4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sikorsky is anticipating FAA certification of the S-434 light turbine early this year. The S-434 is an improved version of the S-333 with a four-blade head and 300 more pounds in gross weight, taking the total to 2,850 pounds all up. Additionally it has a new tail rotor with 20% increased thrust, and structurally improved... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: SLSWA
Surf Life Saving WA’s new Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has commenced patrols of Perth’s metropolitan coast. The aircraft arrived last week from New Zealand and was purchased by SLSWA who have now moved to an owner operator model for the service, thanks to the philanthropic support of Tim Roberts. “The assistance and support of Tim... 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
4-Jan-2012Source: Air Technology
Air Technology Engines, headquartered in Naples, Fla., has signed a T53 Service Center agreement with Honeywell, authorizing the repair and overhaul of Honeywell’s T53 series helicopter engine. The news also makes a positive statement for small businesses everywhere. Air Technology Engines is the only small business authorized as a Honeywell T53 Service Center in the... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: UKSPA
Pegasus Helicopter Group PLC has announced plans to base its UK management headquarters at Tamar Science Park in Plymouth, Devon. Pegasus is an international company that is developing revolutionary two- and five-seat helicopters, employing a unique pressure jet technology which negates the need for a tail and tail rotor. Pegasus intends to market and sell... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Jetnet
JETNET LLC, the leading provider of corporate aviation information, has released November 2011 and the first eleven months of 2011 results for the pre-owned business jet, business turboprop, and helicopter markets. Market Summary – Business Jets and Business Turboprops Pre-owned business aircraft inventories continued to decline in November, but asking prices—especially for jets—have yet to... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Austrian operator Schenk Air has recently registered a pair of AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New helicopters as OE-XCS and OE-XSE – factory new deliveries with serial numbers 22253 and 22254 respectively. These replace a pair of AW109E Powers which have been sold to the Italian operator Elilombardia – and are seen in the image associated with... 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
3-Jan-2012Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Pratt & Whitney Canada employees and retirees in Quebec have once again generously supported Centraide of Greater Montreal, donating more than $1.2 million to the organization’s annual campaign. Employees have donated $1 million or more for seven consecutive years. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “The pride in our employees and retirees grows... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Abu Dhabi Air Expo
Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), the renowned private aviation company based at Al Bateen Executive Airport and established in 2006 by HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has become an official partner of the 1st General Aviation Exhibition in the Middle East: Abu Dhabi Air Expo. Along side its VIP stand, where... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: CAA
To help pilots prepare for flying in south east England during the 2012 London Olympics the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), through the Airspace and Safety Initiative (ASI), have joined forces to host a free briefing day in central London on Saturday 10 March 2012. The event will... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
French company Sky Group has added a fourth AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New to their fleet – something unheard of in France where patriotism to the local Eurocopter brand is usually very high indeed. While subsidiary Skycam Helicopters does also fly Eurocopter aircraft, their AW109 fleet does set them apart in France. Serial number 22242, registered... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland has issued a statement this morning regarding the article originally published by Macau Business which we reported on earlier today in which it claimed Sky Shuttle had “sold four of its five Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters and continues to operate with Sikorsky S76C+ helicopters†– see Sky Shuttle sells AW139 fleet AW says that... Read more
3-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
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In a press release back in October 2009, the Hong Kong proudly announced “Sky Shuttle’s fleet conversion programme to progressively phase-out its Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters and bring into commercial service, the first of its six, brand new, high-performance AW 139 helicopters”. But now, local press are reporting they have changed their mind and have sold... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
French operator SAF Helicopters has bought a Eurocopter AS355N Twin Squirrel from Greek operator Interjet. Serial number 5586, and previously flown in Greece as SX-HIG, the helicopter is now registered in France as F-HJFD. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
3-Jan-2012
Captain Abera told the weekly Capital Ethiopia newspaper that his company has imported an AS350 model helicopter and they plan to increase their numbers in the future (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: Jerry Trimble Helicopters
Jerry Trimble Helicopters (JTH) is proud to announce that Jessica Ward has received the Robinson Safety Course Scholarship offered by the Whirly-Girls. The Robinson Safety Course is a 3-day course conducted by the factory in Torrance, CA and includes both flight and ground training. Jessica began training at JTH in the summer of 2010 and... Read more
3-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
3-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
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
2-Jan-2012Source: Christus Spohn Hospital
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South celebrates a brand new Halo Flight Landing Pad with a Helo Pad blessing. Previously, Halo Flight landed on a flat grassy area behind the hospital. That area has now been paved and outfitted with special lighting to help guide Halo Flight to the hospital. This enhancement to the hospital will... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: WETM
Sikorsky bought the 185-thousand square foot acre land back in 2004. But have since moved their operations to the former Wings of Eagles museum. (full story)... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 17th December, the DRF base at Dresden – known in Germany as “Christoph 38” – flew its 1,500th mission. The particular incident was a road accident were a 46-year old female driver sustained serious pelvic and leg injuries after her car left an icy road and hit a tree. Onsite assessment by local paramedics... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 29th December, the Austrian OAMTC organisation flew the 10,000th mission from its base at Salzburg. A 44 year old female driver skidded on icy roads and ended up against a tree, resulting in the milestone call-out 10 minutes flight from Salzburg for “Christoph 6”, a Eurocopter EC135. The team involved were emergency physician Josef... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
A second wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in a Nevada court against the Las Vegas-based operator of a sightseeing tour helicopter that crashed and killed five people earlier this month (see full story)... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
US aircraft major Sikorsky Friday delivered a mid-sized commercial utility aircraft to the Maharashtra government for transporting senior state leaders and bureaucrats. “The helicopter’s versatility, reliability, safety and operating cost efficiencies make it ideally suited for transportation of senior leaders, including heads of state,” a Sikorsky statement said. The S-76C++ joins a growing fleet of... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Caverton Helicopters
Caverton Helicopters of Nigeria has recently taken delivery of three (3) medium twin Agusta Westland helicopters to be used for offshore transport duties in support of the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. The helicopters are to be ferried from the Agusta factory in Vergiate, Italy to Nigeria and expected to commence commercial operations in... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Mountain Ridge Helicopters
Mountain Ridge Helicopters is pleased to announce that the VA has approved it’s Flight Instructor Course which after completion the pilot will be able to perform one of the most vital and influential roles in aviation, instructing others how to fly helicopters. Now, students enrolling in the Flight Instructor Course at Mountain Ridge can receive financial benefits under either Chapter 30... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Columbia Helicopters
“Our pursuit of commercial, and military helicopter maintenance and operational contracts in new areas has resulted in our ability to grow and hire more people,” said Michael Fahey, President of the Aurora, Oregon-based company. “At the same time, we are continually developing new contracts with our global petroleum and logging customers. Columbia Helicopters owns, operates,... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Flightglobal
Flightglobal’s Aviation Web Awards, aka THE WEBBIES, are back once again to celebrate and acknowledge the best and brightest aviation websites and online activities during the past year. Now in its fourth year and with new and modified categories, Flightglobal welcomes entries and nominations from the entire online aviation community, from established industry leaders to striving newcomers,... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
New Delhi tourism officials have agreed in principle to work with Pawan Hans to offer sightseeing rides around the Indian capital New Delhi and are considering widening out to the neighbouring states as well. Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) chairman Manish Chatrath said “We like the idea. It will be an added attraction... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter Vostok
(electronic translation) In December 2011, the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) has certified the helicopter AS350 B3e, thereby approving the operation of this new modification of the popular helicopter AS350 in Russia and CIS countries. “Helicopter AS350 has proven himself in the world and is of high demand in Russia and CIS. On receipt of the certificate... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Fishtail Air
With evident rising significance of the Nepalese Tourism Industry in the year 2011, we expect higher arrivals in 2012. Increasing visits and activities shall increase demand of helicopter operations in the Mountaineering seasons of 2012. High performance helicopters have always been an asset of safety assurance and thereby promotion of mountaineering in Nepal. Fishtail Air... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Texas Christian University
Engineering students are getting real life career experience in their senior project for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, Tristan Tayag, professor of the engineering department, said. Bell propositioned half of the senior engineering class to create a heads-up display for a helicopter cockpit. Lauren Lueders, senior design project manager, said. The display would provide visual cues to... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Frimley Park Hospital
Frimley Park Hospital has taken delivery of an early Christmas present in the form of a new helicopter landing pad for its £22m emergency department development. Sections of the helipad are now going into place on the roof of what will be one of the biggest and most modern emergency departments in the country when... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Suffolk County legislature has approved $7.5 million for a new helicopter for rescues on the east end, according to media reports. HeliHub.com believes this would equate to a Eurocopter EC145 to match the existing aircraft on EMS duties, although it is likely they will go through the expected procurement process with multiple types before... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a financially secure 2012. This is the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we trust many of our readers will take time to consider what that means to the world, perhaps through attending a... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: NEMSPA
To: All NEMSPA Members, Corporate Partners, and All Others affiliated with Air Medical Transport. First, I want to say “Thank you” to our members and corporate partners for your involvement and commitment to safety in the HEMS industry and for your support of the National EMS Pilots Association. Second I want to express my sincere... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Versapak
When it comes to saving lives, having the best preparation and equipment available is paramount to a successful rescue. For London’s Air Ambulance, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charity that provides 24-hour specialist trauma care to the people of London, this understanding is what allows them to provide their patients with the best possible... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: ALAEA
Members would be aware that negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) for Engineers at Bristow Helicopters have recently commenced. The first EA meeting was held at the Bristow HQ in Perth on 22nd November and at this meeting the ALAEA and EC bargaining reps presented to the Company our bargaining claim. A further EA... 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: CBS Chicago
The lawsuit was filed by SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The group is seeking to have a judge reverse the October ruling by the Illinois Department of Transportation that approved the heliport. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
One million members! The Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance company reached a milestone today with the announcement they have signed up their one millionth Air Evac Lifeteam member. “This is a great achievement for the company overall,” said Vice President of Membership Keith Hovey. “But more importantly, it means that a million people will not... 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
23-Dec-2011Source: Aviation Business
Australian Aerospace has become the first civil helicopter maintenance training organisation in the Asia-Pacific region to successfully transition from the previous maintenance regulations and be granted approval to operate under Australia’s new and tougher maintenance safety regulations. (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: UTair
The world’s largest operator of helicopter Mi-26 Airline “UTair” (UTair Aviation) has suspended flights of its fleet of Mi-26 in Russia and abroad as of today. Helicopters will be carried out in-depth inspection of the tail extraordinary beams. The admission of helicopters for further operation will be determined for each aircraft individually on the basis... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: US DoD
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo Texas, is being awarded $12,416,548 for delivery order 0016 under previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00383-10-D-003N) for the repair of various components for the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec 30, 2013.  The Navy Working Capital Funds being used... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Technology Engines
Air Technology Engines will be exhibiting again this year at the HELI-EXPO in Dallas, Texas. The 2012 show, which runs February 11-14, will be a one-stop shop for everything helicopter related, covering one million square feet of space, complete with helicopters on the show floor. There will be displays from more than 600 exhibiting companies... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Don’t miss the chance to register for education courses at discounted prices! Through Dec. 30, 2011, receive significant savings on professional development opportunities including Aviation Security, Flying in the Wire Environment, Mountain Flying Ground School, Pilot Human Factors, NVG Recurrent Training, Dealing with In-Flight Helicopter Emergencies, NVIS Aircraft Conformity, Pilot Crew Resource Management, Helicopter Operator... 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
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the world, announced today that it has completed the restatement of its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the first three quarters of 2011, and has filed amended annual and quarterly reports for the applicable periods with U.S. Securities... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: AviationExpo
Visitor Registration is now open for AviationExpo Europe 2012. All visitors can register online for discount entry. Registering for AviationExpo Europe is easy and gives you 50% discount entry across all three days of the show (meaning you pay just €10.00 for all three days)! Visiting Pilots can also now book their flying-in slots and continue to get... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter delivered today two EC225s to Héli-Union, a leading provider of commercial air transportation services worldwide. The new helicopters are the first EC225s to join the company’s fleet of some 30 rotary-wing aircraft. The two new EC225s are configured for offshore operations and will be deployed for transportation services for oil and gas companies. “With... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
The Tokyo Fire Department has ordered a second EC225 helicopter to further expand its Eurocopter-built rotary-wing fleet, which already has seen significant operational service in Japan – including rescue and recovery efforts following the country’s earthquake and tsunami in March. This latest order was placed after an open competition, and will lead to delivery of... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CHC
We are pleased to announce the availability of a new pre-summit course: USC Helicopter Accident Investigation Course (This course is for credit and counts toward certificate/diploma with USC) When: March 22-25, 2012 (4 days) Course Description: The course examines helicopter rotor systems, controls, performance variables, flight hazards and material characteristics involved in helicopter operations and accidents. Although... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first prototype of the AW189 twin engine 8-tonne class helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight yesterday. The aircraft was launched at the Paris Air Show earlier this year and this first prototype made its maiden flight ahead of schedule. AgustaWestland aims to achieve civil certification... Read more
22-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co., Ltd. (COHC) has ordered seven EC225 LP long-range helicopters in a new agreement with Eurocopter that also paves the way for future joint ventures involving the two companies in training and maintenance services to serve China’s rapidly-developing rotary-wing market. The EC225 LP Super Pumas acquired in this latest order will be... Read more
22-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Edward F. DiCampli, HAI’s Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary, has reached an amazing milestone, celebrating 25 years of committed service to HAI and the international helicopter community. Reflecting on his quarter of a century of dedicated work towards the success of HAI, DiCampli notes how, when he joined the association in Aug. 1985, the... Read more
22-Dec-2011Source: Latitude Technologies
Latitude Technologies Corporation has been selected by Iridium as a LBS Preferred Portal Provider of the new Iridium Extreme™ Handset. “The ability to offer the new Iridium Extreme handset is a great addition to our line of products,†said Mark Insley, President of Latitude Technologies. “The handset is rugged, durable and compact which will make... Read more
22-Dec-2011Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has completed production of an S-92® helicopter for operation by CHC Helicopter on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Equipped for dedicated search and rescue (SAR) operations, the helicopter will provide coverage for deep Atlantic Ocean missions, service Ireland’s offshore islands, and provide rescue cover... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: Business Day
Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited (BHNL) has entered into a new formal Technical Services Agreement (TSA) with its shareholder and world leading providers of helicopter services, the Bristow Group. (see full story)... 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: HAI
The HAI Finance & Leasing Committee is pleased to present its first full-day interactive workshop, “Best Practices When Acquiring & Operating Helicopters,†for HELI-EXPO® attendees on Sat, Feb. 11, 2012 at the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This full-day, interactive workshop is designed to provide helicopter professionals, managers and... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: AIA
The Aerospace Industries Association Board of Governors has elected David P. Hess, President of Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Corporation, as its Chairman for 2012. Hess will begin his term Jan. 1, succeeding Jim Albaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Wes Bush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Northrop Grumman... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: AAR
AAR (NYSE: AIR) has been selected by Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Office as aviation industry partner for a new education to careers engagement strategy between the City Colleges of Chicago and private business to prepare residents for jobs in high-growth sectors. AAR Chairman and CEO David P. Storch joined Mayor Emanuel for the announcement of the... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: CPI Aero
CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero®”) (NYSE Amex:CVU) today announced that it has completed the move to a new 171,000 square foot facility, located at 91 Heartland Boulevard, Edgewood, New York two weeks ahead of schedule. The new location, which is nearly three times the size of the former one, is being used as the Company’s assembly facility, principal offices... 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
21-Dec-2011Source: HAI
Charles D. “Chuck” Perriguey Jr. died July 16, 2011 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif. at the age of 66. Chuck was born in Glendale, Calif. on Feb. 15, 1945. He attended the San Gabriel High School and East L.A. College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. Chuck was selected for... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: HFI
Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) will stop accepting applications for the Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarship at 11:59 p.m., Dec. 30. Do not miss out! If you are currently enrolled in school and working towards a career in rotorcraft maintenance, or have recently graduated and are currently working, you are eligible to apply! For more... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
Three months ago, HeliHub.com recorded in this article that Eurocopter had produced just four Hermes edition EC135s, and sold three of them. In this latest press release reproduced below, it is now known that Eurocopter have sold the fourth one, which had been imported into the UK “on spec” in early September 2009, just prior... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: Corporate Jet Investor
Corporate Jet Investor is launching its own excellence awards to recognise outstanding ability and achievement in the field of business jet and helicopter financing/lending during 2011. To be announced during the second annual International Corporate Jet & Helicopter Finance Conference in London on 7 February, these awards will recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding skill during... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: Garmin
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the release of a new GTN 750 trainer app for the iPad 2. This trainer, downloadable from the iTunes Store, simulates the behavior of the GTN 750 system interface and provides pilots with a safe, on-the-ground environment... Read more
