29-Sep-2014Source: EAAA
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) welcomes recent discussions on the treatment of cardiac arrest patients, published in the British Medical Journal this week. The article supports the need for immediate, good quality, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced medical intervention at the scene, in order to give the best possible chance of survival after a cardiac... Read more
27-Sep-2014
Precautionary field landing after malfunction on night flight... Read more
26-Sep-2014
Emergency landing with 3 POB. Declared emergency at 2.20pm and landed at airport safely 2.39pm... Read more
21-Sep-2014
Crashed from a low hover on a training flight. Male pilot and female student uninjured.... Read more
18-Sep-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AS355N (G-OLCP) Peterborough Conington Airport, Cambridgeshire, 21 March 2014 Robinson R22 (G-PACL) Liverpool Airport, 16 July 2014 Schweizer 300 (G-BWAV) Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, 21 May 2014 Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ) North Sea, 6 November 2013... Read more
16-Sep-2014
Initial reports coming in. Witnesses say they heard a “loud crack” shortly be fire the helicopter started descending rapidly. The helicopter took off from Dechmont, near Livingston in West Lothian and was due to land at Humberside Airport for refuelling before flying on to Gamston, presumably en route it’s home base at Manston. It had... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Well-known British operator Castle Air has received CAA approval for base and line maintenance of the Sikorsky S76 with no limitations to any particular engine type. Currently they are approved to carry out base and line maintenance of the S76 with Turbomeca Arriel engines at Biggin Hill and only line maintenance of this variant at... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Rules are Rules. But there’s always a need to test their reasonableness and rulemakers need to show flexibility. When EASA came out with a ruling that would bring to an end the commercial operation of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, something needed to be done. The British Helicopter Association was instrumental in leading the way... Read more
12-Sep-2014Source: Airbus
Minister for Business and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock visited Airbus Helicopters, and toured the company’s advanced aerospace design and maintenance operations. The Minister was briefed on the scale and nature of the company’s operations, including the award of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) support contract. The NPAS contract, worth in the region of £35 million... Read more
11-Sep-2014Source: NPAS
National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter crews now have a brand new, state of the art training device to put them through their paces. The Emergency Exit Jettison (EEJ) training rig was delivered to the NPAS base at Carr Gate, Wakefield, on Friday 5 September. It simulates the emergency exits of the three aircraft types... Read more
11-Sep-2014Source: NPAS
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has awarded a five-year contract for airworthiness management, maintenance and parts to Airbus Helicopters UK Limited. Covering the 19 Airbus helicopters in the NPAS fleet, the contract starts on Wednesday 1 October. The company will provide 17,100 hours of support every year – or 85,500 hours over the five... Read more
11-Sep-2014Source: NPAS
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has awarded a five-year contract for airworthiness management, maintenance and parts to Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) for the 6 MD Explorer aircraft in the NPAS fleet. Under this agreement which starts on Wednesday 1 October, SAS will provide 5,400 hours of support per year – or 27,000 hours over... Read more
9-Sep-2014Source: Bristow
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Bristow Group Inc. today announced the acceptance of an S-92® helicopter by Bristow Helicopters Ltd. The helicopter, configured for search and rescue service, was accepted during a ceremony at the Sikorsky facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Bristow Helicopters Ltd. is affiliated with Bristow Group Inc., Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United... Read more
4-Sep-2014Source: Rigby Group
Rigby Group plc’s aviation division has completed its second UK acquisition of 2014 with the purchase of Exeter based Capital Air Charter Limited. Operating both the Capital Air Charter and Capital Air Ambulance services, the company has a long-standing reputation as an efficient, safe and commercially-capable operator offering executive corporate and private chartered flights, medical... Read more
4-Sep-2014Source: Bond
Bond Air Services has announced the appointment of Tim Shattock as new Managing Director. Tim succeeds current Managing Director, Chris Greenhill, who is retiring after 34 years with the company. Tim comes to Bond Air Services with more than 30 years of senior management experience in the aviation industry, most recently as Chief Executive Officer... Read more
3-Sep-2014Source: HeliUK Expo
Leading helicopter manufacturers, suppliers and service providers are once again set to showcase the very best industry offerings to the UK and European based helicopter owners and operators at HeilUK Expo 2015, Sywell Aerodrome, 29 to 31 May 2015. With the aim of building on the success of the inaugural 2014 event, the HeliUK team understand and appreciates the sense... Read more
20-Aug-2014Source: RSH
Air Ambulances which cover Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales today welcomed an upgrade of the helipad at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH). The upgrade, which will take about seven weeks to complete with work beginning from today (18 August), will allow some of the newer larger air ambulances to land on the site... Read more
19-Aug-2014Source: Daily Record
Worried staff working at one of Scotland’s biggest hospitals have raised fears over its helicopter pad. See Full Story... Read more
19-Aug-2014Source: This is Money
The return of a helicopter service connecting the Scilly Isles to mainland Britain has taken a step closer after advisers PwC delivered a report into the viability of reinstating the air link which closed in 2012. See Full Story... Read more
18-Aug-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ), loss of control after departure, North Sea, 6 November 2013... Read more
18-Aug-2014Source: Western Gazette
YEOVIL helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland has been granted planning permission to turn a storage building into an archive. See Full Story... Read more
12-Aug-2014Source: Western Gazette
YEOVIL helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland is set to find out this later this month whether it can turn a storage building into an archive. See Full Story... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: GNAA
Today the Pride of Cumbria air ambulance celebrated a decade in action! Ten years on from flying into the county for the first time, the aircraft landed at Armathwaite Hall, near Keswick, where it was greeted by a crowd of staff, former patients, and volunteers. The aircraft, based at Langwathby, near Penrith, began work in... Read more
4-Aug-2014Source: Flying TV
From Flying TV’s website:- Mike Smith 1955-2014 It’s with enormous sadness and regret that we share with you the passing of our founder and MD, Mike Smith. Mike died on Friday 1st August in hospital, following complications from major heart surgery. His wife Sarah, his family, Mona and JP were with him. One of his... Read more
28-Jul-2014Source: BBC
A helicopter crash which killed its co-pilot and 15 other men could have been prevented, an inquest has found. See full story... Read more
23-Jul-2014Source: Phoenix
The good weather has been great for flying and has seen both branches flying record breaking monthly hours. Unfortunately helicopters lives are not infinite and each Robinson is timed out after 2200 hours of flying. Once the aircraft reaches its total allowable time it has to have a complete overhaul. The overhaul involves completely rebuilding... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: Bristow Group
Bristow announced on 17th July that it has been certified to fly the much anticipated new generation AgustaWestland AW189 helicopter. Bristow is the launch customer for the aircraft which has now been fully certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The company is due to commence flights with its first two new AW189 aircraft from... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: Surtees Foundation
Motorsport Legend John Surtees OBE, has presented a £75,000 cheque to local charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation. The presentation, which took place at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, was made to the Air Ambulance Chief Executive Adrian Bell; the money will be used for ‘High Fidelity Simulators’. Presented... Read more
18-Jul-2014
Damaged when fell off the back of a lorry near the gate of HMS Sultan, Gosport... Read more
17-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has selected an AW169 twin-engine light intermediate helicopter to perform emergency medical service missions. The aircraft will start operations from its base at Henstridge on the Dorset / Somerset border in South West England in 2016 and will be able to reach any... Read more
17-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) valued at £90 million to integrate, test and install the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) Heavy and Light missile systems onto 28 Royal Navy AW159 Wildcat helicopters. The contract award was announced today at the Farnborough International... Read more
16-Jul-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters UK is celebrating 40 years of operations in the United Kingdom, supporting its rotorcraft industry as a vital element of the economy, security and infrastructure. With headquarters in Oxford, a base at Hawarden/Wales, a dedicated Oil & Gas Service Center in Aberdeen and a presence at customer operating locations across the UK and... Read more
16-Jul-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
The important role of Airbus Helicopters in the ab-initio training of British military rotorcraft pilots is being marked by Airbus Helicopters during this week’s Farnborough Airshow. During the past four decades, thousands of British crewmembers have earned their wings, trained on mission scenarios and practiced their flying skills aboard Airbus Helicopters-designed rotorcraft. This activity traces... Read more
16-Jul-2014
While practising a simulated engine failure in the hover, the helicopter rolled about its left skid and came to rest on its side.... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: Specialist Avn Svs
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT) has selected the new generation AW169 twin-engine light intermediate helicopter to perform emergency medical service missions. The aircraft will be operated by Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) for the KSSAAT. KSSAAT, a prime HEMS provider and the first, and presently only,... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: Survitec
The world’s first Category A Emergency Breathing System (EBS), developed by the Survitec Group, has gained approval and certification by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This is the first major response to the government inquiry and report into helicopter safety, which followed a fatal crash in the waters... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy will be participating in several aviation careers events this month to assist future professional helicopter pilots pave their way into the industry. The events which include the Leeds FLYER Professional Flight Training Exhibition, and Farnborough International Airshow will provide potential new pilots with advice on how to train to become professional helicopter... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Russian aviation industry sources are reporting that a significant number of people intending to travel to the UK this week for the Farnborough Air Show have been denied visas by the UK Government. One report gives a figure of 167 visas granted to a Russian trade delegation numbering 347, implying that at least 180 have... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Two key statements sum up the current situation of the investigation of the crash of Army Air Corps Lynx Mk.9A ZF540 on 26th April 2014 20 km south of Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, killing all 3 crew members and the 2 passengers onboard:- The CVR [cockpit voice recorder] offers evidence of controlled flight and no acknowledgement... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the sale of an AW139 intermediate twin helicopter in VIP/corporate configuration in the UK. The aircraft will be delivered to an undisclosed customer in autumn 2015. This latest contract further expands the success of the AW139 for VIP transport missions in the United Kingdom, bringing to five the total of... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: ACS
ACS’ (www.aerialcamerasystems.com/about-us) longstanding history within the aerial filming world continues to grow and sees its dedicated in-house aerial unit co-ordinating and filming aerial projects world-wide. Established by Peter Allwork, ACS’ roots in aerial filming are founded in excellence thanks to Peter’s Oscar winning cinematography for the multi award winning, Out of Africa. Over thirty-five years... Read more
11-Jul-2014Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. has appointed Colin James as Managing Director, effective first of August. Mr. James, who has been leading Airbus Helicopter’s Engineering Test Centre organisation in the company’s Donauworth and Marignane facilities, succeeds Markus Steinke to head up the UK branch of the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer. Within Airbus Helicopter’s Research and Development... Read more
11-Jul-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy will be participating in several aviation careers events this month to assist future professional helicopter pilots pave their way into the industry. The events which include the Leeds FLYER Professional Flight Training Exhibition, and Farnborough International Airshow will provide potential new pilots with advice on how to train to become professional helicopter... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ), loss of control after departure, North Sea, 6 November 2013 Bell 206B (G-BPWI), engine failure leading to forced landing, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, 4 October 2013 Hughes 369D (G-CCUO), loss of control and ground... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: CAA
Any loss of life in aviation accidents is always tragic and the safety of those who rely on offshore helicopter flights is therefore our absolute priority. In February we announced over 70 actions and recommendations to improve safety, primarily aimed at preventing accidents but also to improve survivability following an incident. These were widely welcomed... Read more
9-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
THe US Air Force has released its official report on the fatal crash of one of its Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters on 7th January 2014 on the coast of Norfolk, UK. The very thorough document notes that the Accident Investigation Board President found “by clear and convincing evidence that multiple bird strikes caused the... Read more
9-Jul-2014Source: SaxonAir
Norwich based aviation operator and service provider SaxonAir has announced the issue of their new rotary Air Operators Certificate (AOC). This latest development through approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will allow SaxonAir to expand their helicopter operations into new markets with the addition of further helicopters to deal with the demand being... Read more
9-Jul-2014Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announced today that its Project Julius Team, responsible for the embodiment of the avionics upgrade to the UK MOD’s fleet of 46 Chinook aircraft, has obtained supplier ‘Gold’ status for their First Time Quality (FTQ). This is an... Read more
8-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Cardinal Helicopter Services have recently been awarded their own “Type B Operating Licence” according to the latest update in the snappily-named “Official Record, Series 2” issued by the UK CAA. Previously Cardinal operated under an “umbrella arrangement” with another operator, Capital Aviation Services of Oxford. Cardinal operate from the City Heliport at Manchester, a rotary-wing... Read more
8-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The 2nd Rotary Operations Conference (ROC) was due take place at the Barclays London Heliport on Wednesday 9 July, 2014, but HeliHub.com have been notified by the organisers today that a new date in September is proposed. Jeremy Parkin from HeliHub.com was due to moderate two of the panel sessions – the Operators Panel and... Read more
7-Jul-2014Source: Irwin Mitchell
Lawyers representing several passengers injured when a Eurocopter Super Puma helicopter came down in the North Sea 32 miles south west of Shetland in October 2012 have welcomed an acceptance of responsibility from the helicopter manufacturer which paves the way for settlements to be agreed. Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Aviation Law team represents 12 oil rig... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
As part of its massive 288 day tour of the Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Games Baton has today been taken to and from the Clair platform in the North Sea. The baton is on a 40 day tour of Scotland from 14 June to 23 July, and the symbolic visit to the rig marks the... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: Bristow Helicopters
A traditional topping out ceremony has taken place to mark the construction of the new Search and Rescue helicopter base at Humberside Airport reaching its full height. The base will house two state-of-the-art SAR helicopters, operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd, their crews and support team. It is due to become fully operational in April 2015,... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com owner Jeremy Parkin will be moderating two panel sessions at the Rotary Operations Conference (ROC) which takes place at Hotel Verta, adjacent to the London Heliport in Battersea on 9th July. Jeremy will moderate both the Operator Panel and the City Heliport sessions. ROC focuses on the latest developments and initiatives within the rotary... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy have announced the purchase of three additional Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters which will expand their rapidly growing Cabri fleet to ten by early 2016 and make them the world’s largest single operator of Cabri G2 helicopters. The fleet includes the five brand new airframes currently in production with Hélicoptères Guimbal, as well... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: Wiltshire Air Ambulance
An Internationally recognised Aviation experts has recently joined Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) to oversee the charity’s transition from its current collaborative partnership with Wiltshire Police to a completely separate and independent Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) provider at the end of this year. Giorgio Bendoni joined WAA in May as Bell 429 Program Co-ordinator to... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: NPAS
Brand new state-of-the-art camera and mission system equipment is being installed across a third of the National Police Air Service Fleet. The new equipment integrates a new high end camera with mission planning and mapping systems while retaining existing airframes with plenty of service life left. This enhancement will allow these aircraft to continue to... Read more
30-Jun-2014Source: Air BP
Leading international aviation fuel supplier, Air BP, in conjunction with Goodwood Aerodrome has today announced it has successfully started trials supplying unleaded Avgas (91UL) for customers flying general aviation light aircraft into Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex. The debut coincides with what will be a busy weekend of general aviation flying with the Goodwood Festival... Read more
27-Jun-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation after attending the Heli UK Expo on the 3rd-4th June has now announced brand new scholarships for 2015. During the Heli UK Expo, Helicentre Aviation was able to promote the Flight Training center to the Helicopter community and to new potential student’s eager to begin their training. Helicentre Aviation Academy has announced it... Read more
27-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Helicopter Air Games scheduled for this coming weekend at Sywell have been postponed. The Helicopter Club of Great Britain, who organise the event will be scheduling a new date in September, by which time they hope to have an even bigger list of competitors to make for an even more exciting contest. HCGB will... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Essex Air Ambulance
The Essex Air Ambulance Air Crew are now proud owners of state of the art boots thanks to the support of Magnum. Georgina Lees, UK PR & Communication Executive for Magnum, said: “As a company that provide the professional services with comfortable, resilient and certified footwear, Magnum are delighted to announce that we will be... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: London Heliport
The second annual industry conference dedicated to commercial helicopter operations, organised by MIU Events and hosted by The London Heliport,takes on more of an international theme this year. Deliberately staged on Wednesday, 9th July, just one week ahead of Farnborough Air Show, it will serve as a prime opportunity to bring together helicopter manufacturers, operators,... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced its operational plans during the Grand Départ when it is expecting to see an increase in its activity as well as busier operational periods. Yorkshire’s only emergency helicopter service has announced plans to operate a third aircraft for the week leading up to the Grand Départ as well... Read more
24-Jun-2014Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK largest light helicopter company, is delighted to announce that it is expanding its training services to include full-time ground school courses alongside its well established flying training. Available from October this year, the new courses will be professionally delivered in a modular format at the company’s purpose-built facilities at Wycombe Air... Read more
24-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
UK representatives for Bell Helicopter have announced (via the Sales Director’s pseudonym LongBox on the popular PPRuNe forum) that they are taking the Bell 505 mockup to Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event is a cross between a public motor show where manufacturers show off their model range to an out-and-out demonstration of race cars,... Read more
23-Jun-2014Source: Finmeccanica
The Board of Directors of Finmeccanica, convened today under the chairmanship of Gianni De Gennaro, approved the guidelines to implement the new Group Organizational and Operating Model. The Model, illustrated to the Board of Directors by the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Mauro Moretti, encompasses in the new perimeter operating companies, 100% owned by... Read more
23-Jun-2014Source: Bristow Helicopters
Bristow Helicopters’ engineering apprentices well on their way to success Aberdeen-based helicopter operator, Bristow Helicopters Ltd, has confirmed that its latest intake of 22 engineering apprentices have successfully completed their initial eight months of training at the LRTT College in Gloucester. The future engineers were selected from a field of more than 1,300 applicants last... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: London's Air Ambulance
World’s first pre-hospital REBOA carried out by London’s Air Ambulance Pioneering new technique to prevent trauma patients bleeding to death Control of severe pelvic haemorrhage, an injury most commonly associated with cycling incidents and falls from height 2 years of development with The Royal London Hospital Boris, “stunning advances in medical care are helping people... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation Academy has announced it will be awarding several helicopter pilot training scholarships in 2015. The company has so far awarded four scholarships to trainee helicopter pilots and will this summer will be awarding a further five scholarships totalling around £100,000 in value. By 2015 a total of fifteen training scholarships will have been... Read more
18-Jun-2014Source: BBC
BBC has been given the first chance to try out a new safety device that could save lives in the future. See full story... Read more
18-Jun-2014Source: The London Heliport
Royal Ascot, The Goodwood Festival of Speed, The Santander British Grand Prix and Farnborough Air Show are all contributing to what is set to be a record-breaking summer for the capital’s London Heliport. Overall, bookings at the city’s only licensed heliport are 50% up since the start of calendar year 2014. Bookings for Royal Ascot... Read more
17-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The CAA have advised in their snappily-named “Official Record Series 2, Number 2131” – dated 10th June 2014 – that PremiAir Aviation Services of Blackbushe have had their Type B Operating Licence reinstated effective from 23rd May 2014. It had been suspended six and a half months earlier, as we noted here. PremiAir have yet... Read more
17-Jun-2014Source: Royal Air Force
The first of the RAF’s fourteen new Chinook helicopters have been unveiled today by the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, following its entry into service on time. During a visit to RAF Odiham in Hampshire, the home of the Chinook force, Philip Hammond also announced a new £115 million agreement with Boeing Defence UK to maintain... Read more
17-Jun-2014Source: DSAA
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance announced this afternoon that it had carried out its 10,000th mission. The Charity’s EC135 helicopter, Pilot Max Hoskins, Paramedic Mark Williams and Consultant Doctor Ian Mews attended the incident which took place in the Shaftesbury area at 13.45 pm today. The patient, Carissa Ealson (24) was taking part in a... Read more
16-Jun-2014
The Guardian newspaper does an extensive profile of London’s police helicopter unit – see full story ... Read more
