News Safety

FAA plan changes to electronic chart availability

FAA plan changes to electronic chart availability

29-Nov-2011Source: FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration recently announced changes to the way it will distribute electronic aeronautical charting data. In an announcement posted on the agency website, the FAA said it will make the data available 24 hours before the charts’ effective date, instead of the 15 days’ advance release that had been standard. Plus, the agency... Read more

Australia to review civilian UAV regulations

Australia to review civilian UAV regulations

29-Nov-2011Source: CASA

Extract from the CASA Director of Aviation Safety’s monthly briefing:- The unmanned aircraft systems sector is to get better regulatory support. CASA has set up a project to review the rules currently covering unmanned aircraft systems and to develop a package of new guidance material. Six advisory circulars will be published to guide both the... Read more

Civilians using drone aircraft may soon fly with FAA

Civilians using drone aircraft may soon fly with FAA

29-Nov-2011Source: LA Times

To date, the FAA has issued 266 active testing permits for civilian drone applications but hasn’t permitted drones in national airspace on a wide scale out of concern that the pilotless craft don’t have an adequate “detect, sense and avoid” technology to prevent midair collisions. (see full story)... Read more

South Australian aerodrome flight safety checks

South Australian aerodrome flight safety checks

28-Nov-2011Source: CASA

Special flight safety checks are being carried out at 15 aerodromes across South Australia in early December 2011. The checks are being conducted for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to make sure flight paths at the aerodromes continue to be safe. Checks will be conducted at: Adelaide, Cleve, Edinburgh, Kimba, Kingscote, Olympic Dam, Leigh Creek,... Read more

Cougar settles lawsuit against Sikorsky

Cougar settles lawsuit against Sikorsky

28-Nov-2011Source: CBC

Representatives for both companies wouldn’t give details of the settlement.  Cougar’s statement of claim said it was looking for more than $20 million for negligence and fraudulent misrepresentation after the crash (see full story)... Read more

Gulf of Mexico operations claim 139 lives in 27 years

Gulf of Mexico operations claim 139 lives in 27 years

25-Nov-2011Source: Johns Hopkins University

A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy finds that helicopters that service the drilling platforms and vessels in the Gulf of Mexico crash on average more than six times per year resulting in an average of 5 deaths per year. From 1983 to 2009, 178 crashes resulted... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report 15-Nov-11 N502AW Bell UH-1

NTSB Preliminary Report 15-Nov-11 N502AW Bell UH-1

24-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

On November 15, 2011, at 0837 mountain standard time, a restricted category Williams Helicopter Corporation, UH-1H, N502AW, experienced a loss of power, made a hard landing, and came to rest on its right side about 3 miles northwest of the Valle Airport (40G), Grand Canyon, Arizona. The pilot operated the helicopter under the provisions of... Read more

Aero Sekur to present safety products at Heli-Expo 2012

Aero Sekur to present safety products at Heli-Expo 2012

22-Nov-2011Source: Aero Sekur

Aero Sekur Inc. will present a range of heli-safety and protection products at Heli-Expo 2012. The new addition to the Aero Sekur Group of companies will display complete system expertise for life-raft and flotation products. Specializing in integrated technology, Aero Sekur combines flotation bags and life-rafts with gas cylinders/inflation systems and housing for incorporation into... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – November 2011

UK AAIB Bulletin – November 2011

21-Nov-2011Source: AAIB

The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Agusta A109A II, N2NR at Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland on 23 October 2010 Robinson R22 Beta, G-JERS at Cumbernauld Airport on 15 July 2011 Robinson R44 II Raven, G-GDJF at Skegness, Lincolnshire on 31 May 2011... Read more

Accident bulletin released for Hong Kong AW139 ditching

Accident bulletin released for Hong Kong AW139 ditching

19-Nov-2011Source: Hong Kong Civil Aviation Dept

Extract: The Civil Aviation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CAD) issued Accident Bulletin 2/2010 and Interim Statement 2/2011 on 27 July 2010 and 29 June 2011 respectively on the investigation of the accident on East Asia Airlines EA 206A on 3 July 2010. This Accident Bulletin provides further available... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 10-Nov-11 N11QV Eurocopter EC130

NTSB Preliminary Report – 10-Nov-11 N11QV Eurocopter EC130

18-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 10, 2011, about 1214 Hawaiian standard time, a Eurocopter EC 130 B4, N11QV, collided with mountainous terrain... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22

NTSB Preliminary Report – 05-Nov-11 N413RM Robinson R22

18-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 5, 2011, about 1620 eastern standard time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N413RM, operated by Ocean Helicopters Inc.,... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 03-Nov-11 N130AL Eurocopter EC130

NTSB Preliminary Report – 03-Nov-11 N130AL Eurocopter EC130

18-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 3, 2011, about 1815 eastern standard time, N130AL, a Eurocopter EC 130 B4, sustained substantial damage during... Read more

Settlement reached in January 2010 Fish & Game crash case

Settlement reached in January 2010 Fish & Game crash case

18-Nov-2011

The families of three state Fish and Game employees from Fresno who were killed when their helicopter hit a utility line last year will receive a cash settlement from Southern California Edison, according to the families’ attorneys.  (see full story) HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 05-Jan-10 N5016U Bell B206 nr Redinger Lake, US-California... Read more

Two birdstrikes in two days create holes in two Eurocopters

Two birdstrikes in two days create holes in two Eurocopters

18-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Bird strikes are not that uncommon with helicopters as most are operating at relatively low level.  But to have two EUrocopters make emergency landings on consecutive days with holes created by those bird strikes is unusual. On Wednesday a news gathering AS350B2 in Scottsdale, Arizona took a dove into the cockpit.  The helicopter is operated... Read more

IFALPA continues to oppose cockpit image recording on helicopters

IFALPA continues to oppose cockpit image recording on helicopters

17-Nov-2011Source: IFALPA

Recent technology has produced small, lightweight data recording devices suitable for use in small helicopters that lack traditional flight data recorders. The most popular models of these devices have built-in video recorders that image the cockpit area. IFALPA pilots have long supported the use of flight data recorders recognising the potential they hold for improving... Read more

FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip November 2011

FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip November 2011

17-Nov-2011Source: FAA

Differential Compression Test (AC 43.13-1B) The differential pressure tester is designed to check the compression of aircraft engines by measuring the leakage through the cylinders caused by worn or damaged components. The operation of the compression tester is based on the principle that, for any given airflow through a fixed orifice, a constant pressure drop... Read more

Tanis releases helicopter preheat safety video

Tanis releases helicopter preheat safety video

17-Nov-2011Source: Tanis Aircraft Products

Tanis Aircraft Products has released a new video outlining the safety benefits of helicopter preheat. Tanis is the technology and innovation leader in aircraft preheat systems, including state of the art systems designed specifically for rotary wing aircraft. The new video highlights the functionality and features of the company’s helicopter preheat systems. Tanis preheat technology... Read more

FAA launches wildlife poster outreach campaign

FAA launches wildlife poster outreach campaign

14-Nov-2011Source: FAA

The FAA recently launched a wildlife poster outreach campaign for the general aviation (GA) community – pilots, airport sponsors, mechanics, engine manufacturers, students at aviation schools, and aviation organizations – to increase wildlife strike reporting among this important segment of aviation. For the last 50 years, the FAA has worked to reduce wildlife strikes at... Read more

FAA convenes forum to manage aircraft diversions

FAA convenes forum to manage aircraft diversions

12-Nov-2011Source: FAA

In preparation for the upcoming winter storm season, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt are convening a Forum on Wednesday, November 30 to find better ways to manage aircraft diversions. Participants in the forum will review a series of proposed steps to improve travel for passengers who are diverted from their... Read more

NTSB announce draft agenda for Public Aircraft Safety Forum

NTSB announce draft agenda for Public Aircraft Safety Forum

12-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) today announced the preliminary agenda for a two-day Public Aircraft Oversight Safety Forum which will begin at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011 and continue through Thursday, December 1st. NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman will chair the forum and all five Board Members will participate. The forum is open... Read more

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters EC130 crashes killing five

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters EC130 crashes killing five

11-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Successful sightseeing operator Blue Hawaiian Helicopters suffered a fatal accident on the island of Molokai on Thursday. Having taken off from Kahului on Maui island, the 45 minute tour.  Molokai is a mostly rural island with about 7,000 resident population. The tourists, two male and two female, were from Pennsylvania and Ontario according to local... Read more

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety

11-Nov-2011Source: HFI

The Helicopter Foundation International is pleased to be accepting applications for The Michelle North Scholarship for Safety – a scholarship specifically geared towards promoting safety within the helicopter industry. One winner will be selected from all qualified applicants and he or she will be invited to join us at HELI-EXPO 2012 in Dallas, Texas. The... Read more

HeliFlite awarded Platinum Safety Rating by Argus International

HeliFlite awarded Platinum Safety Rating by Argus International

10-Nov-2011Source: HeliFlite

ARGUS recognizes HeliFlite’s ongoing commitment to safety by renewing their Platinum Safety Rating through 2012. “It is great to see operations like HeliFlite, who acknowledge the importance of building an organization focused around safety and quality, maintain the ARGUS Platinum Rating”, said ARGUS President and CEO, Joseph Moeggenberg. “HeliFlite should be proud to be one... Read more

Third fatality from New York B206 crash

Third fatality from New York B206 crash

8-Nov-2011Source: CNN

A 60-year-old woman on Sunday became the third person to die as a result of a helicopter crash last month in New York’s East River, said a spokeswoman for the city’s medical examiner’s office. (see full story)... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 29-Oct-11 N165EH Eurocopter AS350B2

NTSB Preliminary Report – 29-Oct-11 N165EH Eurocopter AS350B2

7-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On October 29, 2011, about 2009 Alaska daylight time (ADT), a Eurocopter AS350-B2 helicopter, N165EH, sustained substantial damage during... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 27-Oct-11 N61PJ MD500D

NTSB Preliminary Report – 27-Oct-11 N61PJ MD500D

7-Nov-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On October 27, 2011, about 1440 Pacific daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-500D helicopter, N61PJ, was substantially damaged during... Read more

FAA proposes AD for main rotor yoke on Bell 204/205/212

FAA proposes AD for main rotor yoke on Bell 204/205/212

4-Nov-2011Source: FAA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011-1188; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-46-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 Helicopters Preamble Information AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding four existing airworthiness... Read more

Service Letter to be issued for Guimbal Cabri

Service Letter to be issued for Guimbal Cabri

3-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Following a recent incident to the first Guimbal G2 Cabri in the UK, Helicopteres Guimbal has issued the following statement via HeliHub.com:- We at Helicopteres Guimbal are saddened to announce that two days after receiving its Certificate of Airworthiness from the CAA, the first Cabri in the UK had an incident that will delay its... Read more

Global Aerospace deploys new aviation safety poster series

Global Aerospace deploys new aviation safety poster series

2-Nov-2011Source: Global Aerospace

Global Aerospace, Inc., a leading provider of aerospace insurance products and services, has introduced a new poster series as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering greater safety among its customers and the aviation community at large. The posters were revealed at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting & Convention in Las Vegas... Read more

Mumbai pilots ignoring ICAO’s recommended altitude

Mumbai pilots ignoring ICAO’s recommended altitude

1-Nov-2011Source: Economic Times

Helicopters in Mumbai fly too close to the surface for comfort. Against a recommended altitude of 1,000 ft above the tallest building in an area (obstruction level), they fly at 500-700 ft from obstruction level and sometimes come as low as the height of the buildings.  (see full story)... Read more

Michelle North Scholarship – For Those who Promote Safety

Michelle North Scholarship – For Those who Promote Safety

1-Nov-2011Source: HFI

The Helicopter Foundation International is pleased to accept applications for The Michelle North Scholarship for Safety – a scholarship specifically geared to promote safety within the helicopter industry. One winner will be selected from all qualified applicants and he or she will be invited to join us at HELI-EXPO 2012 in Dallas, Texas. This scholarship... Read more

NTSB Factual Report – 15-Oct-11 YV-O-126 Bell 412

NTSB Factual Report – 15-Oct-11 YV-O-126 Bell 412

28-Oct-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Factual Report, the contents of which are the responsibility of the NTSB.  As this is not the Final Report, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon:- On October 15, 2011, at 1933 UTC, a Bell 412SP, YV0126, registered to and operated by Electrificacion del... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 04-Oct-11 N3925A Eurocopter EC120B

NTSB Preliminary Report – 04-Oct-11 N3925A Eurocopter EC120B

28-Oct-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On October 4, 2011, approximately 1250 central daylight time, N3925A, a Eurocopter EC120B, sustained substantial damage while making a... Read more

NTSB Preliminary Report – 04-Oct-11 N63Q Bell 206B

NTSB Preliminary Report – 04-Oct-11 N63Q Bell 206B

28-Oct-2011Source: NTSB

This is the text from the Preliminary Report.  By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On October 4, 2011, at 1525 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N63Q, registered to a private owner, crashed... Read more

FAA proposes new AD for S92 operational limitations

FAA proposes new AD for S92 operational limitations

28-Oct-2011Source: FAA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011-1115; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-011-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A Helicopters Preamble Information AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Model... Read more

FAA proposes new AD for S92 tail blades

FAA proposes new AD for S92 tail blades

28-Oct-2011Source: FAA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011-1113; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-53-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A Helicopters Preamble Information AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Model... Read more

FAA proposes new AD for S76A rotor brake

FAA proposes new AD for S76A rotor brake

28-Oct-2011Source: FAA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2010-0517; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-73-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S- 76A Helicopters Preamble Information AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Aircraft... Read more

Helicopter symposium offers unique global perspective

Helicopter symposium offers unique global perspective

27-Oct-2011Source: IHST

Aviation authorities from more than a dozen countries from across the globe will offer their perspectives on safety at the Fifth Annual International Helicopter Safety Symposium, taking place in Fort Worth, Texas from Nov. 8-9, 2011. The theme of the symposium will be Human Factors: our Collective Challenge – Our Individual Responsibility. The event is a... Read more

New FAA web page to streamline laser reporting

New FAA web page to streamline laser reporting

27-Oct-2011Source: FAA

Washington, D.C. – In a continuing effort to combat the growing problem of lasers directed at aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has created a new website to make it easier for pilots and the public to report laser incidents and obtain information on the subject, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced today. The website, which... Read more

Night Flight Concepts unveils aviation laser defense solutions

Night Flight Concepts unveils aviation laser defense solutions

27-Oct-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts

Night Flight Concepts announced today at the “Laser Illumination of Aircraft Conference, a Growing Threat” a new suite of products, Laser ArmorTM. These new optical systems for laser defense offer equipment and training options to help aviation organizations defend against laser attacks. Laser Armorâ„¢ aids in the planning and implementation of a coordinated response that... Read more

FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip – October 2011

FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip – October 2011

27-Oct-2011Source: FAASTeam

The Road Trip – You walk in on Monday morning and your boss informs you of an engine problem on an airplane recently maintained by your shop. The customer was traveling over the weekend and got stranded just a few hours away.  After several phone calls and some verbal troubleshooting, you determine it will be... Read more

Border Security crash was sixth 2011 accident for Pawan Hans

Border Security crash was sixth 2011 accident for Pawan Hans

25-Oct-2011

The Dhruv crash near Ranchi that killed three crew members has prompted the BSF to revisit an old question: Is Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd capable of flying and maintaining choppers that are being used for anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand?  (see full story)... Read more

Hillsboro Aviation joins TOPS

Hillsboro Aviation joins TOPS

24-Oct-2011Source: TOPS

Hillsboro Aviation’s Mt. St. Helens tour operation was unanimously elected to join the helicopter Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) by the TOPS Board at their meeting Oct. 14 in San Diego. “We’re thrilled to welcome Hillsboro to TOPS and commend their commitment to helicopter tour operation safety,” said TOPS Chair Tim Cudney. “Choosing to... Read more

HELP NEEDED – EASA trying to ban Robinsons at night

HELP NEEDED – EASA trying to ban Robinsons at night

24-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

In 2009 EASA published their proposed operation and equipment rules, and many pilots submitted responses.   EASA have listened to those comments and to the recommendations of the NCO Review Group , and have now published their proposed rules.    The resulting text (after the changes) of the revised ops rules for non commercial light aircraft and... Read more

NTSB issues prelim report for fatal R66 crash N266CY

NTSB issues prelim report for fatal R66 crash N266CY

24-Oct-2011Source: NTSB

On October 1, 2011, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter, R66, N266CY, was substantially damaged during an in-flight breakup while in cruise flight near Philip, South Dakota. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by P P & J LLC., of Gillette, Wyoming. Visual... Read more

Dhruv helicopters grounded after crash

Dhruv helicopters grounded after crash

21-Oct-2011

Dhruv helicopters, used by paramilitary forces, have been grounded after a Border Security Force (BSF) chopper crashed on the outskirts of Ranchi Wednesday, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Inspector General of Police DK Pandey said on Thursday.  (Full story) HeliHub.com page for this accident – 19-Oct-11 VT-BSH HAL Dhruv Ranchi, India (3F)... Read more

US Coast Guard charges crash survivor with crewmates’ deaths

US Coast Guard charges crash survivor with crewmates’ deaths

21-Oct-2011

The U.S. Coast Guard has brought criminal charges against the sole survivor of a 2010 helicopter crash in which three people from Air Station Sitka died. Lieutenant Lance Leone is facing possible court martial for negligence and the death of two of his crewmates — all violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and... Read more

North Flight Data, AEL partner to develop FDR for Bell 206

North Flight Data, AEL partner to develop FDR for Bell 206

20-Oct-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam

NORTH Flight Data Systems LLC is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Air Evac Lifeteam to partner together to develop a flight data recording system for the analog Bell 206 platform in a continuing effort to invest in safety through Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA). NORTH Flight’s C-2000 system is a... Read more

Air Evac Lifeteam enters second level of FAA safety project

Air Evac Lifeteam enters second level of FAA safety project

20-Oct-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam

Air Evac Lifeteam, the largest independently-owned air ambulance service in the country, has entered the second level of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Safety Management System Voluntary Pilot Project, further bolstering the company’s commitment to safety and risk management.Air Evac Lifeteam Director of Safety Dave Hardin explained that Air Evac Lifeteam’s voluntary participation in the... Read more

Downwash alert – three incidents in a week

Downwash alert – three incidents in a week

19-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Pilots: Are you landing too close?  Do you really have a good idea of the radius of your downwash effect? With three accidents in the last week attributed to downwash effects, this is a timely opportunity to remind pilots of the effects.  Each of these reports are taken from our Accident report pages 17-Oct-11 Agusta-Bell... Read more

Flight For Life program wins AEC’s 2011 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award

Flight For Life program wins AEC’s 2011 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award

19-Oct-2011Source: American Eurocopter

American Eurocopter is proud to announce that the Flight For Life Transport System has won the 2011 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award.  As part of the award, American Eurocopter presented the program with a check for $10,000 to continue its efforts towards safety both within the organization and with its customers During the AMTC Community... Read more

US Dept of Interior issues FY11 Aviation Safety Summary

US Dept of Interior issues FY11 Aviation Safety Summary

16-Oct-2011Source: US Dept of Interior

DOI aviation safety and aircraft mishap prevention is based on the philosophy that all aircraft mishaps can be prevented and that mishap prevention is an inherent function of any position. Zero aircraft accidents is every professional’s goal regardless of any barriers. Improved aviation safety reduces cost, saves lives, and drives efficiencies across all of our... Read more

Aviation experts to speak at Helicopter Safety Symposium

Aviation experts to speak at Helicopter Safety Symposium

16-Oct-2011Source: IHST

Aviation experts from the U.S. Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration will be highlighted speakers at the fifth annual International Helicopter Safety Symposium taking place in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 8-9. The theme of the symposium will be Human Factors: our Collective Challenge – Our Individual Responsibility. The event is a gathering of helicopter... Read more

Centcom releases report on Chinook tragedy

Centcom releases report on Chinook tragedy

15-Oct-2011Source: US DoD

An insurgent-fired rocket-propelled grenade was the primary cause of an Aug. 6 CH-47 helicopter crash in Afghanistan that killed 38 U.S. and Afghan forces, a U.S. Central Command investigation confirmed. Centcom officials released the results of the investigation yesterday. The investigation confirmed that the RPG, fired by a Taliban fighter, struck the helicopter’s aft rotor... Read more

UK AAIB Bulletin – October 2011

UK AAIB Bulletin – October 2011

14-Oct-2011Source: AAIB

The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- MD 900 Explorer, G-SASH at Leeds-Bradford  on 11th June 2011 Eurocopter EC225 LP Super Puma, G-REDU on North Sea rig on 18th February 2009... Read more

Night Flight Concepts to showcase solutions at ALPA laser illumination event

Night Flight Concepts to showcase solutions at ALPA laser illumination event

12-Oct-2011Source: Night Flight Concepts

Night Flight Concepts, a leading provider of night vision solutions to aviation organizations worldwide, announced it will participate in the upcoming event “Laser Illumination of Aircraft: a Growing Threat” to help raise awareness of this growing issue in aviation and to showcase solutions that can help mitigate the risks associated with voluntary and involuntary laser... Read more

Fatal 2009 Turkish crash continues to raise questions

Fatal 2009 Turkish crash continues to raise questions

10-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Turkish police have detained 16 people, including 13 military officers (11 active, 2 retired from duty), as part of an investigation into a helicopter crash that killed a politician. President Abdullah Gul has voiced suspicion about the circumstances of the crash after two components, including the flight recorder went missing following the March 2009 accident... Read more

HAI to host 3-day firefighting meeting in Idaho

HAI to host 3-day firefighting meeting in Idaho

9-Oct-2011Source: HAI

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the HAI Government Contracting Committee meeting and HAI Helicopter Firefighting Safety Forum in Boise, Idaho on Nov. 14, 15 & 16. Meetings will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum. Attendees should contact the hotel directly to make a room reservation. The HAI Government Contracting... Read more

HAI FAASTeam helicopter safety seminar success

HAI FAASTeam helicopter safety seminar success

7-Oct-2011Source: HAI

On Oct. 4, 2011, HAI and the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) presented a morning and afternoon helicopter safety seminar at the Hilton Kansas City Airport, in Kansas City, Mo. Participants included representatives from many HEMS operators as well as ENG and local law enforcement aviation. Stan Rose, HAI’s Director of Safety, updated the group on... Read more

Disaster response courses offered at NTSB Training Center

Disaster response courses offered at NTSB Training Center

6-Oct-2011Source: NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is offering two investigative courses and one transportation disaster response course over the next two months at its training center just outside Washington, D.C. The two-day AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION FOR AVIATION PROFESSIONALS course (Oct 26-27) provides participants with an overview of how the Safety Board investigates major aircraft accidents and... Read more

Bell helicopter down in East River, New York – 1 fatal

Bell helicopter down in East River, New York – 1 fatal

4-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Follow the HeliHub.com reports at the page for this accident – 04-Oct-11 Bell 206 New York, US-New York (1F) [File Photo] William P Johnson – HeliHub.com... Read more

8,000th image filed in HeliHub.com gallery

8,000th image filed in HeliHub.com gallery

4-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

HeliHub.com is having increasing success with its “Gallery” feature, recording over 8,000 images in its main Gallery, and around 190 photographers have joined as members of the Gallery. The Flickr gallery provides users of HeliHub.com the opportunity to upload their own photos, and the early success is demonstrating just how valuable this will become over... Read more

Fatal Helicopter Accident Summary – September 2011

Fatal Helicopter Accident Summary – September 2011

4-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

The team at HeliHub.com provide a record of as many helicopter accidents and incidents as we can.  Inevitably this includes what we believe to be the full list of fatal helicopter accidents, and we are presenting here the summary for September 2011.  We indicate the number of fatalities in the summary line with the number... Read more

SMS Success Story – Facilities Maintenance, Inspection and Management

SMS Success Story – Facilities Maintenance, Inspection and Management

4-Oct-2011Source: CHC

Nestling on a remote headland on the western coast of Australia, Exmouth is the latest base to be added to the CHC Australia portfolio and acts as an EC225 operating base in support of two offshore installations. The base is home to only six personnel who rotate in for two weeks on and two weeks... Read more

Second fatal Robinson R66 accident reported

Second fatal Robinson R66 accident reported

3-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

A second fatal accident has been reported to a Robinson R66.  User “kylesampson” posted the following message on an online forum – “I’m not a pilot I just wanted to get this out there. My wifes uncle just died in a R66 in South Dakota. Anyone who has one better wait and see what happens... Read more

IHST launches Interactive Flight Data Monitoring Tool

IHST launches Interactive Flight Data Monitoring Tool

3-Oct-2011Source: IHST

In February 2010, the IHST Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring (HFDM) Working Group began a project to provide guidance to the industry to develop a base set of HFDM events. Research found that HFDM event sets – a collection of programmed events used to detect unsafe practices in flight operations –were readily available for fixed-wing aircraft.... Read more

Amateur-build buyer suspended for registration and airworthiness violations

Amateur-build buyer suspended for registration and airworthiness violations

1-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Here’s an interesting, and impactful story of the US legal system proving an amateur-built helicopter was both incorrectly registered and violated certain airworthiness regulations.  The potential exists for the details of this case to be felt wider in the future.  See NTSB statement and comment from Reigel Law Firm.  Actual accident referred to was N75EW... Read more

VTOL UAV Safety Manual launched for film ndustry

VTOL UAV Safety Manual launched for film ndustry

1-Oct-2011Source: Air Drone

Mundus Group, Inc.  subsidiary Air Drone’s Justin Chapman wrote in 2010 the FAA Manual for movie industry safety and standardization of operational regulations and compliance for UAV VTOL cinematography delivery systems. Justin Chapman has become well known in the RC Remote Controlled helicopter world — winning more than 50 RC helicopter contests. Mr. Chapman’s aerial... Read more

Experts share views at International Helicopter Safety Symposium

Experts share views at International Helicopter Safety Symposium

29-Sep-2011Source: IHST

Aviation experts from around the world will gather at the International Helicopter Safety Symposium taking place in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 8-9. The theme of the fifth annual symposium for the worldwide helicopter industry will be Human Factors: Our Collective Challenge – Our Individual Responsibility. The event is a gathering of helicopter operators, manufacturers,... Read more

Canadian union calls for Sikorsky S92 withdrawal

Canadian union calls for Sikorsky S92 withdrawal

25-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Kevin Kelly,  spoke this week for the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada – which represents some Newfoundland offshore workers – and called for the Sikorsky S92 to be replaced in offshore service.  Kelly works on the Hibernia oil platform east of St. John’s, and was reacting to the 20th September issue with a... Read more

RLC receives 2010 California Offshore Safety Excellence Award

RLC receives 2010 California Offshore Safety Excellence Award

21-Sep-2011Source: RLC

RLC, the largest privately-held helicopter operator in the Gulf of Mexico, today announced that RLC’s Santa Maria, California Base Operations has received PXP’s California Offshore Safety Excellence Award for 2010. This award, which was announced at the 6th Annual PXP Vendor and Contractor Safety Conference, recognizes vendors and contractors who have met the highest levels... Read more

RLC wins HAI Safety Award

RLC wins HAI Safety Award

21-Sep-2011Source: RLC

RLC, the largest privately-held helicopter operator in the Gulf of Mexico, today announced it has earned the Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) 2010 Operator Safety Award. This coveted honor is bestowed upon helicopter operators who operated without accident in the previous year. HAI acknowledged RLC for its outstanding 2010 safety record of 72,000+ accident-free flight hours.... Read more

Missing AS350 found, pilot deceased

Missing AS350 found, pilot deceased

21-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com

Following an extensive search operation involving a significant number of both military and civil assets, a missing AS350B1 has been found in British Columbia.  The sole occupant pilot was found deceased.  The helicopter had been reported missing on Friday, and was found late Tuesday this week by a pilot from Wildcat Helicopters who was on... Read more

Fatal Cobra crash at Camp Pendleton

Fatal Cobra crash at Camp Pendleton

20-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com

There has been a fatal accident of a Bell AH-1W at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in California, killing both occupants. The HeliHub.com page for this accident is at 19-Sep-11 Bell AH-1W Camp Pendleton, US-California (2F)... Read more

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