AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) covering the second five year period of the 25-year Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) contract. The contract for the period 2011 to 2016 is valued at approximately £570 million. The IMOS contract provides a… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 17-Jan-11
Britain’s Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare is seeking volunteers to help them complete the restoration of Fairey Ultralight G-AOUJ. This two seat tip-jet helicopter with a gross weight of 817kg was developed just over fifty years ago, but cancelled after the UK military dropped their interest in it, and manufacturers Fairey found civil interest very muted… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Jan-11
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, 16-Jan-11
Mobosir Ali, 23, of Newport Street, Oldham, has been charged with shining a light at an aircraft so as to endanger or distract the pilot.
Source: Manchester Evening News, 10-Jan-11
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to have a prominent new role in the county as Patron of one of its vital emergency services. The Duchess will begin her new role as the figurehead of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) this month. As the charity’s first official Patron, Her Royal Highness will lend her support… Read more »
Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance, 10-Jan-11
Soon after the Edinburgh-London journey began, passengers noticed the train was being “buzzed†and that a helicopter was flying low over it, criss-crossing its path. Some were so worried they immediately contacted the CAA, whilst others filmed what was happening on their mobile phones.
Source: Telegraph, 10-Jan-11
Recently released accounts show turnover at £61.09 million for the year to 31st March 2010, up 13%, and pre-tax profits at £3.572 million, up 12%
Source: Aberdeen Press & Journal, 10-Jan-11
At about 5.55am last Saturday the pilot of the force chopper reported a laser being shone at the aircraft as it was flying over the Bramley area of Leeds.
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 06-Jan-11
Frimley Park Hospital in the UK county of Surrey has given the go-ahead to a £20M project to build a new Accident & Emergency department including a roof-top helipad. When completed, this facility will avoid the delays associated with the current arrangement where air ambulances have to land at Kings International College and complete the… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 06-Jan-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Jan-11
British helicopter company Heliair have launched a website specifically for Robinson R66 sales at R66Dealer.com – this may, in time, be merged into their main website, but it is currently intentionally stand-alone.Head of Marketing Brian Kane told HeliHub.com that Heli Air see the R66 as being “the best single engine turbine ever produced”, presumably based… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Jan-11
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance (TVACAA), which serves Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (BOB), was able to fly an extended 12 hour day for the period 5 July 2010 to 22 November 2010 and will continue to run a 10 hour day during the winter months. The… Read more »
Source: TVACAA, 23-Dec-10
A group of youths stopped an airborne ambulance crew from landing at an emergency call in Swansea by pelting the helicopter with snowballs.
Source: BBC, 20-Dec-10
MONTREAL, QUEBEC and VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA–(Marketwire – Dec. 20, 2010) – CAE (NYSE:CAE)(TSX:CAE) and CHC Helicopter, a global leader in helicopter transportation for the offshore oil and gas industry, announced today that they have signed an agreement pursuant to which CAE will acquire CHC Helicopter’s helicopter flight training operations including four full-flight simulators located… Read more »
Source: CAE, 20-Dec-10
Sgt Jenkins said the attempt to dazzle the helicopter pilot had serious implications. “Endangering an aircraft is an offence and carries a five-year prison sentence,” he added. “Unfortunately for us, their night vision equipment is often better than ours.”
Source: This is Hull & East Riding, 17-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
Under the cloudof a recent national police aviation review which called for their unit to be closed permanently, the Dyfed-Powys police are now considering fixed wing options to save money.
Source: Shropshire star, 15-Dec-10
In response to media coverage suggesting that there may be no air ambulance service in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire by Christmas, the East Anglian Air Ambulance has moved to reassure the public that its enhanced service has in fact now been launched and will be ready to help those caught up in medical emergencies and accidents… Read more »
Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance, 14-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
Oil & Gas UK and NATS, the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, today announced the world’s first operational use of wide area multilateration technology for tracking offshore flights. Helicopters in transit to and from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea are now visible to air traffic controllers from takeoff to landing, increasing… Read more »
Source: Oil & Gas UK, 14-Dec-10
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident of:- * Robinson R22B G-RIDL at Macclesfield, Cheshire on 15 November 2009 * Robinson R22B G-NWDC at Londonderry Eglinton Airfield on 8 August 2010 * Schweizer 269CBi G-LINX at Stalmine, Lancashire on 22 September 2009
Source: AAIB, 13-Dec-10
As police forces aim to be come more accountable to the residents of the area they serve, a number of those operating helicopters have launched a page on their website to list the tasks they fly – usually as a way of minimising noise complaints. These usually take the form of a table listing date,… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 13-Dec-10
857 Naval Air Squadron has handed over responsibility for Sea King airborne surveillance and control duties in Helmand province, Afghanistan, to 854 Naval Air Squadron. Both squadrons are based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and take it in turns to deploy to Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan. Commander Pat Douglas, the Sea King Force… Read more »
Source: Royal Navy, 12-Dec-10
[This is the official press release from Bond. HeliHub.com ran the story “Northern Lighthouse Board upgrading to EC135 on 1st December” back on 24th November] Gloucestershire-based, Bond Aviation Group, one of Europe’s leading helicopter service providers, has been awarded a long-term contract with the Northern Lighthouse Board valued at £6.5m. Following a competitive tendering exercise,… Read more »
Source: Bond Aviation Group, 09-Dec-10
[HeliHub.com has already provided links to a press report on this operation. This press release provides a lot more detail than the press report] Sloane Helicopters Limited is pleased to announce the entry into service of the UK’s first Agusta EMS Grand, G-HEMZ, with the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, one of the busiest… Read more »
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 08-Dec-10
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has moved its Western operational base to Cambridge Airport as it launches an enhanced and more sustainable service which it believes will help save more lives across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The charity has worked closely with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) in developing the new service… Read more »
Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance, 08-Dec-10
Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, has added Airpart Supply Ltd., located at Wycombe Air Park near London’s Heathrow Airport, to its worldwide distributor network. Founded in 1984, Airpart Supply Ltd. is an independent, privately owned United Kingdom based company supplying parts, components and services to airline, regional, corporate and general aviation aircraft. Its… Read more »
Source: Lycoming, 08-Dec-10
Sloane Helicopters is pleased to announce that it is providing one A109 Power EMS to Magpas, the Emergency Medical Charity, for the Magpas Helimedix to fill in an operational gap into the Air Ambulance services operating from RAF Wyton. The aircraft is equipped with the standard EMS factory fit and with customised oxygen and radio… Read more »
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 07-Dec-10
DLRAA has upgraded from a 109E Power to a brand new 109S Grand
Source: Channel 4, 06-Dec-10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Dec-10
PremiAir Global, the aircraft sales and brokerage specialist and part of UK aviation services business PremiAir, has appointed two new Aircraft Sales Managers – Craig Lammiman and Gordon Potter – as it moves to focus increased activity on the fixed wing pre-owned business aircraft market in addition to its well established executive helicopter services. The… Read more »
Source: PremiAir, 01-Dec-10
Cornwall Air Ambulance has won planning permission for a new operational base on the boundary of Newquay Cornwall Airport. The location is currently just outside the airport’s security fence, but the plans call for a fence move to ensure the new helipad continues to be airside. Positioned just south of the “piano keys” of Runway… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Dec-10
PremiAir, one of the UK’s leading private aviation charter companies, is making its debut at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes during 7-10 December. Reinforcing its presence, PremiAir Group Managing Director, David McRobert will participate as a panelist in the prestigious annual travel industry leaders’ forum which takes place on 6 December, the… Read more »
Source: PremiAir, 30-Nov-10
From Benson to Bastion – today the Royal Air Force Merlin Force marked their first anniversary on Operation HERRICK. Following transportation to Afghanistan, re-assembly and pre-flight checks, the Merlin Force officially declared that they were ready for operational flying on the front line a full year ago. The Merlins have spent those twelve months transporting… Read more »
Source: RAF, 30-Nov-10
This past Thursday, Cornwall Air Ambulance have recorded their 22,000th mission in their 23 years of operation, airlifting a 30 year old woman from Penzance to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. Cornwall Air Ambulance flies a Eurocopter EC135T2 covering a county of nearly 1,400 square miles and a population approaching 550,000. Jutting out to… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Nov-10
Fire chiefs have said it would be quicker and more efficient to fly in specialist teams to road crashes. But the Fire Brigades Union said the plan was “a folly” with some firefighters facing redundancy.
Source: BBC, 29-Nov-10
The Northern Lighthouse Board’s (NLB) experience with helicopter support has revolved around a Eurocopter Bo105 for many years. With the current contract expiring on 30th November, they took the opportunity to revisit what helicopter type was used. A feasibility study was undertaken prior to the tendering exercise to establish what type of helicopter was needed… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 24-Nov-10
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has launched the second of two Dauphin Eurocopter AS 365 N2 helicopters it has bought from Multiflight. Both of the Dauphin helicopters will be managed and crewed by Multiflight. The first Dauphin bought from Multiflight was launched into service by GNAAS earlier this year. Multiflight Managing Director Steve… Read more »
Source: Multiflight, 23-Nov-10
Use of the £600,000 facility, on land south of the Rosie maternity hospital, will be limited to the hours between 7am and 9pm. The only aspect standing in the way now is to secure the funding. Photo shows the local air ambulance
Source: Cambridge News, 22-Nov-10
The estimated journey time between touchdown at Biggin Hill and arrival at the stadium could be as short as 40 minutes.
Source: Kent Business, 22-Nov-10
Grants came from three trusts, General Charities of the City of Coventry, Stratford Town Trust and the Soroptimist International of Rugby Charitable Trust, to improve working areas at the operational base.
Source: Coventry Telegraph, 22-Nov-10
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has announced that the charity’s Chief Executive Simon Gray will be leaving the charity at the end of January 2011. Andrew Egerton-Smith, Chairman of the charity’s board of trustees, commented: “We’re hugely indebted to Simon for the commitment he has shown to making the charity one of the most effective… Read more »
22-Nov-10
BAE Systems has delivered the first order of a new helmet-mounted optical sighting system to the Royal Navy, addressing a mission-critical need for increased air door gunner situational awareness on helicopters. BAE Systems, prime contractor for the Lynx PT, earlier this month delivered 12 Q-Sightâ„¢ Gunner Remote Sighting Systems (GRSS) that are qualified for use… Read more »
Source: BAE Systems, 22-Nov-10
The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a deal with Australian based company, Virtual Simulation Systems (VSS, established by the founder of the popular VBS series of software, David Lagettie) for the lease of a Complete Aircrew Training System (CATS) for up to 3 years. The system will be delivered to the Army Air Corps’… Read more »
Source: Virtual Simulation Systems, 21-Nov-10
The future make-up of the UK’s military helicopter fleet remains unclear following the release of the government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) as acquisition officials mull over its ramifications.
Source: Shephard, 19-Nov-10
The number of cases of pilots being dazzled by laser pens increased across the UK to 737 in 2009 compared with just 29 in 2007.
19-Nov-10
The Royal Navy (RN) is carrying out an operational evaluation of a new helmet-mounted optical sighting system that will be issued to Lynx Mk8 helicopter door gunners.
Source: Shephard, 18-Nov-10
The commander of the UK’s Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) says his organisation is facing a challenging time over the next decade.
Source: Shephard, 18-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
Advances over their earlier MD Explorer include bigger fuel tank, Nightsun, Night Vision Goggles, and others.
Source: This is Grimsby, 16-Nov-10
An unannounced new Sikorsky S76C++ was registered four weeks ago in the UK as G-PACO and has been operating from City Airport in Manchester, also known as Barton. The registered owner of this helicopter with the UK CAA is Cardinal Helicopter Services (IOM) Ltd, with a private address given in the Isle of Man –… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-Nov-10
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced two charges of endangering the safety of an aircraft – not only the helicopter but also a Boeing 737 of airline Jet2.
Source: BBC, 15-Nov-10
On Saturday, a Eurocopter EC135T2+ appeared out of the Bond Air Services hangar carrying the titles of Northern Lighthouse Board “NLB” and the organisation’s logo on both the doors and the tail. NLB have previously been operating Bo105s for many years in support of Scotland’s lighthouses. As these maritime navigation beacons have been automated over… Read more »
Source: Helihub.com, 15-Nov-10
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident of:- Eurocopter AS365N, G-HEMS at Thornaby, Teesside on 17 June 2010
Source: AAIB, 13-Nov-10
Heli Air, established over 25 years ago is the largest Robinson Helicopter Distributor in the UK and one of the world’s most successful, and eagerly awaits the imminent arrival of the superb new 5-seat R66 Turbine helicopter. Heli Air, who will have the first R66 in the UK and Europe has confirmed orders from confident… Read more »
Source: Heliair, 11-Nov-10
Labour MPs have asked the coalition why millions in state funding has been promised to a helicopter factory in a Liberal Democrat constituency in spite of claims there was “no money†for such grants.
Source: Financial Times, 11-Nov-10
PremiAir’s Group Operations Director, Christopher Forrest, has been honoured with receiving The Eric Brown Award from the British Helicopter Association (BHA) in recognition of his contribution to the UK helicopter industry. Christopher was nominated for his overall work over many years in the helicopter industry. Christopher is recognised as an outstanding supporter of the BHA… Read more »
Source: PremiAir, 10-Nov-10
“The helicopter landing pad will be used in conjunction with events on Oliver’s Mount, mainly in case of the need for an air ambulance to take any race-day injured personnel to hospital for emergency treatment.â€
Source: Scarborough Evening News, 09-Nov-10
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates†series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 09-Nov-10
CHC Scotia Limited has announced the closure of Great Yarmouth’s North Denes heliport next May with offshore operations focusing on Norwich International Airport from that date.
09-Nov-10
Bond Aviation has hired advisers to look at strategic options for the business, said sources. The family-owned company is understood to be interested in selling 30 to 60% to expand
Source: Telegraph, 08-Nov-10
Yorkshire Air Ambulance to move one of their MD Explorers from Sheffield to Bagby following a strategic review
02-Nov-10
An education campaign, aimed at reducing the number of airspace infringements, has been launched by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI), the broad-based coalition tasked with tackling UK airspace safety risks. Information packs, containing listening squawk information cards, radio best practice kneepads, magazines and interactive CDs, are being sent to all flying schools in the… Read more »
Source: CAA, 30-Oct-10
Sloane Helicopters, the longest established international Robinson dealer in the world, is pleased to confirm increasing interest in the new Robinson R66 turbine helicopter. The R66 received FAA certification on 25th October 2010 and EASA certification is expected early in 2011. Sloane was one of the first dealers worldwide to purchase its own R66 and… Read more »
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 29-Oct-10
From a humble start with one 15 year old Bo105, Yorkshire Air Ambulance now operate two MD Explorers
29-Oct-10
The Herts Air Ambulance and its crew have attended more than 500 incidents, their work is diverse and challenging but the aim is always the same – to provide the best possible care quickly and efficiently.
Source: Watford Observer, 29-Oct-10
Married Chris Hearn, 48, is accused of “propositioning” a female cleaner at the Army Air Corps base in Middle Wallop, Hants.
Source: The Sun, 28-Oct-10
[The Magpas statement referred to was run by HeliHub.com here] The East Anglian Air Ambulance was dismayed to read the press statement issued by Magpas which made many erroneous statements about the EAAA’s work and future direction. We have detailed below a more accurate view of our aims and strategy and are happy to provide… Read more »
Source: EAAA, 27-Oct-10
The MoD have accepted liability, but the exact settlement has yet to be decided. The men are suing for “injury, loss and damage”. The accident happened in August 2007 during low-level flight near the Army’s Catterick base.
Source: Daily Record, 26-Oct-10
It is fully equipped with night vision goggle capability, the MD 902 Explorer would be able to fly in the dark – something the current model is unable to do.
Source: Thsi is Scunthorpe, 26-Oct-10
The firm which owns Land’s End termintes talks with British International Helicopters (BIH) over plans to move services to the Scilly Isles to its airport. Photo shows current base – Penzance HP
Source: This is the West Country, 26-Oct-10
Bristow Helicopters Ltd has secured a £multi-million five year deal with the Integrated Aviation Consortium (IAC) in the UK North Sea. The IAC comprises six major oil companies: BP, CNR International, Fairfield Energy, Petrofac, Shell and TAQA. The contract was renewed for a five year term with the option to extend for an additional five… Read more »
Source: Bristow Helicopters, 26-Oct-10
Following news enquiries today regarding the “privatisation†of the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity, Multi Award Winning charity Magpas, issues the following statement: We are grateful that matters that have long concerned our board of trustees are now being brought into the public domain by the media. We hope that this will now open the… Read more »
Source: Magpas, 26-Oct-10
A new National Police Air Service (NPAS) is set to provide a more efficient and accessible air support service throughout England and Wales that offers better value for money. Responding to the findings of a comprehensive review commissioned in 2009, ACPO members have approved the central recommendation to replace the current air support system with… Read more »
Source: ACPO, 26-Oct-10
Through 2010, HeliHub.com has become known for its range of official register updates, where we list new helicopter registrations, cancellations, changes of owner etc for a range of countries – Australia, Austria, Ireland, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland and UK. We are now very pleased to report that, in association with AMCAR, we… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Oct-10
