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
13-Oct-2009Source: This is Derbyshire
CLAIMS by residents that flights to and from Royal Derby Hospital’s helipad are in breach of planning permission have been dismissed. Littleover residents claimed at a meeting this week that permission for the helipad had been granted on the basis that flights would go over a “green wedge of land” and not houses.... Read more
11-Oct-2009Source: Shiells Gazette
Newcastle Crown Court heard that the police aircraft, code-named India 99, was passing over Wessington Way in Sunderland on May 10, and had been summoned to provide light for the emergency services rescuing two stranded climbers, when it was targeted.... Read more
11-Oct-2009Source: Formby Times
Just before 10.30pm several men gained entry to the military base where the Force helicopter is stored and damaged the aircraft. A high speed police chase ensued from Southport to Liverpool city centre as a silver Audi A4 with blacked out windows was seen travelling at high speed along Formby Bypass with a number of... Read more
7-Oct-2009Source: Rotorhub
PremiAir today announced the appointment of Neil Gibson to lead the company’s highly successful Charter & Management business. The appointment will be effective at the end of November 2009.... Read more
7-Oct-2009Source: Multiflight
Multiflight appears on the Yorkshire Business Insider’s Growth 100 list for 2009 as being a company that stands out to have done exceptionally well to achieve growth in such difficult times.... Read more
3-Oct-2009Source: Royal Navy
2 Apache helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham, have been conducting maritime aviation training in the North Sea. The aircrew, recently returned from operations in Afghanistan, were onboard HMS Ocean learning to operate their aircraft from the busy flight deck of the Royal Navy’s largest warship.... Read more
3-Oct-2009Source: Hoovers
The new search and rescue helicopters at the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) base in Stornoway in the Western Isles have completed nearly 350 missions and rescued over 260 people since they were introduced to service two years ago.... Read more
2-Oct-2009Source: UK Ministry of Defence
With all RAF aircraft out of Iraq, the priority is now to get all available helicopters to troops in Afghanistan.... Read more
30-Sep-2009Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter UK Ltd. and the British Ministry of Defence signed a contract on September 18 for the Life Extension Programme for 28 of the Royal Air Force’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters. The upgraded Pumas, which will be designated Puma HC.2, will consequently offer significantly enhanced performance and operational capabilities, thus being capable of remaining... Read more
25-Sep-2009Source: BBC
Eighty new jobs have been created at a Gloucestershire-based helicopter specialists after it secured five new long-term contracts worth £153m... Read more
25-Sep-2009Source: Vector Aerospace
The work is part of the UK military’s investment in Chinook helicopters to enable them to operate more effectively in Afghanistan and bring the entire fleet to a common configuration standard.... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Rotorhub
This upgrade will include a £128m contract which will give the whole Chinook fleet a significant boost by fitting a more powerful engine, enabling the Chinooks to operate more effectively in the hot summers and high altitudes of Afghanistan.... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Gazette News
The proposal by Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust to move its headquarters from Boreham to Earls Colne airfield was granted permission by Braintree Council’s planning committee.... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Eurocopter
The company exhibits the EC135 “L’Hélicoptère par Hermès†as centre piece, as well as a large array of eight state-of-the-art helicopters: a London “Met†EC145, an EC135 by Suffolk Police, the UK’s first helicopter – an EC135 – dedicated to offshore wind farm maintenance, a utility AS355 NP used by National Grid for powerline inspections,... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter UK announces the order for a new EC135 for West Midlands Police Air Support Unit. On top, Eurocopter will provide a fully equipped EC135 police helicopter to take over the duties of the West Midlands EC135 destroyed by fire in a recent arson attack until the new aircraft will be delivered in summer 2010.... Read more
24-Sep-2009Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky presented its Winged S Rescue Award to a UK helicopter rescue crew and the base it operates from in recognition of their outstanding bravery and performance in an extraordinary rescue of 14 fishermen stranded aground at St. Kilda in 2008.... Read more
23-Sep-2009Source: Rotorhub
The future of UK’s Police Helicopters has taken centre stage at this year’s Helitech.... Read more
23-Sep-2009Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and the Royal Air Force today at Helitech celebrated the donation of an MH-53 PAVE LOW helicopter to the RAF Museum. The PAVE LOW helicopter, donated by the United States Air Force, was manufactured by Sikorsky... Read more
22-Sep-2009Source: News & Star
In a surprise move, bosses have confirmed that they will not let the former Pride of Cumbria helicopter pilot keep his job. A statement said that Mr Martin did not achieve the required standard of work.... Read more
22-Sep-2009Source: Sikorsky
As of mid-August 2009, the four S-92 SAR aircraft operating in the U.K. had executed a total of 510 missions – 331 from the base at Stornoway in the Western Isles and 179 from Sumburgh in Shetland – since being introduced in 2007... Read more
22-Sep-2009Source: PPRuNe
After a 36 year presence at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland, Bristow gave up the lease on the hangar and handed the keys back to the airport owners.... Read more
21-Sep-2009Source: Specialist Aviation Services
UK based operator and support organisation Specialist Aviation Services has announced the award of its new multi-year lighthouse maintenance contract with Trinity House.... Read more
19-Sep-2009Source: Specialist Aviation Services
UK based operator and support organisation Specialist Aviation Services is set for a bumper year, despite the current economic climate... Read more
