Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AFI4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIs) to Arista Aviation as cost-effective, easy-to-install replacements on a FIREHAWK helicopter to be operated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD). The RoadRunner EFIs—two per aircraft—are part of an upgraded avionics package and instrument panel on a UHH-60L Black Hawk helicopter… Read more »
As the world pays attention to the major bushfires happening along the East Coast of Australia, Bristow Defence Industries (BDI) has quietly supported the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Oakey Detachment, based in Oakey, Queensland, in its preparation to deploy two RSAF’s CH47Ds from Oakey to Royal Australian Air Force Base East Sale, located 220… Read more »
Elbit Systems completed a successful field demonstration of its patented Hydrop system, an innovative solution enabling high-altitude high-precision aerial firefighting. The field demonstration took place recently as part of an exercise led by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority. During the exercise two Air Tractor aircraft from the Israeli Fire Fighting Squadron were directed to… Read more »
Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, is continuing to fight the devastating Australian bushfires into the new year armed with Six Air Crane® helicopters. As of Thursday, January 2nd, New South Wales declared a 7-day state of emergency as Australia’s deadly bushfires rage. This is the third time in… Read more »
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), and United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, announced deliveries of three new S-70i™ FIREHAWK® helicopters to California fire agencies: one each to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), and the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department…. Read more »
Leonardo announced that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions—primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR)—and will have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi bucket. The first helicopter… Read more »
The Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations is expecting to receive 22 Japanese and 26 Russian fire engines, Minister Felix Tsolakyan told reporters. See Full Story.
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the Los Angeles County (California) Fire Department Air Operations LACOFD Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter teams are the 2020 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award. The award honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of helicopters to the communities in which… Read more »
Minister Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in Province of Alberta (Canada) made a statement about wildfires late last week, and surprised the firefighting community by cutting the teams that rappel into fire zones from helicopters. Here is the full statement “The protection of lives and communities will always be our top priority when… Read more »
Japan’s second largest fire department, the Osaka Municipal Fire Department (OMFD), has placed an order for one H155 helicopter for firefighting and rescue missions. Equipped with emergency medical service equipment, floodlighting and a helicopter video transmission system, this new addition will join the operator’s existing fleet in serving the entire Osaka prefecture, with a population… Read more »
The US aerial firefighting industry has experienced one of its slowest fire seasons to date with significant reductions in flight-hours compared to recent years. Nonetheless, a number of operators have seen a ramp-up in activity due to a spike in fire events since September, with major fires in Southern California and Colorado. For example, three… Read more »
During the 2017-2018 bushfire season in Australia two helicopters were approved for dropping water at night with the use of night vision goggles (NVG) by the pilots. At least one of the ships, an S-61, was approved for hover refilling which was the first time this had been done anywhere. See Full Story.
Simplex ® Aerospace has announced that they have received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02657SE for an internal Fire Attack System (FAS) for the UH-60 A Blackhawk. The Model 370i FAS is certified for installation and operation on the Timberline Helicopters Inc. TC type. Simplex will be working quickly to add… Read more »
The Airbus Foundation, in collaboration with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre is supporting Bolivia’s efforts against the severe fires currently affecting the country. An Airbus A330neo test aircraft transported 38 firefighters of the French Civil Security and equipment from Vatry, France, to Bolivia. They will participate in fighting… Read more »
Daegu Fire Department in South Korea is shortly to take delivery of a brand-new Leonardo AW169 to strengthen its aerial capacity. The aircraft, serial number 69101, the 101st to be built, is currently undergoing test-flying at Varese-Venegono in Italy with the test marks I-RAIM. It will be registered as HL9649 when it is delivered. Daegu,… Read more »
Coulson Aviation USA, a member of the Coulson Group of Companies, and the Ministry of Defence, Bolivia, have secured a deal in which Coulson Aviation will be sending three Type 1 helicopters to help and support the firefighting efforts in the Amazon. “We are honored that the Bolivian Government had chosen to work with Coulson… Read more »
Baker Aviation, the master distributor for the HOT-STOP® ’L’ Fire Containment Kits, now offers an ELT-sized vessel for safe and convenient stowage of the lithium-ion battery powered device with other emergency life raft equipment. The new 14” x 10” sized fire containment solution is considered FIREPROOF, as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations 14… Read more »
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has delivered three Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters to Turkey. The machines will be used in firefighting. In July 2018 contracts were signed with KAAN Air (Turkey) for delivery of three Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters. Currently all three are handed over to the customer. The rotorcraft were purchased primarily… Read more »
Orange County Fire Authority in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) have contracted Coulson Aviation USA to bring its state of the art NVG aerial fire fighting program to the USA. “Edison is making significant investments to assist firefighting capabilities across our service area to protect our customers and communities from the ongoing threat of… Read more »
Leonardo announced new signed contracts for five additional AW139s to the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco, part of Ministry of the Interior), including integrated logistic support and training for crews and technicians. The orders, valued at over €75 million, add to the previously purchased three units, with two already delivered this year. The… Read more »
Bristol Royal Infirmary has announced that a new Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System (DIFFS) is now fully operational on its rooftop helipad and has received a cheque worth £574,023.95 from the HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads – to cover its entire cost. The HELP Appeal pledged… Read more »
With the delivery of the first two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters, Leonardo and the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco, part of the Ministry of the Interior) announced a major step forward in strengthening their collaboration delivering advanced, more effective emergency response services in Italy. The event, celebrated during an official ceremony held… Read more »
Helibras and the Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro today signed a letter of intent to purchase four H125 helicopters. The aircraft will be operated by the Air Operations Group (GOA) for civil defense missions, rescue and aeromedical transportation. Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Helibras Vice President of Business and Services, says that the aircraft… Read more »
Blue Sky Network (BSN) announced its participation in the 16th edition of the Aerial Firefighting (AFF) Europe exhibition and continued its commitment to the industry with new offerings. This marks the satellite tracking innovator’s first time exhibiting at AFF Europe. For more than a decade, BSN has provided tracking, communications, and fleet management solutions for… Read more »
With deliveries across Asia Pacific the Leonardo AW189 super medium helicopter is becoming the leader in the firefighting market. The Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department (Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia) and Korea’s Seoul Fire Department are beginning operations with their AW189s and will soon be followed by the Tokyo Fire Department. Asia Pacific is the… Read more »
Aerial Firefighting Europe 2019 is the latest event in the expanding conference and exhibition portfolio run by Tangent Link. It follows the recent highly successful SAR conference in Australia and takes place on 19-20 March 2019 at Nîmes in France. Tangent Link prides itself in having a strategic partnership to underpin each of its conferences,… Read more »
Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AFI 4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIs) to United Rotorcraft as cost-effective, drop-in replacements on two FIREHAWK helicopters operated by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD). The RoadRunner EFIs—two per aircraft—are part of an upgraded avionics package and instrument panel that United Rotorcraft is outfitting for the surplus… Read more »
SEI Industries is best know for its invention of the worldfamous BAMBI Bucket that now services 95% of the world’s aerial firefighting water bucket market. As the aerial firefighting product line evolves, SEI engineers continue to make improvements to the existing products based on feedback from customers in the field. The BAMBI MAX enhanced valve… Read more »
The International Aerial Firefighting Awards are presented annually to recognise a significant contribution by an individual or organisation to aerial firefighting. The winners will be announced at the Aerial Firefighting Conference Dinner on 19th March 2019 during Aerial Firefighting Europe 2019 in Nîmes, France. Nominations are invited in two categories – Contribution to Aerial Firefighting Safety, and… Read more »
The press release from investigators TAIC said “Something caused the pilot to conduct an emergency landing. [After jettisoning the water bucket,] The helicopter landed heavily and the sole pilot received moderate injuries. The nature of damage to the helicopter is yet to be established.” Pilot named in this report as Bill Reid of Reid Helicopters
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) and Columbia Helicopters, Inc. today announced that Bristow and Columbia have mutually agreed to terminate Bristow’s agreement to acquire Columbia. In connection with the termination, Bristow has paid $20 million to Columbia. Bristow, Columbia and Columbia’s shareholders have agreed to release each other from all claims in connection with the purchase agreement and the… Read more »
During aerial fire control operations, at about 1956, the helicopter collided with water and came to rest inverted resulting in minor injuries to the three crew and damage to the helicopter. Three on board swam to safety.
With less than a year remaining, aerial firefighters are on-track to meet the January 1, 2020 deadline for ADS-B Out equipment installations. After that date, any noncompliant helicopter or fixed wing aircraft will have limited access to US airspace. ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast) is considered an essential tool of 21st century air traffic management… Read more »
Bambi bucket cable became entangled in tail rotor during firefighting operations. Pilot managed to put helicopter down safely on its skids, but with damage tail boom and blades
[electronic translation] First commander of the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department, Rachel Lopes, 37, does not hide her joy. The prominent position was an old dream. The conquest came after five years of acting as co-pilot in the Air Operations Group (GOA). The work as commander began in December last year. The military has been involved in aeromedical care, which… Read more »
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today the receipt of an order for its leading-edge H145//BK117 D-2 helicopter (D-2) by Saga Prefecture. This is the first time Kawasaki has received a D-2 order for firefighting and disaster relief applications, and the first such application of a helicopter by Saga Prefecture. The D-2 was developed jointly with… Read more »
Two of the Army’s newest helicopters worked their first wildfire missions recently as the California National Guard supported state agencies battling the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California. A pair of UH-60M Black Hawk medium-lift helicopters from the California Army National Guard’s 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, deployed from Joint Forces Training Base,… Read more »
In a move to enhance its emergency multirole airborne capabilities to more effectively counter the ever increasing risks of firefighting duties, the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco) has signed a contract for the supply of three AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The order, valued at around €45 million, also includes integrated logistic support… Read more »
Crashed into river when hovering and taking up water for firefighting operation for a fire on Mount Youngchuk. The rescue services said the helicopter crashed into the Han River near Gangdong Bridge around 11:20 a.m. The pilot and copilot were able to exit the aircraft immediately prior to impact, but the mechanic was trapped in… Read more »
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of global industrial aviation services, today announced the upcoming retirement of Jonathan E. Baliff, Chief Executive Officer of Bristow Group, in the coming months. Thomas N. Amonett, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bristow, has been appointed to serve as the interim President of the Company during the CEO transition… Read more »
On 26th September 2018 and 19th October 2018, VNH South’s two Mi-172 helicopters VN-8428 and VN-8427 were safely ferried from Indonesia back to Vung Tau Airport, successfully completed Fire Fighting Contract 2018 with Indonesian Government. This is the 3rd consecutive year that VNH South provides the package services including aircrafts, pilots, technicians, maintenance and insurance… Read more »
The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is excited to announce the new addition of an advanced rescue hoist system, which will aid in emergency response and lifesaving rescue efforts primarily for injured wildland firefighters. Hoist extraction is the use of a mechanical retractable cable on which a rescuer is lowered from a hovering helicopter to… Read more »
United Rotorcraft announced that they have received a contract from Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Air Operations (LACoFD Air Ops) to complete their fourth FIREHAWK® helicopter. The contract is for the conversion of a new Sikorsky S-70i helicopter into a multi-mission firefighting aircraft. United Rotorcraft’s Decatur, Texas, team has already painted two new S-70i helicopters… Read more »
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands of four (4) Netherlands Patriot Fire Units for an estimated cost of $105 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Netherlands has requested Recapitalization (RECAP) of four (4)… Read more »
United Rotorcraft is pleased to announce the receipt of a contract with Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) to convert two surplus U.S. Army aircraft into FIREHAWK® helicopters. VCFD purchased two U.S. Army HH-60L aircraft, originally configured as dedicated MEDEVAC helicopters. These aircraft were outfitted with the United Rotorcraft medical equipment and patient litter systems, some… Read more »
If you fly your drone anywhere near a wildfire, you could get someone killed. That’s the stern warning the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. wildland fire agencies have for pilots of unmanned aircraft (“UAS,” or more popularly “drones”) who interfere with fighting wildfires. When firefighting aircraft have to be grounded due to an unauthorized drone flight, there are… Read more »
the bucket and longline become tangled in trees at the edge of a clearing, followed by the helicopter colliding with terrain. The pilot was fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has delivered an S-70 Black Hawk helicopter to the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. When modified by a third party as a FIREHAWK® helicopter with a 1,000-gallon belly tank, retractable snorkel, extended landing gear and rescue hoist, the City of San Diego will have a multirole platform with the speed to more quickly find… Read more »
LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the U.S. Army have definitized contracts valued at $170.5 million to provide LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) hardware for Apache AH-64E helicopters supporting U.S. Army lots 7 and 8 plus three international customers. LONGBOW LLC is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC). The… Read more »
Towards the end of February, at the 2018 Heli-Expo show, DART launched its new firefighting bucket. The bucket, in its red, black and white colors, hung proudly at DART’s booth for everyone to get a first glimpse at DART’s entry into the firefighting market. To no one’s surprise, the unveiling of the bucket made a… Read more »
It is a widely held view that the H225 (and AS332L2) has no future in the offshore oil and gas market after a “perfect storm” of two key factors which grounded the type from civilian operations worldwide. HeliHub.com estimates 126 H225s and AS332L2s are currently in storage around the world, as well as eight Sikorsky… Read more »
County commissioners and Rampart Helicopter services have still not reached an agreement after their mitigation meeting on June 12. Rampart works as a fire fighting service in the county, owned by Jeff Armstrong. The operation is based on unincorporated land, which is zoned as Agriculture One. Armstrong has a permit which allowed him to build… Read more »
Hong Kong based Government Flying Service (GFS) has received three H175s in public services configuration, becoming the world’s first operator of this new variant which enlarges the H175 mission capacity to search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services, law enforcement, firefighting as well as land and maritime border control operations. In 2015, GFS became the… Read more »
The Orange County Fire Authority are in a test period with their new technology that can save response time during a fire fighting operation. Together with Anaheim Fire and Rescue, they are field testing in Anaheim Hills. On top of a 1,700 gallon water tank, the Remotely Activated Snorkel Site opens the water valves to… Read more »
Kawak Aviation has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for its CH-47D Chinook aerial liquid delivery system (ALDS) and auxiliary hydraulic system. Working with customer Billings Flying Service of Billings, Montana, Kawak has achieved a more effective internal tank firefighting system. The 2,500-US gallon (9,463-liter) tank fills in under 40 seconds and can release a… Read more »
Coulson Aviation will be using two fire-fighting helicopters for a night-flying trial. The trial will determine whether they will be able to conduct a firebombing exercise during the night. Coulson’s Sikorsky S-61 347 helicopter will be used during the trial, reports Fire Aviation.
Los Angeles County and Helicopter Support Inc. have agreed on a $4.2 million contract for the maintenance and repair of the county’s firefighting Sikorsky Firehawk helicopters. The contract will ensure that the county has readily available emergency response, reports Signals CV.
(Electronic translation) The Governing Council has authorized the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning an expense of 14.57 million euros for the extension , for one year, of the hiring of helicopters for the fight against forest fires , with the company Faasa aviation . This lot, whose validity ends next December 31, is one… Read more »
Northland Rescue Helicopter and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have joined together in order to save time and lives. The plan is to have St John flight medics and two firefighters flown to the scene, where they can begin helping people who are trapped and need to be cut free. Having experienced firemen on scene… Read more »
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has just bought a firefighting UH-1. The purchase came to a cost of $750,000, reports NBC. The new helicopter will help East Naples residents faster than the Miami based helicopter they were using.
Patria Helicopters AB has signed an exclusive Representative Agreement with IMS New Zealand Ltd to supply their products in Europe. IMS is a specialist in design and production of large range of firefighting and long line of other mission equipment and systems for the helicopter market. “We have an extensive customer base throughout Europe in… Read more »
Monday saw the arrival of the Israel Police Force’s four new Airbus H125 helicopters. The four helicopters are part of a six aircraft contract, with the remaining two H145 helicopters being delivered in the future. The H125s are all equipped with special command and communication systems, reports Ynet News. These helicopters will be used for… Read more »
Firefighting operations and helicopter hit powerlines, causing it to crash to the ground. Sole occupant pilot, named as Americo Sousa age 51, suffered fatal injuries
Two new firefighting helicopters have been given to the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This gift was due to a $6.6 million state government funding increase. These helicopters will be used for carrying heavy loads as well as being used in difficult to reach areas. The National Park employees cover a range of 135,000 hectares,… Read more »
The Peruvian Fire-Fighting Department has suggested that they might be considering purchasing Military Mi-171 multirole helicopters from Russian Helicopters. They gave high praise during the Peruvian international defence exhibition, SITDEF-2017. They expressed further interest in the high-altitude version of the Mi-171. Russian Helicopters has commented on this version, stating that it is distinguishable by its… Read more »
Helicopter struck wires and made an emergency landing into shallow water – but ended upright with little apparent damage from available press images. However, one crew member knocked unconscious in the manoeuvre and later died in hospital from his injuries Civil registration HL9414, and also carries Korea Forest Service fleet code FP 608
A Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter that was assisting the Florida Forest Service and Marion County Fire Rescue with active brush fires crashed while dipping a bucket for water in a lake. Pilot is named in press reports as Sgt. John Rawls
On 27th March 2017, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South)’s two Mi-172 helicopters bearing call signs VN-8427 and VN-8428 safely landed in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. This year is the second year that VNH South signed a wet lease contract with Komala Company (Indonesia) for supplying firefighting service for Indonesian Government. VNH South provides four Mi-172 with full… Read more »
With a lengthy and very destructive firefighting season under their belts, Columbia Helicopters has credited part of its overall success to its two Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters that were equipped with the world’s largest helicopter Fire Attack System (FAS) internal water tanks. During 2016’s fire season, seven of Columbia Helicopters’ aircraft logged nearly 1,500 hours,… Read more »
The TYABB Aero Club hopes to build a helipad at the Stuart Rd airfield. They have $25,000 that they can contribute to the project but have sent in a grant application to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for $100,000. The proposed helipad will be used by air ambulances, police and firefighters reports The News. A… Read more »
Lower House MP, Daw Myint Myint Soe has suggested using the Polish loan of €50 million to purchase a Russian made firefighting helicopter and still have enough funds to purchase 50 fire engines. A helicopter could easily get to a location regardless if there is a large traffic jam, which would be an issue for… Read more »
Ross Schmidt, Base Manager and pilot for Provincial Helicopters is happy with his move to Lloydminster. The company was building in Meadow Lake before the move, but ran into many difficulties with the cold temperatures there. Lloydminster is better suited for them, situated on the border provides more opportunities as well as being a better… Read more »
Mi-26TS was bought by the Chinese company, Lectern Aviation Supplies, for the needs of Shandong, where there an active program aimed at the forest area preservation and increase is being implemented. After being delivered to China, the helicopter proceeded to complete operations involving fire fighting and the transportation of equipment and large-scale cargoes; it was… Read more »
The 3rd Aerial Firefighting Asia Pacific international exhibition and conference will take place on 5 and 6 September in Australia, Adelaide. The “Russian Hour” is scheduled at the conference, a traditional event which gives a deeper insight on the Russian helicopter industry. The best Russian experts in aerial firefighting are to share the integral experience… Read more »
Erickson Air Crane has been reported by WFTV to have laid off 100 workers this quarter in an attempt to settle financial difficulties. The company itself owes Wells Fargo $140 million. The company’s shares have already dropped from $2.19 per share down to $0.48. Erickson’s CEO has made a written statement saying that 10% of… Read more »
