In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows in various other nations, the Turkish Police Department (“Emniyet Teşkilatı”) has taken delivery of a licence-built T129 ATAK helicopter from local manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries. With a number of different law enforcement agencies in Turkey, it is important to note that this is the Police organisation… Read more »
Nigerian operator Caverton Helicopters is moving into operations with Sikorsky S76D helicopters. This may be a response to the Bristow Helicopters flying eight S76Ds in their Nigerian fleet – the only location that the Houston-based global operator flies the D model on a regular basis. Caverton’s offshore operations have in recent years been based around… Read more »
STARS is another step closer to renewing its helicopter fleet, thanks to a generous $500,000 gift from the MD of Greenview, a loyal and long-time ally. Reeve Dale Smith from the MD of Greenview stated, “STARS will always be a valued service to our residents, workers, and recreation enthusiasts within the MD of Greenview and… Read more »
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, provides an update on the development of its new AAV production facility in Yunfu city, China. The retrofitting process of the existing building is being completed and production of EHang AAVs is expected to start in… Read more »
On Dec. 15, the Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, awarded DynCorp International (DI) a task order to provide UH-60 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) under the Worldwide Logistics Support Services – Contractor Logistics Support (WLSS-C) multiple award IDIQ. This task order, valued at $554.1 million if all options are exercised, consists of a six-year period… Read more »
As a relatively new technology company, we feel a responsibility to constantly put our breakthrough innovations to the test — learning, refining, honing, and improving our products in real world conditions (or as close to real as we can get without hearing from our insurance company). In recent months we’ve tested our Load Stability Systems… Read more »
Australia’s CareFlight has become the country’s first operator of the emergency medical services (EMS) version of the Airbus H145 light twin helicopter. The aircraft will be used by the aeromedical services provider for rapid response missions in the Greater Sydney area. CareFlight’s H145, which was unveiled at a ceremony today at the Sydney Opera House,… Read more »
HAI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) has traditionally been a big part of the education program at HAI HELI-EXPO. With the 2021 show having been canceled, this year we’re bringing FIRC training to you—virtually. This two-day, 16-hour, helicopter-specific online course will cover the latest updates in regulations and helicopter flight instruction techniques from leading industry professionals. This course… Read more »
Wingcopter, the German developer, manufacturer and operator of unmanned delivery drones for commercial and humanitarian applications, has joined forces with the Flying Labs Network as a Technology Partner. The goal of the partnership is to improve supply chains through locally led cargo drone projects and to equip local talent with the skills to operate Wingcopter’s… Read more »
BLADE Urban Air Mobility, (“Blade” or the “Company”) announced today that it entered into an alliance with Vertiport Chicago (the “Vertiport”). In December of 2020, Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC) agreed to merge with Blade, which will create, following the closing of the merger, the only publicly traded urban air mobility platform in the United… Read more »
US-based research and publishing firm Wolfpack Research has published a paper of their research into the Chinese passenger-carrying drone manufacturer EHang. The report starts as follows EHang (NASDAQ: EH) is an elaborate stock promotion, built on largely fabricated revenues based on sham sales contracts with a customer who appears to us to be more interested… Read more »
With Colorado coming out of its second-worst drought year since 2002 and with scant expectations for a better 2021, the state’s public agency that deals with wildfires is hoping a California solution could help tamp down the biggest wildfires in years to come — the Firehawk helicopter. See Full Story.
Northern Helicopter GmbH will continue to be responsible for offshore rescue in the offshore wind farms Albatros and Hohe See in the German exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the North Sea. The follow-up contract with EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG started on February 1, 2021 and covers a term of four years with the option of… Read more »
Leonardo continues to experiment in the field of advanced air mobility as it aims to accelerate the introduction of drones into civilian skies and develop innovative drone-based services for Italy and beyond. In a recent collaboration with the Municipality of Turin and D-Flight (an ENAV group company, part owned by Leonardo and Telespazio), Leonardo conducted… Read more »
Airbus will showcase a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, capabilities and solutions from Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2021. The event is set to take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 21 – 25 February and is held under the patronage of… Read more »
Yorkshire Air Ambulance secured grant funding for a Pro Simbodies Thoracotomy Trainer, which will help their crew practice the complex procedures that they carry out on-scene at many of their incidents. The grant to purchase the manikin was generously awarded by the Jack Brunton Charitable Trust and the Tesco Bags of Help grant scheme, generated… Read more »
Garmin® International, Inc.® is pleased to announce expanded pilot training opportunities for 2021, including virtual training options through June 2021 and plans for the resumption of in-person training starting in August. A variety of pilot training opportunities are available ranging from self-study materials, webinars, eLearning courses and instructor-led training offered for the GTN™ Series, G500/G600, G500/600/G700 TXi™, G3X… Read more »
Joby Aviation, a transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, which it intends to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft in 2024, today announced that it has begun generating revenue as part of achieving another major milestone in the Agility Prime program. The company also announced that it has agreed to… Read more »
It’s no secret that the pandemic has gutted business for airlines. But smaller sectors of the air travel industry—like helicopter tours—have also been deeply affected by the sharp downturns in demand. Most helicopter sightseeing companies across the U.S. shuttered for weeks or even months starting in March 2020 as local restrictions fluctuated and tourism numbers waned. See… Read more »
General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Massachusetts, is awarded a $21,095,294 firm-fixed-price modification (P00016) to previously awarded contract N00019-18-C-1007. This modification procures 4 T408-GE-400 turboshaft spare engines and various spare engine parts in support of CH-53K Lot 5 low rate initial production aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed in… Read more »
Continuing its 63-year legacy of providing safe and reliable transportation for the president of the United States, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), is under contract to manufacture a total of 23 VH-92A® Presidential Helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is on schedule to deliver the next generation presidential helicopter later this year…. Read more »
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 »
Asian Sky Group (ASG), announces that Alud Davies has joined the company as director of its Media and Communications division, ASIAN SKY MEDIA (ASM). Davies brings 18 years of diverse experience in commercial and business aviation publishing and communications. In 2019 Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards honoured Alud with the prestigious award of “Business Aviation… Read more »
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company, announced its participation as the only passenger eVTOL partner in the SAFIR-Med project. SAFIR-Med, which stands for “Safe and Flexible Integration of Advanced U-Space Services for Medical Air Mobility”, is a research and innovation project to… Read more »
Garmin G3000® integrated flight deck to Joby Aviation for its revolutionary all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is expected to commence commercial operations in 2024. Garmin has decades of experience deploying certified avionics solutions to new markets and this is continued with the touchscreen G3000 integrated flight deck for eVTOL aircraft in the… Read more »
Hillsboro Aero Academy, a U.S.-based leading provider of helicopter and airplane pilot career training, announced that it has launched a standalone CFI Completion program, allowing pilots bearing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to enroll for completion of their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. HAA launched the… Read more »
European Aviation giant Airbus is in talks with the Indian Navy to lease out Panther helicopters for its warships as the force looks at bridging the capability gap it faces when it comes to the rotary wing, Rémi Maillard, president of Airbus India and the company’s managing director for South Asia, told ThePrint. See Full… Read more »
A Leicestershire girl has been crowned the winner of a nationwide competition to design an official mascot for the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA). Last year, the national children’s charity launched a competition to find the perfect mascot for #TheCrew – their club for children and young people – and with over 500 entries from across… Read more »
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has taken possession of its brand-new purpose-built airbase at North Weald Airfield following its completion by Barnes Construction. Work on the facility began in February 2020 after planning permission was granted by Epping Forest District Council. Project managed by quantity surveyors Castons, and designed by architects Hurley Porte and… Read more »
Prysm Group, organisers of Helitech Expo after they bought the event from Reed, have moved the date for the UK-based Helitech Expo again. Originally set for 10-11 March, then moved to 26-27 May, it is now penciled in for 5-6 October. Both moves have been announced as COVID responses, with the latest update saying “As… Read more »
Due to the poor charging power of the pre-installed USB charging unit of its Airbus H145 helicopters, SPAES was commissioned to replace the system. For the new USB charging unit, the customer selected a device he preferred with a better efficiency. To achieve this, the pre-installed charging system was removed, and the necessary wiring and… Read more »
Plans to set up helipads at the Gozo General Hospital and at Mater Dei Hospital – which would facilitate medical transfers between Gozo and Malta – will have to wait until planned expansions at both hospitals are concluded, Health Minister Chris Fearne has confirmed. See Full Story.
The mayor of Albacete, Vicente Casañ, has stated that when the administrations “work together, the citizens win” and with the signature of the protocols that will materialize the installation of the Airbus Helicopters logistics HUB in the Albacete Aeronautical and Logistics Park ( PALA), “Castilla-La Mancha wins and Albacete wins, today we grow and become… Read more »
Source:
Albacete Aeronautical and Logistics Park, 16-Feb-21
United Airlines today announced that it has completed an agreement to work with air mobility company Archer as part of the airline’s broader effort to invest in emerging technologies that decarbonize air travel. Rather than relying on traditional combustion engines, Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are designed to use electric motors and… Read more »
At Air Methods, we pride ourselves on a diverse range of capabilities. While our largest offering is direct air medical services, with air ambulance bases all over the country, we also have expertise in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology through our division known as United Rotorcraft. United Rotorcraft has built a… Read more »
[electronic translation] The commanders of the Swiss Air Rescue Rega organized a total of 16,273 missions last year. While the rescue helicopters were in the air more often than in the previous year, the ambulance jets recorded significantly fewer missions. In addition to its operational activities, Rega supported the Swiss authorities in dealing with the corona pandemic. This… Read more »
Air Methods Corporation has signed another HCare support contract with Airbus Helicopters Inc., this time to cover its fleet of EC135 helicopters – the largest HCare contract signed with any civil customer to date. The order expands the number of Air Methods aircraft covered by Airbus support and services to 111, making Air Methods the… Read more »
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the launch of “EBACE Connect” – a new, virtual programming series that will gather business aviation’s most compelling and authoritative voices to engage the industry in a vital conversation around the issues and trends shaping the future of Business aviation. “EBACE has… Read more »
The Tennessee Valley Authority has selected GPMS’ Foresight MX Helicopter Health and Usage Monitoring System, to provide service on current Bell 407GXi aircraft as well as on planned fleet additions, including an MD530 and Bell 429. Jed Kalkstein, President of GPMS, said “We are pleased to announce our agreement with the TVA. This contract shows… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has appointed Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) as its “Prime Contractor and Completion Centre” for the sale and distribution of its helicopters to Thailand’s military and governmental customers. Under this agreement, TAI will act on behalf of Airbus for new rotorcraft sales in the country. At the same time, TAI will undertake additional workshare…. Read more »
International energy group Shell has selected leading US offshore helicopter operator PHI to operate four Airbus H160s to service a support contract in the Gulf of Mexico. The contract marks the entry into the oil and gas market of the H160 with a wealth of design features promising new levels of safety, comfort and schedule… Read more »
Safety Flight, located in Campo de Marte airport (Brazil), has purchased from entrol an H135 FTD Level 5 simulator. It will be the first entrol simulator to be installed in Brazil. The simulator will come with dual GTN 750, a cylindrical visual system with 3-channel STD and extended vertical field of view for mission training…. Read more »
To help futureproof the advanced pre-hospital service operated by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, the organisation is developing a purpose-built airbase and charity headquarters in the Shropshire area, which will benefit patients across the whole of the Midlands. The robust plans were approved by Shropshire Council late January, the charity’s Board of Trustees gave final approval… Read more »
HeliOperations is delighted to be able to offer an EASA Standard Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) qualification, suitable for both civil and military customers using its own state of the art, full-motion NVIS equipped simulator situated at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose followed by live NVIS flying training using its own Sea King helicopters… Read more »
Robinson’s Cockpit Video Camera introduced at Heli Expo 2020 is now optional on R22/R44 helicopters and standard on R66 helicopters ordered after 15 January 2021. Securely mounted in the ceiling for minimal vibration and optimal field of view, the 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) video camera records video, intercom audio, radio communications, and… Read more »
The U.S. Army is developing technical skills for student aviation researchers with a new agreement between its corporate laboratory and an aviation society. Both organizations hope to advance electric vertical takeoff and landing and advanced air mobility technology. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, now known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory and the Vertical… Read more »
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL) (the “Company”) announced the pricing of its previously announced private offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior secured notes due 2028 (the “notes”) to eligible purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The closing of… Read more »
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 »
Metro Aviation is congratulating Justin Painter on his new role as Chief Inspector of the Metro Aviation Repair Station. Justin replaces Nick Bruton, a long-time Metro employee who retired in January after 35 years. Justin joined Metro Aviation in 2010 as a hangar mechanic. As a mechanic in the Shreveport-based Repair Station and at Metro’s… Read more »
WinAir is delighted to announce that MRO, Advance Aerospace Inc., has implemented WinAir Version 7 and is now live with the software. After concluding a seamless product implementation this past January using entirely remote processes and procedures, including completing a data migration, inventory import, and user training, the MRO is now using the software daily… Read more »
When the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December 2020, the UK ceased to form part of the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This left UK-licensed pilots in the frustrating position of only being able to fly UK-registered aircraft. Mallorca’s The Aviation Centre has the solution. “Although the Civil Aviation Authority will now assume all… Read more »
For HENSOLDT, it is another important EOS contract with a delivery as first tier supplier and prime contractor directly to the customer. “We are offering a turnkey solution here and are assuming responsibility for the entire project until the return delivery of the helicopters with integrated and approved ARGOS II systems in November 2021,” said… Read more »
Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flytech Aviation Academy, a leading Indian aviation training academy, to explore collaboration opportunities in Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) training. The MoU was signed at Aero India 2021. Airbus brings a wealth of experience in aviation training, courseware development, safety and quality standards, while Flytech excels in aviation… Read more »
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 »
The instructors at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland are dedicated to ensuring the next generation of developmental test pilots, flight officers, and engineers gain the skills necessary for testing the aircraft and systems of tomorrow. Less widely known, but no less valuable, is their dedication… Read more »
Global Helicopter Service GmbH a leading German helicopter service provider is pleased to announce the award of the European Defence Agency, Forward Aeromedical Evacuation, and Air Transport Contract for the MINUSMA Mission in Mali. The contract runs from 01 December 2020 and GHS have positioned an Airbus H225, D-HTPN, and a Bell 412 EP, D-HAFN… Read more »
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced that it will report its fourth quarter 2020 results after the stock market closes on Thursday, February 25, 2021, and host a live webcast and conference call at 8:30 am ET on Friday, February 26, 2021. In addition, a supplemental presentation relating to the fourth quarter and full year 2020 results… Read more »
The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing has announced that it has added 11 Airbus H225 helicopters to the Air Center Helicopters, Inc (“ACHI”) fleet. The aircraft will be delivered throughout 2021 and 2022 and will primarily be used for utility, training and transport missions for… Read more »
The Vertical Flight Society — the world’s first and foremost non-profit technical organization dedicated to advancing vertical flight — saw record growth in the number of corporate members again in 2020. As of Jan. 1, 2021, a total of 137 companies are now members of VFS, a net 15% growth over 2020 and a doubling… Read more »
The Houston Police Department, one of the largest air units in the country, recently took delivery of a new and very special H125. It’s the first H125 for the department and will be utilized for fighting violent and property crime, and assisting with search and rescue, homeland security and firefighting support. It is also a… Read more »
An apprentice at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has been recognised with a national award. Tiago Gomes is an operations craft apprentice at the Lysander Road company and has been ‘highly commended’ in the national final of the Make UK Awards. See Full Story.
Forbes has named 300 companies as Canada’s Best Employers for 2021, and Bell’s Canadian organization, Bell Textron Canada Ltd., ranked 40 overall! Regarded for its design, manufacturing, testing, certification and delivery contributions to Bell’s commercial segment, the company also earned second in the Aerospace and Defense industry. “Bell Textron Canada is respected across the country for… Read more »
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 »
Airwork (NZ) Limited have obtained Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) Supplementary Type Certificate for a Light Weight, cost effective AW139 Wet Floor for EMS/SAR and Offshore configured Leonardo AW139 Helicopters. The Airwork standard fit Wet Floor for the Leonardo AW139 helicopter was designed in conjunction with the launch customer, CHC Australia, and is… Read more »
Mercury Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of the 1,000th ethernet routing device (ERD) to Boeing. The ERD is a rugged line-replaceable unit (LRU) designed for aviation applications where extreme temperature, shock and vibration are prevalent. It… Read more »
Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, announced it successfully demonstrated through-the-blades Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Ka-band satellite communications (SATCOM) connectivity to a U.S. Army UH-60M rotary-wing helicopter. The demonstration highlighted Viasat’s ability to deliver resilient command and control (C2) communications, feature-rich situational awareness (SA) and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds –… Read more »
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) artisans are responding to a nagging problem affecting many MH-60S multi-mission Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons. Since last September, corrosion and wear to the airframe’s aft floorboards have interfered with the ability to install auxiliary fuel tanks needed for longer flights. To date, 53 floorboards… Read more »
The staff of Helicopter Association International (HAI) followed the findings and recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) related to the Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash near Calabasas, California. HAI extends its deepest sympathies to those who lost a loved one in this accident and is committed to the goal of zero fatal accidents… Read more »
Bluewater Health is planning for the establishment of a helipad at the Sarnia hospital to support the region’s most critical patients. Earlier this week. Lambton County Council received their first high-level overview of the project. “Every single minute saved in transporting a patient drastically increases the likelihood of a positive outcome,” said Dr. Mike Haddad,… Read more »
Global law firm Dentons has advised the Munich-based financier, Airbus Bank GmbH (Airbus Bank), on its portfolio financing of four new Airbus helicopters leased to Transportes Aéreos Pegaso (Pegaso), a Mexican air transport service provider. The helicopter portfolio includes two H175s and two H145s, making Pegaso the first H145 operator in Mexico and the first… Read more »
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is awarded a $17,852,939 modification (P00012) to a firm-fixed-priced order (N0001919F0305) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001917G0002). This modification exercises an option to procure 60 MV-22 and 10 CV-22 proprotor hub spring and drive link retrofit kits; and six CV-22 modification spares kits, in support of… Read more »
AT Systems patented device trains pilots for degraded visual environment conditions during routine training flights. This unique device is the latest technology in training for spatial disorientation and low visibility events such as Inadvertent IMC, brown-out, or white-out conditions. The NTSB has identified in aircraft spatial disorientation training as a key factor in preventing accidents… Read more »
At CAE OneWorld virtual conference and tradeshow, CAE announced that CAE USA has been awarded a contract to provide United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with Aircraft Pilot Training Services. CAE USA will serve as one of the prime contractors on the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract awarded by CBP. CAE USA will leverage… Read more »
Iron Mountain Solutions Inc.*, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded an $8,233,165 hybrid (firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials) contract for technical support for the Utility Helicopters Project Office. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 7, 2026. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Army) funds in… Read more »
The state Fire and Emergency Services department is planning to introduce helicopters in its fleet to strengthen the fire fighting mechanism. See Full Story.