22-Feb-2022
Under contract to the US Navy, the helicopter was providing retrieval support for a routine training operation when the crash happened. Brian Beattie, Croman director of operations, said the Sikorsky S-61N had just retrieved an object from the water and was trying to drop it on the ground when something went wrong. Post crash fire All... Read more
20-May-2021Source: VIH Helicopters
VIH Helicopters has successfully developed a technologically advanced power fill bucket for utilization with their fleet of Sikorsky S61 and Kamov KA-32A11BC helicopters on aerial wildfire suppression applications. Drawing on expertise from Kawak Aviation Technologies and from within VIH’s operations and engineering teams, VIH’s power fill bucket is capable of filling at a rate of... Read more
20-Apr-2020
Loss of tail rotor authority, and rolled onto its side on landing... Read more
11-Feb-2020Source: United Aero
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company announced today at Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo 2020 that it has named United Aero Group LLC (UAG) of Shelton, CT, as a Domestic Distributor of its products supporting the S-61 fleet of aircraft. This appointment emphasizes Sikorsky’s commitment to providing sustained support for their customers operating the S-61... Read more
20-Jan-2020Source: HeliHub.com
After flying a helicopter type for 51 years, and having operated a total of 43 aircraft, it would appear surprising that an air force has made the decision to ground a helicopter type on safety grounds rather than retire it from service. The New Straits Times reported last week that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)... Read more
20-Sep-2017Source: Lockheed Martin
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, together with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) celebrated 50 years of continuous service of the S-61 helicopter in Malaysia. The milestone was celebrated Sept. 17 with a commemorative dinner attended by Malaysian Chief of Air Force, General Tan Sri Dato Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang and scores of RMAF... Read more
29-Mar-2017Source: Royal Malaysian Air Force
Ceremony Flights Nuri Sikorsky S61A-4 (Avionics Upgrade Program) executed by AIROD Sdn Bhd executive officer, Maj Gen Ir. Dato ‘Ibrahim bin Maritime Force (Retired) to the Chief of Air Force, Hon Gen Dato’ Sri Haji Affandi bin Remove the RMAF. Avionics upgrade program Nuri S61A-4 AIROD Sdn Bhd is cooperation and Heli-One Norway. Program upgrades... Read more
11-Oct-2016Source: Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics and Heli-One are announcing cockpit upgrades to be performed on a fleet of Sikorsky S-61A-4 NURI helicopters for an Asian operator, featuring Universal’s EFI-890H Advanced Flight Displays and Multi-Missions Management System (MMMS). Universal Avionics Authorized Dealer, Heli-One, is set to perform the design and installation for the initial aircraft with an Asian Maintenance,... Read more
9-Sep-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The retired Marine One helicopter that was once host to President Nixon, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford, was driven in a flatbed truck to the Chino Airport, where it will be refurbished by Rancho Cucamonga’s California Aero Fab. This refurbishment is part of a $15 million renovation of the Nixon Presidential Library and... Read more
19-Jun-2016Source: AEM
The MCP02 Master Caution Panel system, which has been designed for the S-61/Sea King series of helicopters, has been awarded STC SH16-25 by Transport Canada. The plug & play replacement for the Grimes units offer reduced weight (5.8lbs vs 3.57lbs combined), high reliability, an integrated state recorder and LED technology with customizable legends. NVG lighting option is also available. AEM worked in collaboration with... Read more
11-May-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The Royal Air Force has donated a Sea King (Sikorsky S61 built in UK under licence) to the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. The aircraft is serialled XZ593. RAF Commodore Darren Bone said: “For over a generation the Sea King has been a reassuring sight across the Falkland Islands. It has gone to the... Read more
22-Apr-2016Source: Heli-One
AIROD has signed a contract with Heli-One for the glass cockpit upgrade of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sikorsky S-61 helicopters. This collaboration between AIROD and Heli-One will provide a customised solution through developing a new design to leverage the latest technology that will add new capabilities to these helicopters and greatly enhance their... Read more
13-Apr-2016Source: Royal Navy
On Monday 11th April, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose waved goodbye to its iconic Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters for the last time. During the late morning, the final three aircraft flew from the Helston base to HMS Sultan. The much-loved red and grey aircraft have flown from RNAS Culdrose since 1988. Brave aviators... Read more
2-Mar-2016Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) announced today that its Universal Filter Module (UFM) has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for installation and use on Sikorsky Aircraft S-61 and H-3 helicopters. The FAA issued the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Inlet Barrier Filter System (IBF)... Read more
19-Nov-2015Source: FAA
The FAA is proposing a $240,500 civil penalty against Helicopter Transport Services, LLC of Corvallis, Ore., for allegedly operating a Sikorsky S61R10 helicopter when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. In particular, the FAA alleges that on Oct. 8, 2012, Helicopter Transport Services installed a main gearbox in the aircraft that was... Read more
9-Nov-2015Source: Bristow
Bristow winchman Duncan Tripp has been recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his service to the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tripp served as winchman paramedic based at RAF Lossiemouth with 202 Squadron for 18 years before transitioning to Bristow’s UK SAR base at Inverness in April... Read more
19-Oct-2015Source: Babcock
Babcock, the UK’s leading engineering support services company, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a five-year contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver engineering services to the Royal Navy at air stations in the south west of England. The aviation and engineering support and aircraft services (AESAS) contract includes the... Read more
9-Oct-2015Source: Heli-One
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has been selected by OMNI Aero Taxi Aereo SA to provide its leading helicopter MRO services on two Sikorsky S-61N aircraft that will fly customers to and from onshore oil and gas installations in Brazil. In order... Read more
4-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
The Royal Air Force bowed out from it’s Search And Rescue role in the UK on Sunday 4th October, as the last base stood down – RAF Chivenor, it confirmed on Twitter. Although planned for 30 September, a last minute hitch meant that Bristow Helicopters were not able to start operations until Sunday, with their... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com
RAF Boulmer, a long-established SAR base in the north-east of the UK, has closed that role as the SAR responsibility for the UK is gradually handed over to Bristow Helicopters. As part of the phased plan to retire Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters, 202 Squadron retired its two yellow Sea Kings with a... Read more
27-Sep-2015Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $16,378,859 delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0004) for five cabin interior kits, updates to the validation kits install and tooling in support of the VH-3D cabin interior and environmental control system redesign program to reduce the total gross weight of the aircraft and... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract with the Department of National Defense (DND) to perform all MRO services for their T-58 engines, effective 30 July 2015. “We are thrilled to have been re-selected by DND to be... Read more
11-Sep-2015Source: BBC News
The last Sea King search and rescue (SAR) helicopter has left RAF Valley on Anglesey marking the end of an era. See Full Story... Read more
20-Aug-2015Source: Sea King
The 18th Annual International SeaKing/S61 Symposium is being held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada October 6,7 and 8, 2015 hosted by CanWest Aerospace of Langley, BC. This annual event brings together Sea King/S-61 operators and maintainers from around the world to share and discuss technical and maintenance issues, new modifications and upgrades/solutions to problems related... Read more
19-Aug-2015
The commercial pilot reported that shortly after picking up a bucket of water from a pond he gained airspeed and initiated a climbing left turn back towards the fire. As the helicopter started to climb, he heard a drop in RPM and the helicopter lost power. He attempted to continue the climb; however, the helicopter... Read more
17-Aug-2015Source: Western Gazette
A NAVY helicopter which saw active service in a dramatic rescue of British troops during the Falklands War is the leading attraction of a new exhibition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. See Full Story... Read more
7-Jul-2015
helicopter was on a routine flight when the crew noticed a drop in hydraulic pressure and were forced to land... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: Mail Tribune
The vice president of a defunct Grants Pass helicopter company was sentenced to 12½ years in federal prison this morning for lying about the carrying capacities of his firm’s helicopters, including the overloaded Sikorsky S-61N that crashed at a Northern California fire in 2008, killing nine people. See Full Story.... Read more
10-Jun-2015Source: VIH
VIH Aerospace (VIHA – www.vihaerospace.com), a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has delivered its latest custom helicopter paint job on a Bell 205 for its US-based customer Helimax Aviation on June 1st, 2015. Helimax Aviation (www.helimaxaviation.com) specializes in providing a variety of aerial support services including passenger transport; forestry firefighting... Read more
19-May-2015Source: grough
Members of a Snowdonia mountain rescue team shared a formal dinner with RAF colleagues – on top of a 3,000ft peak. See Full Story... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: Sunset Aviation Service
Sunset Aviation Service, Inc. located in Aurora Oregon is proud to announce our new website at www.sunsetaviationservice.com along with a new phone number of 503-776-5053. Our capabilities list has also been expanded to better serve more of the helicopter industry. Sunset Aviation Service was awarded the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certificate... Read more
21-Apr-2015Source: North Wales Chronicle
The rescue happened at night in the Ogwen Valley of Snowdonia, when a young London woman with an ankle injury was winched aboard and flown to hospital at Bangor. See Full Story... Read more
17-Apr-2015Source: Times Colonist
Canada’s Pacific coast helicopter unit has moved into a $155-million facility at Victoria International Airport, bringing together operations that had been spread among aging structures. See Full Story... Read more
8-Apr-2015Source: Heli-One
Customers flying commercial and governmental helicopters in the Republic of Korea now have access to extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service capabilities from Heli-One’s operations in Canada. Heli-One Boundary Bay has earned certification for aircraft maintenance operations (AMO) from the Korean Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA), joining the company’s base in Stavanger, Norway, in... Read more
24-Mar-2015Source: BBC
The cancellation of a party marking the retirement of Sea King helicopters has been met with anger. See Full Story... Read more
5-Mar-2015Source: Component Control
Component Control announced today that Tempest Aviation Group, Inc., an independent helicopter service provider located in Prince George, British Columbia, is planning to expand its services and enterprise using Quantum Control MRO and Logistics software to manage operations. Tempest Aviation Group offers the full scope of MRO services for Bell 412, 212, 205, 206 and... Read more
16-Feb-2015Source: Royal Navy
Two Royal Navy Air Branch Reservists from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose have started the very last ever “Flying-MOT” of a Sea King Mk 5 before the aircraft is retired from service next year. The veteran Air Engineers, Chief Petty Officers Bruce Rowarth and Andy Harding who have served most of their naval careers with... Read more
5-Feb-2015
Saying goodbye to an old friend is never easy and for the hundreds of thousands who have climbed aboard, relived and re-enacted being crew on a Sea King helicopter at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, all good things have to come to an end. See Full Story... Read more
20-Jan-2015Source: AAR
AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces its Airlift division has been awarded a contract by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for Search & Rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter services in the Falkland Islands. The contract is valued at approximately $275 million (approximately £180 million). AAR Airlift, together with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems... Read more
16-Jan-2015Source: North Devon Gazette
The transfer of Chivenor’s search and rescue helicopter service to Wales has been postponed, the Gazette understands. See Full Story... Read more
15-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
Once a fully operational RAF Station, Wattisham is now only home to a search and rescue helicopter unit, ‘B’ Flight of No 22 Squadron, equipped with 2 Sea king HAR3A helicopters. The final bell is now being prepared for this operation, as it has been announced the Sea Kings will cease operations on 1st July.... Read more
6-Oct-2014
Emergency landing after gearbox sensor detected an anomaly. Landed at Hartland Point Golf Course and was then towed by road to 12 Wing Shearwater.... Read more
29-Sep-2014
Hoist cable snapped and flicked up into main rotor disc. No damage in subsequent emergency landing... Read more
4-Jul-2014
Emergency landing for a firefighting helicopter – Lebanon has three ex Bristow S61s registered AD-1601 through 1603... Read more
9-Apr-2014Source: RAN
Shoalhaven residents had a last glimpse of 817 Squadron’s fleet of Sea King helicopters as the aircraft made their final journey from HMAS Albatross, on what was a suitably sombre, grey and rainy day. The helicopters were a familiar sight flying over the Shoalhaven for over 36 years, but may not have been immediately recognisable wrapped... Read more
31-Mar-2014Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $14,947,975 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-14-G-0004) under the Cabin Interior Phase IIA Program, to include a cabin redesign to reduce the total gross weight allowing for greater lift capability of the VH-3D In-Service Presidential Helicopter. Work will be performed in... Read more
12-Feb-2014Source: US DoD
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $10,906,165 modification to an existing delivery order against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) for security and integrated logistic support in support of the VH assistant program manager for logistics for the VH-3D and VH-60N presidential helicopters. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (88 percent)... Read more
7-Feb-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Bristow Helicopters have now ferried both of their Sikorsky S61s back to the UK at the end of their SAR contract in the Netherlands. Earlier this year we reported that Belgian operator NHV had won the North Sea offshore SAR contract from Bristow and will operatetwo AS365N Dauphin helicopters from Den Helder Airport. Bristow ferried one... Read more
17-Jan-2014
Emergency field landing. Engineer called. Flew out later same day... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced the successful maiden test flight of the modernized S-61T™ helicopter with an integrated glass cockpit and enhanced performance capabilities. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140106/NE40848) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO) In 2010, Sikorsky began a program to upgrade S-61™ aircraft and return them to productive service. An industry workhorse,... Read more
22-Dec-2013
Within a short time of completing a “Maintenance Check 2”, helicopter crashed on the rocky coast of an island. All 4 POB got out safely. At the time of the incident, the S61 was piloted by Kapt Asmawi Azmi and co-pilot Kapt Nuradlina Ab Manah. Sjn (U) Mohamad Khairi Abdul Rahman was the helicopter’s Air... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Helicopters
On Saturday, November 30, Bristow celebrates its contribution to achieving a significant milestone — 30 years of delivering search and rescue (SAR) services from Sumburgh on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Bristow crew members past and present, the MCA, Sikorsky and representatives of local search and rescue operational partner organizations will gather... Read more
7-Nov-2013Source: Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today the commissioning of the newest full Flight simulator serving Seaking naval helicopter aircrews. The Seaking Helicopter Full flight Simulator is a Flight and Tactical Full Flight Mission Simulator designed specifically for Navy’s commando airlift and anti-submarine warfare operations squadrons. With high fidelity aircraft and flight models – just like the... Read more
3-Oct-2013
Details unknown but reported as a training flight. Photo of recovery shows tail blades bent round... Read more
27-Sep-2013
Prosecutors say that when the U.S. Forest Service solicited bids for helicopters to be used in firefighting operations, Metheny submitted proposals with altered performance charts and falsified weight and balance records. Then, after winning the $20M contract, the incorrect information was given to pilots who had to calculate the maximum payload capacity during firefighting operations.... Read more
20-Sep-2013
Precautionary landing after bird strike with a goose. 16 hours later it was flown to Lossiemouth for more detailed examination... Read more
15-Sep-2013Source: Belgian military
[electronic translation] On September 2, 2013, the Sea King RS-02 completed its 3000th scramble (emergency off) from the base of Koksijde. During this mission, an organ transport was performed to UZ Gent. This transport was allowed due to lack of means of civil transport available. The 40th Helicopter Squadron “Search and Rescue” (40 Sqn SAR) has... Read more
12-Sep-2013Source: Fort Monroe Authority
The Fort Monroe Authority and the City of Hampton are pleased to announce that Carson Helicopters has selected Fort Monroe for its new location. Based in Pennsylvania, Carson Helicopters has been in the helicopter business for more than 50 years. The company rebuilds and updates the S61 helicopter and other aircraft and holds over 35... Read more
12-Sep-2013Source: Royal Family
His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to leave operational service in the Armed Forces. He completes his Tour with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service. He will continue to support the work of The Queen and the Royal... Read more
3-Sep-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Inc., a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), has recently been re-certified as a Sikorsky authorized S-76® and S-61™ Overhaul and Repair Center and as a Sikorsky authorized Customer Support Center for the Sikorsky S-76® helicopter. With the re-certification, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services Inc. will continue to... Read more
5-Aug-2013Source: Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is proud to launch a summer exhibition from July 31 to September 5 as part of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Royal Navy Helicopter Search and Rescue. In 1953, the Royal Navy took delivery of its first Westland Dragonfly aircraft to form dedicated search and rescue squadrons and... Read more
17-Jul-2013Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/sea-king-military-helicopters-grounded-after-halifax-accident-1.1369116
Canada’s fleet of Sea King helicopters has been grounded after one of them tipped forward and smashed its five rotor blades on the tarmac at Canadian Forces Base Shearwater in Halifax, the military said Tuesday. see full story... Read more
15-Jul-2013
Helicopter “toppled over”. More details to follow soon... Read more
9-Jul-2013Source: Cardiff Aviation
Cardiff Aviation Limited, the aircraft maintenance and flight training organisation established in July 2012 by Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson and business partner Mario Fulgoni, has acquired European Skybus flight training. The European Skybus flight training centre was acquired from the European Aviation Group for an undisclosed sum. The centre – which will remain in... Read more
7-Jun-2013Source: Shephard Media
A delay in the delivery of four NFH NH90 helicopters to meet the Belgian SAR requirement has compromised the government’s plans to retire its fleet of ageing Sea Kings on-schedule. (See Full Story)... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Gazette-Times
Guidance Aviation moves S61 training after incident takes out ILS at McMinnville. (See Full Story)... Read more
5-Jun-2013Source: INAER
The Spanish Maritime Safety Agency (SASEMAR) is celebrating 20 years of activity on the island on Gran Canaria. Based in Las Palmas, the INAER Spain (INAER) operated helicopter Helimer Canarias has carried out more than 1,365 emergencies and successfully assisted more than 1,500 people. To coincide with this milestone, INAER, the country’s leading emergency services... Read more
4-Jun-2013
Emergency landing in corner of golf course close to trees... Read more
12-Apr-2013Source: Pirate FM
Pirate FM has learnt an announcement on a new air link to the Isles of Scilly could be just weeks away (see full story).... Read more
28-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Word from the LIMA 2013 exhibition in Malaysia this week is that the Royal Malaysian Air Force are planning to upgrade 30 of their S61A-4 fleet. The upgrade program, estimated at RM 500 million ($161M) would include the installation of digital avionic displays, a new gearbox and rotor blades. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com [file photo]... Read more
26-Mar-2013Source: RCAF
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina returned to Esquimalt, B.C., on March 14, following a successful eight-month deployment. During the deployment, the ship’s crew conducted maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea region. HMCS Regina deployed with a crew of 225 personnel, a shipboard unmanned aerial vehicle detachment, and a CH-124 Sea King... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: Royal Navy
The 3,074ft Beinn Sgulaird is approximately 10 miles north east of Oban and it turned out to be a formidable foe during the course of this rescue. Lieutenant Commander Sweeney brought years of Commando Helicopter Force experience in similar conditions in the Arctic and Afghanistan to bear, allowing him not only to reassure his crew,... Read more
11-Mar-2013Source: Royal Navy
Roger Bigden read about the trip to Borneo and made contact with the Squadron through the ‘Junglie Association’ on their website www.junglies.org.uk. He came to visit 845 NAS at RNAS Yeovilton to share his experiences of the 1960s Borneo campaign, and to present the Squadron with a map and photographs from his time there. Roger... Read more
11-Mar-2013
Losses at the private helicopter company that has a €500m state contract for offshore SAR have increased to €2.78m. (see full story)... Read more
14-Feb-2013
Clayton International Inc.*, Peachtree City, Ga., is being awarded a $6,962,766 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0008) for depot-level maintenance in support of the Egyptian Air Force H-3 Variant Helicopter Program under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Services to be provided include reconfiguration of one MK-2E helicopter to the MK-2... Read more
