7-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has announced their eighth EC145 order for use in the fire and disaster prevention role. The order has been placed by Gifu Prefecture in Japan, who will be replacing a BK117B2 when the EC145 is in service. Gifu covers 4,100 square miles and has a population of about 2 million. All EC145s, including all... Read more
4-Jul-2013Source: Heli Aviation
Through the acquisition of a EC 135 helicopter FNPT II simulator, Heli Aviation Flight School offers its students a further technical highlight in pilot training. As of October, thus the spectrum of training TRAINING ACADEMY extended again. [Ed – simulator is from Entrol – see this story] Currently in the TRAINING ACADEMY Augsburg created a... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Phoenix Helicopters
The formula one championship came to Silverstone last weekend to a sell out British crowd. The Silverstone grand prix is one of the most popular rounds on the F1 calendar and is famous for its helicopter activity. Phoenix Helicopters have always had a busy weekend when the British GP comes around but this year was... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: BBC
Great Western Air Ambulance said its current helicopter is too old to land at the £500,000 helipad being built at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Republican Herald
A man who allegedly attempted to break into a medical helicopter while it was parked at a helipad in Pottsville early Saturday is in prison and facing federal charges, city police said – see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Maxcraft Avionics
Maxcraft, in 2009, obtained Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH09-20 for the Eurocopter AS355 E, F, F1 & F2 Twinstar DC Electrical Panel Rework which replaced much of the original electrical distribution system on the Twinstar helicopters to eliminate reliably issues and safety concerns. This includes removal of all overhead fuses, PCBs, associated non-aviation... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Voice Communications System was selected again recently by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to upgrade the existing legacy analog audio system in another one of their BK117 EMS helicopters. The BK117 will be their fourth aircraft with Becker DVCS, and will soon undergo avionics modification and DVCS installation at Uniflight... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Castleview Hospital
Beginning Monday, June 10th, travelers on Highway 6 noticed a brand new helicopter proudly positioned on the helipad at Castleview Hospital [in Price, Utah Ed.]. The helicopter is operated by Eagle Air Med and will provide the city of Price and the surrounding area with an added resource for emergency response and quick patient transportation.... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Rock River Times
Rockford Health System marked a new milestone in its REACT program June 27, when it unveiled its new helicopter with a ceremonial first flight – the relaunch following their fatal accident in December 2012 – see full story of new helicopter launch. Photo – Rockford Health System... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Telegraph & Argus
A Keighley firm has helped Multiflight overhaul its security operation, meaning high-profile visitors can continue using their base at Leeds-Bradford Airport see full story... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Eurocopter
Currently Head of Strategy & Company Development, Matthieu Louvot has been appointed Head of Support & Services within Eurocopter. He will be reporting directly to Dominique Maudet, Head of Global Business & Services. After having begun his career as an inspector at the General Inspectorate of Finance in the French finance ministry, Matthieu Louvot, 38,... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Maxcraft Avionics
TC STC SH12-43 for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System revised to include the following models: AS350 B, B1, B2, B3 BA, D, AS355 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP, EC130 B4 and EC120 B rotorcraft. Approval for the G500H includes installation of interfaced systems including Garmin’s Digital AHRS and ADC, WAAS GPS... Read more
1-Jul-2013
Clear skies, pilot experienced in the area (visited 3-4 times a week) but AS350B3e went down with four fatalities. Post crash fire. Wide debris field with tailboom 20+m away not touched by the fire (see photo)... Read more
1-Jul-2013
Substantial damage in force landing... Read more
29-Jun-2013
Main blades clipped rock in low hover, and subsequent crash landing killed all four POB – part named here as pilot Davide B. (62), its passengers Daniele C. (43), Lauro S. (56) and F. Severino (63)... Read more
28-Jun-2013Source: Plymouth Herald
Patriot Aerospace, the main aviation company within the Rigby Group plc, has had outline discussions with airport leaseholder the Sutton Harbour Group to reopen Plymouth Airport as a Heliport. Patriot have a particular interest given they own British International who hold the Royal Navy FOST (Flag Officer Sea Training) contract operating two Dauphins see full story... Read more
28-Jun-2013
Pawan Hans helicopter, which was on a rescue mission in Uttarakhand, made a hard landing at Harsil. Although the helicopter remained on its wheels, photos show the tail separated just ahead of the horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft remained on site until the Indian AF airlifted it out on 4th September (see here and here)... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
The Eurocopter Canada Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Romain Trapp as the new Eurocopter Canada President & CEO. Romain joins Eurocopter Canada, headquartered in Fort Erie, Ontario from Grand Prairie, Texas, following a 5 year term as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer for American Eurocopter. “I am pleased to join Eurocopter Canada... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
Nepal’s Shree Airlines has placed an order for eight helicopters from Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family – comprising five AS350 B3e and three EC130 T2 – for use in search and rescue, aerial work, disaster relief missions and heli-tourism. With this major acquisition, Shree Airlines becomes the largest Ecureuil operator in South Asia. Shree Airlines, a leading... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
22 months after Sterling Helicopters went into liquidation, auction house Edward Symmons has put their two Eurocopter Bo105s up for auction. The pair are G-BFYA 1997-build with 8957 hours and airworthiness expired 25-May-09 G-EYNL 1979-build with 11,498 hours and airwothiness expired 10-Dec-11 We are not aware of the reason why it has taken so long... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Guests gathered at Filton airfield yesterday to celebrate the work of the Western Counties Air Operations Unit (WCAOU). WCAOU is a consortium comprising of Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire Constabularies; delivering police air support to their respective communities. WCAOU will disband on 3rd July 2013 when it joins the National Police Air Service (NPAS). This... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter today continued its participation at the 50th Paris Air Show by signing the first 22 partnership agreements with innovative French companies selected to form part of the Helicopter of the Future program. These firms will come together in a technological and industrial initiative set up as part of an innovation program launched by the... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
The deliveries of three new EC225s to customers in Vietnam and Malaysia further expands the fleet of Eurocopter’s workhorse helicopter deployed worldwide in demanding operating conditions of the offshore oil and gas industry. EC225 deliveries involve the Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South), along with Awan Inspirasi Sdn Bhd (AISB) and MHS Aviation – both... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) will celebrate outstanding achievement at the Helicopter Association of Canada annual conference, November 8th-10th in Vancouver, BC. The winner(s) of the ‘Innovation in Safety Award’ will be chosen by a committee selection process and receive a cash prize of $5,000.00 as well as, recognition of industry professionals. “It is Eurocopter Canada’s... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter has issued a statement to HeliHub.com after we requested further information on the accident on 19th June of G-ECUK, a very recently delivered AS350B3e helicopter. The statement says this – “Regarding the accident that occurred on June 19 near Oxford in the UK with an AS350 B3e, Eurocopter is, at this stage, not able... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Utility operator, Wood Buffalo Helicopters has taken delivery of an AS350 B3e. The new aircraft is part of a fleet renewal and will join their existing fleet of Eurocopter aircraft, which includes 5 AS350 B2’s and 2 EC120’s. “Acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an investment in the continued security and efficiency of our utility... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter Canada
Lakeshore Helicopters’ AS350 B3e will join their existing Eurocopter fleet of 2 AS350 B3’s and a AS350 B3e, that was delivered in April 2012. The addition of a second AS350 B3e to Lakeshore’s fleet will provide utility and transport solutions for their customers, who, through experience, have come to rely on the multi-mission platform of... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: DSCA
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress June 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of 6 UH-72A Lakota Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $77 million. The Government of Thailand has requested a possible sale of 6 UH-72A Lakota Helicopters, spare and repair parts,... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ is pleased to announce that Eurocopter Japan recently handed over the 10th EC135 Training Helicopter (TH135, a variant of Eurocopter’s EC135 T2) to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF), with a Becker Avionics DVCS6100 audio management system installed. The first TH135 was delivered to the MSDF in December 2009, to begin the... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Flightglobal
Flightglobal says Enstrom has a new two-seat offering under development, and is also looking to produce a new light turbine helicopter to rival Bell’s new proposal plus the Eurocopter EC120 Colibri and Robinson R66. see full story... Read more
24-Jun-2013
Heavy landing, rolled over and tail with tail rotor separated aft of the horizontal stabiliser.... Read more
23-Jun-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
Stockholms Helikoptertjänst AB (SHT) announced that the company has added an AS 350 B3e to its fleet. The aircraft will reportedly be operated in cooperation with the sales company Helikopterlyft AB, which is based in Gothenburg. The new helicopter, SE-JLI, was imported to Sweden by Scandinavian Helicopter Group a year ago. The aircraft joins SHT’s current fleet,... Read more
21-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
The development, monitoring and maintenance of Malaysia’s electrical power infrastructure will be performed by Eurocopter’s AS350 B3e, EC135 T3 and EC225 helicopters, which are being ordered by Kris Sakti Aviation. A subsidiary of Kris Sakti Holding, Kris Sakti Aviation will embark on a new venture to provide aerial power line solutions in Malaysia, as they... Read more
21-Jun-2013Source: Thales
OEM Defence Services has signed with Eurocopter a five-year maintenance contract covering more than 100 equipment items, including avionics, hydraulics and mechanical systems, installed on all versions of the NH90 helicopter in service worldwide. The single contract covers through-life support services for the equipment and systems manufactured by five major players in the aerospace sector... Read more
21-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
The green light for the start of construction on Eurocopter’s new industrial site, known as “Paris-Le Bourget”, was given today by Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Eurocopter, in the presence of Claude Bartolone, President of the French National Assembly; Vincent Capo-Canellas, Senator Mayor of the city of Le Bourget and Chairman of the Communauté... Read more
21-Jun-2013
While landing at make shift helipad, one main rotor blade hit the cliff. The helicopter turned 90° and tail also hit the cliff. Helicopter sustained substantial damage.... Read more
20-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
An innovative total support solution for Eurocopter helicopters in deployed operations was launched with a consortium agreement signed yesterday at the Paris Air Show by its five participants: Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace. This latest accord builds on a previous agreement, signed in 2011, that set a voluntary 20% reduction in CO2 emissions... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
An innovative total support solution for Eurocopter helicopters in deployed operations was launched with a consortium agreement signed yesterday at the Paris Air Show by its five participants: Eurocopter, DAHER, DCI, Eurotradia and Vector Aerospace. This solution – designated E-HOTS (Eurocopter Helicopter On Theatre Services) – consolidates the five partners’ expertise and pools their resources,... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
During the Paris Airshow, VNH South was recognized in an appreciation ceremony that highlighted the operator’s continuing trust and support in Eurocopter products for the past 27 years – logging an impressive 54,000 flight hours with its Super Puma fleet. This number is set to increase further with the arrival of new EC225s for the... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter today announced its global partnership with Ramco Systems, the global Aviation Software provider on cloud, mobile and tablets. Both companies will join forces to offer state-of-the-art helicopter maintenance software which will ease the life of operators and maintenance centers. This partnership agreement, formally signed at the 2013 Paris Air Show, enables Eurocopter and Ramco... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
Helipartner Thailand’s order of 10 AS350 B3e highlights the effectiveness and capabilities of this Ecureuil family helicopter to meet the increasing demand for light helicopters in the ASEAN region. The acquisition of 10 Eurocopter enhanced high-performance AS350 B3e helicopters by Helipartner Thailand responds to increased demand for high-performance utility helicopters across ASEAN countries in support... Read more
19-Jun-2013
Flightglobal reports that Eurocopter has delayed certification of its developmental EC175 super medium helicopter as it looks to ensure maturity of the type before it enters service. see full story... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Flager Live
Flagler’s Firefighting and Helicopter Costs Expose County Tensions Over Wants and Needs – see full story... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Fishtail Air
Crashed when trying to make an emergency landing on the bank of Karnali River, killing one of the 6 POB. According to this report Police have identified the deceased as Tek Bahadur Tapali, station manager of Humla office of the Nepalese CAA. The injured were named as pilot David Talu, an Italian national, flight manager Dilak... Read more
19-Jun-2013
Multiple sources tell us that this AS350B3e crashed and written off at 7.39pm after reported tail rotor issues. This helicopter was delivered new to the owner less than two months ago.... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
During the Paris Air Show’s annual inauguration by the Prime Minister of France, Mr. Jean-Marc Ayrault took the time to stop by the Eurocopter booth this morning, making it to the static display just in time as a break in the morning thunderstorms allowed for a brief visit. He was greeted by Guillaume Faury, President... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Thales
Romanian helicopter manufacturer IAR Brasov has chosen Thales to supply TMS 2000 sonobuoy processors to equip IAR-330 Puma helicopters operated by the Romanian Navy. The processors will give the Romanian Navy a decisive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability to detect submarines in the Black Sea, in particular as part of NATO missions. TMS 2000 processors offer... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: RACQ NQ
Pickering’s Mount Isa came to the rescue of the RACQ NQ Rescue Helicopter by pledging $60,000 over the next three years. Dealer Principal Chad Brazaitis said ‘After attending the helicopters Sportsman’s Dinner last year and seeing all the great work they preform I was extremely interested in getting on board. Then I heard them on... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Fishtail Air
As the spring 2013 came to an end, Fishtail Air had yet another productive spell. From the beginning of the season since March, Fishtail Air effectively carried out more than 200 Rescue Flights as well as Cargo Shipment of over 1,00,000 kilograms. A handful number of mountain flights and search flights were conducted specially in the Everest and Dhaulagiri... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance is delighted with today’s news that our Chairman Mr Andrew Egerton-Smith has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Andrew has been a driving force in the development, progress and innovation of the East Anglian Air Ambulance since its formation in 2000. It is his determination to provide an... Read more
16-Jun-2013
Helicopter washed away (along with helipad it was chained to!) sue to severe flooding of the Alaknanda River after monsoon rain. Recent press reports show 100s of lives lost in the region due to ths rain... Read more
14-Jun-2013Source: Wysong Enterprises
Wysong Enterprises, Inc., (Wysong) announced today the completion of Hospital Wing’s first Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter. “We started our relationship with Hospital Wing two years ago,” said Vice President of Wysong Enterprises, Inc., Rodney Wysong. “We take pride in our role in making sure they’re equipped with high quality products and were thrilled to be... Read more
14-Jun-2013Source: Flight Safety Foundation
The NTSB has cited the pilot’s decision to fly into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) as the probable cause of two fatal crashes in late 2009 and early 2010 of emergency medical services (EMS) helicopters. see full story... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Volga-Dnepr
Volga-Dnepr Airlines has carried one of Eurocopter’s Super Puma helicopters and two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands and Philadelphia, USA, to Bergen, Norway. The project was completed in two delivery stages. The Super Puma was loaded onboard one of the airline’s AN-124-100 freighters in Mount Pleasant before the aircraft continued... Read more
13-Jun-2013
Helisim today celebrated the 100,000th hour milestone for flight simulator sessions with international customers, marking a key milestone in its training of pilots on Eurocopter helicopters that directly contributes to the safety of operators worldwide. The value of Helisim’s services is the highly realistic flight experience provided in its ground-based simulators, enabling pilots to encounter... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
A series of programmes filmed in the regional major trauma centre (MTC) at Addenbrooke’s hospital, begins on BBC 1 on 13 June. The series follows the complete journey of people who have suffered life threatening injuries, from the accident scene, through emergency treatment to recovery. Film crews were embedded in emergency teams including air ambulances,... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: DRF Luftrettung
40 years ago, DRF Luftrettung carried out its first rescue mission. Since then it has grown into a large and modern organization that operates 31 helicopter bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark for HEMS operations. Today, DRF Luftrettung acknowledged the 40th anniversary of its first mission with a ceremony. As part of the ceremony, the... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Starlite
Starlite have announced that their application to operate non-scheduled charter and aerial work services in Tanzania was recently granted by the Board of Directors of the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite was awarded the licence owing to their compliance with the rules and regulations, laid down by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority. Starlite offers expert... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Here in the HeliHub.com office, we’ve been wondering how Eurocopter have decided that the X3 speed is an “unofficial speed record”. What are they measuring it against? Who have they beaten? What makes it a record? The Eurocopter X3 is a hybrid aircraft which has vertical lift and hover capability, but features two massive tractor... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Northwest MedStar
Northwest MedStar, the region’s premier critical care transport program, has enhanced its regional service, purchasing an additional helicopter and adding a weekend day base in north central Washington. These additions will increase Northwest MedStar’s presence and provide greater access to communities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana and northeastern Oregon. “The purchase of an... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Turbomeca
Following the Eurocopter publication, the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca joint-venture is pleased to announce that the RTM322 engine has contributed to aviation history in achieving a speed record of 255 knots during level flight, on the Eurocopter twin-engine X3 hybrid helicopter. The RTM322, a state-of-the-art design & architecture engine family combines power and growth potential. The RTM322 01/9a variant powering the... Read more
11-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter
The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed... Read more
11-Jun-2013Source: Niagara Falls Review
Marinus Boers’ bucket list is filled with adventure. He and his wife had already taken going around the world in both a small plane and a sailboat off their list, so they decided to make things a bit more risky. (see full story)... Read more
11-Jun-2013
Crashed close to hospital helipad on take-off for transfer to Tulsa. Patient on board, 1 fatal, 2 critical, 1 minor. Post crash fire. Fatality was the patient, Michael Wilson, 49, although unclear whether that was due to the accident or his previous medical condition (following a serious workplace injury)... Read more
10-Jun-2013Source: American Eurocopter
U.S. Representatives Joe Barton and Marc Veasey joined leaders of American Eurocopter, EADS North America and Turbomeca at a rally Friday to call on Congress to restore funding for the Army’s UH-72A Lakota helicopter in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. The rally took place at EADS North America’s American Eurocopter facility in Grand Prairie, Texas,... Read more
9-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has just transferred two Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Pumas off the British register in preparation for a new role in Africa on contract to Royal Dutch Shell plc, who begin oil exploration work off Benin in the next few weeks. The contract is for five years with five one-year options, is for transportation services and... Read more
8-Jun-2013
The helicopter landed hard and main blades severed the tailboom during a practice engine-out procedure. 2 crew on board, no passengers... Read more
7-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter UK
Eurocopter UK’s role in maintaining the United Kingdom’s military helicopter capabilities has been further expanded with the award of a three-year support contract for the fleet of 24 Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 helicopters being upgraded by the company to extend their life, enhance performance, mission capability and operational safety. The contract – valued at... Read more
7-Jun-2013
Air Methods training flight. Accident at around 22:30 hours local time. Two POB injured and airlifted to a hospital in Arlington... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Press & Journal
Eurocopter has an uphill PR battle ahead of them – nearly nine out of 10 offshore workers have lost confidence in the model of helicopter involved in two North Sea ditchings last year. (see full story) NOTE other reports are sceptical of this article, saying the word ‘fear’ did not appear in the survey... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: French Army
[electronic translation] The first helicopter Tiger HAD version (for Helicopter Support Destruction), was delivered to the base of the light aircraft of the Army in Le Cannet des Maures in the Var. On this occasion, the Army General Bertrand Ract Madouxlaan, Chief of Staff of the Army, boarded the new Tiger and welcomed this important event, “the... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: American Eurocopter
Pylon Aviation, an independent aircraft company based in Chandler, Ariz., has placed an order with American Eurocopter for six new AS350 helicopters valued at $20 million. The order is for two AS350B3e aircraft and four AS350B2s. For nearly 20 years, Pylon Aviation has worked as a full-service aviation company that specializes in all aspects of... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Becker Avionics
With the recent delivery of the U.S. Army’s 250th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) aircraft by EADS North America/Eurocopter, the program is just over two-thirds complete, and remains on schedule and within budget. Nevertheless, there have been some recent changes to the Lakota program due to Department of Defense budget pressures. In Fiscal Year... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Eurocopter Vostok
[electronic translation] The company Eurocopter conducted in Russia and Ukraine demo tour single-engine helicopter EC130 T 2. New demonstrated improved performance in cities from Moscow to Voronezh, in Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr and Kyiv and Odessa, consistently collecting rave reviews. Model EC130 T2 unveiled on May 16 in Moscow at the International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2013. Then there was a series of demonstration... Read more
