18-Nov-2010Source: Shephard
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.... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: Shephard
The commander of the UK’s Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) says his organisation is facing a challenging time over the next decade.... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: Financial Times
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.... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: This is Grimsby
Advances over their earlier MD Explorer include bigger fuel tank, Nightsun, Night Vision Goggles, and others.... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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
15-Nov-2010Source: BBC
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.... Read more
15-Nov-2010Source: Helihub.com
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
13-Nov-2010Source: AAIB
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... Read more
11-Nov-2010Source: Heliair
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
11-Nov-2010Source: Financial Times
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.... Read more
10-Nov-2010Source: PremiAir
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
9-Nov-2010Source: Scarborough Evening News
“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€... Read more
9-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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
9-Nov-2010
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.... Read more
8-Nov-2010Source: Telegraph
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... Read more
2-Nov-2010
Yorkshire Air Ambulance to move one of their MD Explorers from Sheffield to Bagby following a strategic review... Read more
30-Oct-2010Source: CAA
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
29-Oct-2010Source: Sloane Helicopters
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
29-Oct-2010
From a humble start with one 15 year old Bo105, Yorkshire Air Ambulance now operate two MD Explorers... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: Watford Observer
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.... Read more
28-Oct-2010Source: The Sun
Married Chris Hearn, 48, is accused of “propositioning” a female cleaner at the Army Air Corps base in Middle Wallop, Hants.... Read more
27-Oct-2010Source: EAAA
[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
26-Oct-2010Source: Daily Record
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.... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Thsi is Scunthorpe
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.... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: This is the West Country
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... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Bristow Helicopters
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
26-Oct-2010Source: Magpas
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
26-Oct-2010Source: ACPO
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
26-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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
26-Oct-2010Source: Goodrich
Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has received a follow-on contract worth over £7M (approx US$10M) from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for Performance Based Logistics (PBL). The contract continues a decade of support for a number of legacy instruments used on a range of UK jets and helicopters in operational service. The contract was awarded... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11621898
A man has been arrested after a green laser was shone at a police helicopter which was responding to a burglary in Berkshire at the weekend.... Read more
25-Oct-2010Source: Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust recently hosted the second annual Aeromedical Case Study Conference at The Essex Golf and Country Club in Earls Colne. The themes covered this year were Trauma, Paediatric Care, Medical Retrievals, Multiple and Logistical Challenges The aim of the conference was to give like-minded professionals the opportunity to meet and... Read more
22-Oct-2010Source: Royal Navy
A detachment from 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) has returned to Sierra Leone after a five year absence. Amongst the detachment personnel were veterans of Operations Palliser and Silkman in 2000, and members who had last visited for Exercise Vela in 2005. For many Sierra Leone nationals the British Armed Forces, and more specifically those... Read more
22-Oct-2010Source: Bristow Helicopters
[HeilHub.com editor note – we are running the Bristow press release verbatim below. However, we note their careful wording “the first global helicopter operator” when there is already another UK helicopter operator in this marketplace. Bond already fly an EC135 out of Lowestoft in support of the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm. Press release follows…]... Read more
22-Oct-2010Source: BBC
The detailed plans would take away the air base which we currently have at Sheffield, and they would then get our service from bases in West Yorkshire, Humberside or Derbyshire.... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: BBC
Robert Paterson, industry body Oil and Gas UK’s health, safety and employment issues director, said: “Everyone in the oil and gas industry really appreciates the work Bob put in to make these safety improvements actually happen.”... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: Royal Navy
Based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose are three helicopter squadrons which specialise in Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC). 849 Naval Air Squadron is the HQ and training squadron, with 854 and 857 squadrons forming the “front line†or operational squadrons which deploy on operations, currently to Afghanistan. The airborne surveillance and control capabilities of... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: Royal Air Force
Monday, 25th October sees that start of a new series “Frontline Battle Machines†on the Discovery Channel. The series, which is presented by Discovery’s “Wheeler Dealer†frontman Mike Brewer, takes an up close and personal look at the UK’s equipment and personnel operating in Afghanistan. Explaining why he made the series Mike said, “We were... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: Multiflight and Cotswold Helicopters
From the website of Multilfight Multiflight has sold a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter to Helitrain Ltd at Kemble Airfield for flight training purposes The R22 Beta II G-FIRS recently returned to service following its 12-year 2200 hour overhaul. As a Robinson Service Centre, Multiflight was able to carry out this work in house, plus... Read more
21-Oct-2010Source: BBC
The air ambulance service covering Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex has been given the go-ahead to operate 24 hours a day.... Read more
20-Oct-2010Source: UK MoD
Cornwall Council recently recognised the work of personnel from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose who have just returned from serving with coalition forces in Afghanistan at a special reception at the council’s headquarters. Personnel from 854 and 857 Naval Air Squadrons have been serving at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan since June 2009 where they... Read more
19-Oct-2010Source: Sikorsky
NBAA Trade Show, Atlanta, Ga.,– Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today the signing of an agreement authorizing Harrods Aviation to install modification kits on Sikorsky S-76® helicopters in Europe. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “Sikorsky continues to increase its global presence, and... Read more
19-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Prime Minister David Cameron has today announced a range of cuts to Britain’s defence ahead of the main UK budget announcements tomorrow, which are expected to issue a major reduction in spending on all government departments. Today’s military announcement targets an 8% spending cut and centres on aircraft carriers, if which there are currently three... Read more
18-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
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
17-Oct-2010Source: Event Magazine
Winter sports company, Total Heliski, will host the world’s first event dedicated to heli-skiing at the new Hotel Verta on 26 October... Read more
14-Oct-2010Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident of:- AgustaWestland AW139, G-CHCV 65 nm NE of North Denes HP on 23 December 2008... Read more
12-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
As part of our interview with Frank Robinson last Friday, we discussed the future – principally the upcoming R66 model which is due for FAA certification in two weeks time on 25th October and the EASA approval 6-8 months after that. As the total number of helicopters delivered from the RHC factory at Torrance closes... Read more
12-Oct-2010Source: Royal Navy
Lynx helicopters from 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) have been helping to train Nigeria Armed Forces. As part of HMS Ocean’s embarked Squadrons they visited the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) in Lagos while the ship visited the country. While HMS Ocean was berthed alongside, conducting diplomatic work, military training and out-reach work in... Read more
10-Oct-2010Source: Birmingham Mail
The popular regional charity, which flew its first mission in 1991, will mark two decades of carrying out mercy flights throughout the region next May. They currently operate three EC135s from bases at Cosford, Strensham and Tatenhill... Read more
10-Oct-2010Source: The Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare in Somerset has secured another First for a UK aviation collection, with the addition of an ex-Italian Guardia di Finanza Agusta A109GdiF helicopter. The aircraft is the first all-Italian aircraft and second addition this year to the Museum’s helicopter collection. The helicopter was unveiled by UK Tourism Minister John Penrose... Read more
8-Oct-2010Source: MD Helicopters
Mesa, Arizona, October 8, 2010 … MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) and the Humberside Police Authority have announced that an MD Explorer has just been returned to service after its 10,000 hour inspection conducted by Police Aviation Services Ltd (PAS) in Gloucestershire UK. The helicopter is one of the busiest MD 902 Explorers in service and... Read more
8-Oct-2010Source: MD Helicopters
Mesa, Arizona, October 8, 2010… MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) and the Air Operations Unit of the West Yorkshire Police have announced that MD Explorer, helicopter serial number 078 has extended its record for flight hours, reaching 12,600 hours as of mid-September of this year. The flight hours exceed any other MD Explorer in the fleet,... Read more
7-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The Helicopter Museum, based in Weston-super-Mare in the UK is set to unveil a new exhibit tomorrow. Britain’s Tourism Minister John Penrose MP will be in attendance as Guest of Honour – he is also the local Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare. On 28th September story, he noted on his website of his “dismay as... Read more
7-Oct-2010Source: BBC
A teenager has been charged after a laser beam was shone at the Essex police helicopter.... Read more
5-Oct-2010Source: Royal Navy
The summer period not only drew many crowds to Cornwall, but brought about several interesting jobs for the Search and Rescue crews of 771 Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose. In August alone, a total of 34 rescues were conducted – the busiest month of the year. On call 24 hours a day, every... Read more
5-Oct-2010Source: BBC
An Apache and a Sea King came close to hitting the much smaller drone spy aircraft – while it was being flown remotely by a soldier on the ground. The near collisions on Salisbury Plain in February involved the small Desert Hawk drone... Read more
4-Oct-2010Source: Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE:NOC) Europe-based air traffic management systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide a ground-to-air voice radio system for air traffic control operations at the MoD’s Camp Bastion airfield in Helmand Province, the main handling airfield for UK operations... Read more
1-Oct-2010Source: Liverpool Echo
A teenager has been put under a curfew after admitting he put a police helicopter in jeopardy by shining a laser into its cockpit. [Note: Photo used in news article is way out of date – this force upgraded from AS355 to EC135 in 2003)... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: Royal Navy
A detachment of Royal Navy aircrew and engineers have spent a week thoroughly testing the Merlin helicopter’s sensors and weapons to ensure that aircrew are ready for any operational deployment that they may be tasked with. The weapon and sensor trials were carried out at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre situated on Inner... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: This Is Grimsby
A Humberside Police spokesman said the crew of Oscar 99 were attending a job near Grant Thorold Park when they experienced a series of bright green flashes which illuminated the inside of aircraft, putting them in danger.... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: Phoenix Helicopter Academy
We are very happy to welcome G-HNANY, an extremely well equipped B206 to our fleet.G HANY is a low hour, very well looked after aircraft with 3 coms, 2 GPS’s, auto pilot, Bose head sets, and a completely new paint job and interior. G HANY will be available for type rating once our FTO is... Read more
30-Sep-2010Source: Total Heliski
Winter sports company,Total Heliski, are hosting London’s first ever dedicated heli ski and cat-ski Show as an evening event at a fitting five star venue overlooking the London Heliport on October 26. The London Total Heliski Show is a world first event designed to showcase the world’s premier boutique heli-ski and catski operations with operators... Read more
28-Sep-2010Source: PremiAir
PremiAir, the UK’s leading executive helicopter charter company and the supplier of helicopter services to the 2010 Ryder Cup, is now fully booked on its charter fleet for helicopter transfers to and from golf’s most prestigious golfing tournament, which takes place next month. From October 1st to 3rd, the Ryder Cup returns to the UK... Read more
27-Sep-2010Source: Oxford Mail
Directors at Eurocopter UK, based at Oxford Airport, admitted there is now a 50% chance of the contract to overhaul and upgrade 30 Pumas for the RAF being scrapped, even though work has already started.... Read more
24-Sep-2010Source: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
Monday, 20th September was another red – or perhaps I should say yellow – letter day in the life of the Charity, as it was when we received our super EC135 helicopter from Bond Aviation.  Let me share with you the myriad of emotions as the aircrew, Sherie and Kirsty from the Charity staff... Read more
23-Sep-2010
The charity was forced to use some of its reserves last year after the amount of cash it raised fell short of its £6 million annual fundraising target.... Read more
23-Sep-2010Source: Economic Times
The ministry is working on a policy to kick off helicopter services in a big way as major Indian cities face ground congestion, making movement difficult even in cases of health and security-related emergencies.... Read more
22-Sep-2010Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com is pleased to bring you first photos of G-LNCT, a new MD Explorer being prepared for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. Â Purchased to replace a 10-year old example registered G-LNAA, the new aircraft was first registered with the UK’s CAA on 23rd August and has been esconced within the Specialist Aviation Services complex at... Read more
21-Sep-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are on the point of going live with their Eurocopter EC135 – click here for full size photo. Â Photo by Keith C Wilson, the recently repainted helicopter was spotted yesterday at Bond’s base at Staverton. Â We understand that Hampshire and Isle of Wight declined the idea of re-registering... Read more
18-Sep-2010Source: HeliHub.com
Sales broker Kudos Aviation, previously based at Southend Airport, ceased trading early in 2010 and its website shows a default page from their Internet Service Provider. Â The company was best known for helicopter management and sales brokerage. Â Companies House records show that one company ceased to legally exist this week and the other company is... Read more
18-Sep-2010Source: BBC
Paramedics from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance have saved the life of one of their own team members after their dispatcher suffered a heart attack.... Read more
18-Sep-2010Source: UK MoD
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
18-Sep-2010Source: Falmouth Packet
Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust wants to create a purpose-built development to house the helicopter on the outskirts of Newquay Airport... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The Pope arrived in the UK today on a four day visit. No busy schedule such as the one being undertaken by the Pope is complete without helicopters, and HeliHub.com understands that Starspeed will be operating four Eurocopter EC155 helicopters for this purpose. This could translate into AS365s and EC155s, as this operator flies both... Read more
16-Sep-2010Source: IOM Today
Story refers to this accident 19-Mar-10 G-COLL Enstrom F280C East Baldwin, Isle of Man, UK (file photo)... Read more
