Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc., a subsidiary of Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (“Bluedrop”) (TSX-V: BPLI) has renewed its contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, to provide instructors and training courseware for pilots and maintainers for Canada’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters. The agreement extends the services that Bluedrop is providing to the program until March… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Canada is proud to be named one of Hamilton Niagara’s top 100 employers for 2020 by Canada’s Top Employers Project. The honour recognizes industry-leading organizations for their work in employee attraction, attainment and growth. Airbus is the leading manufacturer of helicopters used throughout Canada in roles such as law enforcement, air medical, oil… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the delivery of Canada’s first Bell 407GXi to Nova Scotia-based business, Municipal Enterprises Limited. The aircraft is outfitted in newly certified on-board equipment and features a custom designed interior. Municipal Enterprises Limited will use the aircraft with respect to its multifaceted group of companies. In 2018,… Read more »
While no decision has been made, the Town of Nipawin council has greenlighted a proposal from an Alberta-based company to come up with a design and detailed cost and OK’d an extra $800 for the project. See Full Story.
Minister Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in Province of Alberta (Canada) made a statement about wildfires late last week, and surprised the firefighting community by cutting the teams that rappel into fire zones from helicopters. Here is the full statement “The protection of lives and communities will always be our top priority when… Read more »
DART Aerospace (“DART”) is pleased to announce that it has recently acquired key product lines from Canadian helicopter mission equipment manufacturer Aero Design Ltd (“Aero Design”), as well as its brand trademark. Based in Powell River, British Columbia, Aero Design has been developing and manufacturing aerial cargo expansion products since 1999 and has created an… Read more »
Own Jason Trask was named the 2019 Paramedic of the Year with the Paramedic Association of Canada, a national advocacy group. “Oh, I thought it was a pretty cool honour,” Trask smiled during a recent chat at the STARS hangar. “It was pretty surprising but pretty nice at the same time.” Trask is the Emergency… Read more »
Leonardo welcomes the continued commitment made by Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, to modernize and expand Canada’s primary rotary search and rescue helicopter fleet through the Cormorant MidLife Upgrade (CMLU) program. Yesterday’s announcement marks a major step forward ahead of program finalization. To date, the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” has enabled the… Read more »
Expeditionary forces from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States conducted the opening ceremony for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training exercise HYDRACRAB, Aug. 19. HYDRACRAB is quadrilateral exercise conducted by more than 100 Sailors from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and U.S. Naval forces. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the participating EOD… Read more »
As part of celebrating 35 years of operations in Canada, Airbus will present the 2019 Innovation in Safety Award at this year’s Helicopter Association of Canada’s annual conference on November 16th in Vancouver, BC. The award recipient(s) will receive a cash prize of $10,000 CAD in addition to recognition from the industry. “Our priority has… Read more »
Airbus announced today that Dwayne Charette has been appointed President of Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited, in addition to his role as Chief Operating Officer. He succeeds Romain Trapp, who has assumed the role of President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. and Head of the North America Region for helicopters. “We have a very strong team in… Read more »
Crown Capital Partners Inc. (“Crown”) (TSX: CRWN), a capital partner to entrepreneurs and growth businesses, today announced the full repayment by Canadian Helicopters Limited (“Canadian Helicopters”) of an $8 million term loan from Crown Capital Partner Funding, LP (“Crown Partners Fund”). Canadian Helicopters is the largest helicopter transportation services company in Canada with a network… Read more »
Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc., a subsidiary of Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (“Bluedrop”) (TSX-V: BPLI), has received an In-Service Support (ISS) contract with Boeing, to provide ongoing support for Computer Based Training (CBT) courseware for maintainers of Canada’s CH-147F Chinook helicopters. The agreement provides management and on-site support of instructor-led CBT materials used in the… Read more »
Vancouver’s downtown waterfront heliport has been granted $1.3 million in funding from the Province of British Columbia’s B.C. Air Access Program and is subject to customary negotiation and contractual execution. Each year, the program announces grants that fund up to 75% of the cost for approved airport infrastructure upgrades that maximize safety and convenience for… Read more »
With 200 customers operating over 700 aircraft, Airbus Helicopters Canada is marking 35 years of providing quality customer service and technology to the Canadian helicopter industry. Over the past 35 years, Airbus Helicopters has supported regional and national law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, utility operators, government and corporate customers to supply, operate and maintain… Read more »
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) renewed its commitment to the health and safety of Western Canadians by making a $600,000 contribution over four years to STARS air ambulance. “Each year STARS flies thousands of missions in and around the same rural communities served by FCC. We have seen the positive impact STARS has had during some… Read more »
The Government of Canada is supporting the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future, by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to colleges and universities across Canada. These donations are helping to support aircraft maintenance training in Canada, providing practical and hands-on experience to students. The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans… Read more »
The future of helicopter emergency medical services in Western Canada will soon receive a significant lift, thanks to a vital funding commitment from the Government of Canada. It was announced in today’s federal budget that STARS, a non-profit, charitable helicopter air ambulance organization operating across the Prairie provinces will receive $65 million to help replace… Read more »
Phoenix Heli-Flight, Inc., a charter helicopter company based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, recently announced a fleet upgrade to the Outerlink IRIS system. Most recently the company utilized Outerlink’s tracking software and data recorders, but upgrading to the IRIS system gives them the additional features such as push-to-talk radio, constant and reliable communication, live alerts… Read more »
Drone Delivery Canada ‘DDC or the Company’ (TSX.V:FLT,OTC: TAKOF), unveiled its largest cargo and farthest range delivery drone, ‘The Condor’. ‘The Condor’ was displayed at public and investor launch events at the TMX Broadcast Centre Gallery in Toronto. Tony Di Benedetto, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada opens the cargo bay door of his company’s newest,… Read more »
On Friday, February 22, the Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region, Pierre Fitzgibbon, announced that phase 3 of the SA2GE project will encompass four promising projects. Totalling $50M (including $25M in subsidies), phase 3 of the SA2GE project will continue until March 31, 2021. The four promising projects of this third phase include: The Propulsion for safe, silent, eco-friendly… Read more »
The Government of Canada is supporting the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future, by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to educational institutions across Canada. These donations are helping to support aircraft maintenance training in Canada, providing practical and hands-on experience to students. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the… Read more »
The helicopter, being flown by an experienced pilot, was approaching MV Asterix’s landing pad in daylight and relatively calm conditions. As it hovered over the deck the helicopter appeared to suddenly drop about two metres, hitting the deck, military sources noted. No serious injuries were reported. Tail rotor damage
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is pleased to announce it has received Transport Canada validation of their model 480B helicopter on January 25, 2019. The 480B joins the other Enstrom models listed under FAA Type Certificate H1CE which have been approved for operation in Canada including the F-28A, 280, F-28C, F-28C-2, 280C, F-28F, 280F, and 280FX. “Enstrom… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters North America is celebrating two milestone anniversaries of operations this year. Airbus Helicopters, Inc., based in Grand Prairie, Texas, is celebrating 50 years of sales and support for U.S. helicopter operators, while Airbus Helicopters Canada Ltd., located in Fort Erie, Ontario, is marking its 35-year milestone. “For 50 years, our customers and the… Read more »
As outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is making investments to re-capitalize and extend the life of equipment to ensure our women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) have the equipment they need to fulfill the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) core missions. In support of this,… Read more »
In October of last year, Gander’s 103 SAR Squadron was removed from their Hangar 1 at 9 Wing Gander after the discovery of a large concentration of asbestos in dust. They are still unsure of where the source is, but cleaning began on December 4. They have cleaned in sections, sealing off the safe areas… Read more »
Heartfelt tributes flowed freely during the official Sea King helicopter retirement parade December 1, 2018, when the military community bade farewell to the longest serving aircraft in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Inside the hangar at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Pat Bay, B.C., more than 500 people gathered to witness the historic send-off…. Read more »
The Minister of Transport announced new fatigue regulations to improve air travel safety for passengers and flight crews. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is pleased to see that the Minister is taking action to address this key safety issue. Since the early 1990s, the TSB has identified fatigue as a contributing factor or… Read more »
Source:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada, 14-Dec-18
The Canadian Department of National Defence is considering using the private sector to fill the gap in their SAR operations when their CH-149 Cormorants undergo a mid-life overhaul. President of the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association and the Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council; Eugene O’Leary, has stated that he has concerns over using a private… Read more »
The Government of Canada is investing in new infrastructure for Canadian Coast Guard operations.The Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in one of the safest marine systems in the world, and its members go to work every day to ensure the safety of mariners and the marine environment. On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan… Read more »
The Government of Canada is supporting the development of well-trained, skilled personnel to serve the aerospace industry of the future, by donating surplus Coast Guard assets to educational institutions across Canada. These donations are helping to support aircraft maintenance training in Canada, providing practical and hands-on experience to students. On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan… Read more »
The 9 Wing Gander helicopter base has had to have their two SAR EH101s removed and placed at St. John’s after the discovery of asbestos. Spokesperson for the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron, Capt. Paul Hamlyn, has revealed that the asbestos was confined to dust samples. Maintenance is being done on the helicopters to ensure… Read more »
Web Manuals Inc, developer of the world standard in digital documentation solutions for the aviation industry, is celebrating winning its first Canadian customer after exhibiting at its most successful NBAA-BACE trade show to date. Fig Air, the Toronto-based VIP helicopter charter operator, will use Web Manuals to digitally edit and review its technical manuals, before… Read more »
Bell announced HelicoStore, a Quebec based company, as the first Independent Representative in Canada. “Bell’s independent representative family allows us to BEST serve our customers around the world and we believe our friends at helicostore will be a great addition to this network allowing us to ENHANCE our customer expereince and expand our commerical business… Read more »
Following an extensive RFP process, Airbus’ H145 was selected as the fleet replacement aircraft for STARS air ambulance’s aging fleet, becoming the first H145s in HEMS configuration to enter Canada. The twin-engine H145 was chosen thanks to its exceptional HEMS heritage and safety record with its BK117 and EC145 predecessors. Offering the largest cabin in… Read more »
Airmedic, the only privately-owned air medical provider in Quebec, has committed to purchasing three Airbus EC145e aircraft from Metro Aviation. These will be the first EC145e models in Canada. “The EC145e fits a variety of mission profiles,” said Metro Aviation President Mike Stanberry. “It’s increased useful load and large cabin make it a great choice… Read more »
Bell recently attended the VR/AR Global Summit to discuss the practical use of incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) into future product concepts and customer experiences. Their panel, “Using Virtual Reality to Design the Future of Flight,” drew a large crowd of industry innovators and thrillists drawn to the business case use of VR production. Using VIVE,… Read more »
Newfoundland Helicopters Limited has taken delivery of a light single-engine H125 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters Canada’s Fort Erie, ON facility. The passenger transport and utility company, with bases in Appleton, Clarenville and Deer Lake, Newfoundland, will utilize the newly delivered aircraft for a variety of operations, including forestry, hydroelectricity, mining and tourism. “The H125 was… Read more »
On Friday September 28th 2018 the Heli-One Canada team hosted a special guest at their River Road (Delta, BC) facilities. Local Member of Parliament (MP) Carla Qualtrough (Delta) toured the facility, met with staff, and took questions during a brief visit. The MP is also the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and the Minister of… Read more »
Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, and Airbus Helicopters announced today they will provide five H145s to Aramco Overseas Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, a fully integrated, global petroleum and chemicals enterprise. The five aircraft are sourced from Milestone’s orderbook with Airbus and are expected… Read more »
As in previous years, the winner(s) of the Innovation in Safety Award will be selected by a committee of industry professionals. The award ceremony will take place during the Helicopter Association of Canada’s annual conference, November 3rd in Vancouver, BC. The award recipient(s) will receive a cash prize of $10,000 CAD in addition to recognition… Read more »
The Canadian military has announced that they have decided to move forward with their plans to upgrade their CH-149 Cormorants SAR helicopters with Leonardo. No official cost has been announced but has been estimated to be between $500 million and $1.5 billion.
StandardAero has announced that, over the next 12-18 months, the company will be restructuring its primary Canadian MRO facilities to create three different Centers of Excellence (COEs) specifically for supporting Helicopter Airframe/Component MRO services, Helicopter Engine MRO services and Turboprop Engine MRO services at it facilities located in Langley, B.C., Winnipeg, M.B. and Summerside P.E.I.,… Read more »
Leonardo congratulates the Royal Canadian Air Force crew of search and rescue helicopter “Rescue 901” for winning this year’s Cormorant Trophy for the rescue of five crewmen forced to abandon a fishing vessel 250 km offshore in fierce weather and rough seas. The recipients from 103 Squadron at CFB Gander are: Major Jim Pinhorn,… Read more »
AHS International has recognized Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for “conducting an extraordinary international effort” to demonstrate flight and shipboard operation of the CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter from a Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate. The award cites successful expansion of the flight envelop to Sea State 6 conditions, where waves… Read more »
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced today Canadian certification for the expanded gross weight capability option for new S-92® helicopters. The option increases the maximum take-off weight from 26,500 to 27,700 pounds, allowing operators to carry an additional 1,200 pounds of payload. This capability was first certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration… Read more »
Dunc Wassick, owner of Dam Helicopters, has used his company to help with EMS rescues in West Kootenay. Although Dam Helicopters specializes in mining, forestry, wildlife management, tourism flights, EMS as well as hydro power, Dunc has ensured that the helicopter is available to be called out for medical emergency services. He believes that the… Read more »
Drone Delivery Canada ‘DDC or the Company’ (TSX.V:FLT OTC:TAKOF), is pleased to announce that it has commenced development of its newest cargo delivery drone, ‘The Condor’ with a lifting capability estimated at 400 pounds of payload. “Our engineering team is focused on building out our fleet to provide drones capable of addressing a wide range of… Read more »
Imperial has made significant progress towards resolving a potential fuel quality issue in aviation gasoline (sometimes referred to as “avgas” or “100 low lead”) shipped from Strathcona refinery since Dec. 28, 2017. Imperial has identified all locations that received potentially off-spec product and has completed close to all of the testing at those sites. At… Read more »
The RCAF has a timeline planned out for the overhaul of their Griffon helicopters, ensuring they can stay in service into the 2030s. The overhaul includes replacement of cockpit instruments, integration of new avionics, as well as modification to the flight simulators, reports Ottawa Citizen.
Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (“Bluedrop”) (TSX-V: BPLI) through its subsidiary Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. has received a $1M contract through the Build in Canada Innovation Program to deliver an innovative new approach to hoist training for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Maritime Helicopter (MH) community. The new CH-148 virtual reality Rescue Hoist Simulator will… Read more »
Airbus has delivered an H125 to TransCanada PipeLines Limited. The aircraft will be based out of Toronto, ON and will be the second H125 to join TransCanada PipeLines’ fleet. With one of North Americas largest infrastructure portfolios, TransCanada has built and maintains a 91,500 km network of natural gas pipelines, which supplies more than 25… Read more »
The Canadian Forces are having troubles with their S92 deck landings. The sonar systems used by the Cyclones protrude from the bottom of the helicopter, where it risks being bumped by a landing system. Once the sonars are removed, the helicopters will still be able to be used for testing and training, reports Global News.
LifeFlight helicopters have not been authorized to land at Nova Scotia hospital helipads since April 2016, due to changing regulations by Transport Canada. Now, however, two new Sikorsky S-76 C+ helicopters are ready to go into service. Nova Scotians have commented how the new helicopters will help save lives as they will be able to… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the company’s Canadian facility located in Mirabel has completed its 5,000th aircraft. The aircraft, a Bell 407GXP, will be owned by China’s Shaanxi Helicopter Co. Ltd. (SHC), which had signed a purchase agreement for 100 Bell 407GXPs earlier this year. “This is an incredible… Read more »
While I must confess to still experiencing a little PCPTSD (Post-Convention PTSD), I feel like I am on the road to recovery. We conducted a few experiments with the convention this year, and they were largely successful. I have learned over the years, that Conventions are fundamentally a product of experience, rather than logic. This… Read more »
Port Hardy RCMP have found the missing helicopter parts that were stolen earlier in November. The parts, valued at $100,000 were turned into Stryker Electronics. The unknown man who turned them thought they might belong to company. Police hope to find the man who turned them in, in order to thank him, reports Chek News…. Read more »
An investigation is underway by the RCMP after helicopter parts to the value of $100,000 were stolen from a pickup truck in Port Hardy. The parts were small enough to be carried away. Police say that they were made for a specific helicopter and that the whoever stole them would have difficulty selling them, reports… Read more »
Peter Murray, Founder and Operations Manager of Talon Helicopters has been awarded Airbus Helicopters Canada’s 2017 ‘Innovation in Safety Award’. Mr. Murray is being honoured for his longstanding commitment to safety, for activities in the SAR community including; rescues, training and dedication to safe longline SAR operations, where Talon has continually worked to enhance the… Read more »
With the second largest commercial helicopter fleet globally (2,800 helicopters), Canadian operators know the importance of efficient, effective flight operations in one of the most diverse, high utilization environments worldwide. And for more than 13 years, Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has helped improve Canadian helicopter operations by… Read more »
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) is pleased to announce the election of Cynthia Garneau, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, as Chair of the AIAC Board of Directors. Ms. Garneau succeeds David Gossen, President of IMP Aerospace & Defence, who served as Chair of the AIAC Board over the last year. “I am… Read more »
BC Helicopters will soon take delivery of a second Guimbal Cabri G2 from the factory in France, with arrival at their Abbotsford base expected just before Christmas to add to their first example which arrived at the start of this year. This second aircraft demonstrates their confidence in the type and a gradual fleet expansion… Read more »
Flight paramedic Shannon Koch and flight nurse Thomas Froh came in second place at the Association of Air Medical Service’s 2017 Sim Cup. They represented STARS in Regina and beat five other STARS bases. The skills they learned during the simulations are now cemented in, reports CBC.
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) Customer Service Center Europe GmbH (CSC Europe) has signed a 12-year Fleet Management™ Program (FMP®) agreement with HTM Helicopter Travel Munich GmbH (HTM) for the maintenance and support of 18 PW206B2 engines. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “This FMP agreement with HTM is tailored to meet… Read more »
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has introduced a new level of coverage for its PW200 helicopter engines under the Eagle Service™ Plan (ESP®) Program tailored to provide increased peace of mind for customers. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “As part of our ongoing effort to create customized value-packed services and support… Read more »
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today that its PT6C-67A helicopter engine – that powers the AW609, an aircraft that flies both horizontally and vertically – has achieved certification from Transport Canada. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). FAA validation of the PT6C-67A engine is expected by the end of 2017 and… Read more »
Campbell River Regional Hospital had their helipad tested this past Wednesday and Thursday. Official from Transport Canada had to spend both full days conducting tests. Officials from the hospital are worried that the helipad may not be what was ordered and that it will only receive a H1 certification instead of H2. If that is… Read more »
The Kitchener helipad that was shut down during June has finally reopened. The helipad was closed due to a construction crane being in the way of helicopter flight paths. During this down time, the helipad had some needed upgrades done, such as replacing lights and repainting. The possibility of flight paths having to be changed… Read more »
Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, recently had the honour of hosting a Texas Trade Mission roundtable discussion at its Grapevine, TX, facility involving participants from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, local businesses and media. The roundtable was part of a Canadian… Read more »
The Fort St. John Hospital Helipad Steering Committee has announced they are no longer going to build a helipad at Fort St. John Hospital. Their reports found that that they cannot afford the construction at the moment and that there is not a big enough demand or need for it medically. Moira Green, a representative… Read more »
Revenue was $56.4 million in the second quarter of 2017, a decrease of $0.9 million compared to $57.3 million a year ago. This variation is mostly explained by a decrease in onshore revenue and ancillary revenue, partially offset by an increase in offshore revenue. The Corporation flew 10,725 hours compared to 11,557 hours in the second quarter of 2016, a decrease… Read more »
Honorary Colonel Colin MacDonald is all too aware of the role of search and rescue services in Atlantic Canada. The chairman of Clearwater Seafoods and co-owner and director of Clearwater Fine Foods was appointed honorary colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood’s 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron on July 12, 2017. “We have a fleet out there,… Read more »
Honorary Colonel Colin MacDonald is all too aware of the role of search and rescue services in Atlantic Canada. The chairman of Clearwater Seafoods and co-owner and director of Clearwater Fine Foods was appointed honorary colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood’s 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron on July 12, 2017. “We have a fleet out there,… Read more »
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) today announced that Transport Canada has certified its Inlet Barrier Filters (IBFs) for installation on Airbus AS350 B3, EC130 B4, and EC130 T2 helicopters. The IBFs keep contamination, including dirt, dust, salt and foreign objects, from degrading the performance and reliability of helicopter… Read more »
