20-Feb-2014Source: Metro Aviation
Innovation never sleeps. With that in mind, Metro Aviation released an update to its lifesaving app, MetroAlert. The app is provided to operations customers of Metro Aviation at no cost and can decrease helicopter response time by up to five minutes. When air transport is needed, hospitals and first responders can use MetroAlert to instantly notify the... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: Metro Aviation
The Helicopter Flight Training Center has completed the certification of its first simulator, the AS350 FlightSafety flight training device with NVG-capability. The FAA recently wrapped up their visit to the training facility to give it the green light and Metro Aviation pilots immediately began their recurrent training in the simulator. This simulator is available for... Read more
11-Dec-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Development is underway for Metro Aviation’s new custom training program for maintenance technicians. A computer-based training program is currently being developed by Avstar Media and will be tailor-made for Metro based on the company’s own training manuals. “Avstar Media provides the most current and comprehensive information in a high tech format that trains our personnel... Read more
9-Nov-2013
Pilot and two engineers uninjured in crash on post-maintenance test flight. Helicopter ended up on its side. Helicopter is contracted to Shreveport-based Life Air Rescue... Read more
24-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation announces that FlightSafety International will provide flight simulators for its Helicopter Flight Training Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. “As an operator of more than 100 aircraft, Metro requires each of our pilots to undergo simulator training. This agreement with FlightSafety demonstrates Metro Aviation’s dedication to safety and commitment to operate and maintain our aircraft... Read more
23-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation and FlightSafety International (FSI) recently announced the arrival of FSI simulators at the Helicopter Flight Training Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Metro is pleased to welcome John Forsythe as the primary Simulator Technician. Forsythe’s primary focus is to provide technical support of the simulators on a daily basis. Forsythe retired from the United States... Read more
22-Oct-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced MedFlight of Ohio and HealthNet Aeromedical Services will expand their all-Eurocopter fleets. Based in Columbus, MedFlight of Ohio is taking possession of two more leased EC130s, which will be completed by Metro Aviation. One of the aircraft will be based in Jeffersonville, Ohio, located between Columbus and Cincinnati. “Our EC130s have performed flawlessly since replacing our... Read more
22-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
One year after celebrating their 30th anniversary at the 2012 Air Medical Transport Conference, Metro Aviation continues to see growth in its Operations Division. This year, Metro entered into agreements with four new programs. Quotas have never been a priority for Metro Aviation and it’s their reputation of putting the customer first that draws many... Read more
21-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation will begin operating for a new customer this November. Vidant Medical Transport provides critical care air and ground service around the clock in Greenville, North Carolina. Vidant Medical Transport owns two EC145’s and one EC135 to service Greenville and surrounding areas within 150 miles. Aircraft are IFR-equipped and outfitted with night vision goggles... Read more
20-Oct-2013
Force landed in a field after bird strike... Read more
4-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation will host a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 206/207 Line and Base Maintenance factory maintenance training program at the new state-of-the-art helicopter training center in Shreveport, Louisiana. The classes are presented by FlightSafety International. These instructor-led programs feature classroom lecture combined with practical, hands on applications. The course emphasizes the ability to identify,... Read more
1-Oct-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation finished its 12,000 sq. ft. training center in February and has already begun expanding the center to allow for more expansive training capabilities. With the goal of providing a turnkey training solution to its customers, Metro is nearly doubling the space of its facility. One new addition is a dedicated maintenance overhaul classroom... Read more
19-Sep-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently delivered the fifth Eurocopter EC135 to California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR). Metro will provide eight EC135’s as part of a comprehensive fleet upgrade and standardization plan for the helicopter emergency medical service. The Metro Headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana is becoming a second home for most of the CALSTAR family, but the... Read more
19-Sep-2013
Force landing in field with patient on board – photos show tail boom separated, starboard skid collapsed. Pilot injured his back. Helicopter was en route to Baptist Medical Center in Jackson from Pioneer Community Hospital in Ackerman.... Read more
12-Sep-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Editor Note – HeliHub.com has already run the story of this helicopter being launched – see Austin Police launches Eurocopter AS350B3e operations – the press release below was issued today by Metro Aviation and adds to the specification details in the earlier article The Austin Police Department Air Support Unit recently added a third helicopter to its... Read more
4-Sep-2013
Post-flight inspection revealed remains of small bird on barrier screen for oil cooler inlet. No damaged identifed.... Read more
6-Aug-2013Source: Metro Aviation
After 25 years, Metro Aviation will again be operating a Bell Helicopter product. The milestone is the result of the recent agreement with Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Aeromed program. Tampa General’s Aeromed program transports critically ill or injured patients from their 23 surrounding counties. Metro began operations on August 1. During the transition period, Aeromed... Read more
18-Jul-2013Source: Metro Aviation
When they’re not on a mission, law enforcement teams are constantly training. They sharpen their skills with classroom instruction and real-life scenarios to keep their towns and cities safe. Much like their counterparts in the air, the technicians for these law enforcement teams must complete regular safety and training sessions in the classroom. Metro Aviation... Read more
9-Jul-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation is honored to work with employees who show not only a commitment to the company, but also dedication to the advancement of the helicopter industry. Recently several of Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) committees met in Alexandria, Virginia for working sessions. During that time, two of Metro’s employees accepted seats at the table. Director... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation is increasing the curriculum offered by the new Metro Aviation Training Center with the addition of Pratt & Whitney courses presented by FlightSafety International. Pratt & Whitney factory maintenance training for the PW 206/207 will be offered quarterly at Metro’s Training Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. These instructor-led courses emphasize proactive safety, reliability, performance... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently hosted its first of 3 Turbomeca Level 1 classes for 2013 at its new training facility in Shreveport, Louisiana. Turbomeca USA is providing factory training courses on Arriel and Arrius engines in the Metro Aviation Training Center. Since completing its new comprehensive Training Center at the beginning of the year, Metro Aviation... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Metro Aviation, Inc
Beacon Health System’s Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Indiana recently received their new Eurocopter EC145. The aircraft was chosen for the larger cabin, payload and range as compared to their current EC135. The aircraft coincides with a rebranding of the air services to include Memorial Children’s Hospital and a slightly different color scheme. Memorial MedFlight... Read more
6-May-2013
Bird strike broke windshield while flying over Reed Point under NVG conditions. The pilot determined that the aircraft was safe to continue the flight to base at the Billings airport. No injuries.... Read more
1-May-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation conducted annual training for 34 lead pilots last week. Pilots gathered at the company’s new training facility at its Shreveport, Louisiana headquarters. During the culminating dinner, Metro recognized Joseph “Woody” Woodard, Lead Pilot for the First Flight program in Melbourne, Florida. Woodard was honored for his quick thinking and commendable actions during a... Read more
25-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently delivered a new Eurocopter AS350 to EagleMed as the result of a base expansion in Cody, Wyoming. The aircraft was completed at Metro’s headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana. The AS350 is equipped with Metro’s EMS kit that includes the transfill oxygen system with two outlets, medical inverter system, flip up seats, and LEMS... Read more
18-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently delivered the third of eight new EC135s to California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR). The new aircraft are part of a comprehensive fleet upgrade and standardization plan for the helicopter emergency medical service based in McClellan, CA. Metro will provide eight EC135s to replace the program’s older fleet, making it an all-Eurocopter... Read more
17-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
For safety to exist, it must be a way of life.” Those words are familiar in the Metro Aviation family and reiterated in a new safety video featuring Metro’s CEO Mike Stanberry. The video speaks directly to employees and customers and reaffirms Metro’s commitment to sustaining an active Safety Management System (SMS). The incorporation of... Read more
15-Apr-2013
Precautionary landing and maintenance team called out after unexpected torque split... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation visited with representatives from Boston MedFlight and American Eurocopter recently to begin production of MedFlight’s new EC145. The new aircraft will replace one of their two BK117 C1s. The new fleet configuration will include the EC145, BK117, and the S76. “We are excited about operating our very first EC145 and look forward to... Read more
3-Apr-2013Source: Metro Aviation
After completing the first three EC155s to be used for HEMS operations in the US early last year, Metro Aviation is preparing to complete another Eurocopter EC155, this time for Shands at the University of Florida’s ShandsCair. The ShandsCair aircraft will be the fourth EC155 used for HEMS in the country. Metro Aviation received an... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently released an innovative smart phone app that has the potential to decrease response time by up to five minutes. When air transport is needed, hospitals and first responders can use Metro Alert to instantly notify one of Metro Aviation’s bases and send GPS coordinates using the helo alert function. Metro Alert users... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation recently received a new Eurocopter EC145 for Memorial MedFlight, the air medical and critical care transport team for Beacon Health System’s Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Metro Aviation is performing the completion of the new aircraft at its main facility located in Shreveport, Louisiana. “While working with Metro Aviation, everyone has made me... Read more
7-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Air medical transportation and helicopter completions leader, Metro Aviation has announced the completion of a new comprehensive training center co-located at the company’s main offices in Shreveport, Louisiana. The 12,000 square foot facility is complete with the latest generation learning tools dedicated to safety and efficiency through training. The company will provide advanced training presentations... Read more
6-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Kristen King as the company’s new Director of Marketing. Ms. King brings a wealth of experience and diversity to the Metro family. Most recently, Ms. King was Director of Communications for the Bossier City Chamber of Commerce in Bossier City, La., where she was responsible... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, PAC International, a market leader in helicopter technical services, announces a marketing partnership with Sierra Aeronautica of Sao Paulo, Brasil. Under the marketing agreement, Sierra Aeronautica, through its CEO, Marcos Braga, will provide marketing and sales leadership for customization of helicopters entering Brasil. Mike Stanberry, Metro’s CEO... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: Metro Aviation
With the helicopter world soon to descend on Las Vegas for the 2013 HAI Heli-Expo, Metro Aviation has announced that it will showcase a recently completed EC145 as part of the company’s exhibit during the event. The featured aircraft is based in Cincinnati, Ohio at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Health Air Care and Mobile... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: Paradigm Aerospace
Paradigm Aerospace Corporation, International (PAC), a Metro Aviation company, has announced that they will showcase a recently reconfigured EC135P2+ on exhibit C3111 during the HAI Heli-Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning on 5 March. The featured aircraft is one of three EC135s recently reconfigured by PAC and was previously operated as an offshore support helicopter. During the reconfiguration process,... Read more
26-Feb-2013Source: YES Communications
YES Communications, Inc. (YES), a professional tradeshow, event and media management agency based in Dallas, TX has signed a contract extension with premier air medical transportation and helicopter completions provider, Metro Aviation, Inc. YES Communications has provided comprehensive tradeshow, event, advertising, and media planning to the Shreveport, LA based Metro Aviation since 2007. Company president,... Read more
23-Jan-2013Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is expanding their critical care transport services by establishing a fully dedicated helicopter for neonatal and pediatric transports. The state-of-the-art EC145 helicopter, named Monarch 1, features the best in size, performance and technology allowing for the safe transportation of critically ill patients. With approximately 30 percent of all neonatal admissions to Nationwide... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
The first of two new American Eurocopter EC145s are now in service for Air Care & Mobile Care, which serves Cincinnati’s University Hospital, West Chester Hospital in Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati region. Air Care purchased the new aircraft at Heli-Expo 2012 to upgrade its fleet of BK117 helicopters, which it had flown for... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce that Terry Palmer has joined the company as the new Director of Training. Ms. Palmer brings with her over 20 years of experience in developing and marketing new training and technology products for aviation. She has demonstrated her success in the training arena for several years, and some... Read more
10-Oct-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation is pleased to announce that Amy McMullen has joined the company as its Customer Configuration Coordinator. Ms. McMullen’s primary focus is to assist customers with aircraft configuration, equipment selection, and layout in addition to wide-ranging support during the entire completion process. She has spent most of her career in the air medical industry... Read more
12-Jul-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation will be exhibiting again this year during the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) 42nd Annual Conference and Exposition at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from 11-14 JUL 2012. The company will be featuring their latest AS350B3 law enforcement completion provided to the Texas Department of Public Safety Aviation Section. The aircraft is the first... Read more
6-Jul-2012Source: Metro Aviation
It is with great sadness that Metro Aviation announces the passing of the company’s production manager and longtime employee, Russell K. Garner. Mr. Garner died suddenly in the Shreveport, LA area on 26 JUN 2012. Garner was instrumental in the success of the company with several achievements related to equipment integration and supplemental type certificate... Read more
28-Jun-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation Inc. recently delivered the second EC135T2+ to the Massachusetts State Police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year at which time the unit received pilot and mechanic training from American Eurocopter. The second aircraft is similar to the first with the exception of the complete HELINET Downlink system and a Eurocopter Deutschland... Read more
25-May-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Celebrating 30 years in business, Metro Aviation continues on a record pace both with their aircraft completions business unit as well as the air medical operations division. The company has recently integrated the GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability into their existing EC145 Single/Dual Pilot IFR (SP/DPIFR) STC utilizing the Garmin GNS 200 Multi-function Display,... Read more
18-May-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Nationwide air medical operator and helicopter completions specialist, Metro Aviation, Inc. has delivered the first of two EC145 helicopters to longtime air medical program, Duke University Life Flight. Life Flight Administrative Director, Henry Ward accepted the aircraft during a delivery ceremony at the Metro Aviation main facility in Shreveport, Louisiana this month. Attending the event was the... Read more
24-Apr-2012Source: North Flight Data Systems
NORTH Flight Data Systems, LLC( NORTH FDS) is pleased to announce they have received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of their Lightweight Aircraft Recording (LARS) system in the Eurocopter EC155 series helicopters. In cooperation with Metro Aviation, Inc., NORTH FDS integrated their voice, video and flight data recording system into the... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
Metro Aviation has signed an agreement with American Eurocopter to use the AS350 Flight Simulator as part of the operator’s pilot training program. American Eurocopter owns the only AS350 Level B full motion flight simulator in the world. “We are strong advocates of simulator training for EMS pilots,†said Mike Stanberry, President of Metro Aviation.... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Heli-Expo 2012, American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that Metro Aviation has signed for five more EC145® helicopters. The agreement is for three firm orders with an additional two options. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in March and it will be joining a fleet that currently includes 17 EC145s. “We are... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: YES Communications
YES Communications is pleased to announce the launch of an enhanced press release platform that will be used to submit news and announcements for their customers to a worldwide audience. This new format will provide a standardized look for YES Communications and their discerning client base. YES Communications is a leader in distributing news for... Read more
26-Jan-2012Source: Tanis Aircraft Products
Tanis Aircraft Products has announced the availability of its aircraft preheat systems for the Eurocopter line of helicopters, a manufacturer of civilian and military models. Eurocopter manufactures the EC155 helicopter, a long-range twin-engine medium-lift passenger transport helicopter, along with many other models. Collaborating with Metro Aviation, Inc. at their corporate headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana, representatives... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. delivered the first of three EC145’s to Sanford Health at the end of last week. On hand for delivery was Kerry Berg, Director of Operations, Thomas Kitterman, Director of Maintenance and Orlen Tschetter, Vice President of Facilities & Planning from the Sanford Health-Sioux Falls Region. The aircraft is complete with a full... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR09591RC (STC) for a complete Emergency Medical System kit and associated options for the Eurocopter EC155B1. This is the first EC155B1 to be equipped with an EMS package in the United States. Metro Aviation, Inc. received approval late December after five months of completing the STC... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. attracts first-time customer, Duke Life Flight, with their extensive custom aircraft completion options. After operating two EC135’s for several years, Duke Life Flight decides to replace the EC135’s with two EC145’s completed by Metro Aviation, Inc. “The larger cabin of the EC145 combined with the state of the art medical interior and... Read more
16-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. recently entered into a contract with STAT MedEvac for three EC135 and two EC145 aircraft completions. The latest order will be a continuation of business between Metro Aviation, Inc. and STAT MedEvac that began with the introduction of the first EC135 aircraft in the United States, which was completed by Metro Aviation,... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
With their first Eurocopter EC145 approximately 50 percent completed, Sanford Health (based in Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND) entered into an agreement for the completion of two additional Eurocopter EC145’s. The first of the two additional aircraft arrived at Metro Aviation, Inc. on November 6th, with the third shipment scheduled for the middle of... Read more
18-Oct-2011Source: Metro Aviation
On the heels of the first air medical EC155 completions in North America for the University of Michigan Survival Flight, Metro Aviation continues to book new aircraft completions and sign new operating customers for what will undoubtedly be a record year for business. The company has recently signed contracts to complete two new EC145 helicopters... Read more
17-Oct-2011Source: American Eurocopter
From its booth #321 at the 2011 Air Medical Transport Conference, American Eurocopter announced today that Indiana University Health LifeLine will add its fifth EC145 to the fleet of four that were purchased in late 2008. The first four went into service throughout 2010 and the fifth is expected to go into service this week.... Read more
17-Oct-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Longtime air medical transportation provider and helicopter completion specialist, Metro Aviation, Inc. will feature an Indiana University (IU) Health LifeLine critical care transport Eurocopter EC145 during the AMTC hosted in St. Louis, Missouri from 17-19 October 2011. The sophisticated critical care transport helicopter includes an extensive patient care cabin configuration and single pilot IFR capability... Read more
6-Oct-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Survival Flight conducted an initial review of the EC155 B1 aircraft last week. On the agenda for the configuration team was to approve the final paint layout and review the medical system installation. With the approval of the new paint scheme and the medical system configuration, Metro Aviation, Inc. continues to proceed with an on... Read more
20-Sep-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation delivered a third completed EC135 for the Republic of South Korea today. This third aircraft, delivered ahead of schedule, will join the first two delivered earlier this month for an official viewing by the customer later next week. Operational services of the first EC135 began September 1, 2011. With the delivery of the... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Metro Aviation
HeliHub.com was the first aviation news website to identify the sale of these EC135s into Korea – see story here Metro Aviation, Inc. completed two EC135 aircraft for the Republic of Korea. These aircraft are not only the first Eurocopter EC135 aircraft in country, but will become the first civilian operated EMS aircraft to be... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has entered into a contract with ERA in Lake Charles, LA, to complete three Eurocopter EC135 aircraft. The completions will include installation of single pilot IFR kits, air conditioning, and DART emergency floatation systems. The helicopters will also include additional custom equipment installations specified by the end user. Metro Aviation, Inc. was... Read more
21-Jul-2011Source: Air Methods
Longtime completion leader, Metro Aviation, Inc. will showcase their latest comprehensive EC145 customization for the Virginia State Police Med Flight during the upcoming Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Annual Conference and Exposition. The venue begins this week on Wednesday 20 July 2011 and runs through Friday 22 July at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center... Read more
18-Jul-2011
Smoke started to appear out of the aft air conditioning vents inflight. Safe... Read more
24-Jun-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. recently completed two major STC programs on the Eurocopter EC130 selected by Medflight Ohio (Columbus) to replace a mixed and aging fleet. The first two completed aircraft were delivered to Medflight Ohio, on June 6th where Metro Aviation, Inc. will serve as the operator, replacing Omniflight Helicopters as the Operator. Following crew... Read more
25-May-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Air medical service provider and helicopter completions specialist, Metro Aviation has recently completed the first installation of the Cobham HeliSAS autopilot system for an air medical AStar owned and operated by the company. Metro Aviation was instrumental in the development and subsequent FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the AS350 and EC130 model type helicopters... Read more
2-Apr-2011
After landing, port side hydraulics compartment cowling was discovered open, and had contacted the main blades in flight – but only taking paint off, not damaging them. One camlock was missing from the cowling... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has announced an industry first iPad App now available to provide customers with a familiarization and training tool for installed equipment description, functionality and operation, among other uses. The company plans to include the Eurocopter AS350, EC130, EC135, EC145 and EC145T2 as well as the EC155 model type helicopters as part of... Read more
17-Mar-2011
Bird strike on approach to land at base... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter’s new EC145 T2 helicopter, which was unveiled with fanfare today at Heli-Expo 2011, has attracted three U.S. operators as its launch customers: Metro Aviation, Lewis Energy Group and Leading Edge. Metro Aviation signed for five of the rotary-wing aircraft to be used in emergency medical services (EMS), continuing the company’s nearly three-decade relationship with... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
As the result of a recent competitive bid award, Metro Aviation, Inc. will finish three Eurocopter EC155B1 critical care transport helicopters for The University of Michigan Health System Survival Flight program. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Survival Flight will enter service with their first EC155B1 in September 2011 and will replace the current fleet of... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has announced that Richard E. “Rich†Gross has recently been hired as the Assistant Director of Operations for the company. Gross brings with him over twenty years in the helicopter business with extensive experience with air medical and law enforcement flight operations around the country. Prior to joining Metro Aviation, Gross held... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A Eurocopter Ec135 of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Airborne Response Team “D-HART” made a precautionary landing at the busy Boston Logan Airport today after the pilot reported difficulties with one engine. Airline operations were not affected in the way that Britain’s London City Airport came to a standstill yesterday after a similar emergency. It was on its... Read more
