13-Jan-2012Source: FAA
FAA Mobile is an easy-to-use mobile website that provides quick access to popular FAA.gov tasks for aviation enthusiasts on-the-go. You can look up N-numbers, find Advisory Circulars, browse airport delays, and more. You can find FAA Mobile at http://www.faa.gov/mobile (optimized for mobile devices). The FAA Mobile website allows you to stay connected with popular features of FAA.gov... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: Bristow Group
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today it will release financial results for its fiscal year 2012 third quarter ended December 31, 2011, after the market closes on Thursday, February 2. In conjunction with the release, Bristow has scheduled a conference call, which will be... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. delivered the first of three EC145’s to Sanford Health at the end of last week. On hand for delivery was Kerry Berg, Director of Operations, Thomas Kitterman, Director of Maintenance and Orlen Tschetter, Vice President of Facilities & Planning from the Sanford Health-Sioux Falls Region. The aircraft is complete with a full... 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: Atlantic Airways
Atlantic Airways has signed a four-year contract with the Faroese Ministry of Fishery and Ministry of Industry to provide helicopter search and rescue (SAR) and domestic transport to the most remote islands. The helicopter service will be provided by two Bell 412 helicopters and the contract includes considerable upgrade to the standard of SAR and crisis support. The agreement is worth a total... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The second half of 2011 saw approximately 1,000 more passengers fly on the scheduled route between Algeciras in Spain and Ceuta in Morroco, which is flown by INAER group company Helisureste using an AgustaWestland AW139. Algeciras Heliport, located close to the city of Cadiz, was launched in July 2010 and the first six months of... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: INAER
(Electronic translation from Spanish) The director of the Valencia airport, Julian House, on Thursday delivered the First Prize to good environmental practices of four companies engaged in its work on the airport grounds Valencia, recognizing its management, environmental sensitivity and commitment, including counts INAER with the international environmental management certification ISO 14001. Valencia airport, after... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sri Lankan start-up operator Air Senok has taken delivery of two Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopters from Eurocopter South East Asia in Singapore- as we predicted in our article 14 months ago. One black and one dark grey, these two helicopters with gold stripes feature high skids with courtesy steps, night navigation lights, high-visibility panels in the... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
UTair Aviation has received its initial three Eurocopter AS350 B3e enhanced helicopters as this leading Russian and CIS operator builds up the largest fleet of Ecureuil family rotary-wing aircraft in the region. These AS350 B3s are among 20 aircraft ordered from the Eurocopter Ecureuil product line in 2010 by UTair, marking the biggest contract for... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
The Kenya Police Air-Wing is expanding its airborne law enforcement and crime prevention unit with the delivery of a Eurocopter AS350 B3e Ecureuil helicopter. Kenya’s selection of the AS350 B3e, which is the enhanced version of Eurocopter’s successful AS350 model, follows an open and competitive tender won earlier this year by Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty)... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Metropolitan Police
London’s residents can now find out what the MPS Helicopters are up to, thanks to the launch of the Air Support Unit’s official Twitter account. @MPSinthesky got off the ground last Tuesday and captured 1,000 followers within hours of going live. Since then, the Twitter account has propelled higher and higher with over 3,000 people... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: The Australian
Milton Jones is going to the High Court to block air safety investigators from viewing uncut footage allegedly showing him piloting a helicopter after drinking alcohol, leaving children at an aircraft’s controls and unlawfully taking crocodile eggs from their nests. (see full story)... 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: Ranger International
Ranger International Services Group, a private equity consolidator specializing in technical services, has been honored by The M&A Advisor magazine for its acquisition of US Logistics. The merger of US Logistics into Ranger International was deemed one of the “Deals of the Decade” by an independent panel that reviewed 389 nationwide finalists in each of... Read more
12-Jan-2012
An Orange County Sheriff’s probe into allegations that a department helicopter was used for a joy-ride is focusing on a Nov. 10 trip taken by supervising Sgt. Han O and a female deputy assigned to the Central Court. (see full story)... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Sterling Wiggins has been named HAI’s Government Affairs assistant. Sterling joins HAI with significant government affairs experience, having interned with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and former Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). Reporting to HAI’s vice president of Government Affairs, Sterling will research and track legislative issues of importance to HAI... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: CAE
The Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying (HATSOFF), the joint venture owned equally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and CAE, today announced that its simulator cockpit for the Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopter has been certified to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators, by India’s Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) as... 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
12-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Global Vectra Helicorp has announced that Ravinder Kumar Rishi, director of the company has resigned with effect from 05 December 2011. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company continues to be the world’s leading producer of civil helicopters. In 2011, the company produced 356 helicopters (212 R44s, 88 R66s and 56 R22s), more than double 2010’s production of 162. While the R44 remains Robinson’s top selling helicopter, the response to its latest model, the R66 Turbine, has been very strong.... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Helitech
After the success of Helitech 2011, we are now preparing for an even bigger and better event in 2013. As part of these preparations, we are proud to announce the recent launch of the new Helitech 2013 website. Visit the website to view and download many of the 2011 conference presentations, find out who has... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Helicopter NYC
With their new, more interactive website, Helicopter New York City has a new section devoted specifically for customer stories, experiences and review of their award winning helicopter tours. “We’re not only excited about the new look and feel of the website experience for our visitors,†states Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development at Helicopter New York... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: ARSA
On Jan. 4, ARSA submitted its comments to the FAA’s draft policy regarding the availability of instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA). The Association believes that the current policy must be rewritten to ensure that the regulations are not used to justify contractual restriction and to discourage such practices. While ARSA is pleased to see the FAA taking an interest... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Post-Standard
The FAA’s change in Onondaga County’s Air 1 license opens the way for the helicopter service to begin charging insurance companies to take accident victims to hospitals, Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh said (see full story) – see also the ongoing series of stories about the survival, some may consider “against the odds” of this operation... Read more
11-Jan-2012
A 26-year-old man who jumped from an SUV on Interstate 95 near Walterboro later tried to leap from the helicopter transporting him to the hospital Saturday evening, forcing the aircraft to land. Â A LifeNet helicopter later started to transport Alveriz to Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston when he became combative with paramedics... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Ecocopter
(Electronic translation from Spanish) Barry Kaplan, Director of Business Development for South America Air-Crane Erickson expects strong industry growth in the next decade. Peru Ecocopter sealed a powerful alliance with Erickson Air-Crane (EAC), a strategic partner in the market for oil, gas, mining and energy. With it will be possible to have in Peru with... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: AAR
AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) announced today that it intends to commence an offering of $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2022 (the “Notes”) in a private placement to eligible purchasers. The Notes will be senior obligations of AAR CORP. (the “Company”) and will be guaranteed by the Company’s existing domestic subsidiaries. The Company intends... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Broward Palm Beach
​The Broward Commission are deciding whether the Broward Sheriff’s Office gets $6,505,593 for a new helicopter (see full story)... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: EADS North America
EADS North America Chief Executive Officer Sean O’Keefe has been appointed Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, replacing Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., who has retired. O’Keefe has been serving jointly as Chairman and CEO since Jan. 1. “EADS North America just concluded a remarkable year in 2011, having successfully expanded our product portfolio in... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Blue Sky Network
Satellite tracking, fleet management, and automated flight following solutions leader, Blue Sky Network announced today that its two dominant aviation products, the D1000 and ACH1000, have been certified for use on Sikorsky S-92® helicopters. The newly type-certified equipment provides S-92 helicopter operators with enhanced communication between managers and crew from anywhere in the world, adding... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Gazelle specialists MW Helicopters yesterday registered three more ex-military Gazelles. The three are now registered G-CHBJ, CHBN and CHBR – previously XX440, XZ307 and ZA733 respectively. All three were previously stored at the Fleetlands depot near Portsmouth and had been allocated instructional airframe serials A2702/3/4 respectively, but departed by road during December 2011 – the... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Star-Telegram
Breaking with its recent past, Bell Helicopter plans to produce its next new commercial helicopter, code named Magellan, at its military aircraft plant in Amarillo. (see full story)... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Marenco
For its second participation at HELI-EXPO, held this year in Dallas, Texas, Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd. will unveil the latest developments of its brand new concept of helicopter: the light single-turbine SKYe SH09. Marenco Swisshelicopter Ltd. will present to the users and operators the full-size, full carbon-fiber pre-prototype at BOOTH 4417. With the construction of the... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: AgustaWestland
Editor note – HeliHub.com broke the story of new AgustaWestland AW109SP for Doctor Heli back in August 2011Â – see story AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Kaigai Aviotech Corporation are pleased to announce that Kagoshima International Aviation of Japan has taken delivery of a GrandNew light twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Becker Avionics
Fairfax County Police Department near Washington DC recently took delivery of the first of two new Bell 429 light-twin law enforcement/EMS helicopters equipped with Becker Avionics Digital Audio System, the DVCS6100. Fairfax’s new 429 was completed and delivered by Paradigm Aerospace Corporation / PAC International in Mount Pleasant, PA. Their second 429 is currently undergoing... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR09591RC (STC) for a complete Emergency Medical System kit and associated options for the Eurocopter EC155B1. This is the first EC155B1 to be equipped with an EMS package in the United States. Metro Aviation, Inc. received approval late December after five months of completing the STC... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: ASI Services
ASI Services and Dakota Air Parts formed a strategic partnership in the last quarter of 2011 to better serve the demand of their clients. The alliance between the leader in spare parts supplies and the leader in Rolls-Royce M250 MRO will undoubtedly result in outstanding benefits to their respective customers. According to Kevin Peterson, Overseas... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Aviation Specialties Unlimited
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) are accepting nominations for the Night Vision Awards, to be presented at HELI-EXPO® in February, until Jan. 16, 2012. The night vision awards were created to acknowledge companies that use night vision systems and further safety by using them. ASU will give awards for the following categories: 5-year service award 10-year service... Read more
9-Jan-2012Source: Heli-Expo
HELI-EXPO® is much more than just the largest helicopter trade show in the world. It is also the place to come to hear about the policy, safety, and business issues that affect us all. HELI-EXPO 2012 begins on Saturday, Feb. 11 — the day before the Exhibit Hall opens — with a program of education courses and the HAI Safety... Read more
9-Jan-2012Source: Democrat and Chronicle
Mercy Flight Central officials are planning to purchase several pairs of night-vision goggles to expand where they can fly to help in emergencies. (see full story)... Read more
9-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Night flying poses unique challenges. Night-vision goggles help helicopter pilots overcome some of these challenges by enhancing the quality of visual information, including the horizon, objects, terrain, and weather. Night-vision technology is invaluable for military organizations, air medical/rescue services, law enforcement, and government agencies that fly at night and want to help their pilots maintain... Read more
9-Jan-2012Source: Heli-Expo
Interested in saving money? Register for HELI-EXPO 2012 by Jan. 20, 2012, and save! You won’t want to miss the largest exhibit floor ever and the vast amount of networking opportunities, seminars, and more. HELI-EXPO 2012 is around the corner! Housing Deadline – Jan. 11th Book your rooms today! Jan. 11 is your last day to reserve housing... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Tangent Link
As metropolitan populations increase, the trend is for city architects to design taller buildings – office, hotel and apartments to accommodate this increase, such as examples in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Dubai and London. Fire regulations are already strict but should a fire occur in a high-rise or mega building it could be disastrous... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: HAI
On Dec. 27, the FAA announced via the Federal Register the formation of a Commercial Air Tour Voluntary Accreditation Program Working Group under the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). The FAA is currently soliciting those with an expertise in commercial air tours to be members of this new working group – which has been tasked... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Pacific Flyer
Southern California Helicopters Director of Operations Paul Pigneri has announced the roll-out of their new “Professional Helicopter Pilot Program.” (see full story)... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Sunday Times
The changing of the stake happened in October last year, Suren Mirchandani, Vice Chairman of the company, told the local press, also revealing that, “we have an agreement with Deccan Charters to use the same name (Deccan) until such time we are ready to re-brand.” (see full story)... Read more
7-Jan-2012
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand and Recreation Access New Zealand have opposed a concession for helicopter tourism landings on conservation land. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: CybAero
Swedish UAV manufacturer CybAero AB, listed on NASDAQ OMX First North in Stockholm, in collabora6on with the Norwegian Coast Guard and Coastal Agency, has conducted a series of flights with its unmanned helicopter, the APID 60, in winds up to gale force. The flights took place over the Arc6c Ocean, near the Norwegian village of... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Everett Aviation has added a Eurocopter EC155B1 in support of the Offshore Oil and Gas industry in Tanzania. The company’s website is still advertising for Captains and Co-Pilots The particular aircraft – serial 6662 and registration 5H-EXO – has been bought from Blueway who have operated it for the last four years. It was originally... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HFI
Helicopter Foundation International is looking forward to hosting its inaugural Annual Fundraising Silent Auction at HELI-EXPO 2012 in Dallas, Texas. This will be an amazing opportunity for bidders and donors to become a part of HFI’s important work. We appreciate the support we have received so far from our friends in the industry and welcome... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
The next-generation Eurocopter EC175 will incorporate significantly increased range and payload capacity when it enters service at the end of this year, and will be the first seven metric ton-category helicopter delivered with such capabilities. In releasing EC175 enhanced performance specifications today, Eurocopter announced a baseline payload/radius-of-action capacity with 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Children's Air Ambulance
The Children’s Air Ambulance carried out its first rescue using its sister service Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA). At around midday WNAA was called to assist a one month old baby who had been taken with breathing difficulties to see a GP at Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital. The baby had subsequently stopped breathing and the helicopter... 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: Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting Tuesday approved a request for a 120-day helicopter contract for the 2012 season – starting 15th June (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Idaho Statesman
Life Flight Network closed its McCall base on Dec. 31. Emergency air service by the medical transportation provider in the McCall area will come from Treasure Valley bases instead. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: South Yorkshire Police
South Yorkshire Police has today released performance results for their Air Operations Unit providing an insight into the valuable work of the Force’s single most recognisable resource, the helicopter named SY99. In 2011, the South Yorkshire Police Air Operations Unit completed 4,832 separate tasks, made 319 arrests and assisted with the apprehension of a further... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Transport Broker Group
The Transport Broker Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new helicopter hire service, Wow Jets. The exciting new venture will be add another string to the bow of the Transport Broker Group which specialises in affordable transportation rental services throughout the UK. Wow Jets will offer helicopter hire and private jet... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Precision Helicopters
We are very pleased to announce that from the 1st January 2012, Blakeman Heliwork Ltd of Piopio have amalgamated with Precision Helicopters Ltd (PHL). The Base will continue operating from 296 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio, providing enhanced helicopter services throughout the entire King Country area. Blakeman Heliwork developed a strong business and this amalgamation enables us... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: PRI
In January, the FAA is expected to issue new air space regulations allowing for the civilian use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Police departments are expected to be early and widespread users of the drones, but some are raising concerns about privacy. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Softtech
Flight Vector, a product of Softtech LLC, will be attending HELI-EXPO for the first time showcasing two exciting and innovative products: Flight Vector Mappingâ„¢ and Flight & Duty Trackerâ„¢. Both products will be on display at the Flight Vector booth #8548 located in Hall F near the HAI booth. Flight Vector Mapâ„¢ Track all of... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Online Registration for Education Courses closes Feb. 1, 2012. Do not miss your chance to register in advance and secure your seat in one of more than 26 education courses HAI is offering this year at HELI-EXPO. After Feb. 1, all registration is on site and based on availability. Courses will take place from Feb.... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: BMS
Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc. (BMS) starts 2012 by announcing its next generation airborne transmitter, the Heli-Coder 4 (HC4). The product is designed for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and is small enough that it can also be used in watercraft, land, unmanned air or ground vehicle applications. Among the new technological features in the HC4 are:... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is proud to announce the winners of the Association’s 2012 Salute to Excellence Awards, honoring those who maintain the highest traditions of the helicopter industry. “The Salute to Excellence awards couldn’t be better named,†said HAI President Matt Zuccaro. “In an industry for which safety is so important, everyone strives to... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that Geneva Aviation has secured Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for FAST Trac, which collects performance data from analog aircraft systems and legacy operations equipment. The FAST Trac kit, which includes both the Master Control Box (MCB) and the Remote Tap Units... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters Ltd has reported a boost in registrations for its training programs following its high profile presence at Europe’s largest helicopter exhibition, Helitech 2011. Since the event, which took place in the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, UK, on 27-29 September, Bristow has experienced a rise in enquiries for its training programmes held both... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters Ltd has invested around £4 million in a third flight simulator for its Aberdeen training facility. The S76C++ device, which will sit alongside the S92 and EC225 simulators, will be operational in April 2013. The CAA approved S76C++ full flight simulator duplicates all relevant aspects of the aircraft and its environment. It features... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Civil Aviation Administration of China has certified the 13-tonne AC313 earlier today. The AC313 was developed by government-owned manufacturer AVIC from the Harbin Z-8, itself relying very heavily on the 1960s French design – the SA321 Super Frelon. AVIC expect to market the AC313 for emergency rescue operations, forest fire prevention, transport, offshore operations, medical... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Views and News from Norway
Oslo won’t be getting its second police helicopter, promised and funded after last July’s terrorist attacks, for several more months because of delays tied to mandatory bidding processes. (see full story). The country currently operates an Ec135, and we assume (but have not confirmed) that the second aircraft will also be a 135. We also... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: News Advance
Liberty University is disbanding its helicopter flight-training program this year due to low student interest and limited job opportunities for helicopter pilots, LU officials said. Liberty launched the helicopter program in 2008 as a concentration for students majoring in aeronautics. (see full story)... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Garmin
Several people must have been very good last year because Santa delivered several new Garmin aviation GPS units this Christmas. Those happy recipients have been calling and asking all kinds of questions about their new toys. One question that I have heard a couple of times is about the differences in using Garmin FliteCharts compared... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has registered a new Eurocopter EC225 with the British CAA yesterday, serial number 2822 and registration G-JSKN. CAA records also show that an Export CofA has already been applied for with an expected processing date of 24th January, so it will not stay long before moving to another CHC base. This is not unusual. ... Read more
5-Jan-2012Source: Sandel
Sandel Avionics has announced it has received FAA TSO certification for a roll steering software upgrade in its popular 3-ATI SN3500 and 4-ATI SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays. The pilot-selectable feature works with an aircraft’s autopilot or flight director and compatible GPS or FMS unit to automatically make smooth, hands-off turns while flying a sequence of... Read more
