9-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Italian premium brand Luxottica will soon take delivery of an AgustaWestland AW139, recently seen test flying from the factory in Italy. With net sales exceeding €7.3 billion in 2013, over 73,000 employees and a strong global presence, Luxottica is a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and sales of premium, luxury and sports eyewear. The... Read more
10-Apr-2014Source: G&G Aviation
MD Helicopters Inc. has appointed G&G Aviation of Rome, as its italian sales representative for its entire range of single and twin engine helicopters. Based in Mesa, Arizona (U.S.A.) MD Helicopters current product range inherited the design and experience started over 50 years ago by Hughes with civil and military light helicopters like the Hughes... Read more
6-Apr-2014Source: Garmin
Garmin continues to expand its global aviation chart coverage with the release of European terminal charts, including instrument approach charts, SIDs, STARs, and airport diagrams. These charts are the most recent addition to the growing list of worldwide aviation charting products available from Garmin, which are compatible with select Garmin avionics and portables. Additional charts... Read more
20-Mar-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first AW101 for the Italian Air Force, designated the HH-101A “CAESAR”, made its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in the UK today at the presence of the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Pasquale Preziosa, the Italian Ambassador Domenico Terracciano, the Director of... Read more
20-Mar-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and the Italian Air Force are pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at further strengthening their already well-established cooperation through the future set up of joint training solutions. The announcement was made on the occasion of the official ceremony for the maiden flight of the first... Read more
19-Mar-2014Source: CAE
Rotorsim, the joint venture owned equally by CAE (NYSE:CAE)(TSX:CAE) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, today announced that a joint team from ENAC (the Italian Civil Aviation Authority) and the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has certified the world’s first AW189 full-flight simulator (FFS) to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators. The new CAE... Read more
10-Mar-2014Source: Finmeccanica
The Board of Directors of Finmeccanica, convened today under the chairmanship of Gianni De Gennaro, examined and approved the project for a New Group Organizational and Operating Model applying to the Aerospace, Defence and Security sectors (“A,D&S”). The New Organizational Model is in line with similar initiatives promoted by our main competitors aimed at effectively tackling the challenges... Read more
21-Feb-2014Source: Gazetta del Sud
Turin prosecutors have placed a dozen former and current directors of AgustaWestland under investigation in a probe into suspected health risks from the asbestos in helicopters supplied to the Italian armed forces and police See full story... Read more
16-Feb-2014
At touch down the pilot experienced strong vibrations with damages to the helicopter... Read more
11-Feb-2014Source: Schiebel
The Italian Navy has selected the CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS (Unmanned Air System) to provide support for its fleet, making it the first European Navy that has S-100 in operational use. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 has already proven efficient to the Italian Navy as it was the first UAS ever to fly from an Italian ship, the... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Italian military has reported the untimely death of Major General Feltrinelli Calligaris, head of Italy’s Army aviation unit. The General was the instructor in an Agusta-Bell JetRanger which crashed on Mount Martha, near the Viterbo military base. Student pilot Lieutenant Paolo Tozzi was also killed in the accident. Major General Calligaris was appointed to... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the Italian Police has taken delivery of a fifth AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter which will be based in Reggio Calabria. The contract, which was signed in July last year, includes a total of eight AW139 helicopters. Designated UH-139C, the Italian Police’s helicopters operate from bases in... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The “Leonardo da Vinci” National Museum of Science and Technology has this weekend opened a new permanent interactive exhibition on helicopters, created in partnership with AgustaWestland. The aim is to trace the history of the helicopter, discover his future and experience the thrill of flying it. Historical and contemporary objects tell the evolution of vertical... Read more
29-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com
With the contract to supply twelve AW101s to the Indian Government a hot topic this week, an amazing coincidence gives us the title of the AW101 saving an Indian national. In what appears to be a pleasant coincidence for the manufacturer, the Italian Navy yesterday put out a press release about their latest rescue –... Read more
24-Nov-2013Source: Sunday Times
Engineering company Babcock International – who run Devonport and Rosyth military dockyards in the UK – is in advanced talks on a blockbuster £1.5bn takeover of Avincis Group. See story ... Read more
16-Oct-2013
Main blades struck tree during aerial work operations... Read more
10-Oct-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first production AW189 8 tonne class twin engine helicopter performed its maiden flight at Vergiate plant (Italy) today. The aircraft is expected to be delivered to Bristow Helicopters Ltd. by year end to carry out offshore transport missions in the North Sea, with operational readiness... Read more
25-Sep-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, showcased for the first time the new generation 4.5 tonne-class light intermediate twin engine AW169 at the HEMS 2013 Conference, held in Massa Carrara, Italy. The Italian HEMS Community was allowed to have a first look at the capabilities and features of the aircraft that is meant to set the new... Read more
24-Sep-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the availability of a new AW189 Flight Training Device (FTD) at its A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy. The device has been qualified by an EASA / ENAC joint team to FTD Level 2 as per CS-FSTD(H), and is installed in the new simulation building which will include... Read more
13-Sep-2013Source: Selex ES
Today at the military airport of Frosinone in Italy a ceremony was held for the inauguration of the TH-500 helicopter simulator. The system will be used in training courses for student pilots. The simulator was developed in Italy by Selex ES and allows learners to cover visual and instrumental flight procedures, besides emergency procedures and... Read more
20-Aug-2013
4 POB injured in heavy landing due to loss of visual clues in brown-out conditions. EMS operation... Read more
5-Aug-2013
Helicopter ditched in shallow water. 3 POB exited safely. En route from Elba to Bologna. Italian pilot age 44, passengers were on Turkish and Portuguese passports.... Read more
31-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Italian representative for Helicoptères Guimbal – Eurotech – have announced the arrival of their first G2 Cabri. Serial 1050, and appropriately registered I-CABR, the helicopter is photo’d here at their base at Caiolo in the Sondrio region of Italy. Ben Haverdee – HeliHub.com... Read more
21-Jul-2013
Destroyed in accident, occupants not injured... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Italian Police has taken delivery of its first two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters on schedule. These helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Unit of the Italian Police and based at Pratica di Mare, close to Rome. Additional aircraft will be delivered to... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first ICH-47F Chinook for the Italian Army successfully accomplished its maiden flight on June 24th at Vergiate in Italy. The aircraft took to the air for 15 minutes, performing as expected carrying out basic handling tests and main systems checks. This ICH-47F Chinook is the... Read more
20-Jun-2013Source: NH Industries
NHI celebrated today the first operational deployment of a NH90 helicopter overseas. This event took place on the NHI static area, where the NH90 TTH of the Italian Army, operated by “7° Vega unit is displayed, at the presence of General Calligaris commanding the Italian Army Aviation. “We are pleased to welcome General Calligaris at... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Elitaliana has signed a preliminary sales contract for three additional new generation AW169 helicopters to add to the three ordered in 2011. This latest sales success further establishes the AW169 as the helicopter of choice in its weight class with sales of over 80 aircraft since... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Aero Sekur
As a result of a Joint Venture between Aero Sekur and HRD Aero Systems Inc. a one stop hub for the repair and overhaul of commercial aircraft safety equipment has been formed. Operating as a European Centre of Excellence, HRD Aero Sekur builds on both organisations’ established MRO skills and services. The new 20,000 sq.... Read more
5-Jun-2013
During cruise at 120 kts, pilot experienced a tail rotor failure and performed a forced landing on a field... Read more
21-May-2013
Approaching Albenga Airport, MGB CHIP warning light ON. After 5 minutes hard noise was detected and crew has decided to land immediately on a beach. No damages was detected to the helicopter... Read more
7-May-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Italian distributor for Helicoptères Guimbal is expecting their first G2 Cabri in June 2013. Eurotech – based in Caiolo in Lombardy (Sondrio province) – announced their appointment back in February. The manufacturer took a slight detour on their flight from their base in France to the recent Aero exhibition in Germany to go via... Read more
7-May-2013
Contacted powerlines on approach to airport... Read more
6-May-2013Source: The Wall Street Journal
The former CEO of the Italian defense giant Finmeccanica, and former CEO of AgustaWestland, was freed Saturday from jail pending his trial on corruption charges next month. (See Full Story)... Read more
3-May-2013Source: Italian Army
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first NH90 TTH in FOC (Final Operational Capability) configuration for the Italian Army has been delivered today during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Venice Tessera plant in the presence of Gen. Giangiacomo Calligaris, Commander of Italian Army Aviation, and Gen. Francesco Langella, ARMAEREO. This... Read more
3-May-2013
Helicopter ended up on its side in an open field... Read more
30-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Aero show in Friedrichshafen last week saw the launch of the Konner K1 helicopter – a turbine two-seat aircraft from Italy built under the EASA CS-27 rules for small rotorcraft. Possibly the sleekest helicopter we have seen, the side view makes even the AgustaWestland AW109 look bloated. From the nose you do a double-take... Read more
30-Mar-2013
Substantially damaged in landing accident. Sole occupant pilot not injured... Read more
6-Mar-2013Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter marked a new milestone in its product line enhancement strategy by launching the improved-performance, updated EC135 T3/P3 helicopter versions at the Heli-Expo 2013 industry show today, signing Air Methods of the U.S., Norsk Luftambulanse of Norway, and Italy’s Aiut Alpin Dolomites as launch customers. New features for these latest variants of Eurocopter’s EC135 light,... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Eurocopter has been keeping us up to date with development of their new EC145 variant with a fenestron tail rotor, and a prototype has been under development for over two and a half years – the first flight was back in July 2010. A total of three prototypes have been built, the first one a... Read more
12-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Finmeccanica have issued a short statement confirming that Italian Police have arrested former AgustaWestland CEO Guiseppi Orsi, and his successor (and current CEO) Bruno Spagnolini. Orsi is now Chairman and CEO of parent company Finmeccanica. “With reference to the precautionary measures issued today towards the Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica and the CEO of the... Read more
9-Feb-2013
Private pilot injured in accident on take-off. Local language TV report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDXhMP-fBrU... Read more
24-Jan-2013
Precautionary landing on sports pitch. probably weather related... Read more
17-Dec-2012
Helicopter of Italy’s Finance Guard crashed and three occupants airlifted to hospital. Accident altitude approx 3,000m... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Armée de l'air
[Electronic translation] From November 12 to November 21, 2012, the squadron of helicopters (EH) 1/67 “Pyrenees” in Cazaux Air Base 120 has led his second campaign refueling HAAR ( Helicopter Air to Air Refuelling ) in closely with the 46 th Brigade transport of the Italian Air Force based in Pisa (Italy). During this period,... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: European Defence Agency
The third Helicopter Tactics Symposium was held from 19 – 21 November in Luxembourg. 43 participants from 16 Member States (AT, BE, BG, CZ, DE, ES, EE, FI, FR, HU, IT, LU, NL, PT, SE, UK) and additional guests from New Zeeland and the Joint Air Power Competence Centre exchanged views on the status of... Read more
20-Nov-2012
Helicopter was involved in low-level aerial work to drop rabies vaccines for foxes as part of a Health Authority program. AS350BA crashed into field close to houses after hitting high voltage cables, killing both occupants – pilot Silvio Botto Steglia, 37, and Felice Faivano, 35. Two houses damaged (see photo essay). Some local reports cite... Read more
12-Nov-2012Source: Aermatica
ENEL, the main Italian electric utility and one of the most important in the world, started a study concerning remote monitoring of its own power plants through small RPA. The possibility to satisfy those needs is only partially matter of mere technology; on the contrary starting of use of small RPA in professional industrial contexts... Read more
2-Nov-2012
Training accident, ending up on its port side... Read more
22-Oct-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Last Wednesday, the Italian Air Force flew one of its VIP SH-3D helicopters to the Air Forc Museum at at Vigna di Valle. Serialled MM80973, the helicopter has been operated by the 31° Stormo unit since it was acquired in 1976. The helicopter amassed 13,000 hours, and has flown many Italian VIPs as well as... Read more
16-Oct-2012Source: Avincis Group
Avincis Mission Critical Services (Avincis Group) has established itself in the UK today as the world’s leading provider of mission critical aviation services. The Group’s mission is to save lives, protect the environment and provide safe transport for mission critical people and assets for public services and blue chip corporations. Avincis’ operating companies deliver across... Read more
6-Sep-2012Source: Reuters
Finmeccanica head Giuseppe Orsi denied press reports on Wednesday that he had ordered faked consultancy services from the wife of Vittorio Grilli, who is currently Italy’s Economy Minister. (see full story)... Read more
24-Aug-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Milestone Aviation Group, the Dublin-based helicopter lessor, has recently delivered two new AgustaWestland AW109SP Grand New to Italian operator Elilombardia. Likely for tax reasons, the aircraft were initially registered in their name for a couple of days in mid-July in the Isle of Man, as seen in our photos here. They were then moved to... Read more
21-Aug-2012
Two occupants, substantially damaged... Read more
21-Jul-2012
Air ambulance struck cables on climb-out from road accident scene.  Pilot Augusto Stazzonelli, co-pilot Stefano Turetta, doctor Fabio Martorana, a nurse, an alpine rescue specialist and the patient survived.... Read more
19-Jul-2012Source: Selex Elsag
At Farnborough 2012 SELEX Elsag announced a 11 million euro contract to supply LOAM (Laser Obstacle Avoidance & Monitoring) systems to equip naval and tactical NH-90 helicopters operated by the Italian Ministry of Defense. Delivery of the equipment is expected to begin in 2013. The NH90 is produced by NHI, a consortium between the Franco-German... Read more
10-Jul-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Italian Police has placed an order for two AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The contract is partially funded by the EU FRONTEX programme aimed at supporting coordination and development of the European Union’s border management. Also included in the contract is a comprehensive support and training... Read more
1-Jul-2012
Force landing due to a technical issue on positioning flight back to base after firefighting... 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
22-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Heli-Sport has just announced that initial deliveries of their side-by-side two-seat CH-77 Ranabot were made approximately a month ago to customers in their native Italy. Next deliveries are expected to be to France and the Czech Republic – and Heli-Sport is actively working with the dealers in those countries, who will be responsible for assembly,... Read more
1-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Last Friday, HeliHub.com broke the story that AgustaWestland have brought a demonstrator AW139 to the UK for the London Olympics. Courtesy of Nigel Hitchman, we have now caught up with the colour scheme of this aircraft – a blend of the standard Finmeccanica grey/red starburst with three extra blue and one extra red stripe to... Read more
30-Apr-2012Source: Schiebel
Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 has taken a further step in consolidating its strong maritime position by being the first UAS (Unmanned Air System) to ever fly from an Italian Navy ship. The S-100 was flown from the ITS Bersagliere, a Soldati Class frigate and successfully carried out a number of missions for observers from the Italian... Read more
27-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland have brought one of their AW139 demonstrator aircraft from Italy to the UK for the London Olympics, which start with the opening ceremony on Friday 27th July this year. Arriving as I-AWRH, the helicopter has now been re-registered as G-OLYM – an obvious give-away that it is here for the Games. HeliHub.com will report... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: Indian Express
Italy probes 51 m Euro ‘payoff’ to agent Guido Haschke for VVIP AW101 deal with India – the 62-year-old consultant is believed to have dual citizenship of Switzerland and the US (see full story)... Read more
1-Apr-2012
Pilot Raffaele Morelli di Quarto was not seriously injured in the crash of this R44 from low level, although photos of the R44 show extensive damage... Read more
31-Mar-2012
Emergency landing while firefighting, possibly due to broken hydraulic lines... Read more
25-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches,... Read more
25-Mar-2012
R22 crashed from a low level sharp turn shortly close in a ploughed field approx 200m from the pilot’s house, killing both occupants. The sequence was watched by the pilot’s son from the house, who immediately called the emergency services. The two were later named as pilot Marcello Bartalucci age 62 and Giampaulo Marri, age... Read more
19-Mar-2012Source: PZL Swidnik
(electronic translation from Polish)  Demonstration of the capabilities of helicopters produced in Swidnik, tour facility, meet with the staff – are just some of the official visit of His Excellency Riccardo Guariglia, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in PZL-Swidnik, a group company of AgustaWestland. The Ambassador visited Åšwidnik plants on Wednesday, March 14. His arrival... Read more
8-Mar-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first of ten Italian Air Force’s HH-139A medium twin engine helicopters has entered operational service. A ceremony held today at Cervia Air Base marked this achievement. These helicopters will supplement ageing HH-212 and HH-3F helicopters in the role of search and rescue operations across the... Read more
7-Mar-2012Source: European Commission
The European Commission has authorised France and Italy to grant aid for research and development (R&D) to two European helicopter manufacturers (Eurocopter in France and Agusta Westland in Italy) for the development of new, innovative, medium-weight aircraft. The Commission has decided that these measures are compatible with the EU rules on state aid, particularly as... Read more
20-Feb-2012Source: Esperia Aviation Services
Electronic translation – Esperia Aviation Services, a leading VIP helicopter transport / corporate, this year will be an official partner of the prestigious Audi Polo Gold Cup 2012 which will open the season on the shores of frozen Lake Misurina, in the beautiful surroundings of Cortina D’Ampezzo. Esperia, as usual, will manage the transport services... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has commenced construction work on a new simulator hall at its “A. Marchetti†Training Academy located in Sesto Calende, Italy. The new simulator hall will be able to house up to nine full-flight simulators (FFSs) and six flight training devices (FTDs). The new facility will accommodate FFSs for various aircraft including... Read more
15-Jan-2012
Crashed after hitting cables on approach to airfield, killing Filippo Sini, 39, and Vittorio Mestichelli, 57. [Warning – some photos in the Italian press show at least one of the bodies without it being covered up]... Read more