29-Jan-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the award of two contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), together valued at £760 million (approximately €910 million), to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) and to provide the Apache AH Mk.1 Attack Helicopter fleet with... Read more
29-Jan-2014
Pilot of offshore helicopter issued distress call 45 miles from Sumburgh and was escorted to a safe landing by Coast Guard helicopter. Report suggests pilot had indication of a “pump failure” without providing more details. Aircraft grounded awaiting engineering support... Read more
28-Jan-2014Source: BALPA
Pilots will call for an independent judicial inquiry into North Sea helicopter safety in evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee this afternoon. Captain Colin Milne, the Chairman of BALPA’s Helicopter Affairs Committee, will give evidence to the Committee’s inquiry into helicopter safety at 1500 today, Monday, 27 January 2014 at the Committee’s... Read more
28-Jan-2014Source: PDG Helicopters
PDG Helicopters have delivered the second of two custom modified helicopters for Network Rail. These two aircraft have been specially modified and equipped to Network Rail’s specification and feature advanced technology to deliver rail and infrastructure aerial surveys. G-NLSE will provide helicopter support for London and the South East rail networks and G-NLDR will work... Read more
27-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
In a recent statement, Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority has released its annual figures for the fleet of aircraft registered in the UK. Looking specifically at helicopters, there were 1,232 helicopters with British “G” registrations on 1st January 2014. This is 18% below the peak of 1,495 on the equivalent date in 2009. The graph below... Read more
27-Jan-2014Source: IHS
Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter conference in London, Brigadier Neil Sexton revealed that with helicopters accounting for nearly half of the army’s running costs, a cheaper training solution is being sought. See full story... Read more
27-Jan-2014Source: TVACAA
In a year that has seen the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance ‘raise the bar’ in terms of clinical excellence, new developments at TVACAA have enabled the Trust to further their promise of enhanced patient care by becoming the first Air Ambulance to carry an I-Stat (portable blood analyser) machine on board the helicopter.... Read more
27-Jan-2014
Shortly after takeoff the pilot experienced yaw control difficulties, resulting in the loss of control of the helicopter and a subsequent crash landing. The pilot escaped with minor injuries. In the absence of any mechanical abnormalities, the most likely cause of the accident is a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: BBC
It will be used by the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, and has been fitted with lights so the helicopter can take off at night. See full story... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: Irwin Mitchell
Specialist aviation lawyers acting for injured victims and families who lost loved ones in the Clutha helicopter tragedy in Glasgow in November have welcomed Bond Aviation Group’s admission of liability in relation to the incident, but warned much more needs to be done to improve helicopter safety. Irwin Mitchell’s Aviation Law team, ranked as one... Read more
26-Jan-2014Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK, a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, welcomed Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology to its Fleetlands site in Gosport, Hampshire yesterday. The Minister, who was accompanied by Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-Solent and Hill Head, was given a behind the scenes look... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: London’s Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance has formed a two-year strategic partnership with VocaLink, who will provide the charity with financial and resource support. Launching the partnership, the UK and international payments provider is assessing the ways in which to enhance the donation systems and the associated technologies used by the charity. Graham Hodgkin, CEO of London’s Air... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: Oil & Gas UK
In response to today’s AAIB Special Bulletin, Oil & Gas UK Health, Safety & Employment Issues Director, Robert Paterson, said: “Oil & Gas UK fully supports the safety action made in today’s AAIB special bulletin. We are now working closely with helicopter operators to ensure safety briefings clearly explain the application of the re-breather system which... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: AAIB
OThe AAIB has issued a Special Bulletin specifically referring to the CHC AS332L2 fatal accident of G-WNSB near Sumburgh on 23 August 2013. The key information from this bulletin is shown below, but it is best taken in context of their full report. This Special Bulletin is published to highlight a safety concern relating to... Read more
24-Jan-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released further details to the aviation industry of its recent structural reorganisation. The CAA had announced earlier in the year that it would be merging its airspace and safety functions to strengthen its oversight role. Now, all major stakeholders, including airlines and airports, are being contacted with further details of... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: Royal Household
Prince Harry has completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and will now take up a Staff Officer role in HQ London District. The Prince will take the position of SO3 (Defence Engagement). His responsibilities will include helping to co-ordinate significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London. Prince Harry will... Read more
20-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
British based charity South Georgia Heritage Trust have moved the maintenance of their three Eurocopter Bo105 helicopters from Specialist Aviation Services to A2B Heli at Oxford. The charity operates the helicopters for one month a year on an unusual operation – dropping poison pellets on the South Atlantic island of South Georgia in an effort... Read more
17-Jan-2014
Emergency field landing. Engineer called. Flew out later same day... Read more
16-Jan-2014Source: LCI
Lease Corporation International’s (LCI) helicopter division has taken delivery of its fifth AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, and has placed the aircraft on lease with Bond Offshore Helicopters (Bond) in Aberdeen, Scotland. The delivery follows the agreement last year of a long term lease between LCI and Bond’s parent company Avincis Group – a leading global provider... Read more
14-Jan-2014Source: LNAA
The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is now available to offer crucial emergency support in the winter rush hours – something it has not been able to do in the past. Last week the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance have gone live with their night flying operations, they have performed a number of airlifts after... Read more
13-Jan-2014Source: Irwin Mitchell
Specialist aviation lawyers representing persons injured and bereaved as a result of the Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow have formally launched their fight for justice in relation to the tragedy and outlined their hopes that the move will lead to increased efforts to review and improve flight safety. Irwin Mitchell’s Aviation Law team, which is... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: Londons Air Ambulance
London’s Air Ambulance, the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, celebrates 25 years of service on 9th January 2014. Having treated over 30,000 critically injured patients in London and attended most major incidents, since inception, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of the people of London to... Read more
10-Jan-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced the appointment of two senior figures to key leadership roles within its recently merged safety and airspace functions. Rob Bishton, a senior airline executive with a wealth of industry experience will take over as Head of the CAA’s Flight Operations department, while Tony Rapson, a former Royal... Read more
9-Jan-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Special Bulletin S9/2013 – Eurocopter EC135 T2+, G-SPAO, Glasgow City Centre, 29 November 2013 Sikorsky S-76C (G-XXEB), yaw control restriction on approach, Denham Aerodrome, 23 May 2013... Read more
8-Jan-2014Source: TAAS
It was another very busy year for The Air Ambulance Service in 2013, with the Charity carrying out its 20,000th mission. According to the latest figures, the Charity’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) passed this incredible landmark in December. Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) has now completed over 14,500 rescue missions since it was founded... Read more
7-Jan-2014Source: Heli Charter
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (WAACT) today (7th January 2014) signed a 10-year contract in Swindon with Heli Charter Ltd for a new helicopter, which will come into service at the end of the year, when the lease on the current 12 year old aircraft expires. After a great deal of deliberation over the last... Read more
7-Jan-2014
Lakenheath-based Pave Hawk helicopter crashed during a night low-level training exercise due to a multiple bird strike, killing all four on board – named as Capt Christopher S. Stover, Capt Sean M. Ruane, Technical Sergeant Dale E. Mathews and Staff Sergeant Afton M. Ponce.. The helicopter went down between a beach car park at Cley... Read more
6-Jan-2014Source: The Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2014, and to kick-start its year of celebrations it has unveiled an exhibition that charts another important Anniversary in the world of helicopter aviation. “The First Helicopter Rescue” tells the tale of the daring rescue mission that took place 60 years ago in April... Read more
5-Jan-2014Source: EDP24
Representatives from Hellesdon Parish Council will meet with Norwich International Airport chiefs and helicopter operators to discuss concerns about noise from helicopters based at the airport. See full story The accompanying photo is from Norwich Airport, but is only representative. Other operators at the airport include Bristow, NHV and Dancopter.... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: West Yorkshire Police
A police helicopter based in West Yorkshire has had a makeover as it flies the colours of the National Police Air Service (NPAS). NPAS provides a national, borderless service making use of the nearest aircraft meaning that the police service’s response is, in many cases, enhanced over previous provision. The underlying principle of the service... Read more
3-Jan-2014Source: 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
3-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare, UK, is seeking two particular aircraft to expand what is already a most impressive line-up of helicopters. In a posting on a popular forum website, the user heli1 – widely believed to be the Chairman of the Museum’s Trustees, Elfan ap Rees – posted a request initially for an Alouette... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Just prior to the Christmas break, UK AgustaWestland distributor Sloane Helicopters delivered a GrandNew from the factory in Italy to a corporate customer. Serial 22325 is flying as G-MUZZ and replaces an AW109 Power G-WELY which the customer bought new from Sloane six years ago. Sloane are marketing the Power for immediate sale, with just... Read more
2-Jan-2014Source: RMT
Transport and offshore union RMT today issued a fresh call for First Minister Alex Salmond to take immediate and decisive action to establish a public inquiry into helicopter safety and a series of wider, associated issues relating to safety in the North Sea offshore industry. RMT has written to the First Minister and is awaiting... Read more
1-Jan-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation’s new East Midlands heliport complex which has been built at Leicester Airport has officially opened. The £500,000 expansion of Helicentre Aviation’s operations includes a brand new hangar, offices and ground training facilities, an apron and six helipads and the company also provides Jet A1 and AvGas refueling services, handling and hangarage to visiting... Read more
1-Jan-2014Source: TAAS
The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) team have announced that they have reached their 2013 income target of £3million through their retail outlets across the country. Renowned for their edgy boutique style shops, TAAS has won numerous prestigious awards for its unique take on the traditional Charity shop, including 2013 Charity Retail Wow! Factor Awards for... Read more
23-Dec-2013Source: Irwin Mitchell
LAWYERS representing a family bereaved in the Clutha helicopter crash have called for all passenger-carrying helicopters to be fitted with black box recording devices. Aviation legal experts from Irwin Mitchell, who also act for the victims of North Sea helicopter ditchings, have been instructed by John McGarrigle, whose 57-year-old father, also called John McGarrigle, died... Read more
23-Dec-2013Source: HIOWAA
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance can announce that Tony Nicholson has been appointed to the role of Chairman, stepping up to his new post on 1st January. He has been a Trustee of the Charity since 2010 and has a distinguished background in both the public and private sectors. Originally an operational helicopter pilot... Read more
22-Dec-2013Source: ITV
The very first paramedic to serve with Cornwall Air Ambulance is retiring – his first mission was in 1987 see full story... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: Heli UK Expo
Gama Aviation has confirmed their attendance at the Heli UK Expo at Sywell Aerodrome, from 3rd – 4th June 2014. Gama Engineering Ltd. has earned a reputation for excellence in the field of aircraft and helicopter maintenance and support. Fully validated by both their EASA/FAR Part 145 approval status in addition to their full turn-key EASA Part 21J design, Part 21G... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: KSS Air Ambulance
Life-saving charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance yesterday (Wednesday) became the first air ambulance in the country to launch a 24-hour Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) following three years of research and preparatory work. Up until recently, and unlike the rest of Europe, the service could only fly by daylight and so traditionally operated... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: UK Government
Prime Minister David Cameron and Business Secretary Vince Cable have welcomed the announcement that UK helicopter company,AgustaWestland, has signed a £1 billion contract to supply 16 helicopters plus support and training to the Norwegian government. Prime Minister David Cameron said: This £1 billion deal between AgustaWestland and the Norwegian government is testament to the first class engineering... Read more
20-Dec-2013Source: Midlands Air Ambulance
TV presenter and Top Gear star Richard Hammond and his wife, columnist Mindy Hammond are the latest high profile celebrities to be appointed as ambassadors for the MAAC. The couple join stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment who are ambassadors and supporters of the charity including professional rugby players Mike Tindall MBE (England... Read more
18-Dec-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has delivered a repaired French Lynx Mk4 to the end customer. “I am pleased that we have quickly and effectively completed our first international Lynx Depth repair contract in collaboration with Eurocopter”, said Ross Powlesland, Operations Director for... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: Heli UK
The first Heli UK Leaders Round Table Discussion took place at the Gama Aviation facility at Fairoaks Airport on December 5th. The informal, off-the record meeting was facilitated by Heli Buyer Europe & Avbuyer.com and gathered together Industry experts from the UK helicopter industry. The lively Round Table Discussion was followed by a dinner sponsored by Hayward Aviation and www.Avbuyer.com .... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: BALPA
In response to Bond Air Services decision to ground its fleet of EC 135s, BALPA said: “Pilots are looking to the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to take charge and provide the industry with the information that has informed the decision to ground the Bond EC-135 fleet. Flight safety... Read more
13-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Air Services, the operator of the Scottish Police EC135 which had a tragic accident on 29th November, issued the following statement on Thursday 12th:- “During normal operations yesterday, one of our EC135 fleet has experienced an indication defect that requires further technical investigation. Therefore as a precautionary measure we have temporarily suspended service operations... Read more
13-Dec-2013
“Pan Pan” message following cockpit warning light. Bristow aircraft landed safely with 18 pax and 2 crew... Read more
12-Dec-2013Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AS350B (G-JESI), cockpit fire in flight, forced landing, Lindley Hall Farm nr Fenny Drayton, 3 August 2013... Read more
11-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Group
Following a competitive tender process Bristow Helicopters Ltd has been successful in securing a significant new contract to provide helicopter services to BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd. The contract is for a five year term, with an option to extend, and has a value around £125million. Bristow will provide helicopter support for BP’s offshore installations... Read more
9-Dec-2013
The widow of an investment banker killed in a helicopter crash in the Andes launched legal action against his employer today, accusing it of failing to ensure his safety. See full story... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The AAIB has in the last three hours published an initial summary of their findings to date of the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135 accident in Glasgow on 29th November. The accident killed the pilot from Bond Air Services, and the two police offciers in the helicopter – and a further six on the ground. The... Read more
8-Dec-2013Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd (Bond), one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract with Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd (Nexen). Bond will provide crew change support for Nexen’s operations in the UK North Sea for an initial period of five years with... Read more
8-Dec-2013
Reportedly a night landing involving tail rotor impacting trees (or the ground) – causing heavy and awkward landing with wheels dug into soft soil. Owner reported incident to police on 08-Dec-13 but accident may have been 07-Dec-13... Read more
6-Dec-2013Source: Norbert Dentressangle
Norbert Dentressangle has secured a major contract renewal with AgustaWestland; the Anglo-Italian helicopter company that is one of the world’s leading providers to military and commercial operators in the vertical lift market. Owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland operates globally through a number of subsidiaries, joint ventures and collaborative programmes with major aerospace and defence companies.... Read more
5-Dec-2013Source: Kings College Hospital
The helipad will be built on top of the existing ten-storey Ruskin Wing building at the hospital in Denmark Hill, south east London. King’s is home to the largest Major Trauma Centre in the South of England. It is also the ‘hub’ for the South East London, Kent and Medway (SELKaM) major trauma network, which... Read more
4-Dec-2013Source: CAA
Information on the current noise certificate, such as the certificated noise levels, is now available on G-INFO [the online register of British aircraft. Ed] against individual aircraft. If noise certificate data is available against a particular aircraft an additional label called Noise Certificate Information will appear on the main aircraft results screen. Further noise certificate... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Helicopters
In the past few weeks, Bristow SAR management has been “on the road,” giving presentations at meetings scheduled across the UK, attended by an extraordinary array of operational partners with which Bristow will collaborate in years to come. Everyone working in search and rescue operations understands the importance of establishing good working relationships with Bristow’s... Read more
2-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
A further body has been recovered from the Clutha Vaults bar in central Glasgow following the accident involving the Scottish Police Eurocopter EC135T2i on Friday evening. This brings the death toll to nine, of which six were in the bar and three in the helicopter – Bond Air Services pilot David Traill and police officers... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued an update on 26th November 2013 which stated “The Type B Operating Licence held by PremiAir Aviation Services Limited has been suspended with effect from 12 November 2013“. The actual document was “Official Record Series 2, Number 2110“. The CAA grants two types of Operating Licence, Type A and... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today updated GA stakeholders on its plans and progress in delivering a better deal for the UK’s general aviation sector. The update follows publication of the Government and CAA’s responses to the recent General Aviation Red Tape Challenge. Initial work is focused on setting up the new General Aviation... Read more
1-Dec-2013Source: Bristow Helicopters
On Saturday, November 30, Bristow celebrates its contribution to achieving a significant milestone — 30 years of delivering search and rescue (SAR) services from Sumburgh on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Bristow crew members past and present, the MCA, Sikorsky and representatives of local search and rescue operational partner organizations will gather... Read more
29-Nov-2013
EC135 helicopter crashes onto roof of a crowded bar during a live music gig at approx 10.25pm. Ten fatalities – the three in the helicopter and seven on the ground. 32 to hospital, of which 14 with serious injuries. Statements issued so far include those from Scottish Police, helicopter operator Bond Air Services, manufacturer Eurocopter,... Read more
27-Nov-2013Source: EHAAT
The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Flight for Life Lottery is now more popular than ever, reaching the highest number of members in its 15 year history! A record breaking 107,000 chances are now being played across Essex and Herts all helping to keep your local Air Ambulances operational and saving lives across both... Read more
26-Nov-2013Source: RAF
Pictures released today show crews from 33 and 230 Squadrons carrying out training flights of the upgraded aircraft from their base at RAF Benson in Oxford. The multi million pound upgrade means that the helicopters benefit from new engines which give them 35 per cent more power and improved fuel efficiency to allow them to... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: BBC
Headcount reduction is largely brought on by the wind down to the retirement of the Sea King in 2016. See full story... Read more
25-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the UK county of Yorkshire is proposing a helipad at their “Embrace Centre” at nearby Dodworth. The Hospital has used architects Beamont & Cowling to manage the planning application (ref 2013/1239). The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the documentation pack gives an overview description as follows: “The proposal is to provide... Read more
24-Nov-2013Source: Sunday Times
Engineering company Babcock International – who run Devonport and Rosyth military dockyards in the UK – is in advanced talks on a blockbuster £1.5bn takeover of Avincis Group. See story ... Read more
20-Nov-2013Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance have today flown their first mission from the Charity’s new state-of-the-art air support unit at Nostell Priory near Wakefield. The rapid response helicopter was called to a road traffic collision involving a male cyclist and a vehicle in Holmfirth near Huddersfield and flew to the scene of the incident in only... Read more
19-Nov-2013Source: FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International announces that David Judge has been promoted to Assistant Manager of the company’s Learning Center located at the London Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom. “We are pleased to promote Dave to Assistant Manager,” said Paul Hewett, Manager, Farnborough Learning Center. “His experience, leadership abilities, and dedication to provide outstanding service and the... Read more
18-Nov-2013Source: Prime Resi
Architect Will Alsop is apparently all set to submit plans for a 19-storey residential scheme next to the London Heliport in Battersea. See full story... Read more
15-Nov-2013Source: Trakka
Trakka Corp Pty Ltd today announced that the A800 Trakkabeam Tactical Searchlight has been selected by Bristow Helicopters for all 22 of its new UK Search and Rescue aircraft. Bristow has been awarded the contract to deliver the UK SAR helicopter service from 2015 by the Department for Transport. Bristow will be utilizing the unique,... Read more
15-Nov-2013Source: Elite Helicopters
We are delighted to announce that we have received our new CAA ATO certificate, which approves us to provide both Flight Instructor Courses and EC120 Type Rating Courses, in addition to the courses we already offer for the PPL(H) and CPL(H)as well as the R22, R44, B206, B206L and AS350 Type Rating. Our Operations Team are now taking... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: Rotormotion
After sixteen years operating rotary wing executive charter and flying illustrious clients from the Dalai Lama to Prime Ministers, rock stars to Royalty, from its Redhill Aerodrome base, RotorMotion announced today that has completed its sale to Castle Air. The deal will see RotorMotion’s fleet of Agusta 109’s relocate to Castle Air’s new Biggin Hill... Read more
14-Nov-2013Source: Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace UK announced today that it has been awarded an extension to the Lynx Aircraft and Component Servicing , Repair and Overhaul contract by the Ministry of Defence. The announcement, which will secure Lynx depth maintenance at the site, has rewarded the company’s commitment to the strengthening of relationships with its customers by offering... Read more
