9-Feb-2015Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) announced today that it has initiated a comprehensive organizational restructuring that it anticipates will create significant new efficiencies and cost reductions, improve profitability, and enhance the Company’s overall competitive position. The Company will now be organized into the following four business segments: 1) Government Aviation Services, led by Chris Bassett 2) Oil... Read more
5-Feb-2015
Firefighting helicopter crashed while filling bucket in very shallow river. pilot Neal Andrews walked away unscathed... Read more
28-Jan-2015Source: Insurance News Net
A year after the devastating Labor Day wildfires of 2011, Travis County commissioners voted to buy a $2.4 million helicopter with a 325-gallon water tank. The purchase made Travis the only Texas county to own a helicopter specifically designed for fighting fires. See Full Story... Read more
16-Jan-2015Source: SMH
NSW’s urban fire fighting force says it has been left under equipped after the state government decided to sell a helicopter used to battle extreme fires and rescue people from floodwaters. See Full Story... Read more
6-Jan-2015
During fire fighting operation, pilot experienced problems on the tail rotor and landed safely – another report suggests the cable holding the water bucket (empty at the time) contacted the tail rotor. Damages found on tail rotor and tail boom.... Read more
5-Jan-2015Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Long to Vice President of Finance. The promotion is effective January 2, 2015. Long replaces Stan Wilson, who held the titles of company President and Vice President of Finance. Wilson was recently promoted to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Matt has... Read more
18-Dec-2014Source: SDFD
The city of San Diego will let its two firefighting helicopters make nighttime water drops on wildfires outside city limits under an agreement with the county, Mayor Kevin Faulconer and other officials announced Tuesday. The city’s choppers are the only ones in the region that can make nighttime drops. The deal makes them available for... Read more
11-Dec-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Iwate Prefecture has selected the AW139 twin-engine intermediate class helicopter for firefighting and disaster relief duties, replacing an aging model. The AW139, already a benchmark helicopter in Japan with 38 units in service, will be delivered to the customer at the beginning of 2016.... Read more
11-Dec-2014Source: AgustaWestland
PZL-Świdnik, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the Spanish company Hispánica de Aviación S.A (HASA) for three W-3A Sokół helicopters in fire-fighting configuration. The contract will also see PZL-Świdnik deliveran Initial Spare Parts (ISP) package, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and a comprehensive training package. These three new... Read more
10-Nov-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a worldwide mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, today announced third quarter and year to date 2014 financial results. Udo Rieder,... Read more
27-Oct-2014Source: BP
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department is expected to get its own helicopter hangar next year, says Urban Wellbeing,Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan. See Full Story... Read more
8-Oct-2014Source: Hai
The HAI Firefighting Safety Conference covers operational and flight safety issues faced by aerial firefighters. In addition to an overview of the upcoming 2015 fire season, the conference will feature — 1) A meeting of the HAI Aerial Firefighting and Natural Resources Committee 2) A firefighting safety forum 3) A DOI-USFS interagency briefing There is... Read more
7-Oct-2014Source: HAI
The HAI Firefighting Safety Conference covers operational and flight safety issues faced by aerial firefighters. In addition to an overview of the upcoming 2015 fire season, the conference will feature — A meeting of the HAI Aerial Firefighting and Natural Resources Committee A firefighting safety forum A DOI-USFS interagency briefing There is no registration fee to attend,... Read more
13-Sep-2014
Pilot killed in crash on firefighting ops – Type and operator confirmed by this report. Registration confirmed from photo on this page – enlarged here. Pilot named as Fernando Baraza on this tribute page... Read more
10-Sep-2014Source: AH+RT
Advanced Helicopter+Rescue Techniques completes Aerial Wildland Firefighting Training with Aviacion Civil Salta. The training was performed in Argentina and provided Simplex Fire Attack System Training as well as Fire Behavior and Fire Tactics Training. Aviacion Civil Salta’s Jefe de Operaciones, Lic. Eric Ortiz, says “ the training was tailored to our needs extremely well, conducted... Read more
9-Sep-2014Source: Times Of San Diego
San Diego County officials added some “aerial muscle” to wildfire preparedness by leasing a fourth firefighting helicopter, but warned that the worst of fire season is still to come. See Full Story... Read more
3-Sep-2014Source: AHSAFA
Columbia Helicopters, Inc., a member of the American Helicopter Services And Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA), has opened a new facility which will be totally focused on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of military helicopters. The 16,000 square foot building, located at the company’s headquarters and maintenance complex at Aurora (Oregon) State Airport, will be... Read more
19-Aug-2014Source: HAI
HAI advises members of the aerial firefighting industry of a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Aviation and Contracting Vendor Summit Meeting in Boise, Idaho, September 30 and October 1. Note these are corrected dates as per a USFS announcement in FedBizOps. The meeting will be held at the Riverside Hotel in Boise, Idaho, and information regarding... Read more
17-Jul-2014
Firefighting helicopter crashed in built-up area killing all five on board – video online shows helicopter descending at high speed in 70 degree nose-down attitude. Aircraft identified from this photo showing a Dauphin tail with GW001 code and this photo tracking it to HL9461... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Yokohama City Fire Department has ordered a second AW139 intermediate twin helicopter to further enhance its operational capabilities. The Yokohama City Fire Department received its first AW139 last year whilst the second aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2015 and will replace an... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: US Marine Corps
Senior fire officers with the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Army and Department of Defense Master Labor Contractors attended a Bambi Bucket firefighting water delivery system and MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft display June 10 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. The displays are... Read more
18-Jun-2014Source: AHSAFA
Operational readiness of firefighting aircraft during mandatory availability periods (MAPs) is assured, annually, thanks to an ongoing focus on heavy maintenance events scheduled for the low fire risk winter months. MAPs are the specific time frames, usually ranging between 90 and 180 days, when the operators are contractually obligated to Federal or State fire protection... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: HAI
As this year’s wildfire season gets underway, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forestry Service have issued a safety bulletin reminding pilots of the dangers of rotor strikes — main and tail — and the situations and attitudes that can cause them. While the safety bulleting is intended for crews flying firefighting missions, many... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: LAFD
The Los Angeles Fire Department is saddened to announce the off-duty death of LAFD Fire Helicopter Pilot / Firefighter Paramedic Brian Lee. On Monday, June 9, 2014, around 11:15 a.m, Brian and a civilian passenger were involved in the crash of a fixed wing aircraft at the northwest end of El Mirage Dry Lake. Off-duty... Read more
26-May-2014Source: AHSAFA
The American Helicopter Services And Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA) applauds the decision by the Colorado Legislature to continue contracting for aerial firefighting services from the private sector, instead of opting for State ownership and operation of all fire-combating aircraft—which was under consideration. The “Colorado Aerial Firefighting Fleet Acquisition” bill, known as SB 14-164, was signed... Read more
26-May-2014Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters is pleased to announce the appointment of Kees Blekxtoon as a Senior Advisor to the company. Mr. Blekxtoon will support the company’s marketing efforts in the Netherlands and India. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Blekxtoon has served as President for The Boeing Company, Northern & Western Europe, and as President of Stork/Fokker International.... Read more
26-May-2014Source: INAER
INAER Spain (INAER), one of the country’s leading emergency service providers, is preparing for this year’s firefighting season, which experts believe will be especially tough due to the lack of rainfall recorded in much of the country during the winter. In the south east in particular, the Mediterranean terrain and vegetation are extremely dry, carrying... Read more
12-May-2014Source: DefenceWeb
The Libyan cabinet has approved the Ministry of Interior’s plans to purchase four helicopters for the National Security Authority’s fire-fighting division. See full story... Read more
11-May-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a worldwide mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, today announced first quarter 2014 financial results and reiterated its full-year guidance for... Read more
3-May-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, announced today that management will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 9th Annual Industrial Growth Conference in New York City... Read more
3-May-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or the “Company”) today announced the commencement of an exchange offer for up to $355,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its unregistered 8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “Original Notes”) for an equal principal amount of 8.25% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2020 that have been registered under... Read more
2-May-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, today announced that it will release its earnings results for the first quarter 2014 ended March 31, 2014 on... Read more
30-Apr-2014Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec, has delivered its civilian multirole Ka-32A11BC helicopter to the Shanghai Public Security Directorate in China. The helicopter is produced at Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise and the contract for this helicopter was concluded in 2012. The Ka-32A11BC is certified in China and boasts a wide... Read more
7-Apr-2014Source: USHST
The United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org), has completed a comprehensive follow-up report to its initial helicopter accident analysis released in 2011. This new report analyzes U.S. civil helicopter accidents that occurred in 2009, 2010, and 2011 and compares them to the previous analysis that looked at accidents that occurred in 2000, 2001, and 2006.... Read more
28-Mar-2014Source: AHSAFA
Columbia Helicopters is expanding its fleet of heavy lift, twin-rotor aircraft with the acquisition of five Boeing CH-47D helicopters, formerly operated by the US Army. The helicopters, originally manufactured in the early 1970s as CH-47C models, but upgraded in 1988 to the D-model configuration, will join the operator’s fleet of six Columbia Model 234 Chinooks,... Read more
20-Mar-2014
DynCorp International (DI) today announced the expansion of its international aerial firefighting offering through a new strategic alliance with The Coulson Group of British Columbia, Canada. “In spots around the world, every day, DynCorp International’s aerial firefighting teams are saving lives and land,” said Jim Myles, senior vice president, DynAviation, DI’s aviation business Group. “It’s... Read more
17-Mar-2014Source: US Forest Service
The FAA reviews and engineers all aviation Air-to-Air AM frequencies for all Airtanker Bases each year. Usually, the frequency 123.975 MHz is assigned for this purpose. However, if the frequency is not available at a given location, the FAA will engineer an alternative frequency. Due to engineering restrictions there are several new frequency assignments/changes to... Read more
14-Mar-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a worldwide mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, today announced fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results and initiated... Read more
13-Mar-2014Source: DynCorp
DynCorp International (DI) has been awarded a subcontract to provide aerial firefighting support to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service in Australia. DI will perform as a subcontractor to Touchdown Helicopters of New South Wales, Australia. “We are pleased that our commercial and international strategy has taken root and is gaining traction,” said Chris... Read more
11-Mar-2014Source: Denver Post
The legislation is being held up as lawmakers wait for a review from Paul L. Cooke, director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, on whether Colorado could benefit from having its own aerial fleet. See full story File photo... Read more
9-Mar-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, today announced that it will release its earnings results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013... Read more
5-Mar-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC)(“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, announced today that Brian Clegg has been named Vice President of Global Aerial Operations. In an anticipated move,... Read more
26-Feb-2014Source: Ramco Systems
Ramco Systems, the global Aviation Software provider on Cloud, Mobile and Tablets, announced the successful go-live of Ramco Aviation version 5.6, at Columbia Helicopters Inc. (CHI), the world leader in commercial heavy-lift helicopter operations. CHI is one of the first customers of Ramco Aviation who have been using the series 3 for more than a... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that Tottori Prefecture Fire Fighting and Disaster Prevention Agency has chosen the AW139 medium twin helicopter to meet its operational requirement following a tender process. This order further confirms the AW139 outstanding versatility for public utility missions in Japan and Northeast Asia. The... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that Yamagata Prefecture Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency has chosen the AW139 intermediate twin helicopter to meet its operational requirement following a tender process. The AW139 helicopter is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2015, replacing an ageing model. Andrew... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Kaman Aerospace
Kaman Aerospace Group announced today that it is soliciting interest in new K-MAX® orders at Heli-Expo 2014, the helicopter industry’s largest trade show. “We regularly receive inquiries from operators interested in buying new K-MAX® aircraft for a variety of missions across the world. With more than 20,000 industry professionals in attendance from around the globe, there is... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Erickson
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated EAC -2.31% (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, announced today that the company will now do business under the brand name of “Erickson.” The company took this... Read more
24-Feb-2014Source: Billings Gazette
Billings Flying Service are to have one flying within four months, with the second aircraft slated for refurbishment over next winter See full story The actual aircraft are N561AJ ex 90-00184 which sold for $3,500,500 N562AJ ex 90-00185 which sold for $3,003,762... Read more
23-Feb-2014Source: Ascent Aerospace
Ascent Aerospace announces the STC certification and production launch of the Ascent 50001C helitank system for Bell 212 helicopters. Forest fire management agencies around the world are making increased use of helicopter mounted tanks ‘helitank’ to rapidly attack wildfires before they can get out of control. Ascent’s 360 US gallon (1360 litre) helitank was designed... Read more
22-Feb-2014Source: Kawak Aviation
Kawak Aviation will be attending the 2014Heli-Expo Next week in Sunny Anaheim California. We are looking forward to connecting with old friends and customers and meeting new ones. We will take this opportunity to announce our collaborative efforts with SEI Industries, makers of Bambi Buckets and other top helicopter firefighting equipment. Kawak Aviation will be... Read more
21-Feb-2014Source: Kaman
The Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN) board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 16 cents per common share. The dividend will be paid on April 3, 2014 to shareholders of record on March 18, 2014. About Kaman Corporation Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business... Read more
20-Feb-2014Source: AHSAFA
Aerial firefighting companies have focused on an earlier than normal fire season in the western United States as the region continues to cope with dry conditions. But that does not mean they are taking short cuts in a multi-step annual preparedness process, which includes scheduled aircraft maintenance. For example, Columbia Helicopters of Portland, Oregon, operates... Read more
19-Feb-2014Source: AHSAFA
Aerial firefighting specialist InterMountain Helicopter is putting its only aircraft, a Bell 212 HP, through an estimated $450,000 retrofit involving airframe modification, an avionics upgrade and engine replacement in preparation for this year’s fire season. Of that amount, some $70,000 will be spent to meet US Forest Service (USFS) contractual mandates. “It is very unusual for a company of... Read more
18-Feb-2014Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters has announced the acquisition of three Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters. The aircraft were purchased from the United States government. These aircraft will join the company’s fleet of commercial super-heavy-lift helicopters which Columbia uses for its traditional markets. No specific projects or contracts are immediately identified for these aircraft. “We are pleased to add... Read more
11-Feb-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce an order by the Republic of Korea’s Public Procurement Service and Chungnam Fire Fighting Department, for one AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter. This helicopter will perform fire fighting, search and rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and utility mission in support of the Chungnam community . The helicopter... Read more
23-Jan-2014Source: Bellingham Herald
Mark D. Zimmerman, chief executive of Simplex Manufacturing, confirmed that his company is eyeing Cowlitz County See full story... Read more
22-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has received an order for a new EC145 from Okayama City Fire Department in Japan. The unit is upgrading from their current Kawasaki-MBB KB117 JA6793 which they bought as a B1 model and have upgraded to the C1 standard. File photo from Wikipedia Commons Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
10-Dec-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane, Inc. (NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, announced today that management will be presenting at the Imperial Capital 2013 Security Investor Conference at the... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated(NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, announced today that it has won a 10-month contract to provide firefighting services to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality... Read more
3-Dec-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
One of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters, has won its first dedicated firefighting contract. Australian Helicopters has been awarded a three-year contract with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to be delivered through the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) following a tender process. The agreement, which includes two one-year extension... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: INAER
INAER Spain, global leader in emergency services, has been awarded a new contract to operate aerial firefighting services in the Region of Extremadura after the local Government issued a public tender. The company will provide fire fighting, surveillance and coordination services. Under the terms of the new contract, INAER Spain will operate nine helicopters, including... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Local press is reporting that Cyprus’ Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou and Defence Minister Photis Photiou last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate the operation of the country’s AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters. From the text of the official announcement, the MoU paves the way for coordination between the Police and National Guard, including a joint training... Read more
21-Nov-2013Source: Simplex Aerospace
Simplex® Aerospace has received Russian STC on its Fire Attack™ system for the Russian built KA-32 helicopter. The new STC for the Simplex® Aerospace Model 328 Fire Attack™ tank was approved by the Aviation Register of Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC AR) in Russia. The IAC AR had previously approved the Simplex® Aerospace Model 10900-050. The... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: AHSAFA
On the eve of its 2014 Annual Meeting in Boise, Idaho, on November 20, the American Helicopter Services & Aerial Firefighting Association (AHSAFA) has cited some progress over the past year toward airtanker fleet modernization, along with on-going opposition to any increased role for government in the aerial firefighting business. “After years of discussions between... Read more
8-Nov-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated(NASDAQ:EAC) (“Erickson,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a worldwide mix of commercial and government customers and the vertically integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, today announced third quarter 2013 financial results. Third Quarter and Recent Highlights Revenue... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation (LEA), a Bend, Oregon, based company, has just completed Initial Night Vision Goggle training for the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Air Operations Division. In early 2013, Leading Edge joined Night Flight Concepts as a training partner. Leading Edge holds 141 approved courses for Initial, Recurrent, and Instructor NVG Training. LEA... Read more
4-Nov-2013Source: AHS&AFA
Columbia Helicopters has been working with the Australian Army on preparations for the return of two CH 47D Chinook helicopters from Afghanistan. The two helicopters flew some 5,600 missions since deployed there in 2006. The Portland-based company, which has a global reputation for expertise in maintenance of the CH 47 and other Boeing Vertol-built twin-rotor helicopter... Read more
31-Oct-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated(NASDAQ:EAC), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers and the vertical manufacturer and operator of the powerful, heavy-lift helicopter, the Erickson S-64 Aircrane, today announced that it will release its earnings results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 ended September 30, 2013 on Thursday, November... Read more
31-Oct-2013Source: Simplex
Simplex® Aerospace announced it has reached an agreement with Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to install the Max-Viz Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on Simplex® Aerospace SkyCannon™ and Fire Attack™ Systems. The Astronics Max-Viz EVS will be installed as standard equipment on the SkyCannon™. Simplex® is provisioning for the Max-Viz system on all newly designed systems and... Read more
29-Oct-2013Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Rostec State Corporation, is taking part in Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (SEOUL ADEX 2013) from 29 October to 3 November 2013 at the Kintex Exhibition Centre in Seoul, South Korea. The company’s stand is in pavilion H9-C6. Russian Helicopters’ display includes the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC, a... Read more
22-Oct-2013Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Rostec State Corporation, has signed a contract with the Minsk department of the Belarus Emergencies Ministry to supply a Ka-32A11BC helicopter fitted with a horizontal fire-fighting system. The helicopter is planned to be used to combat blazes in high-rise buildings in Minsk. The specialist Ka-32A11BC fitted with water cannon... Read more
18-Oct-2013
Firefighting helicopter got bucket caught in powerlines. No mention of any damage to the helicopter, but the fire bucket was damaged and separated from the aircraft (not known if jetissoned or broke). Also, powerlines brought down... Read more
15-Oct-2013Source: AHSAFA
Despite the shutdown of the Federal government, amid on-going budget battles in Congress, the privately operated aerial firefighting industry continues to be mission-ready, with no disruptions to contracts currently in place with the US Forest Service (USFS). “I want to assure the public that our companies, which have flown fixed wing air tankers and helicopters... Read more
15-Oct-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki has announced a further order for an EC145 from their production line in Japan – this time from the Kobe Fire Department. This will be the second EC145 for Kobe Fire and is understood to replace their BK117B2 JA9639 which was first operated in December 1994. Photo taken by J o. via Wikipedia Commons... Read more
14-Oct-2013Source: Erickson Air-Crane
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (NASDAQ:EAC)(“Erickson” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of aviation services to a diverse mix of commercial and government customers, and the vertically-integrated manufacturer and operator of the powerful heavy-lift Erickson S-64 Aircrane helicopter, has announced the signing of a new, multi-year aerial firefighting contract to support National Aerial Firefighting Centre (“NAFC”)... Read more