15-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Following the company’s success at winning the Woodside Energy contract from Bristows, AUstralia’s largest commercial operator is moving its local office from Adelaide to Perth. CHC will be flying four Eurocopter EC225 and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters on the contract, based out of Karratha in Western Australia – nearly 1,000 miles north of Perth. The... Read more
15-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Helipark has been awarded the Platinum Seal, awarded by Bell to companies that achieve the highest standard of quality, the first time a South American company has achieved that accolade. Founded in 2002, Helipark has this year gone one better, after receiving a Gold Seal in last year’s assessment of Bell’s maintenance organisations. The Platinum... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
UK Robinson dealer Heliair has taken delivery of its first R66. Still on the FAA register as N66NN pending EASA certification, serial number 0016 was noted ground running today at the company’s base at Wycombe Air Park. Britain’s second R66 for Sloane Helicopters is due very soon. HeliHub.com will report further on this aircraft soon... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Thursday 27th January, the Air Support Unit at Melsbroek Airport was raided by up to 30 investigations after allegations of corruption. Investigators took computers, office records, accounts and flight log books. Allegations include private use of police helicopters, failure to comply with official procurement procedures and irregularities when entering into contacts with private companies. ... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Monday 7th February, the Military Police of Santa Catarina added an AW119Ke Koala to their fleet – registered PR-PMM and AW serial 14740. This follows the intorduction in December of their first example, Fitted equipment includes a Spectrolab SX16 searchlight, dual litters for medical evacuation work, external hook and an hoist. Future plans call... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
West Coast Helicopters pick up the Business Excellence award for Forestry Company of the Year for Vancouver Island from the Business Examiner.  West Coast provides a wide range of forest services that include cone collection, log slinging, fire protection, crew movements, and seeding and fertilizing. “We were also one of five finalists in the Green... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Germany’s Wiking Helicopter Service has started AW139 operations recently after buying its first example of the type from Atlantic Airways. Atlantic had taken delivery of it in Apri 2008 and the sale transaction was agreed in October 2010 with delivery to Germany before the year end. Some initial training was required by Wiking before they... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
DRF has announced that it’s Dortmund base has recently changed callsign to “Christoph Dortmund” with agreement of the local police and fire/rescue services. All public safety radio communciations will now use this new tag. The Dortmund EMS base flies a Eurocopter BK117, operated by HSD for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The BK117 is... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Dutch aviation magazine Scramble has alerted HeliHub.com to the news that two air ambulance helicopters in their country will start true 24×7 operations from today, 14th February 2011. THe bases at Amsterdam and Groningen will bring the night operations under ANWB up to four, adding to bases at Rotterdam and Nijmegen which already have this... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Russian subsidiary Eurocopter Vostok has handed over a new EC135 to airline ChelAvia. Sherbank Leasing provided the finance. ChelAvia is “one of the leading private aviation companies on the GA market. The main activities – training civil aviation pilots, performing aerial work, as well as promotion of aircraft Tecnam Italian concern in the Russian market.... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Indian manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is planning an IPO, although no date has yet been set. The state owned company follows a number of others which the Indian Government have floated in recent years. The move is being promoted as necessary from a corporate governance position, but it is also seen as a way... Read more
12-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Following an order announced in October 2009, the Royal Thai Police have recently taken delivery of three Eurocopter Ec155B1 helicopters. These 3 new medium weight twin-engine helicopters will be dedicated to VVIP missions, and add to two others which have been operated since early 2005. When the order was announced at the Asian Aerospace event,... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Sit down. Take a deep breath. The US Army’s Joseph P. Cribbins Aviation Product Symposium Project Manager Award is upon us and the winner has been announced! The award from the US Army Cargo Helicopters Project Office was presented this week at a symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Boeing’s Aircraft Modificatin Center team based out of... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
BBC News is today reporting that the Irish division of Bank of Scotland had repossessed an A109A Mk.II belonging to Jermon Ltd – registered G-JMON. The company, run by Dungannon resident Peter Dolan, was placed into administration on 27 January. Jermon was formed in 1997, and purchased the 109 in 2006. Both the UK province... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
As part of the rejuvenation of the charity, London’s Air Ambulance has appointed Siobhra Murphy as their Public Relations Manager to boost the charity’s profile to the 10 million people who live and work in London. The LAA press release indicated that Siobhra is experienced in Financial and Corporate PR and also has a keen... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Leading print and communications company Geon has recently been announced as the latest sponsor of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Run by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter operates throughout the greater Auckland region, including the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, and in Thames/Coromandel over the summer season. The new sponsorship follows... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Los Angeles Police say that a 14-year-old boy is in custody, accused of pointing a green laser at both a police helicopter and a plane headed to LAX – Los Angeles International Airport. Sgt. Mike Richardson told the media that the boy was booked Tuesday night on suspicion of pointing a laser at the pilot,... Read more
9-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
London’s Air Ambulance has appointed Diane Richens as the Charity’s Business Development Manager. The LAA press release indicated that “Diane brings with her over 10 years experience working in Business Development in multi-national organisations in both the Private and Third Sector”. Research on the internet found that she previously worked in a similar Business Development... Read more
9-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Russia’s Rosoboronexport and India’s Axis Aerospace & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. have announced the signing of an initial agreement to form a joint venture for aerospace and defense business. The JV will also work in design, production and integration of avionics systems, including production of Russian avionics under licence in India. It would focus on areas... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
London’s Air Ambulance (“LAA”) has announced that it has secured financing on its MD Explorer helicopter for the next seven years. The deal, financed through Santander Corporate Banking, and with the support of Virgin Group, will enable the Charity to concentrate its efforts on continuing to develop its service. It has also appointed Banco Santander... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Some 20 years after buying their fleet of four Bo105s, the Czech Police have finally retired the type. A total of four were acquired, two in 1991 with the second pair following the year after. Two were lost in accidents, one in April 1992 and the other in August 1999. The Bo105 has been on... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Transportation Safety Board (“TSB”) of Canada has announced that it will be holding a press conference for the media on Wednesday to publically release the final TSB investigation report (reference id A09A0016) into the crash of a Cougar Helicopters Sikorsky S-92A off the coast of Newfoundland on March 12, 2009. Members of the panel... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
FB Heliservices are well known in the UK as the lead supplier of MRCOA (Military Registered Civil Owned Aircraft), specifically including the Squirrel and Griffon fleets. They also operate some of these aircraft on contract to other overseas governments, and readers may recall one of their AW139s resplendent in black/yellow colours on the AgustaWestland exhibitor... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
During the handover ceremony for the second Spanish-built coastal surveillance ship for the Venezuelan Navy, President Hugo Chavez said that his government intended odering eight helicopters to work with the new ships. The ceremony was held at the Puerto Cabello naval base on the acceptance of the ship AB Yavir, pennant number GC-22. On Thursday,... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Meixco’s State Government of Chihuahua will donate one helicopter to the town of Ciudad Juárez to strengthen their public safety department. No details were given on the type of helicopter or its current/potential equipment level. The announcement was made by Governor César Duarte Jáquez while visiting the town last Tuesday for a regional security meeting... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
During Aero India in Bangalore this week, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will hold handover ceremonies for a total of six helicopters. One Chetak helicopter will be going to the Namibian Air Force. On Wednesday 9th February, five Dhruv helicopters will be handed over to the Indian Army as the first batch of their recent order.... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
David Laws, the Liberal-Democrat Member for Parliament has called on the British Government to re-run the SAR privatisation competition following the recent debacle when the previous tender fell apart after “irregularities” were found some 11 months after the Soteria consortium were named “preferred bidder”. Royal Bank of Scotland, one of the consortium members, pulled out. ... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s helicopter fleet has risen by 139% in the last 25 years, from 571 in 1986 to 1364 in 2011. Analysis of statistics released by the CAA detailing aircraft registered on their “G” register at the 1st January each year from 1985 makes very interesting reading. In 1986 there were four civilian Chinooks registered with... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The aviation arm of the Kremlin has signified its intent to procure two Airbus A319 airliners and two AgustaWestland helicopters this year. While the exact helicopter type is not mentioned, the tender documents stated a need to have them delivered in October 2011, with the jets following in December. The presidential flight is also looking... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Ontario Provincial Police are on the point of adding a Eurocopter EC135P2+ to their fleet, perhaps two. In recent days, two new EC135s have been added to the Canadian register, including one as C-FOPP – a registration previously used by an AS355F2 of the Ontario Provincial Police which has in turn been transferred to C-GJYH. ... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Canada’s National Defence has put their fleet of five CH-47D Chinooks – known locally as the CH-147 – up for sale. The helicopters are currently serving in Afghanistan, and allied countries serving in the war-torn country have been sounded out as potential customers, thus far without apparent success. The five aircraft are committed in-theatre until... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In announcing the award to Rogerson Kratos of a contract to supply a cockpit display system, Bell have effectively released details on their Magellan project (see HeliHub.com report on this “secret program”, which cited an upgraded 412 as one of three possibilities). Bell’s press release stated that Rogerson would be supplying “the cockpit display system... Read more
2-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com’s correspondant in New Zealand has advised us that a recently registered Bell 429, the first of its type in the country, was noted test flying at Ardmore Airfield yesterday. The all black craft was completing compass swing tests prior to delivery to the customer. It has been registered to Advanced Flight Ltd at an... Read more
2-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
As part of Eurocopter UK’s launch of their new North Sea Service Centre in Aberdeen, the company also provided a focal point with the opening of a Eurocopter EC225 simulator. They have already made significant progress selling time on this simulator, made in Spain by Indra, by using the event to host a contract signing... Read more
1-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday, Bond Offshore Helicopters registered their first AW139 helicopter with teh UK CAA – it is G-PERA which reflects it being contracted to the independent oil & gas company Perenco. Previously this company’s operations were supported by an AW139 from CHC. The AW139, which will be joined by a second prior to the contract start... Read more
30-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Himachal Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has this weekend launched the much-awaited helicopter services to cater for high-end tourists. He ceremonially sent off the first helicopter flight for Kullu from Annandale helipad on Saturday, operated by an MD600N from the Simm-Samm Company. Two other operators Shiva Heli Services and Mesco Airlines are also involved. The... Read more
29-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The British Civil Aviation Authority has reviewed and reduced the charges it levies on companies holding an Air Operators Certificate after representations from the British Helicopter Association among others. Previously, there were separate bandings for operators of 0-4 and those for 5-10 helicopters, with a big jump between the two making it very difficult for... Read more
28-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Two different news sources in the UK have tonight gone public with their investigations into the suspended British SAR privatisation deal. In Spring 2010, the UK Government announced that the Soteria consortium were the preferred bidders, and it was assumed that this just meant that the contractual aspects had to be sorted and some months... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Big Rapids City Commission met recently to consider a resolution approving the lease agreement with AeroMed for use of the community hangar at Roben Hood airport. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the 20 year deal. Commissioner Terry Harper said she was happy with the deal and it will help paying off the cost that... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Casanave Industrial Development, in association with the 1st Army Aviation Brigade of Peru, has developed a missle pod system for the MI-17-1B The system, called Hurricane-I is operational on Mi-17 helicopters assigned to counter-insurgency operations in the valley of the Ene and Apurimac rivers. It includes the HMP-250 Helicopter Machine-gun Pods made by Herstal in... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com maintains what we believe to be the most comprehensive record of helicopter accidents and incidents on the internet. Here is our report for November 2010 Useful Links * Civil Accidents * Military Accidents * Fatal Accidents – both civil and military * 2009 Annual Review of Fatal Accidents * Safety News November 2010 was... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In a recent ceremony, the Russian Ambassador in Quito, Yan Burliay, handed over two Mi-171E transport helicopters to the Ecuadorian Army. This follows a contract between the Ministry of Defense of Ecuador and Rosoboronexport, reported as the first such contract in the history of Russian-Ecuadorian relations. The value of the deal was around $22 million.... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Bulgarian Air Force, already well known to be short of cash, is to sell 12 helicopters – six Mi-17s and six Mi-24 gunships. The funds raised will then be used to refurbish and upgrade a further six of each type. In the last couple of years, Bulgaria has taken delivery of twelve AS532 Cougar... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Next week one AW101 Merlin and five AS550 Fennec helicopters will travel from Denmark to Norway to practice landings in the snow Crews from 722 and 724 Squadrons are off to practice landings in the snow during the exercise appropriately called Exercise White Out. Rescue helicopter Squadron 722, had a need arise to be able... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
French manufacturer Helicopteres Guimbal is preparing to deliver the first Cabri G2 into the Australian market. Bankstown-based HTT (Helicopter Transport and Training) has two on order following the November 2010 type approval by CASA (see certificate here). We await with interest how the Cabri performs for this operator, who is well versed in flying the... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bruno Giumbal proudly announced yesterday the certification by EASA of floats for his G2 Cabri light helicopter. Bruno’s company Helicopteres Guimbal has been working on this certification for tWo years, although that length of time has been due to the other priorities they have had in getting new helicopters delivered. The result is worthy of... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: HelIHub.com
The independent Public Provincial Hospital of them. Pope John Paul II Hospital in the Polish city of Zamosc isproposing a helipad to allow them to accept patients by air. Local newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza believes it will be constructed with EU funds, and will allow 24 hour operations. Tenders to proposed construction companies are already being... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Amarillo College officials are to be presented with a state grant from the Texas Workforce Commission of more than $160,000 to support a Bell training program. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday on the second floor of the College Union Building on their Washington Street Campus. Texas Workforce Commission’s Chairman Tom Pauken is... Read more
19-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Maritime Helicopters has purchased a new 407 that will be available for charter in 2011. This aircraft is a 2007 model with just 119 hours total time on the airframe It is uniquely configured with the Chelton 3D Synthetic Vision EFIS glass cockpit, including “Highway in the Skyâ€, Radar Altimeter/TCAS/Terrain Monitoring/Map Overlays and multiple other... Read more
19-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Around Christmas, the Living Legends of Aviation® organistion put out an invitation to this year’s event, and announcing some of the winners. In a quote from this press release they said: – “The “Legends†invite you to join them as they honor Lynn Tilton, CEO of MD Helicopters as “Aviation Entrepreneur of the Yearâ€. Ms.... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare is seeking volunteers to help them complete the restoration of Fairey Ultralight G-AOUJ. This two seat tip-jet helicopter with a gross weight of 817kg was developed just over fifty years ago, but cancelled after the UK military dropped their interest in it, and manufacturers Fairey found civil interest very muted... Read more
7-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In line with the global recession, Robinson Helicopter Co produced a very modest 162 helicopters last year, just 18% of their peak figure of 893 just two years earlier. The total was made up of 40 x R22 Beta II 32 x R44 Raven/Clipper I 80 x R44 Raven/Clipper II 10 x R66 Turbine When... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Trainico in the German city of Berlin has acquired a retired Kamov Ka26 for use as a training tool. It will be used primarily for training aircraft engineers, and had for some years been displayed outdoors with the Hans-Grade-Museum at Borkheide. This particular aircraft was built by Ufa State Aviation Plant in 1974 with serial... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Frimley Park Hospital in the UK county of Surrey has given the go-ahead to a £20M project to build a new Accident & Emergency department including a roof-top helipad. When completed, this facility will avoid the delays associated with the current arrangement where air ambulances have to land at Kings International College and complete the... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Military Police of Piauà added a second helicopter, a Robinson R44, to their capability. It was launched at the graduation ceremony of new police officers on 28th December at the Headquarters of the General Command in Teresina. The State of Piaui is in the north-east of Brazil covering approx 250,000 sq.km and has a... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Helibras sold a total of 35 helicopters in 2010, significantly up from 2009’s total of 14. Of these, 25 were to the civilian market, up from 5 in 2009 – showing the difference as 10 military helicopters compared to 9. All of these were AS350 Squirrel models, branded “HB350 Esquilo” locally. Production in Eurocopter’s Brazilian... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
ONGC, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India, is increasing its shareholding in helicopter operator Pawan Hans with a cash injection of Rs96 crore – 960 million rupees – equivalent to US$21.2M. This takes the ONGC shareholding from 21% to 49% in the state-owned helicopter operator. Given this as the value of 28% would... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Helibras, the Brazilian based Eurocopter subsidiary, has had its website hacked.  An unknown group or organisation posing under the name “BaRaCK_ObaMa” has filed two news items on the Helibras website on 5th January. Both stories carry a “Happy New Year” notice with a Disney cartoon and the website address of a blog hosted on the... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
British helicopter company Heliair have launched a website specifically for Robinson R66 sales at R66Dealer.com – this may, in time, be merged into their main website, but it is currently intentionally stand-alone.Head of Marketing Brian Kane told HeliHub.com that Heli Air see the R66 as being “the best single engine turbine ever produced”, presumably based... Read more
