2-Oct-2013Source: Batemans Bay Post
“A review conducted earlier this year found that it was important that our helicopter based on the South Coast remain a year-round service,” Westpac Life Saver CEO Stephen Leahy said. see full story... Read more
27-Sep-2013Source: Estevan Mercury
The helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is the first certified helipad in the province of Saskatchewan See full story... Read more
15-Sep-2013Source: CBC
Health sources in Manitoba tell CBC News there is growing concern over the STARS air ambulance program and patient management, as several cases are currently under clinical review by the province. See full story... Read more
11-Sep-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance unveiled the County of Grande Prairie’s logo on the STARS helicopter on Sept. 8, during the County of Grande Prairie Sportsplex grand opening. This logo unveiling recognized the County’s commitment of more than $1 million to STARS. The logo has been upgraded from its original location on the helicopter’s doors to the... Read more
5-Sep-2013Source: STARS
Saddle Hills County has been supporting STARS since 2007. Their 2012 commitment of $450,000 over three years, which equals $61 per capita, pushed the municipality past the significant milestone mark. “We are a busy remote location with lots of oil and gas companies coming in to work, and response times on ground can be high,”... Read more
23-Aug-2013Source: STARS
STARS air ambulance unveiled the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association (GPPA)’s logo on a STARS helicopter on August 8, during the annual GPPA Golf Tournament, which took place at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club. This logo unveiling recognized the GPPA’s cumulative total contribution of over $397,000 to STARS. Funds were raised through the GPPA’s... Read more
2-Aug-2013Source: HawkesBay.co.nz
A second major sponsor of the Hawke’s Bay rescue helicopter trust has expressed concerns over the trust’s structure and says it will pull sponsorship unless changes are made – see full story... Read more
1-Aug-2013Source: HeliHub.com
In the wake of the resignation of Alison McEwan as Chairman of the Trustees, new appointee Andy Train has reportedly made it his priority to sort out the issues that his predecessor. These included – according to NewsTalkZB – the lack of transparency in the board selection process, and unnecessarily high rates for a lower-equipped... Read more
19-Jul-2013
Aeromed is the company that has flown critically sick or injured patients from hospitals or accidents to urban trauma centers since 1994. However, on July 31, the Tampa General Hospital-owned company is severing its five-year contract with Rocky Mountain Holdings and will lease helicopters from a different company. – See full story... Read more
9-Jul-2013Source: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust today confirmed that the future of the HEMS project (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) was secure. Trust CEO Greg Barrow said the Board had recently signed off on a three year proposal to support the HEMS project and funding had been allocated accordingly in future budgets. “Although our annual ratepayer funding... Read more
9-Jul-2013
Contacted high voltage powerlines and crashed with 5 fatalities. Registration NOT yet verified... Read more
7-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has announced their eighth EC145 order for use in the fire and disaster prevention role. The order has been placed by Gifu Prefecture in Japan, who will be replacing a BK117B2 when the EC145 is in service. Gifu covers 4,100 square miles and has a population of about 2 million. All EC145s, including all... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Voice Communications System was selected again recently by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to upgrade the existing legacy analog audio system in another one of their BK117 EMS helicopters. The BK117 will be their fourth aircraft with Becker DVCS, and will soon undergo avionics modification and DVCS installation at Uniflight... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: DRF Luftrettung
40 years ago, DRF Luftrettung carried out its first rescue mission. Since then it has grown into a large and modern organization that operates 31 helicopter bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark for HEMS operations. Today, DRF Luftrettung acknowledged the 40th anniversary of its first mission with a ceremony. As part of the ceremony, the... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Long Beach patch
St. Mary’s Medical Center on Wednesday celebrated what will soon be a new emergency medical transport helicopter that will serve critically injured patients in the Long Beach area and on Catalina Island. (See Full Story)... Read more
16-May-2013Source: Leader~Post
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)... Read more
3-May-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Great Slave Helicopters (GSH) has taken delivery of a BK117 from the Eurocopter Canada Service Center after customization. The BK117 was originally purchased in Germany, with Eurocopter Canada performing various modifications to customize the aircraft. Great Slave Helicopters BK117 complements their existing fleet of twenty-four Eurocopter aircraft. Their extensive Eurocopter fleet consists of the following... Read more
1-May-2013Source: The London Helicopter
The UK’s first public helicopter service to sell individual seats online launches on 1st May when The London Helicopter introduces regular sightseeing flights from The Barclays London Heliport in Battersea. This innovative offering at www.thelondonhelicopter.com allows passengers to pre-book seats for helicopter sightseeing trips over the Capital taking off from London’s only commercially licensed Heliport. The new... Read more
16-Apr-2013
Emergency field landing, no apprarent damage... Read more
5-Apr-2013
“Christoph 1” helicopter cut telephone line on approach to site landing to pick up patient injured in equine accident... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: True Blue Power
True Blue Power today announced several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the TS835 Series lithium-ion emergency power supply (EPS). True Blue Power received a Part 25 STC for installation of the TS835 Series in LearJet 35/36 models and a Part 27 STC for installation in BK117 and EC145 helicopters. The company... Read more
3-Apr-2013
Main rotor blades struck tail boom while running up on roof-top helipad. Incident blamed on freak wind gust... Read more
29-Mar-2013
Helicopter landed to pick up a patient. While rotors were still turning, co pilot observed fuel leak and immediately told pilot to shut down helicopter and switch off electric. O-ring had failed in fuel line and was repaired on site.... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: STARS
STARS Air Ambulance begins 24-hour-a-day operations at its Saskatoon base. Since launching service in mid-October, the Saskatoon base has been providing service 12-hours per day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. “Safety is always our priority,” says Ron Dufresne, vice-president of Saskatchewan operations. “Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time... Read more
15-Feb-2013
Emergency landing after mechanical issues... Read more
15-Feb-2013
Severe damage to rotor blades and skid after being hit by a truck while parked on is base helipad at Fresach/Freizeitpark Millstättersee Heliport, Austria. All four rotorblades including the rotorhead had to be changed, causing a total damage of 600.000 €... Read more
22-Jan-2013Source: Rockford Memorial Hospital
Rockford Memorial Hospital’s REACT helicopter program recently began training flights on a temporary aircraft. Working with our aviation partner, Air Methods, REACT pilots and mechanics are now training on a Eurocopter EC135 aircraft housed at the hangar on the North Rockton Avenue campus. Flight nurses have resumed staffing critical care ground transports throughout the region... Read more
21-Jan-2013Source: Alberta Health Services
Patients living in northern Alberta will continue to have access to rapid, reliable, and safe emergency care when the new air ambulance base is relocated to the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) in March. Alberta Health Services air ambulance operations are moving to a new 3,600 square-metre hangar at the Edmonton International Airport, immediately adjacent to... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Kawasaki
[electronic translation] Kawasaki Heavy Industries has achieved a total of 1,000 aircraft deliveries helicopter “BK117” versatile twin-engine Eurocopter Germany co-production that (Company Inc. [formerly MBB Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm]) Since delivery of the first aircraft in May 1982, are sold all over the world, “BK117” has achieved a total delivery of 1,000 aircraft recently. Helicopters will be delivered in... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Queensland Government
Increased funding for community-based emergency helicopter operators has been granted as the Newman Government considers plans for lasting change in their financial support. A new funding model for these essential services is detailed in the Summary Report of the Review of Aeromedical Helicopter Services in Queensland – November 2012, released for consultation by Health Minister... Read more
10-Dec-2012
Three killed in an EMS helicopter accident – en route from Rockford base to Mendota to pick up a patient. Weather reported as a factor. Pilot later named as Andy Olesen, and the two flight nurses were Jim Dillow and Karen Hollis... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: NBC2
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... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: Philips SAR Trust
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are... Read more
25-Nov-2012
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)... Read more
23-Nov-2012
Approx date. Autorotation landing to uneven ground in open field. Helicopter ended up tail low on its skids, and witness reported blade damage. 3 POB not injured... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Voxy
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)... Read more
29-Oct-2012Source: Winnipeg Sun
We understand the importance of the life-saving service that STARS provides and the need for this vital assistance to be available 24/7 (see full story)... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) is boosting its PennSTAR AMS (Air Medical Services) fleet with the purchase of a new EC145. PennSTAR currently flies three BK117s and four EC135s. The new EC145 is scheduled to be in service by summer 2013, replacing one of the BK117 C1 aircraft. “PennMedicine and PennSTAR are always... Read more
21-Aug-2012
#2 engine low oil pressure illuminated and engine lost power in landing phase. Otherwise uneventful landing... Read more
15-Aug-2012
Door fell off on take off. Landed without further incident... Read more
31-Jul-2012Source: STARS
July 30, 2012Â – Today STARS air ambulance is beginning 24-hour-a-day operations at its Regina base. Until now, the STARS Regina base has only operated 12-hours per day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now that the majority of clinical and aviation staff have had time to become comfortable with the terrain and providing service in... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: Calgary Herald
Dr. Gregory Powell and wife Linda retire but remain ambassadors for pioneering Alberta emergency service (see full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Westpac Life Saver Rescue
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher recently announced $1.5million in funding for Surf Life Saving NSW to assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. “This funding will ensure this vital search and rescue helicopter service continues to provide a 24/7 service in the Greater Sydney Region and a... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
1-May-2012Source: STARS
Regina, SK, April 30, 2012 – As of noon today, the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was ready to provide helicopter air ambulance services for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. Following a brief ceremony involving dignitaries and former patients, the organization opened its base in Regina. “This is a historic day for... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: STARS
Enerplus Corporation, who have been strong supporters of STARS since 1992, have reached the $500,000 giving milestone. A celebration, which included a logo unveiling on the STARS helicopter, was held on April 25 for the independent oil and gas producer at the STARS Calgary hanger. “Enerplus has been in business for over 25 years, and... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce it will launch its first Saskatchewan base on Monday, April 30 in Regina. Beginning at 12 p.m. (noon), STARS will be ready to provide safe, rapid medical transport for critically ill and injured patients in southern Saskatchewan. “We’re very excited that helicopter air medical... Read more
22-Mar-2012Source: Airwork NZ
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the BK117-850D2 engine upgrade. This STC allows for the replacement of the standard BK117-B2 750hp engines with upgraded 850hp engines. This increase in power significantly improves One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance, allowing the BK117-850D2 to achieve true Category A standard. The... Read more
29-Feb-2012Source: CCS
The essential, life-saving services STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) provides will now be further supported in western Canada thanks to a $100,000 donation from CCS Corporation. “Many of our employees live and work in rural communities, so there is a natural link to support an organization such as STARS,” said John Gibson, president and... Read more
23-Feb-2012Source: STARS
A permanent Manitoba crew of 14 paramedics, nurses and pilots is now responding to emergency calls across the province with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) helicopter ambulance, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “These paramedics, nurses and pilots are a critical link in patient care and their training and expertise will truly help... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter
Germany’s DRF Luftrettung today signed a power-by-the-hour service agreement with Eurocopter, ensuring optimized technical support with fixed maintenance costs and minimized downtime for this air rescue organization’s large helicopter fleet. DRF Luftrettung currently operates 45 Eurocopter helicopters for emergency medical services, composed of the EC145, EC135 and BK117 versions. In 2011, the company agreed to... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Summit Aviation added as service center in key northeast region From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced today that it has reached an agreement that will add Summit Aviation, based in Middletown, Delaware, to its extensive network of independent service centers across North America. “Providing our customers with the service and... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Heli-Expo 2012, American Eurocopter has announced that Air Care, which serves Cincinnati’s University Hospital and West Chester Hospital in Butler County, has chosen the EC145 to upgrade its fleet of BK-117 helicopters. Since its inception in 1984, the Air Care flight team has completed more than 28,000 accident-free patient care flight missions. They currently... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) sign a five-year support contract at the time of flight with its DRF Luftrettung * EMS missions in Germany, Austria and Denmark. Proposed by Turbomeca SBH ® contract provides customers with offers tailored to their operational needs. Recently, DRF Luftrettung ordered 25 EC145 helicopters T2, which will be equipped with the latest... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: PSAC
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) today announced it has helped raise a total of more than $5.3 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 18 years of presenting the annual STARS & Spurs Gala. This year’s gala brought in the highest total ever raised in the history of the event... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: STARS
The 19th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.2 million retail. The STARS Lottery raised over $10 million net during the 2011 campaign and continues to be the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “STARS flies an average of four missions a day in Alberta,... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Voxy
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken delivery of a BK117 rescue helicopter just as the region moves into the busiest time of the year. It joins the AS350 they already operate, more than doubling their capabilities (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011
Police Service of Northern Ireland say that having a helipad in County Fermanagh will mean the aircraft can be refuelled at any time without having to return to its base. Two other remote landing pads are in operation – at Mahon Road in Portadown and Maydown, near Londonderry. (see full story) CAA photo... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Lawrence Municipal Airport is the location of a new base for Boston Medflight, a satellite location to help provide a better service from Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The airport is located off Route 125 in North Andover, and operations began there on 21st November with a helicopter moving in from Hancom Field in... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Emergency single-engine landing after chip light illuminated. Aircraft was en route to pick up patient.... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Hartford Hospital
It’s the life-saving medical helicopter that has been saving lives since 1985, and its team just received a great honor. The LIFE STAR program, owned and operated by Hartford Hospital, has been selected as a recipient of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Program of the Year for 2011. The Program of the Year... Read more
13-Nov-2011
Main rotor struck tail boom on shut down... Read more
10-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Dare County in northern New York state has recently approved a long-term budget request for a new helicopter. Figures listed in the County Commission’s meeting minutes of 3rd October show a purchase figure of $9.1M budgeted for, with plans to spread the cost over 10 years. Dare County currently operates a Eurocopter BK117 registered N401DC... Read more
8-Oct-2011
Helicopter became unserviceable while on ground responding to emergency call. Second helicopter called in for patient... Read more
26-Sep-2011Source: STARS
Join us for the 8th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner & Auction for STARS on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The evening will include a three-course roast beef dinner catered by locally-owned The Steak Pit Restaurant and a chance to bid on a wide array of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $75 each or... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is pleased to announce that CEO Rescue in the Rockies for STARS raised the single largest dollar amount ever in one day for STARS with a record-breaking $1.3 million. STARS partnered with five prominent Calgary-based CEOs and dropped them in Kananaskis Country, 25 kilometres northeast of Canmore, just... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: WLWT
The helicopters will still be able to fly to airports and hospital helipads in the dark, flights that do not require NVG use. (full story) University Air Care operates BK117s from two bases in Ohio... Read more
8-Aug-2011
Chip light illuminated and standard procedures led to engine shut down. Uneventful single engine long field landing carried out... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: Norwich Bulletin
Hartford Hospital officials have renewed their commitment to keeping the Life Star program at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT (Full story)... Read more
2-Jul-2011
Birdstrike, unscheduled landing and no damage was found... Read more
30-Jun-2011Source: Madison Courier
Air Methods returned to Trimble County on June 3 and wasted no time meeting the public. On June 4 the company, located next to the Bedford Fire and Rescue building between Bedford and Milton, had an open house that included food, drinks, music and a showing of the BK117 helicopter. (Full article)... Read more
29-Jun-2011Source: STARS
Lloydminster, SK, June 27, 2011 – Husky Energy reached a donation milestone today after presenting the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $250,000 cheque toward the establishment of the STARS air ambulance program in Saskatchewan. The donation places Husky’s cumulative giving to STARS at over $1 million. “Our partnership with STARS reflects the... Read more
28-Jun-2011Source: Govt of Manitoba
The province has signed a memorandum of understanding with the non-profit Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) to make the helicopter ambulance program permanent in Manitoba, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. “The STARS team has made a real difference in Manitoba’s flood fight and we thank them for their hard work,†said Oswald.  “Helicopter... Read more
