Aviation students can now apply for an opportunity to attend the 12th-annual CHC Safety & Quality Summit, through grants which honour Dr. Peter Gardiner, a long-time advocate of excellence in aviation safety training. The Dr. Peter Gardiner Student Grant, worth more than C$4,000, covers: admission to the Summit; and a choice of one of the… Read more »
Source: CHC, 26-Oct-15
From a survey of civil helicopter operators located in key regions around the world, the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) has gained a broader understanding of where safety initiatives are being implemented. Worldwide, the top IHST-recommended safety initiatives are the implementation of Safety Management Systems and the support for structured training. These are followed in… Read more »
Source: IHST, 26-Oct-15
The European Aviation Safety Agency announces the names of the first members of the EASA Virtual Academy. After undergoing a thorough evaluation procedure, CAA International, the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organisation (JAA TO), the “Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile” (ENAC) and the “Servicios y Estudios para la Navigacion Aerea y la Seguridad Aeronautica” (SENASA) have… Read more »
Source: EASA, 21-Oct-15
Intermountain HealthCare Life Flight of Salt Lake City is the 2015 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award recipient for its development of safety risk assessment tools to help guide flight decisions and flight crew status. Jennifer Hardcastle, Air Medical Sales Manager for Airbus Helicopters Inc., presented the award and a $10,000 check to Intermountain representatives Monday… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 20-Oct-15
The CHC Safety & Quality Summit is hosted by CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (NYSE: HELI). Industry and safety professionals interested in presenting at the CHC Safety & Quality Summit may now submit abstracts for the event. The 12th-annual summit will be held April 04-06, 2016 at the Westin Bayshore Resort… Read more »
Source: CHC, 19-Oct-15
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that the Republic of Nicaragua complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards and has been granted a Category 1 rating. The FAA first assessed the Republic of Nicaragua in 1994 and found it did not meet international standards. While under a Category… Read more »
Source: FAA, 19-Oct-15
It has transpired recently that Alaska State Troopers have grounded one of their two AS350B3 helicopters in an attempt to save money, and they only have a guarantee to fly the second until the end of June 2016. A budget decision awaits the future of the unit beyond that date. The Troopers have grounded “Helo-2”… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Oct-15
The Ecuador Government has announced that it has terminated links with Hindustan Aeronautics, from whom they bought seven Dhruv helicopters. Between October 2009 and January 2015, four of these seven were written off in accidents, one fatal accounting for three lives. See full story See HeliHub.com accident records for Dhruv helicopters in Ecuador
18-Oct-15
AAR (NYSE: AIR), a recognized leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Aviation Administration of South Florida FSDO-19 to take part in its Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). Under ASAP, maintenance technicians at the Company’s aircraft repair facility in Miami are encouraged to voluntarily… Read more »
Source: AAR, 15-Oct-15
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AgustaWestland AW139 (G-LBAL), flight into terrain after takeoff in fog and at night, near Gillingham Hall, Norfolk, 13 March 2014 Robinson R44 II (G-CDXX), tipped over whilst on the ground, Leicester Airport, 25 June 2015
Source: AAIB, 14-Oct-15
HeliHub.com maintains a detailed record of accidents and incidents, and trust that by making this information easily available. In a coincidence, two different Japanese operators managed to drop underslung loads from Super Puma helicopters within a week of each other. Neither incident resulted in any injuries to persons, or damage to aircraft Here are the… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Oct-15
The final day of Helitech International was reserved for one of the most important aspects of the rotorcraft industry: safety. Proceedings in the event’s popular Safety Workshop included a keynote from the celebrated Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown. The Navy’s most decorated pilot, Capt. Brown has flown a record 487 different aircraft, and often as the… Read more »
Source: Helitech, 13-Oct-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has entered into a Pathfinder agreement with CACI International Inc. to evaluate how the company’s technology can help detect Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the vicinity of airports. In testimony today before the House Aviation Subcommittee, FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker said that flying an unmanned aircraft near a busy… Read more »
Source: FAA, 08-Oct-15
Speaking today at the Flight Safety Foundation’s Newsmaker Breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta announced the next step in the FAA’s continuing evolution of working with those it regulates. The FAA developed the new Compliance Philosophy to enhance our ability to find safety problems before… Read more »
Source: FAA, 07-Oct-15
Denver International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are partnering to raise awareness about safe unmanned aircraft operations. The agencies teamed up on a Public Service Announcement that will run on the video towers in the airport’s main terminal. The PSA uses the “No Drone Zone” slogan to drive home the point that flying… Read more »
Source: FAA, 01-Oct-15
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) may be known by a number of names, to include model aircraft, drones, or remote-piloted aircraft (RPA). UAV/UAS operators include aviation hobbyists, as well as commercial operators who wish to use new and emerging technology in more creative ways to satisfy consumer demand. In the United States, and on an international… Read more »
Source: AAMS, 30-Sep-15
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is the latest supporter of the Know Before You Fly campaign, an initiative to promote the safe and responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). “For the past 67 years, HAI has worked to promote safe, professional helicopter operations,” said Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of the Helicopter Association International. “We… Read more »
Source: HAI, 30-Sep-15
A consultation on simplifying many of the national rules and regulations that affect UK General Aviation (GA) and opportunities for further deregulation is now underway through a second and final consultation on GA elements in the Air Navigation Order (ANO). Today’s announcement follows an earlier consultation in March this year on the wider aims of… Read more »
Source: CAA, 30-Sep-15
No, this is not a movie. It happened for real on the Kettle Complex of fires in Washington August 27, 2015.See Full Story
Source: Fire Aviation, 30-Sep-15
The widows of two pilots killed when a wave swept their helicopter off a destroyer filed suit in San Diego Monday against the U.S. Navy, asking them to declare the San Diego-based destroyer “unreasonably dangerous.” See Full Story
Source: NBC San Diego, 24-Sep-15
The call is out for papers that will characterize the 2016 edition of the world’s largest helicopter-safety conference, the CHC Safety & Quality Summit. The CHC Safety & Quality Summit is hosted by CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (NYSE:HELI). Industry and safety professionals interested in presenting at the CHC Safety &… Read more »
Source: CHC, 18-Sep-15
The National Transportation Safety Board says the company that operated a helicopter involved in a fatal crash in 2013 has made changes as a result of it. See Full Story
Source: Newson6, 17-Sep-15
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
Source: AAIB, 13-Sep-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Marke “Hoot” Gibson and Earl Lawrence for two executive-level positions that will guide the agency’s approach to safe, timely and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into U.S. airspace. Hoot Gibson will become the Senior Advisor on UAS Integration, a position established to focus on external outreach… Read more »
Source: FAA, 03-Sep-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today published updated guidance on model aircraft operations that reflects current law governing hobby or recreational use of unmanned aircraft. Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57A replaces the previous guidance that, as written in 1981, did not reflect the rules Congress wrote into Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act… Read more »
Source: FAA, 03-Sep-15
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups’ Fly Safe national safety campaign aims to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season. FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker officially kicked-off the #FlySafe campaign on Saturday, June 6, at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Fly-In at the… Read more »
Source: FAA, 02-Sep-15
Ahead of the second anniversary of the Sumburgh offshore helicopter tragedy, Unite has called on the UK government to urgently revisit the recommendation of the previous parliament’s Transport Select Committee for a public inquiry into offshore helicopter safety. The death of four offshore workers when their helicopter ditched in the waters off the Sumburgh coast… Read more »
Source: Unite The Union, 27-Aug-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a new list of pilot, air traffic and citizen reports of possible encounters with unmanned aircraft (UAS). The reports cover November 13, 2014 through August 20, 2015. Because pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, the FAA wants to send a clear message that operating drones… Read more »
Source: FAA, 24-Aug-15
Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year. The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may… Read more »
Source: FAA, 14-Aug-15
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
Source: AAIB, 13-Aug-15
As in previous years, the winner(s) of the ‘Innovation in Safety Award’ will be selected by a committee of industry professionals. The award ceremony will take place during the Helicopter Association of Canada’s annual conference, November 13th-15th in Vancouver, BC. The award recipient will receive a cash prize of $10,000.00 in addition to recognition from… Read more »
Source: Airbus, 13-Aug-15
News Corp Australia has also been told the chopper base has no comprehensive fire and emergency response service to cover Tiger operations.See Full Story
Source: News, 10-Aug-15
Wildlife strike reporting for both commercial and general aviation airports continues to increase, according to a new report by renowned wildlife expert Dr. Richard A. Dolbeer. At the request of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Dolbeer recently published the wildlifereport, which shows that 47 percent of the wildlife strikes that occurred from 2009 to 2013 were reported… Read more »
Source: FAA, 06-Aug-15
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups’ #Fly Safe national safety campaign aims to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season. What is Loss of Control (LOC)? A Loss of Control (LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight. LOC can happen… Read more »
Source: FAA, 04-Aug-15
Following a string of recent high-profile events, PerriQuest Defense Research Enterprises unveiled the world’s most advanced laser-protective eye wear to dozens of aviation industry stakeholders. PerriQuest’s patent-pending technology protects the wearer from harmful red, green, and blue laser light without compromising the wearer’s ability to perceive and distinguish color. Production of the groundbreaking technology is… Read more »
Source: PerriQuest, 24-Jul-15
NEMSPA (National EMS Pilots Association) is encouraging all pilots and crewmembers that operate in a low level environment to attend a one day wire strike prevention seminar on October 18 in Long Beach, California. Robert (Bob) Feerst, a globally recognized expert in specialized crew resource management and pilot techniques in the wire environment, will represent… Read more »
Source: NEMSPA, 20-Jul-15
As of Tuesday, 14 July 2015, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended the Part 127 (Helicopter) and Part 135 (Air Transport Operations: Small Aircraft) Air Operating Certificates (AOC) of Working on Fire, trading as FFA Aviation (Pty)Ltd, for failure to comply with the legislative requirements applicable to AOC holders. Following a recent spate… Read more »
Source: South African Civil Aviation Authority, 20-Jul-15
EASA’s Annual Safety Conference has a long standing tradition, every year addressing a different safety topic. The 2015 EASA Safety Conference focuses on the topic of Training for aircrew, but also for other activities like maintenance, RPAS, new simulation technologies etc. The conference will open on Wednesday 14 October, by EU Commissioner for Transport, Ms… Read more »
Source: EASA, 15-Jul-15
It was a close call Sunday after a Georgia man drove his car almost directly into the path of a medical helicopter about to take off from St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon with a newborn infant on board. See full story
Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 15-Jul-15
In the high-consequence environment of air medicine, things can change in an instant. Carefully designed systems and routine activities are subject to failure. It can happen to any of us at any time. It’s with that understanding that the LifeFlight Eagle Safety Symposium calls together leaders, safety officers, medical crew members, communications specialists, pilots, and… Read more »
Source: Lifeflight Eagle, 14-Jul-15
If the first half of the year is any indication, then 2015 is shaping up to be a very good year for civil helicopter safety in the United States. Total accidents are down 28 percent during the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period last year. In addition, according to the United… Read more »
Source: IHST, 13-Jul-15
Aviation legend Captain Eric Melrose ‘Winkle’ Brown CBE, DSC, AFC, KCVSA, PhD Hon FRAeS, RN will be speaking at HeliTech International on the 8th October, 2015 at ExCeL London. Named “Britain’s Greatest Pilot” by the BBC, Captian Eric “Winkle” Brown will be the key-note speaker during The EHEST Safety Workshop. A former Royal Navy officer… Read more »
Source: Starspeed, 13-Jul-15
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
Source: AAIB, 09-Jul-15
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups’ #Fly Safe national safety campaign aims to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season. What is Loss of Control (LOC)? A Loss of Control (LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight. LOC can happen because… Read more »
Source: FAA, 09-Jul-15
A ruling that investigators should hand over the black box from a North Sea helicopter crash to Scotland’s top law officer is being challenged. See full story
Source: BBC News, 08-Jul-15
Sundance Helicopters recently became the nation’s first helicopter tour operator and Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) member to implement the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and Maintenance Safety Action Program (MSAP). ASAP and MSAP are voluntary, self-reporting programs designed to identify and reduce safety concerns. “We are proud to participate… Read more »
Source: Sundance, 03-Jul-15
The Australian Government has reappointed Mr Noel Hart as a Commissioner with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the two-year extension of Mr Hart’s term today, effective from 1 July 2015. “Mr Hart’s extensive maritime and resource industry operations experience, along with… Read more »
Source: ATSB, 02-Jul-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has posted the second video designed to further enhance airport safety. Entitled “The 2015 Wildlife Hazard Management and Strike Reporting Update,” the video outlines the benefits of wildlife hazard strike reporting and how airport operators use the information to reduce wildlife strikes at airports. The video also discusses the FAA’s… Read more »
Source: FAA, 30-Jun-15
The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and its embarked helicopter detachment from the ‘Warlords’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM ) 51, were selected for the annual Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Ship-Helicopter Safety Award in May. This unique award honors the cruiser or destroyer and embarked detachment with the… Read more »
Source: US Navy, 29-Jun-15
It’s something many people flying offshore have experienced – bumpy air, foggy skies, an unusual sound – all of which can conspire to get the passenger thinking “What am I doing here?” Bob Egan, an offshore worker for more than 20 years, had those thoughts even though he doesn’t fear flying on helicopters. But a… Read more »
Source: Bristow, 24-Jun-15
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has called on US and European regulators to improve the safety of helicopter fuel systems. See Full Story
Source: Australian Flying, 22-Jun-15
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters recently received Safety Management System (SMS) program status by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first air tour operator in the United States to reach this milestone. Blue Hawaiian began participating in the voluntary SMS program in 2009, adopting the systematic approach to managing safety risk. “Achieving SMS emphasizes our company’s… Read more »
Source: Air Methods, 19-Jun-15
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R22 Beta (G-ECMC), rolled over during simulated tail rotor failure exercise at Goodwood Aerodrome, on 12 February 2015 Robinson R22 Beta (G-THLA), heavy landing following autorotation exercise, Romney Marsh, Kent, 13 February 2015
Source: AAIB, 11-Jun-15
Safety experts, crew members, pilots, mechanics and leaders from air-medical programs throughout North America are invited to converge at the 5th Annual LifeFlight Eagle Safety Symposium in Kansas City, Mo., September17-18. The symposium, which is provided free of charge, features presentations by world-class safety experts, as well as an opportunity for representatives from air-medical organizations… Read more »
Source: LifeFlight Eagle, 11-Jun-15
By a co-operative partnership with CASA, the AHIA and other industry members, CASA is moving forward with legislative changes to streamline regulatory provisions as a result of the post-implementation review of part 61. AHIA President Peter Crook see this as a positive step closer to the industry contributing at a high level to legislative content… Read more »
Source: AHIA, 09-Jun-15
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups are launching the Fly Safe national safety campaign to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season. FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker officially kicked-off the #FlySafe campaign on Saturday, June 6, at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Fly-In… Read more »
Source: FAA, 09-Jun-15
The Ninth EASA Rotorcraft Symposium will be held on 2-3 December at the Hilton Hotel in Cologne. If you are interested to be part of the European forum for the rotary wing community, please fill the online registration here. You will then receive a confirmation from EASA of your enrolment. Registration closes on 14 November 2015. Don’t… Read more »
Source: EASA, 08-Jun-15
Helicopter mechanic Jeffrey Lee Graham died on Friday morning while working on a Bell 47G helicopter at Hudson, Iowa. The press statement from Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office was brief but confirmed “a fatal workplace accident that occurred while maintenance was being done on a stationary helicopter”. The address of the location matches that of… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Jun-15
Air Methods recently announced it will sponsor the 2nd Annual Great American Safety Drive – MedEvac Foundation International’s major fundraising initiative for 2015 – commencing in June during National Safety Month. “Air Methods is proud to say that we have supported the MedEvac Foundation since its inception,” said Howard Ragsdale, senior vice president at Air Methods. “Safety… Read more »
Source: Air Methods, 02-Jun-15
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R44 (G-CEDG), rolled over during a precautionary landing, near Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, on 25 February 2015 Robinson R44 II (G-HECK), collision with vehicle, Leeds Heliport, 5 December 2014
Source: AAIB, 14-May-15
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will announce two new initiatives related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) tomorrow at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems 2015conference in Atlanta, GA. The FAA is moving ahead with safe integration of UAS into the busiest, most complex airspace in the world. Even as the agency proceeds with rulemaking for small… Read more »
Source: FAA, 05-May-15
Please join HAI and the FAA for a free helicopter safety conference on Tuesday, June 2, at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, Pa. The workshop will run from 8:00 a.m. – to 4:30 p.m. and will feature expert industry speakers from the FAA, HAI, AgustaWestland, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army. Topics to be covered… Read more »
Source: HAI, 05-May-15
he UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced at the Offshore Helicopter Safety Action Group (OHSAG) a new set of proposals aimed at improving the safety of helicopter operations to the 116 normally unattended offshore installations in the North Sea. The proposals build upon an independent report compiled by Cranfield University, commissioned by the CAA,… Read more »
Source: CAA, 30-Apr-15
On April 23, ARSA submitted comments to the FAA’s proposed rule regarding its control of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The association added its voice to the thousands who provided guidance to the agency in its pursuit of new regulations to oversee the use of the vehicles commonly referred to as “drones.” While its comments recognized the congressional imperative that the FAA… Read more »
Source: ARSA, 30-Apr-15
AEI (Aircraft Engineers International) have written to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) to place on record our belief that the air travelling public in Europe is exposed to an increasing risk of injury. “Our concern derives from the inconsistent, and in some European countries, inadequate, application by the individual national aviation authorities of safety… Read more »
Source: AEI, 29-Apr-15
The New Zealand CAA is exploring the need for changes in the regulation of the Robinson helicopter fleet. This is in response to a number of accidents involving Robinson helicopters in the last few years. As part of the response to these accidents, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (“TAIC”) and the CAA have reviewed the… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-Apr-15
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
Source: AAIB, 13-Apr-15
If aircraft were measured from the ground up, helicopters would rank near the bottom. This isn’t a criticism; it’s just the nature of the beast. Helicopters spend a large portion of time flying close to the ground and, as a result, they are increasingly susceptible to wire strikes. Analysis conducted by the United States Helicopter… Read more »
Source: IHST, 23-Mar-15
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky S-76C (G-WIWI), unintentional descent towards trees, Peasmarsh, East Sussex, 3 May 2012
Source: AAIB, 19-Mar-15
Christopher Hart was confirmed last week as NTSB chairman, and he discussed his priorities for the safety agency at a Washington Aero Club luncheon last week. Chairman Hart wants to redesign the way the agency conducts investigations “from scratch.” He said the main focus of the redesign will have two parts, including incorporating “major IT… Read more »
Source: HAI, 10-Mar-15
Following the issue of Emergency ADs over the weekend on all Robinson R44s with C016-7 “Dash 7” blades, new documentation has been issued by Australia and New Zealand with less onerous requirements. These helicopters are no longer grounded, but require inspection of the blades by the pilot before each and every flight. In issuing DCA/R44/32,… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Feb-15
[electronic translation] In the incident with a NH90 on 19 June 2014 in Termez / Uzbekistan occurred in connection with the engine stagnation in triggering the fire extinguishing system of the engine to a short circuit in the overhead Control Panel. To this end, the company announced AIRBUS Helicopter the Ministry of Defense and the… Read more »
Source: Bundeswehr, 23-Feb-15
Australia and New Zealand have prohibited Robinson R44 helicopters from further flight if they are fitted with main rotor blades with reference C016-7. This follows the fatal accident of an R44 in New Zealand last week from the fleet of Over The Top Helicopters, which killed one of their instructors and his 18 year old… Read more »
23-Feb-15
You’ve planned to attend the HAI Safety Symposium (NTSB – Managing Risk in Public Helicopter Operations) from 8:00–10:00 in room S310 on Mon., March 2 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2015. Be sure to also add to your diary, and attend, the Safety Directors Forum (Your Helicopter Crashed – Now What?) right after, from 10:30–12:00 in room S230C. Presented by Clint Johnson,… Read more »
Source: HAI, 22-Feb-15
Icing was the probable cause of a Mercy Air Med helicopter crash near Ventura that killed three people on Jan. 2, 2013, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. See Full Story.
Source: Globe Gazette, 17-Feb-15
