25-Jan-2010Source: ITV
The air ambulance service which covers Northamptonshire unveiled its brand new helicopter on Friday at Althorp House. As well as the latest medical and radio equipment, the AgustaWestland 109 is also the fastest civilian helicopter in the UK.... Read more
21-Jan-2010Source: PremiAir
PremiAir, the leading executive helicopter charter operator, was voted ‘Best Executive Aviation Company’ at the 2010 Business Travel Awards, which took place on Monday evening at a glamorous awards ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Group Managing Director David McRobert accepted the award from John O’Hagan, Senior Vice President, Diners Club International.... Read more
21-Jan-2010Source: Third Sector
London’s Air Ambulance has received unspecified ‘advice and guidance’ from the Charity Commission after concerns were raised about the charity’s governance and financial controls.... Read more
20-Jan-2010Source: UK MoD
The first four upgraded Lynx Mk9 helicopters, which are to be sent to Afghanistan, have re-entered service, with three of the aircraft now being used for training, prior to deployment, at 9 Regiment Army Air Corps in Dishforth, North Yorkshire. The upgrades on initially twelve Mk9s were ordered by the MOD a year ago, with... Read more
20-Jan-2010Source: Derby Telegraph
THE air ambulance will fly higher over the area surrounding Royal Derby Hospital in a bid to appease residents who have complained about the noise it makes. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance has been transporting patients to the hospital since its helipad opened in June.... Read more
18-Jan-2010Source: Aberdeen Press & Journal
Industry body Oil and Gas UK has met the UK Civil Aviation Authority to pave the way for the return of PLBs. Its helicopter task group has overseen a redesign of the beacons and that PLBs would be issued to all workers on all flights for the first time.... Read more
18-Jan-2010Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Agusta A109A II, G-ELTE – at Redhill Aerodrome, Surry on 02-May-08 Eurocopter EC135 T1, G-CCAU – at Hindlip Hall, Hindlip, Worcestershire on 04-Dec-08... Read more
18-Jan-2010Source: CAA
A new law that makes shining a light or laser at an aircraft a specific criminal offence has been introduced. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which initiated the new law, said it was in response to the growing number of incidents involving laser devices being shone at airliners and helicopters near British airports... Read more
14-Jan-2010Source: Belfast Telegraph
Complaints about helicopter overflights in Northern Ireland increased by 46% during the last financial year.... Read more
13-Jan-2010Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Highest ever recorded number of missions undertaken by Stornoway team The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) helicopter search and rescue bases at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee On Solent and Portland completed 747 missions throughout 2009, according to figures released today. With 183 missions undertaken across 12 months, the Stornoway team had their busiest year since search... Read more
12-Jan-2010Source: Flight Training News
Cabair College of Air Training is holding a seminar open day at Elstree Aerodrome in North London, dedicated to helicopter pilot training. The event will take place on Saturday 30 January 2010.... Read more
8-Jan-2010
It was confirmed that the Royal Air Force’s fleet of Merlin HC3 medium-lift helicopters is to be transferred to the Royal Navy, replacing the current fleet of Sea Kings.... Read more
7-Jan-2010Source: Lancashire Telegraph
Throughout Lancashire the helicopter has been used a total of 6,453 times since January 2007. During that period 815 arrests have been associated with its use, which represents a success rate of around 12 per cent.... Read more
7-Jan-2010Source: Wiltshire Times
Criminals will have nowhere to hide in Wiltshire thanks to an £850,000 refit of the force’s helicopter and air ambulance which means its cameras can seek out people up to two miles away.... Read more
6-Jan-2010Source: HeliHub.com editorial team
To start the new year, Bond Offshore Helicopters took over the rig support contract out of Blackpool Airport for gas firm Centrica. Bond have now moved in with two brand new bright red AS365N3 Dauphins, registered G-REDE and G-REDF, operating initially from temporary accommodation at this UK airport. They had won the contract from CHC... Read more
29-Dec-2009Source: EDP24
Aberdeen-based Bond Offshore Helicopters has won a five-year deal with global energy company Perenco, which will see Bond provide helicopter services to Southern North Sea rigs from Norwich International airport.... Read more
29-Dec-2009Source: Press & Journal
A bed-and-breakfast operator wants to build a helipad for the north’s lifeline air ambulances in her front garden.... Read more
24-Dec-2009Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
West Yorkshire Police is celebrating 20 years of using one of its most effective weapons in the war on crime.... Read more
24-Dec-2009Source: Kent Online
It’s happy birthday to a charity which is literally one of Kent’s lifesavers. The Kent Air Ambulance was founded in November 1989 and exactly 20 years ago – on Wednesday, December 23, 1989 – it made its first life-saving mission.... Read more
24-Dec-2009Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
Yorkshire flight training centre Multiflight is toasting high flying student Natasha Tottman, 26, who has successfully completed her helicopter commercial pilot’s licence.... Read more
24-Dec-2009Source: AgustaWestland
... Read more
23-Dec-2009Source: EBAN
Bournemouth Helicopters plans to launch a demand-led private charter operation in the spring of 2010 after acquiring an EC120 Colibri. The UK company, which took over a helicopter training school in 1994 and also has an R-44, says that the Colibri acquisition will also enhance TRTO opportunities.... Read more
23-Dec-2009Source: Salisbury Journal
THE Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has flown its 2000th mission, even though it has only been running for two and a half years.... Read more
22-Dec-2009Source: Royal Navy
Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Dave Rigg, serving in 771 Naval Air Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his part in a dramatic rescue operation far to the southwest of Land’s End... Read more
22-Dec-2009Source: Multiflight
Multiflight has sold one of its charter helicopters, a Eurocopter AS 365N2 Dauphin helicopter, to GNAAS... Read more
21-Dec-2009Source: Patriot Aviation
Sir Peter Rigby’s Aviation Group, which trades as Patriot Aviation and Heliflight, has acquired London Helicopter Centres Ltd, the specialist helicopter charter and engineering company, headquartered in Redhill, Surrey and Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.... Read more
21-Dec-2009Source: Boeing
Boeing have confirmed the Nov. 30 delivery of the first converted Chinook Mk3 helicopter to the Royal Air Force... Read more
18-Dec-2009Source: Falmouth Packet
The announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the future plans for UK military helicopters will have a positive effect on operations at RNAS Culdrose.... Read more
17-Dec-2009Source: Herald
Ministers have finally agreed to listen to demands from mountain rescue teams that a civilian helicopter be based in Fort William to help stricken climbers... Read more
15-Dec-2009Source: Western Telegraph
The fight to keep 24-hour search and rescue cover at RAF Chivenor has been taken to the Senedd by Pembrokeshire AMs.... Read more
14-Dec-2009Source: News and Star
An air ambulance is currently based in Flimby to deal with emergencies on the south side of the River Derwent.... Read more
14-Dec-2009Source: UK MoD
The Sea King crews from 854 Naval Air Squadron were recently presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals by Head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.... Read more
14-Dec-2009Source: Telegraph
The future King graduated with “flying colours†according to the Ministry of Defence after an intensive training course at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.... Read more
14-Dec-2009Source: MCA
A Coastguard SARÂ helicopter base has been in existence at Portland since 1995 – the helicopter that is currently being operated at this base is an AW139 provided by CHC Scotia.... Read more
10-Dec-2009Source: Civil Society
The board of the London Air Ambulance charity that sacked chief executive David Philpott after he raised concerns about alleged malpractice by some trustees, has reportedly commissioned an independent review into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.... Read more
10-Dec-2009Source: Jetbox.aero
Andrea Brown bought Helicentre Liverpool in 2002 and successfully grew the School . In November she sold Helicentre Liverpool to Andrew Tyrer, Jonathen Rayner [CFI] and JetRanger owner Joel Tobias.... Read more
9-Dec-2009Source: The Times
US military is doubling the number of helicopters in southern Afghanistan, flying to the rescue of British troops who have complained that shortages in air support have left them vulnerable to Taliban roadside bombs.... Read more
9-Dec-2009Source: Express & Echo
Helena Holt, the chief executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust has hit out at the Children’s Air Ambulance Trust, disputing many of its claims and its financial capabilities.... Read more
8-Dec-2009Source: South West Business
TWO county companies have stormed into a national league table for the UK’s fastest growing businesses. Gloucester-based online book retailer, The Book Depository has made the Fast Track 100 list for the second year running ranked 55th. And it has been joined by Staverton-based helicopter operator Bond Aviation in 80th position.... Read more
8-Dec-2009Source: Royal Navy
Historically, no helicopter search and rescue unit has achieved 400 call outs in a year and passing this milestone is a tangible illustration of the high tempo under which the Prestwick-based unit operates.... Read more
7-Dec-2009
Plans to cut the number of Police helicopters around the UK have been revealed by the Home Office.... Read more
3-Dec-2009Source: RAF
Having arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago, the initial RAF Merlin Force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of schedule.... Read more
2-Dec-2009Source: Watford Observer
The Hertfordshire Air Ambulance, which provides vital pre-hospital care to patients across the county, is celebrating its first birthday.... Read more
1-Dec-2009Source: Telegraph
t is hoped to build up the Chinook fleet from the current 38 to about 70 allowing the possibility of almost doubling the numbers of aircraft currently in Afghanistan to 20.... Read more
1-Dec-2009Source: Dorset Echo
The Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance charity is trying to track down as many of the 7,000 people it has helped since its launch in March 2000.... Read more
30-Nov-2009Source: Telegraph
Mr Philpott was dismissed as chief executive only 12 weeks after he took up the job, just days after he raised concerns about the charity’s financial controls and accountability with its board.... Read more
29-Nov-2009Source: Daily Gazette
Reckless yobs are putting lives at risk by shining laser pens at the police helicopter. Essex Police revealed the lights were shone into pilots’ eyes 15 times so far this year, an increase from seven in 2008.... Read more
28-Nov-2009Source: North West Air Ambulance
KNOWSLEY Council awarded one of its highest honours to North West Air Ambulance board director Jim Keight OBE.... Read more
26-Nov-2009Source: STV
An official report to determine why a helicopter with 18 people on board ditched into the North Sea has been delayed, the Government announced on Tuesday.... Read more
23-Nov-2009Source: Times
The RAF is to fly its first all-woman combat helicopter crew into action in southern Afghanistan. The four women are expected to fly a number of missions taking troops and supplies to the frontline against the Taliban in Helmand. They will also airlift casualties to the hospital at Camp Bastion.... Read more
20-Nov-2009Source: Royal Navy
Colonel John McCardle Royal Marines was appointed an OBE by Her Majesty The Queen at an investiture at Buckingham Palace last week.... Read more
17-Nov-2009Source: UK MoD
The Merlin will perform a wide range of military tasks, making it a valuable asset for British forces. The helicopter was stripped down and transported by a C-17 aircraft from RAF Brize Norton and has arrived at Camp Bastion for re-assembly and extensive pre-flight checks before it takes to the Afghan skies.... Read more
16-Nov-2009Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first AW159 multi-role military helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility with Chief Test Pilot Donald Maclaine at the controls... Read more
12-Nov-2009Source: Liverpool Daily Post
It has been sold by former managing director Andrea Brown, who has run the company since 2002. The new Helicentre consortium includes Andrew Tyrer, a director of Wrexham-based ice pop manufacturer Mr Freeze.... Read more
11-Nov-2009Source: EBAN
UK operator Elite Helicopters, based at Goodwood aerodrome, is planning to bring a third managed A109S Grand into service by the end of the year. The fleet expansion coincides with CAA approval to carry out full IFR public transport operations.... Read more
9-Nov-2009Source: Suinday Sun
The Sunday Sun launches a major campaign to keep hope in the skies by buying the Great North Air Ambulance its own life-saving helicopter.... Read more
6-Nov-2009Source: Rotorhub
The first Merlin helicopter crews are ready to deploy to Afghanistan following pre-deployment training in the United States.... Read more
5-Nov-2009Source: Daily Post
Life-saving search and rescue helicopter crews from RAF Valley will halt night time rescues while new crews are trained up. The Ministry of Defence has announced a six week suspension to night shifts by 22 Squadron, with cover provided by neighbouring bases RAF Valley will close overnight from 15 November until 31 December.... Read more
5-Nov-2009Source: Devon 24
DEVON Air Ambulance will soon have a purpose-built second airbase at Eaglescott Airfield in North Devon. Having worked from a portable building for the past four years, the crew are looking forward to spending the remainder of the winter in their new warm and dry base, due for completion around Christmas.... Read more
5-Nov-2009Source: Yorkshire Post
A MECHANIC who shone a laser pen at a police helicopter at night has been jailed for four months. Allan Ponsonby told Leeds Crown Court yesterday he felt the West Yorkshire Police helicopter had been harassing him and following him for months and had pointed the laser to show a customer at his garage where... Read more
4-Nov-2009Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky has provided helicopters to support the Royal Family since the early 1950’s, including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters. The new S76C++ helicopter entered service in September.... Read more
4-Nov-2009Source: Northampton Chronicle
A helicopter firm based in Northamptonshire has had a contract turned down to provide the Ministry of Defence with 25 crucial vehicles to send to Afghanistan.... Read more
31-Oct-2009Source: British International
The event coincided with a break in President Barack Obama’s public engagements, leading to speculation about an impromptu visit to Cornwal... Read more
29-Oct-2009Source: Somerset County Gazette
Plans for a helicopter landing pad at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital are set for approval.  Hospital bosses want the emergency helipad in front of the Accident and Emergency department, in the Queen’s Building... Read more
29-Oct-2009Source: Somerset County Gazette
PLANS for a helicopter landing pad at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital are set for approval. Hospital bosses want the emergency helipad in front of the Accident and Emergency department, in the Queen’s Building.... Read more
29-Oct-2009Source: This is the West Country
YEOVIL company AgustaWestland has announced that seven local schools have now received around 200 computer desks from the firm.... Read more
29-Oct-2009Source: Coventry Telegraph
THE COUNTY air ambulance completed its 8,000th life-saving mission earlier this week. Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was called to a crash on the B4102 near Astley, Nuneaton, on Wednesday.... Read more
28-Oct-2009Source: EDP24
The East of England Air Ambulance crew and their helicopter were pelted with cans and bottles as they tried to help an injured person at a rave near Thetford.... Read more
27-Oct-2009Source: ISRIA
The Declaration of Intent was signed by the Czech Republic, Albania, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and the UK. This will provide the necessary political mandate to start mitigating critical utility helicopter shortfalls, particularly in the conduct of ISAF operations in Afghanistan.... Read more
27-Oct-2009Source: BBC
A teenager who endangered the lives of a police helicopter crew by shining a laser pen at the aircraft has apologised in person to them.... Read more
22-Oct-2009Source: Royal Navy
Royal Navy and Royal Marine Lynx helicopter crews from 847 Naval Air Squadron were recently honoured for maintaining the highest level of operational efficiency in Afghanistan. During a parade at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, friends and family of personnel from 847 Naval Air Squadron watched as they received their standard Afghanistan operational medals.... Read more
16-Oct-2009Source: BBC
There will be no Great North Air Ambulance Cover for the next few days. Two of the charity’s three helicopters, based at Otterburn and Carlisle Airport, are grounded with mechanical problems.... Read more
16-Oct-2009Source: BBC
Manufacturing firm GKN Aerospace is to lose 135 jobs at its Yeovil site, due to the slump in aerospace orders. The losses represent more than a third of the GKN jobs on the site they share with helicopter maker Agusta Westland.... Read more
13-Oct-2009Source: Yeovil Express
The museum preserves its reserve collection at Cobham Hall – which is situated across the road from the museum at RNAS Yeovilton. The reserve collection includes over thirty historic aircraft, including one of the largest collections of Westland Helicopters, the first swept wing aircraft to land on a carrier, the Gazelle helicopter on which HRH... Read more
