19-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer on the civil and parapublic markets, and Héli-Union, the leading French civil helicopter operator, celebrate today the inauguration of a new simulator for the Dauphin AS365 N3/N3+ developed and built in partnership with Thales. The simulator certified last February is operational at Héli-Union’s training center in Angoulême, in the... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Airbus Military
Airbus Military has successfully demonstrated the loading of NH Industries NH90 and Eurocopter EC725 helicopters onto the A400M new generation airlifter. In a series of tests at Holzdorf air base in Germany and at Toulouse, France respectively, the NH90 and EC725 were loaded onto, and unloaded from, the Grizzly 4 development aircraft as required for... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Irish Health Service
[Apologies that we overlooked running when issued three weeks back – included here for completeness] The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD, and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr Alan Shatter TD, have today, Monday 21st May 2012, announced the launch of a 12 month pilot project which will see the Air... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In an unusual move, Eurocopter has announced that there is no blame on Bond Offshore Helicopters for the ditching of their EC225 on 10th May. In an unpublished statement released only to the Aberdeen Press & Journal – and then widely re-reported elsewhere, Eurocopter have stated “the incident was caused by a rupture of the... Read more
19-Jun-2012Source: Taipei Times
The air force will put three SAR helicopters purchased from Europe into service next month, in a move to beef up its disaster relief capabilities, the Ministry of National Defense said yesterday. (see full story). The three were delivered in-country in November 2011... Read more
19-Jun-2012
EMS helicopter down – reported wire strike – 3 POBÂ – no patient on board.... Read more
19-Jun-2012
During the cruise, the pilot and passenger detected fuel fumes in the cockpit and conducted a precautionary landing. After landing, the helicopter caught fire and was destroyed. Pilot named as Barry Thompson (52) and passenger aged 23... Read more
18-Jun-2012Source: Soloy
Soloy Aviation Solutions has been approved for a SD engine conversion kit for the AS350B helicopter. The SD kit includes the same Honeywell LTS101-600A-3A engine used on Soloy’s SD1 installation. While the Honeywell powered versions of the AS350B model helicopter have been available for many years, all previous conversions required the conversion of the complete... Read more
15-Jun-2012
Crashed on firefighting ops while filling up the water bucket... Read more
15-Jun-2012
Overturned while loading water from a stream during firefighting operations. Aircraft destroyed ... Read more
14-Jun-2012Source: Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation Limited (Gama), part of the global Gama Group, announced today that the Scottish Ambulance Service has selected Gama to be its dedicated provider of Air Ambulance services for a further 7 years (2013 – 2020). Gama’s long association with the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Scotland which commenced in 1993 was today furthered... Read more
14-Jun-2012
While manoeuvring near wildlife at low altitude, the tail rotor struck rocks and a large vibration was noted in the pedals. The pilot landed beside the nearby river without incident and called the company to report. The subsequent maintenance inspection revealed damage to the tail rotor blades, drive shafts, the tail boom and the vertical... Read more
13-Jun-2012Source: WFBMC
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center now has three helicopters transporting critically ill patients to the Medical Center. AirCare 3 is based at Blue Ridge Airport near Martinsville, VA and serves the communities northeast of Winston-Salem. “We can save as much as 15 minutes in response time in this area by having an air ambulance based... Read more
13-Jun-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The Eurocopter X3 hybrid aircraft has arrived in the United States for a month-long tour to demonstrate this advanced high-speed transportation system’s unique operational capabilities for both civil and military operators. Transported aboard a chartered cargo jetliner, the X3 touched down in Texas today to complete its trans-Atlantic crossing from France’s Istres Flight Test Center.... Read more
12-Jun-2012
Emergency landing in public park “after noticing strange fumes”... Read more
12-Jun-2012
Bird strike at 12,000 ft amsl. Pilot elected to abort and return to base. Alternate aircraft sent to carry out patient transfer... Read more
11-Jun-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] The training program of Helibras technology for the production of large helicopter continues to advance. Teams of engineers and technicians from Eurocopter and Helibras performed the assembly and testing of the first transmission box of EC725 (military) and EC225 (civil / offshore) in Itajubá (MG). This work, developed under the supervision of Eurocopter, is... Read more
11-Jun-2012Source: Scottish Ambulance Service
The next generation of Scotland’s air ambulance service will operate larger helicopters with more room and equipment for enhanced clinical care, as a new contract is due to be awarded to the incumbent air operator, Gama Aviation. The contract will commence in April 2013 and run for seven years with a lifetime cost of £120... Read more
11-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
Backed by the largest range of military helicopters in operation with armed forces around the world, Eurocopter will showcase the versatility and efficiency of its rotorcraft at the Eurosatory 2012 exhibition, to be held June 11-15 at the Villepinte Exhibition Center near Paris. This presence will include French Army displays of the most modern air... Read more
10-Jun-2012
Crashed in woodland killing Kenya’s Security Minister, George Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode, pilots Luke Oyugi, Nancy Gituanja and bodyguards Inspector Joshua Tonkei and Sergeant Thomas Murimis. Only small size items remain after post-crash fire. Helicopter had only been delivered earlier this year (see HeliHub.com story and local Kenyan story). See also this YouTube... Read more
7-Jun-2012Source: Thales
Thales announces that its Reality H helicopter simulator at Eurocopter’s training centre in South-East Asia has obtained FTD level 3 and FFS level B certification from the French civil aviation authority DGAC. Based in Singapore, this simulator serves the training needs of Eurocopter’s civil and military customers in the region. This certification to European JAR/EASA... Read more
7-Jun-2012Source: EADS
EADS and its divisions – Airbus/Airbus Military, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – will have a major presence at the Eurosatory 2012 defence and security exhibition near Paris, with a diverse portfolio of products, services and technologies on display. Eurocopter will display some of its key helicopters for military, security and patrol missions. These include the... Read more
6-Jun-2012Source: Vanderbilt LifeFlight
Vanderbilt LifeFlight has added a new aircraft to its fleet, in an effort to better serve the residents of Middle Tennessee. The new helicopter now brings the total to six, with five of those staffed around the clock. The sixth helicopter is used as a backup when others are out of service for maintenance. A... Read more
6-Jun-2012Source: FDC/aerofilter
FDC/aerofilter is pleased to announce FAA certification of their existing EC135 inlet barrier filter system for installation on the EC135 P2 model helicopters. This latest certification milestone extends the benefits of the FDC IBF system to a broader base of operators. The FDC/aerofilter EC135 IBF system is a light weight, highly efficient inlet filtration system... Read more
6-Jun-2012Source: Northwest MedStar
Northwest MedStar, the region’s critical care transport service since 1994, is opening a base in the Pullman/Moscow area, providing additional coverage for patients in the region. This is another great opportunity for Northwest MedStar to work with local hospitals and EMS personnel to meet the needs of communities. “Northwest MedStar continually reviews the needs of... Read more
6-Jun-2012
Brand new aircraft. Fell onto side on landing from 50ft on third attempt at landing. 2POB. Co pilot had bruises only, Pilot not injured... Read more
5-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter South East Asia
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is proud to announce that 100 flight hours have been performed on its Dauphin AS365 N3/N3+ Full Flight Simulator since the commencement of its operation in April this year. Located in ESEA Training Centre in Singapore, this simulator is certified for FFS level B and FTD level 3 in accordance... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: AME Info
The 15-minute tour – available from June 21 through to September 15 – starts and ends at Marina Mall helipad and journeys up and down the capital’s majestic Corniche.  (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: Watertown Daily Tmies
At a public demonstration on the eve of the launch of the service in the north country, hospital employees crowded to roof areas of the hospital as the EC135 landed on the helipad on top of the hospital’s parking garage. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Joshua Stubblefield, 31, Chris Spircu, 44, Paul Andrews, 32, and Todd Stuntzner, 45, died on Tuesday night when their single-engine Cirrus SR20 crashed near Zion National Park, according to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. All four were tour pilots for Las Vegas operator Maverick Helicopters. The plane had departed from the North Las Vegas Airport... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: North Flight Data Systems
North Flight Data Systems, LLC (NORTH FDS) is pleased to announce the company has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of their Lightweight Aircraft Recording System (LARS) for the Eurocopter EC145 series helicopters. In cooperation with Metro Aviation, Inc., NORTH FDS integrated their comprehensive voice, video and flight data recording system... Read more
2-Jun-2012
Helicopter landed on beach after encountering fog... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: Eurocopter
The EC135 simulator operated by Eurocopter’s Training Academy in Germany has obtained Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Level B certification from Luftfahrtbundesamt, the German Aviation Administration. The simulator provides a multitude of training possibilities to international customers and is the first EC135 FFS in Europe to obtain this certification. The EC135 simulator, located at Eurocopter’s site... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
On June 20, the X3 will be kicking off its U.S. tour with a special event and flight display at the American Eurocopter facilities in Grand Prairie in Texas. The event will include politicians, dignitaries and celebrities. Dr. Lutz Bertling will present the X3. No details have been provided at this time of the dates... Read more
1-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday, Heli-Linth became the sixth Swiss operator to have a Eurocopter AS350B3e in their fleet, following Air Grischa Helikopter, Air Zermatt, Heli-Bernina, Heli-Gotthard and Heli-TV. Serial number 7347 has been registered as HB-ZLN with the owner and operator listed as Heli-Linth [File photo] Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
1-Jun-2012
Three killed in mountainous area, all employees of Bailey Helicopters. Pilot named as Peter Bryant, 45 and passengers Blake Erickson, 48, and Arnaud Jolibois, 44.  CADAORS 2012P0786... Read more
31-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
A capable, mission-tailored solution for Norway’s new search and rescue helicopter acquisition is now available with Team NORDSAR. It brings together the extensive resources of Eurocopter and its EC225 NORDSAR helicopter with the in-country aircraft maintenance and logistic support capabilities of Heli-One Norway AS. The Team NORDSAR (Nordic Search And Rescue) agreement, announced today, responds... Read more
31-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Swiss operator Heli-TV is the latest to add a new Eurocopter AS350B3e to its fleet. Serial 7409 was registered yesterday in the mountainous European country as HB-ZTV, listed as owned by Nuova Camping Tamaro SA and operated by Heli-TV [File photo] Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
30-May-2012Source: Greater Kashmir
First report we have seen of a Global Vectra contract being reassigned to another operator since their grounding by Indian authorities (see full story)... Read more
30-May-2012Source: Australian Army
The Australian Army’s fleet of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) has returned to regular training activities following the lifting of a temporary suspension that was put in place on 16 May 2012 due to the detection of fumes in the cockpit of the aircraft. The Army Operational Airworthiness Authority lifted the suspension late yesterday following a... Read more
30-May-2012Source: US DoD
EADS – NA, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $26,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to supply contractor logistics in support of the Light Utility Helicopter Program. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited, with... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Florida, located at Tamiami Airport in Miami is the second aircraft in the southeast region of Florida for Med-Trans Corporation. Med-Trans Florida will serve as a community asset, rapidly transporting critically ill and injured patients needing urgent acute critical care. Med-Trans Florida has Preferred Provider Agreements with numerous health systems throughout South Florida and... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Life Flight Network
Life Flight Network (LFN), a not-for-profit air medical transport service in the Northwest and Intermountain West, announced today they will open a new helicopter base in Pendleton, Oregon on June 1, 2012. “Our decision to open a base in Pendleton follows dialogue with area healthcare professionals to confirm introducing our air medical capabilities into the... Read more
28-May-2012Source: Midlands Air Ambulance
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating its 21stanniversary this week! Monday, May 21st marked 21 years of life saving missions for the rapid response service and the charity would like to say thank you for all the local support received over the last 21 years, ensuring the service has remained operational. The charity completed its first airlift... Read more
28-May-2012
Precautionary field landing made during sightseeing flight. N o damage to helicopter. Another helicopter from the same operator came and picked up the passengers.... Read more
25-May-2012Source: Fishtail Air
Our Italian duo of rescue experts Capt. Piergiorgio Rosati and Capt. (Mountain climber) Simone Moro rescued the dead body of a Ukrainian man whose body has been stuck at Tengkangpoche about 18 months using the longline from our B3 helicopter. The Ukrainian climber had been climbing the Tengkangpoche peak 18 months ago with his female... Read more
25-May-2012Source: UTair
On May 18 at HeliRussia 2012 UTair Aviation and Eurocopter marked the 1 year anniversary of their jointly sponsored Training Center for pilots and maintenance personnel of  Eurocopter helicopters. The event was attended by the heads of both Eurocopter Vostok – the Russian subsidiary of the Eurocopter Group – and UTair – the leading helicopter... Read more
25-May-2012Source: Eurocopter Mexico
Eurocopter de México (EMSA) and Turbomeca México (Safran Group) have signed a cooperation agreement for the training of helicopter maintenance technicians and recently opened their first joint training center in Mexico, which is also the first of its kind on the American continent to offer Spanish-speaking instructors. This new center, inaugurated today by Eurocopter’s Executive... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
You know how it is. You go down to the clubhouse to have a drink with some friends, and inevitably the conversation will turn to aviation. This time I was asked how I would compare the Eurocopter EC120 against a Robinson R66. So we resorted to a comparison by numbers using brochures etc – and... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow yesterday returned a Eurocopter EC225 to the British register as G-ZZSH, having previously been flying it in Australia for two years as VH-ZFH. However, it is unusual for such ferry flights to be done by air, as was the case here. The EC225 finally landed at Aberdeen around 2pm on Tuesday, and while we... Read more
24-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
CHC have in the last 24 hours registered a AS332L2 Super Puma in the UK – serial 2398 as G-CHCY. This aircraft had previously been operated for eight years by SonAir in Angola in full CHC colours and titles. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
23-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
This month’s delivery of Eurocopter’s initial A350 XWB jetliner passenger door produced at its Donauwörth, Germany facility represents a further milestone in a program that underscores synergies between helicopter production and the construction of carbon fiber aircraft components. In a ceremony in Donauwörth’s C4 production building, Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, Eurocopter Executive Vice President – Programs,... Read more
23-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Up to now, Norway has had a single police helicopter – a1 Eurocopter EC135T2 based at Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (ENGM) and operated by Pegasus Helicopter. They have operated it since April 2004. A second helicopter was promised and funded after last July’s terrorist attacks, and back in January, we reported that there was a delay in... Read more
23-May-2012Source: EADS North America
The U.S. Army’s fleet of 219 UH-72A Lakota helicopters surpassed the 100,000 flight hour milestone during operations on May 10. The 100,000 flight hour aircraft, configured for Opposing Force training missions, was flown by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Lacrosse and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Ezell of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s Falcon Observer/Controller-Trainer... Read more
22-May-2012
Bbrought back to land by sea after concerns were raised about fuel samples. Date was the day it arrived back by boat. May need to adjust this date once more details become clear.... Read more
18-May-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Nationwide air medical operator and helicopter completions specialist, Metro Aviation, Inc. has delivered the first of two EC145 helicopters to longtime air medical program, Duke University Life Flight. Life Flight Administrative Director, Henry Ward accepted the aircraft during a delivery ceremony at the Metro Aviation main facility in Shreveport, Louisiana this month. Attending the event was the... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Fort Hood Sentinel
Fort Hood’s Apache training unit, 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat), added a new airframe to its inventory Friday with two LUH-72A Lakota helicopters. (see full story)... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Australian DoD
The Australian Army has suspended Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter flying operations for training activities due to a concern following the detection of fumes in the cockpit of one of the aircraft. The Australian Army has a fleet of 22 Tiger helicopters, 19 of which are in the fully capable configuration operating in the fleet. The... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s activity at EBACE was led by a contract signature for the supply of six AS350 B3e helicopters and one EC130 T2 to Eurocopter’s Swiss-based distributor, Europavia. The new single-engine rotorcraft for Europavia will be delivered to this distributor in 2013-2014, and are to be utilized in multi-purpose missions that include aerial work and VIP... Read more
17-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
The EBACE agreement authorizing Koçoğlu Aviation as initial Approved Maintenance Center in Turkey further expands Eurocopter’s global support and services network. Koçoğlu Aviation is the leading supplier of emergency medical airlift in Turkey, with a fleet of 10 EC135s and one EC145. Its authorization for the maintenance center Skyline positions Koçoğlu Aviation to handle maintenance,... Read more
16-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s long-term commitment to the Russian helicopter market will be highlighted at this month’s HeliRussia 2012 industry exhibition, in which the company is taking part for the fifth consecutive time since the event’s creation in 2008. Organized May 17-19 at Moscow’s Crocus Expo international exhibition center, HeliRussia 2012 will feature the display of a Eurocopter... Read more
16-May-2012
Fumes in the cockpit – led to fleet grounding.... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd., one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services announced the resumption of flights following the release of important data from Eurocopter. The full fleet of helicopters will return to service over the next 24 hrs. Bill Munro, Managing Director of Bond Offshore Helicopters said, “Bond puts safety first, above... Read more
15-May-2012Source: The West Australian
Western Australia Police are on the point of replacing their BK117 with a new AS365N3 Dauphin, subject to completion of paperwork with CASA regarding installed equipment. (see full story). The Police Air Wing also operate three fixed wing aircraft – two Pilatus PC12 and a Cessna 182.... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Oil & Gas UK
The Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) met today, Monday 14 May, to share preliminary information on the recent helicopter ditching incident in the North Sea. Making up the HSSG are helicopter operators, oil and gas operators and contractors, offshore trade unions, the pilots’ union BALPA, the regulators HSE and CAA and Oil & Gas UK.... Read more
15-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Iain King, of Wetherby, appeared at York Crown Court on Monday where he denied making false representations to procure a private pilot’s licence for Mr Spencer, who was flying the helicopter. (see press story). This relates to the accident of Gazelle YU-HEW on 26 January 2008 which resulted in the fatal injuries of the pilot... Read more
15-May-2012Source: CALSTAR
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) has named Cordelia Resident Scott Wallace, R.N., C.C.R.N., C.F.R.N., as its new Director of Medical Operations, CALSTAR COO Tad Henderson announced. In his new position, Wallace will have direct responsibility for all medical operations of CALSTAR, the largest non-profit air ambulance provider on the West Coast. “Scott is a... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd., one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services concur with the initial findings of the AAIB interim Service Bulletin S2/2012 issued which indicates component failure. The bulletin states that, “An initial visual inspection of the main gearbox has identified a 360° circumferential crack on the bevel gear vertical shaft,... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
Christoph Müller will become the Head of Communications for Eurocopter Germany as of June 1, 2012, and will report directly to Cécile Vion-Lanctuit, Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Eurocopter Group. This newly created position has been established to strengthen communications locally for Eurocopter Germany and the German market. Prior to this position, Christoph... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, the largest and most successful aerial tour company in Hawaii, has installed a solar power system on the roofs of its two Operations Center buildings at the Maui Heliport. The Blue Hawaiian array consists of 432 panels providing 102 kw of power, which handles, on average, 90 percent of Blue Hawaiian’s electrical... Read more
14-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The EBACE show in Geneva has a total of just three helicopters on display. Bell have taken their demonstrator 429, while AgustaWestland have brought a GrandNew from a French customer and Eurocopter have an EC135 from a Swiss customer. EBACE, like NBAA in the US, is clearly focussed on the corporate fixed wing market, and... Read more
14-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
UK private operators and owners of light single-engine helicopters are to explore the advantages of Eurocopter’s EC120 during the company’s Discovery Weekend event, to be held at the Oxford Airport facilities of its Eurocopter UK affiliate on May 12. Attendees at the gathering will be given a first-hand look at the EC120 B Colibri in... Read more
14-May-2012Source: Eurocopter
At the annual EBACE meeting in Geneva, which will be held from May 14-16, Eurocopter will showcase its strength in the business aviation and private segments, highlighting the important role of helicopters as an ideal complement to business jets by being the “first mile, last mile†solution. Having registered the sale of more than 500... Read more
11-May-2012Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters
Controlled ditching in North Sea and all 14 on board into liferafts and later rescued. The helicopter remained upright on its emergency floats. Flight number was “Bond 88R”... Read more
11-May-2012Source: Bond Aviation Group
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd, one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services reports that at 12.13h today an Eurocopter EC225 helicopter (registration G-REDW) outbound from Aberdeen going to the Ensco102 Maersk Resilient platform made a controlled descent 24 nautical miles off-shore. The Captain and Co-pilot made the controlled descent and landed on the... Read more
