27-Mar-2023
Share your knowledge and experience at 2023 CHC Safety & Quality Summit. Call for Papers is now open for 2023 CHC Safety & Quality Summit. Theme: Reset 2024: Developing New Safety Mindsets Submission Deadline: May 21, 2023 Much has changed in the past five years. Energy prices have collapsed, then spiked; customers have deferred, then... Read more
13-Mar-2023
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
20-Feb-2023Source: HeliHub.com
An Airbus H175 helicopter operated by Offshore Helicopter Services UK (OHS) has suffered significant damage. G-MCSH flew a 130 mile sector to the Elgin rig on the North Sea, due east of Aberdeen on the morning of Friday 17th February, departing just before 7.30am. Unfortunately the aircraft had a tail rotor issue prior to its... Read more
10-Feb-2023Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Enstrom 280FX (G-OJBB), hard landing following loss of tail rotor drive, Rhobell Fawr, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, 25 August 2021 AW189 (G-MCGV), heating duct failure, Lydd Airport, Kent, 7 January 2022 AS-350 (D-HKMB), underslung load struck electricity pylon.,... Read more
17-Jan-2023Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Bell 206B (G-TOYZ), helicopter downwash detached a sign which injured a waiting passenger, West Usk Lighthouse, Newport, Gwent, 5 September 2022... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce GPMS International CEO and Chief Engineer Eric Bechhoefer is the 2023 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions in promoting rotorcraft safety and safety awareness. It will be presented on Mar. 6, 2023, at... Read more
2-Jan-2023
The objective of this Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) is to mitigate the risks linked to a post-crash fire involving a rotorcraft. This NPA proposes to mandate the installation of a crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS) onto existing rotorcraft designs that are still in production and the retrofit of existing rotorcraft that are operated in the... Read more
25-Dec-2022
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2023. This is the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, and we reflect on what that means to us and how it should direct the lives we live. We trust many of... Read more
16-Dec-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
8-Dec-2022Source: HeliHub.com
An NYPD detective recently fell from a Bell 429 helicopter after grabbing a rapelling rope that was not correctly secured. The incident happened on a training exercise at the NYPD Academy in Queens on the afternoon of 1st December. The detective Thursday afternoon, and “snapped his leg in half,” police said. A video of the... Read more
10-Nov-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Agusta AW169 (G-KSST), helicopter downwash caused flying debris injury to one person, Epsom, Surrey, 2 July 2022 AW189 (G-MCGT), unexpected pitch oscillations following selection of Transition Down AFCS SAR mode, near Heads of Ayr, South Ayrshire,... Read more
14-Oct-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
8-Sep-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
7-Sep-2022Source: SAFE Structure Designs
S.A.F.E. Structure Designs and L.A. County Fire Department team up to develop a custom ergonomic set of maintenance stands for the B412. The SAFETY FIRST ergonomic stands allow technicians SAFE access to perform maintenance on the engines, transmission, and main rotor systems of their H412 aircraft. These stands are lightweight and easy to... Read more
24-Aug-2022Source: HAI
As part of an ongoing plan to offer improved programs for its members, Helicopter Association International (HAI) is seeking sources for safety risk management, training and certification, and flight data management services. Interested respondents have until September 6, 2022, to seek clarifying information, and the deadline for submission of responses to HAI is September 23,... Read more
14-Aug-2022
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Rotorway Executive 162F (G-JDHN), autorotation landing following an exhaust after fire, Near Ledbury, Herefordshire, 2 April 2021 Agusta A109C (G-HBEK), loss of control during approach to land, private landing site, Organford, Dorset, 15 July 2021... Read more
14-Jul-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- MD 900 (G-LNDN), various electrical system faults due to water ingress, in flight between Royal London Hospital and RAF Northolt, Greater London, 25 July 2021... Read more
9-Jun-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
12-May-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
11-May-2022
Decisions made by the Federal Aviation Administration not to implement National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations contributed to the cause of a fatal air tour helicopter crash, the NTSB said in a report approved in a public meeting Tuesday. “When the NTSB issues safety recommendations, they are data-driven, supported by factual evidence developed from investigations, and... Read more
14-Apr-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Leonardo AW189 (G-MCGU), emergency landing following failure of heating duct, 3 nm south-east of Porthcawl, Wales, 4 March 2021... Read more
10-Mar-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- MBB-BK 117 C-2 (G-MPSB), firm landing following a simulated engine failure on takeoff, North Weald Airfield, Essex, 12 March 2021... Read more
8-Mar-2022Source: Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, the world’s largest and most experienced helicopter tour company, received two Diamond Awards from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for excellence in maintenance and safety. Established in 1991, the Diamond Awards are the highest aviation honor in the aircraft maintenance industry. To qualify for the award, 100 percent of an organization’s eligible... Read more
22-Feb-2022Source: Baldwin
Baldwin Safety and Compliance reports that operators participating in their Safety Performance Monitoring Program (SPMP) received higher scores in the program’s annual safety culture assessment than organizations that do not participate. The SPMP was first introduced by Baldwin in 2019 and involves mentoring as well as continuous monitoring of organizations by Baldwin’s safety professionals. The... Read more
17-Feb-2022
Due to its stock market listing, Joby Aviation made the following statement to US Securities and Exchange Commission late yesterday. On February 16, 2022, Joby Aviation, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) announced that earlier today one of its remotely piloted, experimental prototype aircraft was involved in an accident during flight testing at our remote... Read more
10-Feb-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AW109SP (G-SCAP), bird strike followed by successful landing with no injuries, Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire, 7 July 2021 Agusta AB206B (G-WIZZ), low rotor speed warning led to autorotation and subsequent tail boom damage due to rotor... Read more
1-Feb-2022
Baldwin Safety and Compliance reports that operators participating in their Safety Performance Monitoring Program (SPMP) received higher scores in the program’s annual safety culture assessment than organizations that do not participate. The SPMP was first introduced by Baldwin in 2019 and involves mentoring as well as continuous monitoring of organizations by Baldwin’s safety professionals. The... Read more
13-Jan-2022Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AS355F1 (G-BOSN), engine fire due to exhaust clamp failure, Hedsor House, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, 2 March 2021... Read more
13-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion of helicopter safety and safety awareness. It will be presented Monday, March 7, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022... Read more
6-Jan-2022Source: Mornington Sanford Aviation
[Editor Note: to put this article in context, the Robinson fleet in Great Britain is one of the largest in the world. Today the Civil Aviation Authority records 99 R22s, 141 R44s and 29 R66s on their national register – a total of 269. Ten years ago the fleet totalled 480, made up of 188... Read more
16-Dec-2021Source: EASA
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has published its review of the interdependencies between socio economic factors and aviation safety, conducted every three years. This edition of the review examines the safety implications of socio-economic factors in the areas of Employment and Working Conditions, Health and Lifestyle and Education. It identifies a number of specific... Read more
14-Dec-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
15-Nov-2021
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Bell 407 (N120HH), engine failure and autorotation, Long Marston, Warwickshire, 24 June 2020 Robinson R44 II (G-OPDG), loss of rotor rpm when landing, Maghera, County Londonderry, 22 July 2021 Rotorway Executive 162F (G-OHOV), power loss followed... Read more
15-Oct-2021
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
4-Oct-2021
During logging operations, the helicopter crashed into the water and sank. Pilot assumed drowned... Read more
20-Sep-2021Source: CHC
CHC circulated the following just before the weekend We hope this finds you and your team safe and well. We would like to share a short update on this year’s CHC Safety & Quality Summit. We are committed to holding an in-person Safety & Quality Summit in an environment that is safe and accessible for... Read more
15-Sep-2021
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Reissued report: Guimbal Cabri G2 (G-PERH), loss of control in hover, Goodwood Aerodrome, Sussex, 8 June 2018... Read more
2-Sep-2021Source: FAA
Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and can result in large fines and criminal penalties. Working to identify trends in laser strikes, the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed a visualization tool that analyzes laser strike data from 2010 to 2020. Using the Tableau software platform, the tool... Read more
15-Aug-2021
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky S-92A (G-LAWX), near controlled flight into terrain, private landing site near Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, 14 October 2019 AW109SP (G-TAAS), bird strike through left windshield, Carsington Water, Derbyshire, 22 April 2021... Read more
9-Aug-2021Source: EASA
Despite the extraordinary challenges created by the pandemic, the EASA Annual Safety Review 2021 shows that the aviation safety system remains resilient but under pressure. The overall safety picture for EASA Member States is relatively stable. As activity ramps up with the loosening of COVID-related restrictions, the situation must be closely monitored. This edition of... Read more
23-Jul-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R44 (G-CLIO), hard landing in field, private landing site, Holmfirth, North Yorkshire, 17 December 2020 ... Read more
19-Jul-2021Source: US Navy
A Navy MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter crashed near Mt. Hogue, California at approximately 5 p.m. on July 16, while conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations. All four crewmembers survived the crash without injury and have been safely recovered. The aircraft, call sign Longhorn 02, was supporting Mono County search and rescue efforts to locate a lost... Read more
14-Jul-2021Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation is constantly looking for new opportunities to maximize safety efforts, and recently added an extra layer of safety for pilots flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Single-Pilot IFR in a helicopter requires high levels of skill, training, and professional aptitude. Metro worked with Foreflight to increase each pilot’s situational awareness by providing a... Read more
13-Jul-2021Source: Air Methods
On Tuesday, July 6th, Air Methods (AMC), the leading air medical service in the country, received its letter of acknowledgement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepting AMC’s Safety Management System (SMS). In the United States there are 1,977 Part 135 operators, and Air Methods is one of 21 to receive this recognition. “At Air... Read more
12-Jul-2021Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday saw two twin-turbine helicopters have accidents in Spain. In the early hours of the morning, a Customs AS365N3 Dauphin operated by Eliance was chasing a boat crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, suspected of drug running. No details have yet been released as to the circumstances of how the helicopter ended up in the water. ... Read more
23-Jun-2021Source: NECN
Vanessa Bryant has reached a settlement in her lawsuit against the company that owned and operated the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas last year, killing her husband — Laker legend Kobe Bryant — and their 13-year-old daughter, according to court papers filed Tuesday. Full story here... Read more
22-Jun-2021Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an additional way for its engineers, safety inspectors, systems safety specialists and other aviation safety employees to report safety-related issues and concerns. Information shared and submitted via this new system will be used to validate or verify an aviation safety concern, identify the root... Read more
22-Jun-2021Source: EASA
On June 8-10, 2021 EASA hosted the virtual SAFE360° conference that brought together over 2,000 industry experts to identify practical solutions to the most important safety issues faced by the industry today. The conference consisted of high-level and 360° panels as well as number of safety workshops and specialist break-out sessions. You can download the... Read more
21-Jun-2021Source: EASA
In a further step to improve rotorcraft safety by mitigating the risk of human error at the design stage and to better support the investigation of rotorcraft accidents and incidents, EASA published ED Decision 2021/010/R. The introduction of systematic considerations related to Human Factors during the rotorcraft design process is expected to reduce the risk of... Read more
15-Jun-2021Source: Airbus
The “Civil Helicopter – Innovation in Rotary-wing Safety Award” was launched today at Rotortech, to encourage, recognise and celebrate Australian based rotary wing organisations, groups, and agencies who have made a significant contribution to improve safety performance. To be eligible, nominees must be an Australia Pacific based rotary wing organisation, group, company or agency, and... Read more
10-Jun-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Rotorway Executive 90 (G-BVTV), dynamic rollover during landing, Landmead Farm Airfield, Oxfordshire, 4 November 2020 EC175B (G-EMEB), alternator pinion bearing failure within the left accessory gearbox, Aberdeen Airport, 23 September 2020... Read more
7-Jun-2021Source: HeliHub.com
A newly delivered AW139 had an accident during a night training flight last week which will likely lead to the aircraft being declared a write-off. Delivered new from the US production line in Philadelphia, PR-OTF was ferried between 10 and 17 April through to the Omni base at Macapa in north-east Brazil. A week later,... Read more
3-Jun-2021Source: HAI
International rotorcraft safety organizations, regional safety teams, and other global safety stakeholders are pleased to announce the establishment of the Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST). In cooperation and collaboration with the worldwide vertical flight community, VAST aims to achieve a vision of zero fatal accidents, providing “Safety Above All.” In pursuit of that vision, VAST... Read more
18-May-2021Source: USHST
The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) and Helicopter Association International (HAI) are pleased to announce that the final phase of the USHST’s “56 Seconds to Live” Unintended Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (UIMC) Awareness and Prevention Course is now live and available for use by pilots. This one-hour course provides pilots with scenario-based training designed... Read more
13-May-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
9-Apr-2021Source: HAI
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) met April 6, 2021, to select the items for the agency’s 2021–2022 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. Two of the 10 items on the list would affect the rotorcraft industry: • From the NTSB Office of Aviation Safety, the recommendation is to “Require and Verify the Effectiveness... Read more
8-Apr-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
5-Apr-2021Source: The Sun Daily
All helicopter service operators, maintenance service providers and pilots have been instructed to undergo a mandatory safety awareness exercise. See Full Story. ... Read more
11-Mar-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Correction: Agusta A109E (G-ETPJ), localised burning in equipment bay, Boscombe Down Airfield, Wiltshire, 2 July 2020... Read more
5-Mar-2021Source: G+
With helicopter use growing in the offshore wind industry, the G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation and HeliOffshore have today unveiled new recommended practice for safe helicopter operations Offshore wind is one of the fastest-growing energy technologies. As wind farms have multiplied, with an increasing number being built further offshore, helicopters have become... Read more
3-Mar-2021Source: USHST
As a result of its comprehensive analysis of fatal helicopter accidents, the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) determined that loss of control while inflight has been a leading factor in accident causes, especially involving light helicopters. Current light helicopters have flight characteristics that are challenging and demanding of pilot workload. In response, the USHST is... Read more
1-Mar-2021Source: HeliHub.com
French aircraft investigators BEA are looking into a serious incident which occurred on 11th February off the French port of Le Havre. An Airbus AS365N3 operated by the Le Havre port authority was on one of their regular marine pilot flights, outbound to a ship in the English Channel (“La Manche” to the French) when... Read more
1-Mar-2021Source: Dropsafe
Dropsafe has launched a new Perimeter Safety Net system to protect personnel and assets in offshore industries. The system attaches to the perimeter frames of helidecks to protect personnel from falling and prevent loose objects from becoming dynamic Drops hazards. As contractors and operators in the global offshore sector look to make their site safety... Read more
17-Feb-2021Source: USHST
Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions leading to pilot spatial disorientation continue to be a leading cause of fatal helicopter accidents. From 2000 to 2019 in the United States, there were 130 fatal accidents directly linked to the issue of spatial disorientation. These accidents occurred regardless of pilot experience and they cut across all industries, including Emergency... Read more
15-Feb-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) began over 70 years ago as a group to promote and advocate for the helicopter industry. While HAI maintains that role today, the association also makes significant and robust contributions to safety programs for the industry. HAI’s vision is an industry with zero accidents, and in pursuit of that goal, its... Read more
12-Feb-2021Source: USHST
Can you imagine yourself in a situation where you only had 56 seconds to live? If you are a helicopter pilot and you find yourself in Unintentional Instrument Meteorological Conditions (UIMC), those precious 56 seconds may be a reality. “U.S. accident statistics reveal that a helicopter pilot operating under Visual Flight Rules who unintentionally continues... Read more
11-Feb-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters in the main section, but under “AAIB Record-only investigations reviewed: November – December 2020” is this 11 Sep 2020 Robinson R44 G-CDUE Peterborough Business Airport, Cambridgeshire The helicopter was caught by a gust of wind as the... Read more
4-Feb-2021Source: Brad Sherman
Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and California Senator Dianne Feinstein announced the reintroduction of the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act, which will require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to strengthen federal safety standards for equipping helicopters. Congressman Sherman moved to first introduce this legislation in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash... Read more
25-Jan-2021Source: HeliHub.com
Many people across our industry have been calling for some years now for better regulation of hobby drones, along with more proactive policing and harder sentencing. At present the first US court case is progressing where a drone owner has pleaded guilty in a situation where a drone struck a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter. But this... Read more
20-Jan-2021Source: NATA
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) applauds the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) introduction of the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS). Developed at the recommendation of and in collaboration with NATA and other industry stakeholders, the online tool eases access to Office of Aviation Safety guidance materials through a new, centralized portal. “When it comes to safety, both speed... Read more
14-Jan-2021Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Agusta A109E (G-ETPJ), localised burning in equipment bay, Boscombe Down Airfield, Wiltshire, 2 July 2020 Westland Scout AH1 (G-CIBW), loss of door window in flight, West Dean, Salisbury, Wiltshire, 17 September 2020... Read more
14-Jan-2021Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board announced Wednesday its intent to hold a public board meeting Feb. 9, 2021, 9:30 a.m. (EST), to determine the probable cause of the fatal, Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash near Calabasas, California. The Sikorsky S-76B helicopter collided with hilly terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and fire. The pilot and eight... Read more
7-Jan-2021Source: CAAM
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has temporarily suspended the Certificate of Approval for Approved Training Organisation under Regulation 67 of Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 issued to MY Heli Club for a period of six months, effective 5th January 2021. This temporary suspension comes after two accidents involving three helicopters operated by MY Heli... Read more
24-Dec-2020Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and we pray that 2021 sees us all with a more positive view ahead, and with the expectation of getting a COVID-19 vaccine very soon. Since HeliHub.com founder Jeremy Parkin launched the world’s first helicopter news website back in 1999, this... Read more
15-Dec-2020Source: The Kathmandu Post
While the European Union applauded the Nepal government’s firm commitment to improving its air safety mechanism, the lawmaking body—the European Commission—has questioned the issuance of air operator certificates to new Nepali carriers without sufficient compliance with international safety standards. See Full Story.... Read more
