Eurocopter has signed a contract to supply an EC225 helicopter for Spain following its recent success in the country’s competition to select a new rotary-wing aircraft for maritime search & rescue (SAR) and pollution control operations. This marks one of the first stages in a national rescue plan to be implemented by the Spanish Maritime… Read more »
Source: Eurocopter, 12-Sep-11
Air Greenland has placed its first order for Eurocopter’s EC225 medium twin-engine helicopter, acquiring two of these rotary-wing aircraft for duties that are to include all-weather search and rescue (SAR) and all-weather passenger transportation missions. With the challenging operational environment faced in Greenland, Air Greenland’s decision validates the EC225’s role as a preferred helicopter for… Read more »
Source: Eurocopter, 12-Sep-11
Awards were presented to a Sea King pilot and civilian engineers of the RAF’s 202 Squadron at Leconfield in Yorkshire last week, in recognition of their outstanding performance. The Arthur Barratt Memorial Prize, consisting of a silver salver and cheque, was presented to Flight Lieutenant Andy ‘Spacer’ Johnston by Air Vice-Marshal Barry North, Assistant Chief… Read more »
Source: UK MoD, 29-Aug-11
Following intensive relief operations after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, the Japan Coast Guard, Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Japan have signed a tripartite contract for the supply of three additional EC225 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard. These aircraft will be the first civilian helicopters to be equipped with the most advanced mission… Read more »
Source: Eurocopter, 21-Aug-11
The delivery of the latest EC225 to the China Ministry of Transport’s Rescue and Salvage Bureau completes the fulfilment of the contract signed in 2009 for the supply of two EC225 for offshore search and rescue missions, with the earlier unit being delivered end of June this year. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) signed on… Read more »
Source: Eurocopter, 07-Aug-11
The Waypoint AirMed & Rescue conference, airshow and exhibition that was due to take place in September has been rescheduled to May 2012. The venue remains unchanged as London Oxford Airport, UK. The official line from Ian Cameron, event chairman and Waypoint magazine editor-in-chief, is: “We want the event to be the best we can… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Aug-11
In a recently published incident report the Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) aims criticism at the Swedish helicopter search and rescue (SAR) organization. The report itself deals with a ship incident that occurred on 2 December 2008. The RORO cargo/passenger vessel M/S Sea Wind was en-route from Turku (Finlad) to Stockholm (Sweden) when… Read more »
Source: Nordic Rotors, 22-Jul-11
The Secretary of State for Transport (Philip Hammond): On 8 February I informed the House that, owing to irregularities in the bidding process, the Government had concluded that it was not appropriate to proceed with the previously planned joint MOD/DfT PFI procurement for future search and rescue capability. The investigation into the circumstances that led… Read more »
Source: UK Dept for Transport, 19-Jul-11
[automated translation from local language] Tuesday 28 and Wednesday, June 29, 2011 the Air Force conducted air rescue exercise ‘SATER 02/2011’ Triveneto Alps. The activity is part of a cycle of operations annually organized in order to train Air Force personnel involved in SAR (Search And Rescue – Search and Rescue) by the Air Force… Read more »
Source: Italian Defence Dept, 06-Jul-11
From Friday 1st July, full responsibility for SAR work in the Netherlands passed from 860 Sqn in the Navy to 303 Sqn in the Air Force. 860 Squadron has operated Westland Lynx helicopters in this role since the late 1970s, when they superceded Wasps. The Lynx helicopters will continue with 860 Squadron in other roles,… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jul-11
We are pleased to announce that Shephards European Search & Rescue 2012 Event will take place at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin on the 15th & 16th of March – the week leading up to St Patricks Day. The conference program is now being developed.
Source: Shephard events, 29-Jun-11
Eastbourne District General Hospital is the most-used landing site for air ambulance and other emergency helicopters of any hospital in Sussex. The new pad can now accept helicopters both day and night from Air Ambulance, Police, Coast Guard, Air-sea Rescue and the military. The largest it generally takes is the Coast Guard AW139, but it… Read more »
Source: Eastbourne Herald, 28-Jun-11
The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy has recently been presented at the Air Leagues Annual Awards Ceremony at St. Jamess Palace by His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy is awarded to winchmen and winch operators from the Coastguard, Royal Air Force and Royal… Read more »
Source: MCA, 28-Jun-11
After 11 months of intensive training, the newest generation of Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) is ready to take their place in an operational unit as ten new members have received their SAR Tech Wings and distinctive orange berets today. Two will be posted to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Master Corporals George Beatteay… Read more »
Source: Canadian Forces, 23-Jun-11
A Bell 412 previously operated by New York Police Department has completed the trip from New York via Korea to Australia – See article
17-Jun-11
Mi-171 helicopters of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP) production that is part of helicopter holding company “Russian Helicopters”, participated in exercise “Kazspas-2011” of Kazakhstan’s rescue teams. XVI international discussion and training camp of the rescuers took place in Kazakhstan’s EMERCOM training base “Rocky city – Astana”. The goal of the exercise held is improvement of rescuers… Read more »
Source: Ulan-Ude, 14-Jun-11
The Bo105 was handed over on May 26th following an MOU between and the provincial government of Bali and Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency – local name “Badan SAR Nasional”)
30-May-11
This is Eurocopter’s formal press release. HeliHub.com ran this story on 16th May… see Temsco AS350B3 rescue at 19,500 feet ties McKinley record The AStar family of helicopters has become the platform of choice for a variety of missions throughout the world. From law enforcement to utility and from tour to air medical and Search… Read more »
Source: Eurocopter, 24-May-11
CHC (Ireland) Ltd is proud to announce that it has become an ISO 9001: 2008, 14001 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified company after passing a rigorous quality, environment, health and safety management system audit. The company has built an unparallel reputation for excellence in Search and Rescue (SAR) aviation over the last decade of operations for… Read more »
Source: CHC, 04-May-11
BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard hosted the 2011 Search and Rescue Conference at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore to improve cooperation between search and rescue agencies in the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, Friday. Approximately 100 members from the Coast Guard, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, and supervisors from more than 25… Read more »
Source: US Coast Guard, 01-May-11
Search and rescue operations in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park have been part of the Helicopter Line’s role for more than 30 years. Lead pilot Tony Delaney accepted the New Zealand SAR certificate of achievement on Thursday at a reception in Wellington marking the achievement.
Source: Timaru Herald, 01-May-11
The transfer of the Irish Coast Guard from the Department of Transport to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has not yet been confirmed officially, but is expected to take place in a number of weeks
Source: Irish Times, 23-Mar-11
The Swedish Maritime Administration has now decided how to ensure a long-term national sea and air rescue service. This means that the helicopter operations will be gradually incorporated into the Maritime Administration. The reason is to safeguard the availability of rescue helicopters for sea and land operations on a longer term. The Maritime Administration is… Read more »
Source: Nordic Rotors, 21-Mar-11
“The current Rotary Wing Search and Rescue Flight Engineer operational manning level is such that it has the potential to become seriously affected and render the overall SAR level of service uncertain,†an Air Force report in April 2010 warned.
Source: Ottawa Citizen, 19-Mar-11
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced at the Heli-Expo trade show today that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved an advanced and highly integrated, all-weather operating system that enhances the S-92® helicopter’s already proven search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The approval follows previous certification of… Read more »
Source: Sikorsky, 08-Mar-11
Helicopter crews who plucked dozens of people from roofs, cars and trees after the “inland tsunami” struck Grantham in southeast Queensland have been recognised with an international “Rescue of the Year” award.
Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/international-award-for-qld-flood-saviours-20110306-1bja8.html, 06-Mar-11
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., March 5, 2011 – SRT Helicopters, a leading provider of high-risk operational services and training for rotorcraft users and aviation organizations, has successfully completed a major contract, implemented in February 2009, to provide advanced aerial search and rescue (SAR) training for the Chinese Ministry of Transport’s Rescue & Salvage Bureau (MOT/SRB). SRT delivered… Read more »
Source: SRT Helicopters, 05-Mar-11
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is upgrading the hoists of more than 100 H-65 Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopters with a unique safety-enhancing product available exclusively from Breeze-Eastern Corporation (Heli-Expo Exhibit 3631). The USCG installation of the Reactive Overload Clutch is nearly complete and many of the upgraded hoists are already operational. The Reactive Overload Clutch is… Read more »
Source: Breeze-Eastern, 03-Mar-11
A study by the Department of Defense maintains that it is risky for the Air Force to maintain the use of Griffon helicopters for search and rescue, especially in Quebec and Ontario.
03-Mar-11
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has entrusted  DCI-NAVFCO, the naval branch of DCI group, with the training of its flight crews for the use of the helicopters PANTHER N3 Search and Rescue. This training takes place in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and in Toulon (France). DCI-NAVFCO has sent 6 instructors and provided operational means in… Read more »
Source: DCI, 25-Feb-11
CHC Helicopter wishes to express its disappointment at the government’s decision to cancel the SAR-H programme. CHC wishes to make it a matter of public record that in November of last year CHC became aware that a small number of its employees acting without its knowledge or authorization of the company’s senior management may have… Read more »
Source: CHC, 10-Feb-11
Statement from Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport On 16 December I and my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced that information had come to light regarding the preferred bid in the Search and Rescue Helicopter competition which required clarification. In mid December, the Preferred Bidder in the SAR-H… Read more »
Source: UK Dept of Transport, 09-Feb-11
On the 6th February 2011, the RAF Search and Rescue Force (SARF) commemorate seventy years of saving lives. Born out of the Battle of Britain, its predecessor, the Directorate of Air Sea Rescue (ASR) was formed at the HQ of RAF Coastal Command in 1941, with a mandate to form a combined and effective rescue service… Read more »
Source: Royal Air Force, 08-Feb-11
Paramedic status is several stages up from first aid, allowing trained ambulance or air ambulance crews to give injections, administer cardiac and advanced airway management, and treat asthmatics, diabetics and people in anaphylactic shock.
Source: Irish Times, 08-Feb-11
FB Heliservices are well known in the UK as the lead supplier of MRCOA (Military Registered Civil Owned Aircraft), specifically including the Squirrel and Griffon fleets. They also operate some of these aircraft on contract to other overseas governments, and readers may recall one of their AW139s resplendent in black/yellow colours on the AgustaWestland exhibitor… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Feb-11
David Laws, the Liberal-Democrat Member for Parliament has called on the British Government to re-run the SAR privatisation competition following the recent debacle when the previous tender fell apart after “irregularities” were found some 11 months after the Soteria consortium were named “preferred bidder”. Royal Bank of Scotland, one of the consortium members, pulled out. … Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Feb-11
CHC Ireland, the Canadian-owned firm that provides SAR helicopter services here on behalf of the Coast Guard, made a €1.5m operating loss in the 12 months to April 2010 according to accounts just filed for the company’s Irish arm. The previous financial year marked a €3.2m loss
Source: Independent, 03-Feb-11
AgustaWestland has disputed claims made by the Irish Coast Guard that the Air Corps does not have the equipment to carry out SAR missions after the Government signed a controversial €500m contract with CHC. [file photo]
Source: Independent, 31-Jan-11
Two different news sources in the UK have tonight gone public with their investigations into the suspended British SAR privatisation deal. In Spring 2010, the UK Government announced that the Soteria consortium were the preferred bidders, and it was assumed that this just meant that the contractual aspects had to be sorted and some months… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Jan-11
In accordance with Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, an inspector’s investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances and causes relating to the accident involving a Eurocopter AS332 L2 helicopter (registration mark B-HRN) operated by Government Flying Service that made an emergency landing in Shing Mun Reservoir on December 27, 2010. The… Read more »
Source: Hong Kong CAD, 27-Jan-11
The Italian Air Force has launched an ambitious program to replace some its fleet of SAR helicopters, in particular its Agusta-Bell 212s. Valued at 1.2 billion euros, the plan calls for a total of twenty-two new helicopters from AgustaWestland. The existence of this large order has been not been officially publicised, but Italian journalists at… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Dec-10
“The preferred bidder has informed the Ministry of Defence within the last 48 hours that it has become aware of a possible issue in connection with its bid to provide the UK Search and Rescue capability”
Source: Reuters, 17-Dec-10
At 18.44 pm on Saturday 11th December, Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter “Rescue 100” was scrambled by Stornoway Coastguard after they had received a request for assistance from the NHS. The helicopter was sent to evacuate a fifty seven year old lady who was being seen by a doctor, who requested that she be evacuated to… Read more »
Source: Maritime & Coastguard Agency, 14-Dec-10
The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, which administers the service, is extending its operations, with one of the Westpac choppers to be based in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula from December 26 to Anniversary Weekend at the end of January
Source: NZ Herald, 29-Nov-10
The Netherlands government is considering contracting in some level of night-time search and rescue (SAR) capability due to delays in the delivery of NH90 multirole helicopters.
Source: Shephard, 19-Nov-10
A recommendation to the Treasury proposes pressing ahead with the Soteria consortium, comprising Thales UK, Royal Bank of Scotland and CHC, a helicopter operator, which was chosen as preferred bidder in February. A decision is expected in the next fortnight.
Source: Financial Times, 16-Nov-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the General Security of Libya has taken delivery of its second AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. The aircraft is part of a total order for five AW139s sold in Libya to perform a range of roles also including border patrol and Search and Rescue and was… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 12-Nov-10
Pilots union files complaint against INAER, the company that owns the helicopter which died 3 coastguards after it plunged into the sea in January, for alleged “breach of its obligations” in crew training, which “directly contributed to errors in the operation”.
Source: The Reader, 05-Nov-10
Talon Helicopters President and Operations Manager, Peter Murray, received the 2010 Leadership Award of the National Search and Rescue Awards of Excellence Program. The prestigious award, presented by Lt. Gen. W. Semianiw of Canada Command on Sept. 27, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, recognizes exemplary service, commitment and dedication to search and rescue services across the… Read more »
Source: Talon Helicopters, 04-Nov-10
The boosted financial assistance from Westpac will fund a helicopter on the NSW South Coast from the 1st December 2010, to coincide with the start of the busy summer season.
Source: Ulladulla Online, 27-Oct-10
Since starting in 1998, the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter has travelled throughout the ACT and Southern NSW, providing the highest standard of aero medical assistance.
Source: Bega District News, 26-Oct-10
(automatic translation of Dutch press release) An AB-412 helicopter of the 4500th Defense last night rescue flights conducted since the establishment of 303 Squadron in 1959. A man with medical problems had last night a matter of urgency to Vlieland Medical Center Leeuwarden be charged. Home to 303 Squadron at Leeuwarden Air Base and its… Read more »
20-Oct-10
Looking to cut down on inappropriate usage of rescue services, lawmakers in the Saitama prefectural assembly are introducing an ordinance that would allow prefectural rescue helicopters to charge for their services.
Source: Mainichi Daily News, 17-Oct-10
Flight Lieutenant William Wales completed his first Search and Rescue (SAR) shift this weekend as the co-pilot of the four-man crew of a RAF Sea King helicopter and performed his first rescue. The helicopter, call-sign ‘Rescue 122’, was from C Flight, 22 Squadron, which is based at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales. The SAR… Read more »
Source: Ministry of Defence, 05-Oct-10
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka crew won the marine rescue event in this year’s Royal Canadian Forces annual search and rescue exercise which was held in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Sept. 20-24. The crew, which consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, three flight mechanics and two rescue swimmers arrived Sept. 22 in time… Read more »
Source: US Coast Guard, 01-Oct-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that the crew of “Rescue 912†from Canadian Forces Squadron 103 in Gander, Newfoundland has been selected as the winner of the 2010 Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue. The winning search and rescue crew comprising Major Steve Reid of Centreville, Nova Scotia; Captain Priscilla Jobin of Ste-Foy,… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 28-Sep-10
A rescue helicopter crew from 22 Sqn ‘C’ Flight of the UK’s Royal Air Force have become the first winners of the new annual Shephard SAR award.
Source: Shephard, 23-Sep-10
For the first time ever RTÉ cameras have been given exclusive access to the Irish Coast Guard’s helicopter Search and Rescue service. Filmed over six months, RTÉ cameras follow the rescue crews at Waterford helicopter base (RESCUE 117) as they battle to save lives in one of the most hostile environments in the world. Leading… Read more »
Source: RTÉ Television, 21-Sep-10
Prince William has today graduated from his Search and Rescue training course at Royal Air Force Valley in Anglesey, Wales. He will now join C Flight of Number 22 Squadron, remaining at RAF Valley, as a fully-qualified, fully-operational Search and Rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter. Prince William will begin his operational service as… Read more »
Source: UK MoD, 18-Sep-10
The development team behind the much-delayed Bell-Agusta BA609 tiltrotor says it could hail in a new revolution of SAR capability.
Source: Shephard Group, 16-Sep-10
Leading search and rescue (SAR) service provider CHC Helicopter has marked a significant milestone in its SAR services with crews in the UK and Australia both undertaking their 2,000th missions. CHC has operated the service for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK since 2007 from four bases at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee on Solent… Read more »
Source: CHC, 16-Sep-10
SkyTrac Systems will be attending Shephard’s 13th annual Search and Rescue Conference and Exhibition (SAR 2010) in Aberdeen, Scotland from September 15-16, 2010. This event is the largest international gathering of SAR experts in Europe and will focus on search and rescue in the four environments: aviation, maritime, urban and mountain. SkyTrac representatives Kim Bagnall… Read more »
Source: SkyTrac Systems, 14-Sep-10
The Bell 412 helicopter, which is being bought from Canada, is on schedule to be delivered in October.
Source: Manning River Times, 07-Sep-10
As part of the UK Government’s drastic cost cutting, the proposed 25-year S92 contract was set aside. AgustaWestland are proposing a life-extension to the current fleet as a cheaper option.
Source: Daily Express, 11-Aug-10
France’s Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has announed that the second of two EC225 helicotpers was delivered on July 23 to their Navy’s. These aircraft were ordered in December 2009 to replace recently retired Super Frelon helicopters. They will be implemented from the naval aviation base at Lanvéoc (Finistère) for marine safety duties including SAR…. Read more »
Source: DGA, 05-Aug-10
Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL) announced today the donation of $1 million to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The donation cheque was officially presented this morning by Coal Service’s Chairman Ron Land at the Broadmeadow’s Base Rescue Helicopter Service in Newcastle, during an official ceremony chaired by Richard Jones, General Manager of the Westpac Rescue… Read more »
Source: Coal Services, 05-Aug-10
The Westpac Lifesaver helicopter will conduct surveillance, shark patrols and search and rescue operations from Mollymook south to the Victorian border. The trial is proposed to begin in December through February and then again for the same period each year until 2013.
Source: Milton Ulladulla Times, 23-Jul-10
CHC Helicopter has been awarded a 10-year, €500 million contract to provide Search and Rescue services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, will join senior representatives from the Irish Coast Guard and CHC Ireland to officially sign the contract later today. The contract, will provide SAR services from… Read more »
Source: CHC, 23-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, and Osprey Training of Sweden are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for the establishment of a fully integrated Search and Rescue Training Centre in Sweden, based on the AW139 medium twin turbine helicopter. Under this agreement, the Centre will provide AgustaWestland accredited training services to pilots, crewmen… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 22-Jul-10
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, working in cooperation with Esterline CMC Electronics, has developed and flight tested a new generation global positioning system (GPS) sensor to replace existing high-cost Doppler or inertial velocity sensors used in automated approach-to-hover and hover-hold systems. This new product is anticipated to be available for installation on… Read more »
Source: Bell, 21-Jul-10
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Sasemar, the Spanish Marine Safety Agency, has placed an order for one more AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used for a range of roles including SAR and water pollution detection. This order will bring Sasemar’s fleet of AW139s up to eight. The progressive expansion… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line. An additional two helicopters will be delivered later… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Jul-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Japan Coast Guard has signed contracts for six more AW139 medium twin helicopters. These aircraft will be deployed at Japan Coast Guard bases throughout Japan and used to perform search and rescue and maritime patrol missions. With this latest contract the… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 19-Jul-10
