16-Aug-2012Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, today announced its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 . SECOND QUARTER RESULTS The Company generated revenue of $62.9 million , stable in comparison with revenue of $63.3 million in... Read more
13-Aug-2012Source: HAI
HAI Vice President of Regulations and International Affairs Dave York is heading to New Zealand this week for that country’s Aviation Industry Association’s annual Aviation Week conference. On Friday, August 10, he’ll speak about global safety initiatives. He’ll discuss how the backbone of the United States’ Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen) – Automatic Dependent... Read more
9-Aug-2012
Pilot had left the rotors to run down and departed the helicopter. “Blades seen to begin oscillating, striking the tail boom and the ground beside the helicopter”... Read more
20-Jul-2012
helicopter involved in agricultural work crashed. Pilot Marty Fry walked away from the accident... Read more
4-Jul-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
27-Jun-2012Source: Voxy
Queenstown-based helicopter company Heli Tours has been granted an historic 18-year permit multi conservancy concession for heli landings, the first of its kind permitted by the Department of Conservation. (see full story)... Read more
27-Jun-2012
Northland Emergency Services Trust bought an S76 which had been written-off following the 2011 tsunami in Japan. It has proved much more profitable for re-usable spares than they imagined, the latest item put to use being a long-range tank.   Valued at NZ$224,000 new, the tank comes from the insurance-rejected shell they bought for just NZ$30,000. ... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Airwork
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: Royal New Zealand Air Force
Two Royal New Zealand Air Force UH-1H Iroquois helicopters have been loaded on to a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 for deployment to Papua New Guinea, with a third to follow on a further C-17 on Friday. New Zealand and Australia are providing support to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and authorities to ensure... Read more
21-Jun-2012Source: Kaman
Kaman Corporation confirmed today that The U.S. Department of State has granted authorization that would permit the Company to negotiate a possible sale of SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite Helicopters to the Government of New Zealand. The potential sale would include eleven SH-2G(I) helicopters, a full motion flight simulator, training aids, spares inventory, publications and the introduction... Read more
14-Jun-2012
Wire strike while involved in spraying operations at low level. Landed safely, although cut wire meant that 530 customers were without electricity... Read more
13-Jun-2012
Helicopter struck power lines during an agricultural spraying operation. The helicopter was damaged but a safe landing was made.... Read more
8-Jun-2012Source: Scene
A Queenstown helicopter pilot has admitted scamming his former employer for $31,000 to fund family holidays, life insurance and his personal bank account.  David Maxwell Kershaw, 58, yesterday pleaded guilty to eight theft and fraud charges in Queenstown District Court.  (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
25-May-2012Source: Hawkes Bay Today
A Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter crew from Hawke’s Bay has won the NZSAR Gold Award for the most significant contribution to search and rescue in 2011 following a harrowing rescue off Cape Kidnappers. (see full story)... Read more
21-May-2012
It is believed the helicopter had been contracted by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to spray for gorse when it went down at the northern end of Lake Sumner. Helicopter and pilot missing – pilot named as  35-year-old Mike Mehrtens – company website here quotes him as a 3,500 hour pilot... Read more
15-May-2012Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced that the Company’s shareholders approved a special resolution to change the Company’s name from “Canadian Helicopters Group Inc.” to “HNZ Group Inc.” at the Company’s annual and special meeting of shareholders held today. The name... Read more
11-May-2012Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, today announced its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. These results include those of Helicopters (N.Z.) Limited, (“HNZ”) acquired on July 7, 2011. Financial Highlights Quarters ended March 31, (in thousands of dollars,... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Heli Tours
Heli Tours is proud to offer in conjunction with Guided Nature Walks New Zealand LTD - Heli Snowshoeing! Once the adrenalin is rushing from your heli flight, don a pair of our high-tech snowshoes. Gone are the old tennis racket style snowshoes and in are the new, slim line snowshoes which let you feel as... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Heliflite
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday... Read more
7-May-2012Source: InterNEWS
A worldwide specialist aviation service for law firms that will facilitate immediate access to aviation experts was launched in Queenstown, New Zealand last month. Aviation legal professionals from around the globe are meeting in Queenstown for the 31st Annual Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (ALAANZ) conference which coincides with the launch of... Read more
4-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some... Read more
20-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
A recent article got us researching to see whether the fact being presented was correct, and indeed it is. Just over 16% of the world MD520N fleet is in New Zealand. So far MD Helicopters has had one 520N prototype (converted from an old MD530F airframe) and built a total of just 110 new 520Ns... Read more
18-Apr-2012Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B) (“the Company”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, previously announced that it will hold an annual and special meeting of shareholders (“Meeting”) on May 11, 2012. At the Meeting, the Company intends to seek shareholder approval of a special resolution to change the Company’s name... Read more
13-Mar-2012Source: NZ Defence Force
Defence Minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, today officially welcomed the first of the Air Force’s new medium utility NH90 helicopters at an event at Wellington Airport. “This is a very significant day for the Air Force and the wider NZDF,†Dr Coleman said. “The NH90 helicopters are state of the art machines with better capabilities [than... Read more
7-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Airwork NZ Ltd have this week delivered the second Bell 427 to a customer in New Zealand. This new aircraft is serial 56078 and registered ZK-IRP and a colourful blue with a pink stripe. Airwork have not said who the purchaser is, but note that the first 427 was delivered to HeliLink and is now... Read more
29-Feb-2012Source: Southland Times
A well-known Queenstown pilot and company director has complained to the Serious Fraud Office regarding receivership of a group of helicopter firms. Alpine Choppers and Alpine Choppers NZ, run by Brendan Thow, went into receivership last year (see full story)... Read more
16-Feb-2012Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has appointed Airflite Pty Ltd. to provide sales representation covering the Australian and New Zealand regions. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp Airflite Pty Ltd,is an Australian company with headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. Airflite will support sales initiatives on the S-76® and S-92® helicopters, with a focus on... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: Eurocopter Canada
The latest purchase of an AS350 B3e aircraft by Canadian Helicopters will assist with demanding utility missions and will increase its current fleet to 75 Eurocopter aircraft. The addition of the AS350 B3e will contribute to CH’s corporate rebranding, which has been reflected through its growing international presence with the recent acquisition of Helicopters NZ... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
New Zealand based Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) has bought a de-registered Sikorsky S76 from Japan which was damaged beyond repair in the tsunami of 11th March 2011. Chief pilot Peter Turnbull confirmed to local press that it had been acquired for an undisclosed sum for parts use only at a price significantly lower than... Read more
25-Jan-2012Source: SunLive
Tauranga’s only flight school Bay Flight will re-open its doors on February 1st after being purchased by Palmerston North based company Helipro. Staff and members of the operations team are back on site at the flight school after the sale was finalised last Friday. (see full story)... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: Rakiura Helicopters
Rakiura Helicopters, the only helicopter company with a concession for operations out of Stewart Island’s Fern Gully, and Bluff’s Ocean Beach, has purchased an AS350 BA Squirrel helicopter that adds capacity for travelers, hunters and commercial operators and also vital medivac facilities for the island. The Squirrel is capable of carrying a stretcher and local... Read more
7-Jan-2012
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand and Recreation Access New Zealand have opposed a concession for helicopter tourism landings on conservation land. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Precision Helicopters
We are very pleased to announce that from the 1st January 2012, Blakeman Heliwork Ltd of Piopio have amalgamated with Precision Helicopters Ltd (PHL). The Base will continue operating from 296 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio, providing enhanced helicopter services throughout the entire King Country area. Blakeman Heliwork developed a strong business and this amalgamation enables us... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: Voxy
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust has taken delivery of a BK117 rescue helicopter just as the region moves into the busiest time of the year. It joins the AS350 they already operate, more than doubling their capabilities (see full story)... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: RNZAF
Two new NH90 helicopters will arrive at Ohakea at 9.30am, after being airlifted from France on board an Antonov AN 124 transport aircraft, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today (6th December 2011) “These helicopters will provide a quantum leap in capability for the RNZAF,†said Dr Mapp. “The NH90s will give the NZDF better capability... Read more
30-Nov-2011
Went missing during fire fighting operations. Located some hours later in 7m of water. Bodies of pilot John “Prickles” de Ridder and passenger William MacRae from Dept of Conservation have been confirmed by divers as being inside the helicopter. Salt Air – Company statement here... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: Otago Daily Times
44-year-old mother of three admitted misappropriating more than $130,000 from her employer over seven years (see full story)... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: Scoop
As a part of that training system the simulator will provide the Royal New Zealand Air Force with a cost effective means of training A109 aircrew and those destined to fly the NH90 and SH2G helicopters. The simulator provides significant financial savings as the operating cost of the simulator is approximately 10% of the A109... Read more
23-Nov-2011
Main blades struck wire while helicopter was helping install Christmas Tree on Auckland waterfront. Helicopter split in two and thrashed itself to pieces from a 10m hover. Pilot Greg Gribble escaped serious injury. Event was being broadcast live on TVNZ... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Radio NZ
The Civil Aviation Authority says the pilot was fined $1000 and ordered to pay $130 in court costs after he took several players and caddies on free low-level flights over the Pegasus golf course. (full story)... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Greenpeace
Greenpeace today released shocking footage and images of whales and a marlin and ray dying at the hands of industrial tuna fishers in the Pacific Ocean (1). The footage was shot by a New Zealand helicopter pilot turned whistleblower, who undertook aerial reconnaissance for a small fleet of tuna boats in the Pacific in 2009.... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: Southland Times
Lloyd Matheson, from Southern Lakes Helicopters, said the new Robinson R66 helicopter the company had on lease was more efficient and bigger than its existing Robinson R44. A decision on whether to buy an R66 model was likely to be made after that, Mr Matheson said. (see full story)... Read more
28-Oct-2011Source: Northpower
Northlanders are being urged to again show their generosity as the 2011 Electricity Rescue Helicopter Appeal lifts-off. Appeal envelopes are being distributed throughout the North now and major sponsors, Northpower and Top Energy, hope to better last year’s combined fundraising total of $264,360 by topping the $300,000 mark. The Electricity Rescue Helicopter is owned and... Read more
25-Oct-2011Source: Kapiti Observer
Commissioner Stephen Chiles granted consent for Heliworx to run scenic tourist and charter flights using Robinson R44 helicopters on the pad adjacent the shopping area. Under the consent conditions, flights will run between 9am and 6pm from December to March, and 9.30am and 4pm during the rest of the year. (see full story) – see... Read more
19-Oct-2011Source: AgustaWestland
This is the official AW announcement – HeliHub.com broke this story 24 hours earlier AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has signed a contract for two AW169 helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform a wide range of emergency medical service and search and rescue missions... Read more
18-Oct-2011Source: Voxy
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has signed a contract to acquire a state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter for delivery in 2015. ARHT chief executive Bob Parkinson welcomed the acquisition, saying the high performance helicopter will mean superior outcomes for rescues and a better level of care for all patients who come onboard. (Full story)... Read more
14-Oct-2011Source: Stuff
One of the largest helicopter training schools in the United States is eyeing locations in New Zealand as it looks to expand overseas. The business development manager for the Hawaii-based company said New Zealand was one of several overseas locations the company was investigating. (full story)... Read more
24-Sep-2011
Engine failure and safe emergency landing made in remote area; Emergency locator beacon activated; 2 POB found safe and uninjured... Read more
21-Sep-2011Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters, an international provider of helicopter transportation and related services, announced the filing of the business acquisition report (“BAR”) relating to its acquisition of the assets of Helicopters (N.Z.) Limited (including the shares of Helicopters (Australia) Pty Ltd. and other active subsidiary companies) as well as the assets of Helicopter Nominees Limited (collectively “HNZ... Read more
29-Aug-2011
A new owner has been announced today for Totally Tourism, including the Glacier Helicopters business once co-owned by Helicopters (NZ). (See full story)... Read more
8-Aug-2011Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. has appointed Keith Mullett to the newly created position of executive vice-president (international), effective Aug. 8, 2011. As executive vice-president (international), Mr. Mullett will be responsible for Canadian Helicopters’ current and future international commercial charter operations excluding Afghanistan, and will oversee the development of Canadian Helicopters’ international operations including the integration... Read more
29-Jul-2011Source: Oceania Aviation
Gordon Luke CEO of OCEANIA AVIATION LIMITED (OAL) Australasia’s premier full service MRO under NZCAA Part 145; is pleased to announce the full time appointment of Stephen Boyce to the role of Helicopter Sales Manager. “Stephen is now based out of Auckland after an active career across the globe. Based in Canada for 11 years... Read more
18-Jul-2011Source: Sandel
New Zealand HEMS operator also adds Sandel 4-ATI displays and AHRS in a technology upgrade for the first of its three helicopters Vista, CA, (July 13, 2011)—Sandel Avionics has announced that its new HeliTAWS wire and terrain avoidance system has been chosen by Hawker Pacific, Auckland, NZ, the operator for New Zealand’s Northland Emergency Services... Read more
16-Jul-2011
helicopter rolled and caught fire after it landed heavily... Read more
7-Jul-2011Source: 3News
Helicopter pilot Jim Shewan has spoken for the first time about the crash in February that almost cost him his life – and the titanium plates in his skull he has to remind him. (full story)... Read more
5-Jul-2011Source: Methven Heliskiing
Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd launches its 2011 heliskiing season on 01 July. The companies’ 2 heliski operations, Methven and Wilderness Heliski will be the first New Zealand helicopter skiing businesses to open this year. The opening is limited, with some lower elevation terrain still not in ski-able condition. Managing Director Bryan Carter says, “The 2011 NZ... Read more
20-Jun-2011
Instructor and CPL student on board... Read more
13-Jun-2011Source: Bay of Plenty Times
The NZ$53,996 cheque to the Philips Search and Rescue Trust, a registered charitable trust that operates the rescue helicopter, was presented to Mr Brettkelly at a ceremony at the Ian Pain Memorial Hangar on the Tauranga Hospital campus... Read more
1-Jun-2011Source: InfoNews
Over The Top have received safety award honours from HAI, annually since joining in 1999, this 2010 award being the twelfth year that Over The Top have been awarded this prestigious award. The only New Zealand Company to do so.... Read more
31-May-2011Source: Southland Times
David Maxwell Kershaw, 57, managing director, of Frankton, was remanded without plea when he appeared before Judge Dominic Flatley in the Queenstown District Court yesterday. The charges relate to Kershaw’s previous directorship of Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters.... Read more
18-May-2011Source: Manawatu Standard
The Royal New Zealand Air Force unveiled its new A109 Light Utility Helicopters and opened the new hangar where they will be housed during a ceremony at Air Force Base Ohakea on Friday.... Read more
13-May-2011Source: NZ Institute of Architects
Buildings ranging from an office tower in Auckland to an opera house in Oamaru, from houses on Waiheke Island to an apartment in New York City, and from a railway station in Newmarket to a bus shelter in Queenstown, are among 24 projects recognised in the 2011 New Zealand Architecture Awards, New Zealand’s premier architecture... Read more
1-May-2011Source: Timaru Herald
Search and rescue operations in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park have been part of the Helicopter Line’s role for more than 30 years. Lead pilot Tony Delaney accepted the New Zealand SAR certificate of achievement on Thursday at a reception in Wellington marking the achievement.... Read more
27-Apr-2011
Instructor Graham Alan Stott, 31, and student Marcus Hoogvliet, 21, were on a training flight when their R22 went down on the Arawhata Saddle, at the head of the Matukituki River... Read more
18-Apr-2011
Three POB all reportedly retrieved by a rescue helicopter. No details yet on level of damage to the R44... Read more
15-Apr-2011Source: Helicopter Line
Following their nomination by the NZ Police for search and rescue efforts in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, The Helicopter Line has been awarded an NZSAR certificate of achievement. Transport Minister Steven Joyce awarded them the certificate at the 2010 New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Council Awards in Wellington yesterday (14 April). The Helicopter Line (THL)... Read more
13-Apr-2011Source: Canadian Helicopters
Canadian Helicopters Group Inc. (TSX: CHL.A, CHL.B), the largest helicopter transportation services company operating in Canada, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Canadian Helicopters Limited (“CHLâ€) has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire the assets of Helicopters (N.Z.) Limited, including the shares of Helicopters (Australia) Pty Ltd and other active subsidiary companies,... Read more
7-Apr-2011
Trevor Rogers and his wife Glenda have been sentenced to a month in jail over their continuing refusal to obey a court order. Rogers was developing an unmanned helicopter called the Snark but his company TGR Helicorp was forced into receivership by creditors in 2008.... Read more
6-Apr-2011
Pilot died – later named as Adrian James Mayberry, 59, of Christchurch. The passenger was seriously injured... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: NEST
Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) has announced the purchase of a third helicopter to help service its Northland operations. The purchase is significant for emergency services in the region, with Northland’s steady population growth over recent years putting increased pressure on the capacity of organisations such as NEST toprovide comprehensive coverage. The investment is welcome... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Stuff
Paul Horrell appeared for sentencing before Judge Kevin Phillips after entering a guilty plea to operating a 50)E in a careless manner by flying at a low level in the Cardrona Valley without avoiding hazard to people and property.... Read more
31-Mar-2011
A Defence Force source said the helicopter, which was en route from Ohakea to Woodburn, was carrying a spare engine for another Iroquois, which began to leak oil – the the resultant fumes cause the need for an emergency landing... Read more
25-Mar-2011Source: Methven Heliski
This season at Methven Heli we will be celebrating 25 years of operation! With a strong La Nina situation the longrange prediction is for a cold winter with plenty of snow. There has been some concern following the recent Christchurch earthquake however business is normal for Methven and for guests travelling though Christchurch there are... Read more
25-Mar-2011Source: TV NZ
Crates containing two Italian-made AgustaWestland A109 helicopters have been delivered to the Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Ohakea... Read more