhoek on Thursday – a Bell LongRanger in association with MVA and Expedite Aviation. A second aircraft is planned for Tsumeb to help serve the Northern region of the country... Read more
22-Nov-2010
AirMed was responding to a rollover on I-84 when the rotor struck a metal pole on the side of the road. The craft raised 10 feet in the air and began tipping on its side before the pilot brought it down hard on both skids, which splayout out.... Read more
21-Nov-2010Source: Watertown Daily Times
Air Evac Lifeteam wants to open a base to provide coverage to Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.... Read more
21-Nov-2010Source: Ocean City Today
Ocean City council have funded the transportation of the UH-1 from Pennsylvania on the basis that Ocean City Aviation Association reimburses them over time... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received EASA approval for their Safety Enhancement Kits for the Medium Bell aircraft model types. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received. DART Safety Enhancement Kits increase the operational safety of Medium Bell aircraft. Sub-kits may be installed... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: Heliwest
Resource-rich Papua New Guinea is undergoing an unprecedented economic boom and massive technological transformation as the country’s national building vision becomes reality. Playing a significant role in this growth is Heliwest which has won a two-year contract with major telecommunications operator Digicel for the construction of mobile phone towers across PNG. Heliwest is Australia’s leading... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: Uniflight
North Texas based, Uniflight has announced the recent overhaul and refurbishment of five Bell 412 helicopters for the Honduran Air Force. The extensive project included a complete overhaul and inspection of the airframe, engines and all dynamic components as well as an avionics upgrade and modernization. Much of the work was performed in Honduras with... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: Med-Trans
GREENVILLE, S.C. — A long-time partnership between Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS) and Med-Trans Corp. has a new face and address – as well as a 2,700-pound royal blue helicopter. GHS has worked with Med-Trans for 10 years, but now has partnered to locate GHS Med Trans, a dedicated helicopter, at GHS’ flagship... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: AFS
St. Louis, MO., November 15, 2010 – Inlet Barrier Filters (IBF) produced by Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc., (AFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) and a division of the Aerospace & Defense group, introduces a new capability offering significant advantages to Bell 407 helicopter operators. Recently, the company issued an FAA... Read more
13-Nov-2010
Weather was reported as poor. The helicopter was piloted by Captains Israel Vega Castillo and Ernesto Carranza DomÃnguez, and flight technical Concepción Valdés Carrillo. Registration wrongly reported in press as XU-ANI which is not a Mexican registration (we expect XA- prefix)... Read more
13-Nov-2010
“Three aboard missing helicopter” Officials said the aircraft was traveling Panama-Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department.... Read more
11-Nov-2010Source: Milenio
The 412s are unarmed and intended for transport and reconnaissance operations... Read more
9-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
A judging panel at the Custom Jet Show, which is taking place at the Avex International Air Show at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt this week, have selected winners for Best Livery and Best Custom Interior competitions. While the latter was won by a fixed wing Boeing BBJ corporate jet, the sweeping lines of the... Read more
9-Nov-2010Source: Dassault Systemes
Dassault Systemes (DS), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced today that Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, is using its V6 PLM platform to improve collaboration and decrease the amount of time it takes to bring a new helicopter to market. As part of an effort to improve business processes... Read more
9-Nov-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) and the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate have signed a $30 million Technology Investment Agreement to develop state-of-the-art drive system technology under the Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System (FARDS) program. The FARDS program is focused on critical performance and affordability enhancing drive system technologies for the... Read more
5-Nov-2010Source: Shadin Avionics
Shadin Avionics, a global leader in aircraft fuel management solutions, announces the approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate for the installation of a Shadin Fuel Management Kit into Bell 212 and 412 model helicopters. The Bell 212/412 STC is the latest addition to Shadin’s well established portfolio of Fuel Management System STCs that includes installations... Read more
5-Nov-2010Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Transport Canada approval for their patent pending new design of Bearpaw, called the Ultrapawâ„¢, for the Bell 429 model of aircraft. FAA and EASA approvals are pending. DART Aerospace has applied a brand new product line, the patent pending... Read more
5-Nov-2010
On landing at the hospital, fuel sprayed over the 11 persons in the landing area... Read more
4-Nov-2010Source: Flightglobal
Boeing is now pitching the AH-6S helicopter as a less costly alternative for the US Army than upgrading 330 Bell Helicopter OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scouts.... Read more
3-Nov-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announced that the U.S. Army initiated a contract for the OH-58 “A2D” cabin conversion upgrade program for the highly successful OH-58 platform. “We are pleased and proud that the United States Army has awarded us the first phase of the “A2D” agreement,” said John L. Garrison, president... Read more
3-Nov-2010
Wirestrike reported. Piloted by former ABC7 pilot Rich Westra, the accident tragically killing his wife Kelly Westra.... Read more
2-Nov-2010Source: US Army
orpus Christ Army Depot sent its first OH-58D Kiowa Warrior back to the fight during a roll-out ceremony held in the depot’s Hangar 44, Oct. 14, 2010. The unprecedented OH-58D crash battle damage repair is the first step to increasing the number of Kiowa Warriors at a time when cost-effective measures are critical to support... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: Able Aerospace
Able, a world leader in aviation component repair development, overhaul, and approved replacement parts solutions, will immediately begin offering the replacement Rotor Brake Disc from their facility in Phoenix, Arizona. “We are very excited to provide another affordable replacement part to 407 operators,” said Able Aerospace President, Anthony Saenz. “We offer certified, guaranteed parts that... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: El Heraldo
The five Bell 412 helicopters were officially handed over to President Porfirio Lobo... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: The World
Federal investigators contend the company sold knock-off parts to the Defense Department, including nonconforming helicopter parts for the Kentucky Army National Guard.... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Aeronautical Accessories
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., an affiliate company of Bell Helicopter, is pleased to announce that it has received supplemental type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Bell 429 accessory package. Approvals are in process for other countries, including Japan. Designed and produced by the rotorcraft parts manufacturer and distributor with protection, convenience, and easy... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is pleased to announce 14 employee winners of the 2010 Lawrence D. Bell Pioneer Award. With this recognition, four Bell teams are advancing to the final stage of the Chairman’s Award for Innovation, a corporate Textron competition honoring innovators whose exemplary innovations have led to significant improvements and... Read more
