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
17-Jan-2012Source: DurhamRegion.com
Despite recent changes at the top of the organization, Ornge is still planning to open a new base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport. (see full story)... Read more
17-Jan-2012
Reports say the pilot has suffered cardiac arrest and the aircraft crashed. Pilot airlifted to Chilliwack Hospital, but BCAS later reported pilot deceased. RCMP named pilot as Dave Brolin. CADORS ref 2012P0085... Read more
14-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Frankly, the more we hear about Ornge, the more the whole thing looks like an example of corporate mismanagement to the level of an unmitigated disaster. The latest situation being reported by Canadian press is that now-departed COO Tom Lepine confirmed yesterday that Ornge leased a hangar at Hamilton, Onterio in December 2010 for around... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is a statement sent to staff from Ron McKerlie: Yesterday the Board of Directors of Ornge announced their decision to accept the recommendations of the Government of Ontario regarding the appointment of an interim President and CEO. Following that announcement the honorable Deb Matthews, Minister for Health and Long Term Care, announced that I... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: ORNGE
Mississauga, Ontario – Today, the Ornge Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to appoint a senior member of the public service as an Interim President and CEO. The board determined that it is in the best interests of the organization to resign as soon as a... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Exchange
Exchange Income Corporation (TSX: EIF) (“Exchange” or the “Corporation”), announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the operations and assets of Custom Helicopters Ltd., a privately-owned provider of helicopter-based aviation services in Manitoba and Nunavut. The acquisition is valued at $29 million, and will be paid through a combination of cash and... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it received Transport Canada approval for a 500 lbs. weight increase – to increase the maximum gross weight to 7,500 lbs – for the Bell 429. “This enhancement was the result of continued requests from our customers to yield additional performance from the Bell 429.... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Toronto Star
The dream of getting rich at ORNGE air ambulance ended Wednesday as high-paid executives lost their jobs, a series of mysterious for-profit companies were shuttered and well-paid board members were given the boot. (see full story).... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: The Telegram
With the completion of the new hangar at St. John’s International Airport in the coming weeks, Cougar Helicopters will have its own SAR facility. The hangar will house the already-available, dedicated SAR helicopter, providing a 24-7 service for Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore oil projects (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Turbomeca Canada
[editor note – yes, we thought it odd too, they’ve announced in January 2012 three appointments which were effective September 2011, and in two separate press releases…] As from 28 September, Francis Hauret has been appointed as Director of Customer Services of Turbomeca Canada, and Daniel Savard has been appointed as Director of operations and... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: National Post
Most air crew on Canadian Forces Griffon helicopters suffer from sore necks, and a new study largely pins the blame on the bulky, image-intensifying night-vision goggles used on after-dark missions. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Ottawa Citizen
Sikorsky has yet to pay the $8 million in penalties the Canadian government levied against it for failing to deliver the H-92 Cyclone under the Canadian Forces maritime helicopter program, now already more than three years behind schedule. The original plan called for the first Cyclone to be delivered in November 2008 with deliveries of... Read more
3-Jan-2012
Main blade struck tree. CADAORS 2012P0016... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is an internal memo released on December 23, 2011. Sent on behalf of Tom Lepine, Maria Renzella and Rick Potter (HeliHub Editor note – click here to see profiles of these executives) We know that over the past few weeks, many of you, valued members of the Ornge family, have been upset and concerned... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: St Catherines Standard
“It was something that has been in the process for quite awhile,” said vice-president Anna Pierce, adding further details will be made public in the new year. “The same team is still going to be here. It will mean a lot of cost savings for us.” (see full story)... Read more
1-Jan-2012Source: Airbus Helicopters Canada
... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CBC
Trinity Helicopters has opened an operations base in Iqaluit, and plans to keep helicopters on Baffin Island year-round. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: The Star
AgustaWestland’s American office struck a $6.7 million deal to hire a Toronto firm made up of ORNGE executives to provide it with “sales and marketing services.†(see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Ornge
Dr. Mazza will be on an indefinite medical leave and in his absence, Tom Lepine will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge and Maria Renzella will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge Global. I ask that everyone respect his privacy and that of his family during this time. Requests from Minister... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: Guelph Mercury
Emergency dispatchers were so confused by a fatal helicopter crash at the Region of Waterloo International Airport last month that they tried to send the wrong firefighters from 23 kilometres away. (see full story) This refers to the following accident – 28-Nov-11 C-GVAR Robinson R22 Waterloo, Canada (1F)... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: TheSpec
The air ambulance helicopter at ORNGE’s Thunder Bay base was grounded hundreds of times this year because no paramedics were available for emergency flights. (see full story)... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Canmore Council has approved a new 10-year lease on the heliport with Alpine Helicopters, the current tenant. Originally presented as a 25-year lease, the Council decided that planning ahead 10 years was sufficient and offered that term to Alpine with very few other changes of terms. The lease establishes a heliport monitoring committee and a... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: EMS World
Report says at least five top executives are shielded from the “sunshine list” published annually by ONtario to help make government accountable. (see full story)... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: Pique
After a time when Transport Canada closed a batch of EMS helipads to force certain upgrades, it gave the hospital management teams opportunities to get all the upgrades done. However, the upgraded pad at Whistler Health Care Centre failed its inspection Thursday (see full story)... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: STARS
Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris, STARS representatives and local media received a phase-one project briefing today at the site of the future STARS helicopter base at the Regina International Airport. Construction is progressing on schedule in advance of the anticipated spring 2012 launch of operations. “We’re very excited to move a step closer to introducing... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Late on Wednesday this week, a Sikorsky S92 from Cougar Helicopters completed its ferry flight from Newfoundland to Aberdeen in the UK. This delivery flight is the initial stage of the helicopter being leased to Bristow for operations on the North Sea. We are awaiting Cougar’s response to our enquiries regarding the length of the... Read more
8-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada (ECL) will continue to support the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) AME program and AME Type Course with a recent delivery of one Eurocopter AS350 training aid aircraft. A Memorandum of Understanding between ECL and BCIT was officially signed in September 2009 at BCIT’s Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond – the facility... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
5-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
The daring cliff-side rescue of a lucky British Columbia which pushed both the rescue crew and their search and rescue helicopter to the limits has been selected for this year’s winner of the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. Members of 442 Squadron stationed at Canadian Forces Base Comox – Capt. Jean Leroux, Aircraft Commander; Maj.... Read more
5-Dec-2011Source: Aerosolutions
Aerosolutions announces professional new courses designed for Rotary Wing pilots to coincide with the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) Annual Convention and Trade Show in Ottawa. The advanced training programs for RW pilots include Approved Check Pilot (ACP) RW VFR, IFR Refresher for RW and Crew Resource Management (single-pilot and multi-crew). These courses are designed... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has this week transferred an AW139 from the Dutch register to the Canadian register – serial number 31072 going from PH-EUA to C-GNDG. However, industry sources tell us that it’s not going to Canada, but is destined for operations in Tanzania. It is currently on its ferry flight as we file this story, expected... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: CTV
In May, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced that Canadian Forces air crew could expect to have their first interim CH-148 Cyclone for training purposes by the end of the summer. This week a spokeswoman for the Defence Department said the military hasn’t yet accepted delivery of the helicopter from Sikorksy because work on it isn’t... Read more
28-Nov-2011
Appeared to lose power approximately one mile south of the airport. The helicopter was observed in a rapid descent into a wooded area south of the airport. 1 fatal, 1 injured. Fatality later named as instructor Tiffany Hanna, 29. CADAORS 2011O3540... Read more
26-Nov-2011
Helicopter crashed Saturday in a wooded area near Labrador City, but the only person on board has walked away without serious injuries. CADAORS 2011A1083... Read more
25-Nov-2011Source: STARS
Former STARS patients, media, and members of the public are invited to a special five-year anniversary celebration at the STARS Grande Prairie base on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event will acknowledge the incredible support from the community, while reflecting upon major milestones that have taken place over the past... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: Dart Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announce Transport Canada approval of DART Aerospace’s Ltd. (DAS) Quick Release Heli-Access-Step™ for the Bell 206L/L1/L3/L4 and 407 series of aircraft. FAA and EASA approvals are pending. The Quick Release Heli-Access-Step™ installs easily to existing Quick Release Heli-Utility-Basket™ mounts. The step can be quickly mounted by one person... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
Officially launched at Heli-Expo 2011, the AS350 B3e is designed to carry out demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lift capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class. “We look forward to enhancing our customers’ fleets, by offering the... Read more
21-Nov-2011
Hydraulic leak – went AOG on the rig... Read more
19-Nov-2011Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is very pleased to announce that Mr. Rod Gantefoer has accepted the position of Executive Vice President for the STARS Foundation. Reporting to STARS’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gantefoer will provide leadership to the STARS Foundation team and work to develop community partnerships and fundraising initiatives to enhance... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces (CF) mission deployed in Kingston, Jamaica, formally lowered the Maple Leaf flag today to mark the end of Operation JAGUAR and celebrate the successful completion of its mandate. “Canada and Jamaica enjoy close, long-standing and historic bilateral relations. The Canadian Forces have enjoyed a productive 45-year relationship with the Jamaica Defence Force,... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (“Canadian Helicoptersâ€) (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) will release its third results ending September 30, 2011, on Monday November 14, 2011, after market close. The Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. conference call will take place Tuesday November 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) to review the financial results. To participate in this conference call,... Read more
3-Nov-2011Source: Eurocopter Canada
With the delivery of three new helicopters in October 2011 from the Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, Capitale Hélicoptère’s fleet will have a total of 11 Eurocopter aircraft consisting of 5 AS350 B2’s, 3 EC130 B4’s, 2 AS350 B3’s and 1 EC120 B available for the 2011-2012 operating season. “We are... Read more
2-Nov-2011Source: Canadian Forces
The first half of October was incredibly busy for Task Force Jamaica; the team reached a new milestone and completed our first weather-related mission since our deployment in mid-August. During the weekend of 15–16 October, while most Jamaicans were enjoying a long weekend culminating in National Heroes’ Day (celebrated annually on the third Monday in... Read more
2-Nov-2011
3 POB all fatally injured. CADAORS 2011O3324. Deceased named as pilotGreg Sawyer (39) and two engineers with forest products company Tembec -Dan Simis (47) and Chad McQuade (37)... Read more
1-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) has received Transport Canada type certification for its PW210S engine, selected by Sikorsky for the S-76D medium-sized helicopter targeting corporate, offshore oil, medical, airline and government operators around the world. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). “This is a terrific milestone for this exciting and... Read more
23-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The man who rescued the only survivor from the Cougar S92 crash in March 2009 is getting the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery award. Ian Wheeler is an SAR technician with Cougar Helicopters. Cougar Flight 491 was heading to an offshore installation when it crashed into the Atlantic. Robert Decker escaped the aircraft, severely injured... Read more
23-Oct-2011Source: Canadian National Defence
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today hailed the launch of the final assembly of the first CH-147F Canadian Chinook Helicopter, a key milestone in Canada’s Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopter Project. The CH-147F project is moving ahead as scheduled and is within budget. “Our government is fully committed to providing our brave men... Read more
21-Oct-2011Source: STARS
FortisAlberta announced today a five-year pledge of $400,000 in support of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Human Patient Simulator Program (HPS), bringing the company’s contributions to $1.4 million over 15 years to 2016. “We are truly grateful for FortisAlberta’s very generous financial commitment to the STARS Human Patient Simulator Program (HPS),” says Andrea... Read more
21-Oct-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announce Transport Canada approval of Apical Industries AW119MKII Emergency Float Kits. FAA, EASA and Indonesia approvals have been previously received. The Apical Tri-Bag Emergency Float systems for the AgustaWestland A119 & AW119MKII include 2 forward and 2 aft floats and offer an option for Liferafts integrated with the... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Eventbrite
Join Helijetters past and present to celebrate 25 years since the first flight November 26th 1986. Come together on November 26th 2011 at Jewel Ballroom, 4th Floor – 1495 West 8th Ave Vancouver (near Granville), for food, drinks, dancing and reminiscing. Alumni please confirm your tickets above, due to venue size limited tickets available. Current... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Mica Heliskiing
As the seasons continue to change and September turns to October, it is a reminder that the opportunity to ski in some of British Columbia’s most incredible backcountry is only a short two months away with Mica Heliskiing. British Columbia has some of the best terrain in the world for backcountry skiing, and Mica Heliskiing’s... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Ornge
Ornge, a world leader in transport medicine, is proud to congratulate Dr. Russell MacDonald, Ornge’s Medical Director for Research and Development, on winning the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Barbara A. Hess Research and Education Award. One of the transport medicine industry’s highest honours, the award was presented to Dr. MacDonald at the Air... Read more
20-Oct-2011
Post maintenance engine runs following routine engine washes. The collective control was not lowered during the start sequence and subsequently the rotorcraft unintentionally became airborne a few feet and drifted to the right as the rotor speed increased. CADAORS 2011A0961... Read more
10-Oct-2011Source: Mica Heliskiing
Skiers who understand how great backcountry skiing can be are already making their plans for the upcoming 2011/12 ski season. Mica Heliskiing began taking reservations some time ago for space on their ski tours this coming winter and already some tour blocks are sold out. Those who plan on taking advantage of one of Mica... Read more
5-Oct-2011
Crashed in field 2km from airport it was on approach to. Sole occupant pilot did not survive. Fellow pilots said thick fog made flying conditions treacherous at that time... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
3-Oct-2011Source: Canadian National Defence
Thirteen members from CFB Edmonton-based 408 Tactical Helicopter (TH) Squadron flew to Nanton, Alta, home of the Bomber Command Museum and the Lancaster FM159, to celebrate the Squadron’s 70th anniversary, the museum’s 25th anniversary and the unveiling of newly acquired Halifax Bomber parts. It was a weekend filled with immense passion, amazing stories and the... Read more
29-Sep-2011Source: Discovery Air
Discovery Air Inc. subsidiaries Air Tindi Ltd. and Great Slave Helicopters Ltd. have formed a new partnership – Auyuittuq Aviation – with a group of Inuit shareholders from the Kivalliq and Baffin regions of Nunavut to better serve the needs of the burgeoning mining industry on Baffin Island. “The mining and exploration industries in Nunavut... 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
23-Sep-2011Source: CHC
CHC Helicopter today announced strong revenue and EBITDA growth in its fiscal first-quarter 2012, at the same time it was planning and carrying out a transformation initiative to best position the company for profitable, long-term growth. Separately, the company said its owner, First Reserve Corp., intends to invest an additional $100 million in equity in... Read more
22-Sep-2011Source: Power Hydraulics
Owners Kelly Loewen, Corey Steinberg, and Logistics Manager Rachel Cutler are pleased to announce the launch of the Power Hydraulics Online Work Order System. Power Hydraulics is an independent operator specializing in Sikorsky, Bell, and Eurocopter aircraft. Capabilities include S76, S61, UH-60, B214, B212, UH-1H, B206, and AS350 hydraulic Servos, Actuators, Dampers, and Landing Gears.... Read more
21-Sep-2011Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters, an international provider of helicopter transportation and related services, announced the filing of the business acquisition report (“BAR”) relating to its acquisition of the assets of Helicopters (N.Z.) Limited (including the shares of Helicopters (Australia) Pty Ltd. and other active subsidiary companies) as well as the assets of Helicopter Nominees Limited (collectively “HNZ... Read more
21-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Following an extensive search operation involving a significant number of both military and civil assets, a missing AS350B1 has been found in British Columbia. The sole occupant pilot was found deceased. The helicopter had been reported missing on Friday, and was found late Tuesday this week by a pilot from Wildcat Helicopters who was on... Read more
16-Sep-2011Source: STARS
Enerplus Corporation, a Canadian independent oil and gas producer, has provided a $300,000 donation to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Saskatchewan program. The announcement took place at the Weyburn Golf Club on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Mr. Ian Dundas, Executive Vice-President and COO from Enerplus, presented the donation to Andrea Robertson, President &... Read more
16-Sep-2011
Helicopter was reported missing and found four days later by a pilot from Wildcat Helicopters who was operating on unrelated work in the search area.; Pilot named as Rod Phillipson... Read more
14-Sep-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts (NFC), a leading provider of night vision solutions, announced today that it completed provision of Night Vision Goggle (NVG) maintenance training to the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). The training will  help to further NVG lifecycle support and capability development in the evolving Canadian NVG market. As Canada’s national aerospace laboratory,... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: BC Local News
RCMP are testing an aerial drone that can hover over crash sites and crime scenes to take photos or beam video back to officers on the ground. (see full story)... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Interior Health
KAMLOOPS – Premier Christy Clark has announced that dedicated helicopter air ambulance service will begin serving the Central Interior immediately to ensure faster service for critically ill or injured Interior patients, leading to better outcomes. Last summer’s trial period has shown that a dedicated helicopter air ambulance service improves patient care. “Seconds count when dealing... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: Metro News
Slave Lake in northern Alberta will honour Bell 212 pilot Jean-Luc Deba of Montreal, who was killed while fighting the wildfires that whipped through the town in May. (See full story) . Helihub.com page for this accident – 20-May-11 C-FJUR Bell 212 Slave Lake, Canada (1F). File photo... Read more
11-Sep-2011
Canadian operator Great Lakes Helicopters are targetting the date of 1st October for the opening of their third base at Billy Bishop Regional Airport just east of the city of Owen Sound. They will be using a Robinson R44 and targetting the charter market. The company is based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport,... Read more
9-Sep-2011Source: CMH Heli-Skiing
At CMH Heli-Skiing, the beginning of the school year marks the end of summer, but the impending arrival of winter also marks a time to celebrate the joy of learning and the achievement of kids. In this spirit, the company that invented Heli-Skiing almost 50 years ago is offering avariety of new, interesting and exciting trips:... Read more
8-Sep-2011Source: Ornge
On its 6:00 p.m. broadcast on September 6th, 2011, CTV Toronto aired a story with respect to Ornge’s service in Ontario. The story not only contained outdated and incorrect information but also omitted essential facts and was misleading. Ornge has notified CTV of these errors and has asked for a full apology from the network.... Read more
