15-Mar-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that it has delivered an AS350® B3e to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), which is based in Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was delivered during a ceremony in American Eurocopter’s Grand Prairie Delivery Center. This marks the delivery of the first AS350 B3e to a law enforcement agency in the United... Read more
1-Mar-2012
the helicopter was taking part in the filming of an episode of “Top Gear-Korea†when it crashed. Initial reports indicate the crash was caused by a mechanical malfunction at a low altitude. 2 POB were reported safe soon after the accident. A video was posted on LiveLeak.com from inside the cockpit of the whole sequence... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter booth #1917 at the 2012 Heli-Expo, Eurocopter introduced the EC130 T2 to the industry with another classic production and reveal event at the start of the 2012 Heli-Expo tradeshow. During the event, American Eurocopter customer Maverick Helicopters was announced as one of the launch customers for this new product line with a signed... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: American Eurocopter
At today’s launch of Eurocopter’s new EC130 T2 helicopter, American Eurocopter announced that Papillon Helicopters, one of the launch customers for the new line, has placed an order for 20 EC130 T2s. The order is for an initial six EC130 T2 helicopters, with an additional 14 options. Papillon’s fleet includes 19 EC130s and 10 AS350... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: Able Aerospace
Officials from Able Aerospace Services and the City of Mesa, Ariz., held a groundbreaking ceremony today to kick off construction of Able’s expansive new on-airport company headquarters. The multi-state celebration is continuing during Heli-Expo 2012 next week in Dallas, Texas, as Able President and CEO Lee Benson and Mesa City Councilwoman Dina Higgins share highlights... Read more
7-Feb-2012Source: Maverick Aviation Group
Home to Mustang Helicopters and Maverick Airlines, the state-of-the-art hangar is complete with a variety of amenities designed to bring comfort to our customers as they await their departure to the spectacular Grand Canyon. High-definition televisions broadcast tips and trivia, a quaint café awaits those customers looking to grab a quick snack or drink before... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: Softtech
Softtech LLC, the maker of the Flight Vector™ family of products, is proud to announce Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters has adopted the Flight & Duty Tracker™ system into their operations at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and their Las Vegas/Boulder City operations!  Papillon employed Flight & Duty Tracker™ in early January. Softtech LLC... Read more
14-Dec-2011
Early reports of private helicopter down on Raytheon property nr Tucson Airport. Pilot airlifted to UMC Trauma Center, no info on the other person on board. FAA spokesman said pilot reported engine failure prior to landing.... Read more
13-Dec-2011
Pilot elected to make an emergency landing, which was executed safely with no damage to the helicopter... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: British Army
Army Apache crews are returning to the UK this week having completed a major exercise in the United States as part of the Apache Conversion To Role course. Exercise Crimson Eagle is a challenging two-month exercise, split between Naval Air Facility El Centro in California and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field in Arizona.... Read more
2-Dec-2011
Minor damage on landing... Read more
24-Nov-2011Source: NTSB
On November 15, 2011, at 0837 mountain standard time, a restricted category Williams Helicopter Corporation, UH-1H, N502AW, experienced a loss of power, made a hard landing, and came to rest on its right side about 3 miles northwest of the Valle Airport (40G), Grand Canyon, Arizona. The pilot operated the helicopter under the provisions of... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bird strikes are not that uncommon with helicopters as most are operating at relatively low level. But to have two EUrocopters make emergency landings on consecutive days with holes created by those bird strikes is unusual. On Wednesday a news gathering AS350B2 in Scottsdale, Arizona took a dove into the cockpit. The helicopter is operated... Read more
16-Nov-2011
Emergency landing after bird strike caused hole 10×16 inches... Read more
15-Nov-2011
Hard landing – starboard gear collapsed. Pilot identified as 57-year-old Jeff Boatman... Read more
13-Nov-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, AZ., a recognized a leader in High-Altitude Helicopter flight training, has announced the introduction of a new Turbine Transition training course. This program utilizes the new Robinson R-66 Rolls Royce powered turbine helicopter. According to Guidance CEO, John Stonecipher, “The Robinson R-66 is our first choice in a turbine platform. It... Read more
3-Nov-2011
Emergency services attended a helicopter that made a hard landing in a residential area, and was “leaking fluid”. Photographs appear to show the skids have been deformed and the tail touching the ground. Location is just north of Pierce Field (10AZ).... Read more
14-Oct-2011Source: Conklin & de Decker
Conklin & de Decker will host the 12th Annual Aircraft Acquisition and Planning Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 6-7, 2011 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Unique from other seminars and workshops, the Conklin & de Decker Aircraft Acquisition Planning Seminar is the only seminar that is designed to help the aircraft buyer, owner or... Read more
7-Oct-2011Source: Timken
The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) recently completed construction of a new state-of-the-art engine test cell at the company’s Mesa, Ariz., facility and now provides complete in-house engine and component overhaul services to fixed-wing and rotorcraft operators on a variety of engine platforms. The test cell includes: Two bays with separate controls allowing two different engines... Read more
4-Oct-2011Source: Able Engineering
Able Engineering & Component Services has been named Arizona’s outstanding international business. The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations presented its 2011 International Business Award for Excellence in Global Business to Lee Benson, CEO of the Able Group of Companies, during the Committee’s International State of the State luncheon Sept. 26. Able provides cost-effective repair and... Read more
27-Sep-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, Texas – The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) in Tucson, Arizona has recently placed an order for its first helicopter from American Eurocopter – an AS350 B3e (AStar). After a tragic accident earlier this year, Lt. Bob Kimmins and Capt. Don Kester were tasked with redefining the Department’s helicopter mission and identifying the... Read more
23-Sep-2011Source: Precision Aviation Group
Atlanta, GA-based Precision Aviation Group (PAG), exclusive provider of ISMRO® (Inventory Supported Maintenance Repair & Overhaul), announces the acquisition of Long Beach, CA based Aero Technology (ATI).  ATI is a Global MRO Services provider of Accessories, Avionics, and Instruments to the Commercial Transport, Military and Regional Airline markets.  ATI was the recipient of Boeing’s coveted Gold Supplier... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: World Record Helicopter Team
From: The World Record Helicopter Team & USA Academy Of Aviation Inc. French Valley Airport ( F70) Murrieta, Ca. Tel 951-551 6592- 951-600 2883. when: In September 2011. From Where: From Brown Airport, San Diego- to Savannah Hilton Head, GA, and back. Departure Time will be 6 o’clock AM. What is the current record and... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
On August 17, 2011, the Guidance Academy Scholarship was established by Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Arizona to provide financial assistance to students in need who are enrolled in the Yavapai College Professional Pilot Program pursuing their Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Professional Pilot – Helicopters. Guidance Aviation is donating $11,000 in the month of August... Read more
9-Aug-2011Source: FlightSafety
[HeliHub.com editor note – while mainly dedicated to business jet training, the Tucson center also has capability to train on Eurocopter AS350 FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that Kelly Allender has been promoted to Manager of the company’s Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona. “Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to respond to the needs... Read more
2-Aug-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero has appointed Phoenix Heliparts of Mesa, Ariz. as a StandardAero Authorized Support Center for Rolls Royce Model 250 engines as installed on MD500 helicopters. StandardAero clients can now obtain engine repair & overhaul (R&O) services contracted through Phoenix’s facilities in Arizona, creating a one-stop shop for MD500 helicopter operators with Rolls Royce M250 engines.... Read more
24-Jul-2011Source: US Marine Corps
Marines with Medium Helicopter Squadron-764 joined forces with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company Marines in a tactical insertion exercise as part of Operation Javelin Thrust 2011, a reserve training exercise. HMM-764 Marines geared up the two CH-46E Sea Knights for the operation. The mission involved a tactical insertion maneuver, which enables troops to be dropped in... Read more
21-Jun-2011
The Bell 212 was part of a three-aircraft test flight for Boeing. Two support aircraft were chasing an Apache Longbow on test flight when one of the support aircraft went down.... Read more
19-Jun-2011
Bird strike during landing phase... Read more
18-Jun-2011
Aft portion of tail boom separated on landing... Read more
31-May-2011
Engine cowling opened in flight and struck main rotor blades. Helicopter landed without further incident.... Read more
29-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Boeing has sent 60-day layoff notices to 21 workers at its plant in Irvine, a spokesman confirmed last Thursday. These are the first of up to 160 jobs moving to Mesa, Arizona this year as the facilty closes in Irvine. The company announced in August 2010 that they would be making this move due to... Read more
24-May-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Van Horn Aviation, the manufacturer of helicopter rotor blades, is expanding its presence in Tempe (Arizona) with the purchase of a new facility four times the size of its existing location. The move from a leased unit near Rural and Broadway roads is to a 23,000 sq.ft unit it is purchasing near Elliott Road and... Read more
23-May-2011Source: Verde Independent
Guardian Air celebrated its 10 years in the Verde Valley with tours of the aircraft and refreshments at the helicopter landing pad, just outside the hospital’s emergency room.... Read more
5-May-2011Source: Arizona Republic
The company sought dismissal, with its attorneys arguing that Arizona has almost no connection to the lawsuit and that the accident wreckage, aircraft records and accident witnesses are all believed to be located in Turkey in the custody of the national police.... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Arizona took the “Top Master Award” at the Arizona State Capitol on March 22, 2011 during the Arizona Small Business Development Center Awards. This year, the AZSBDC honored 15 top performing Arizona businesses who “collectively created or retained more than 300 jobs; generated more than $4 million in new capital; and increased their sales by... Read more
7-Apr-2011Source: Arizona Republic
An Australian company that sells high-powered searchlights mostly for police and military helicopters will make the Scottsdale Airpark its U.S. headquarters for manufacturing.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: BBA Aviation
Dallas, Texas…April 5, 2011…Brent Hornbeck has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul Group (ERO) company, as manager of the company’s Regional Turbine Center in Phoenix, Arizona. “Brent’s background has all the attributes we seek in an RTC manager,†stated Mike Cumnock, Vice President, Regional Operations/Service for BBA Aviation ERO. “He has... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Omniflight
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center has chosen Native Air as its air ambulance provider. This partnership will ensure that lifesaving air transport is readily available for the Sun City West and surrounding communities. “There are a number of reasons we chose Native Air,†said John Harrington, Jr., CEO, of the nonprofit hospital located at... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: BDN Aerospace Marketing
Sam Jantzen has joined BDN Aerospace Marketing as the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. BDN is a team of marketing communications experts that works exclusively with aerospace industry clients. In the new role, Jantzen continues an illustrious business aviation career that has included senior executive positions with Cessna Aircraft, Fairchild Aircraft, Commuter Air... Read more
23-Mar-2011Source: Arizona Daily Star
They were new and noisy and most folks had never seen one up close and personal back in 1946. That was the year Edwin “Monte” Montgomery brought his helicopter to town, starting up what was later lauded as the nation’s first commercial helicopter business.... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
One of two Experimental A600N Talon helicopters registered to manufacturer Rotorway International has had an accident. The FAA preliminary report indicates that the pilot noticed a jolt while in cruise flight, but the ensuing autorotation ended up with the helicopter on its side. N602RW is registered with an Experimental airworthiness certificate, with the category listed... Read more
17-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The FAA has dropped its Part 145 de-certification case against Phoenix Heliparts in return for the withdrawal of its appeal to the NTSB of the FAA’s revocation of Phoenix Heliparts’ Part 145 repair station certificate last August. This enables Phoenix to start the re-certification process immediately. Company president Tina Cannon said, “The case is now... Read more
15-Mar-2011
Development aircraft – report of jolt while in cruise flight – entered autorotation but heavy landing and helicopter ended up on its side.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Daily Courier
With very little discussion, the Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a consent agenda item for a contract between the county and Prescott Wing & Rotor for the overhaul of a R44 Raven 2 helicopter donated to the county by Guidance Helicopters Inc. of Prescott.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Mesa, Arizona – March 5, 2011. Phoenix Heliparts, Inc. is continuing its successful expansion by appointing Conrad Moreno as quality assurance manager, and Marcus Landry as manager of business development. Both appointees have over 30 years experience in the helicopter industry, with careers that have focused on quality assurance and strategic expansion. Moreno has supported... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Phoenix Heliparts
Mesa, Arizona – March 5, 2011. After being fully restored by Phoenix Heliparts, of Mesa, AZ, a 1981 MD500D model has been customized with an ‘E’ nose, air conditioning and a complete Aerodynamix NVG package. This 30-year-old aircraft is now truly state of the art. Official handover to Team C&H, of Jacksonville, Florida, will take... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Sonoran Wings Flight Training Centre at Tucson International Airport is adding helicopters to its fleet, which previously included only fixed-wing aircraft. The company has added two Robinson R22s in mid-February and will add a Robinson R44 helicopter soon. Jerry Williams, the school’s general manager, said he has wanted to add helicopters ever since the school... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: KPHO
On Friday morning, news helicopter crews were all chasing breaking news when someone from the ground shined a laser in their direct line of sight.... Read more
25-Feb-2011
County Administrator Julie Ayers said the item was pulled at the request of the attorneys for Prescott Wing and Rotor, who wanted to finalize the contract language. Ayers expects the contract to be ready for the board to approve during the March 7 meeting.... Read more
22-Feb-2011Source: Daily Courier
The Sheriff’s Office has been in talks with Prescott Wing and Rotor since that time to complete necessary overhaul valued at $250,000. [file photo]... Read more
22-Feb-2011
Brown out at 30 to 40 ft during an NVG approach... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: Las Vegas Review Journal
“The Park Service has done the unthinkable but not the unexpected; it has broken its public promise to the air tour community to not propose measures designed to drive the industry, along with many jobs, out of existence in Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona — which this will do,” Steve Bassett, president of the United... Read more
6-Feb-2011
HeliHub.com accident page – see 31-Jan-11 N530RL MD Helicopters MD530FF Waterman’s Peak, US-Arizona (1F)... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: National Park Service
The National Park Service has developed a draft plan to address the impacts of aircraft noise on park resources and visitor experience. Released by the park on Tuesday, the plan is formally called a “Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Special Flight Rules Area in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park.†The document will be... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: LifeTips.com
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders and is a must-see vacation destination. Papillon selected LifeTips for content development services as part of a national effort to educate millions of readers on touring the Grand Canyon by land or air. Papillon is now the exclusive sponsor of the Grand Canyon... Read more
31-Jan-2011
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that civilian pilot Loren Leonberger was pronounced dead at the scene of the PCSO helicopter crash near Avra Valley. Other occupants were Edwin Nettleton, 58, and Paul Panzica, 41, who were released from the hospital ahead of Larry Sayers, 64, who was seriously injured.... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: AIN
Timken recently expanded its aerospace aftermarket facility in Mesa, Ariz., with offerings aimed primarily at the turbine-powered civil and military rotorcraft markets.... Read more
3-Jan-2011Source: Arizona Family
Rescuers used a Stokes basket to lift the man off the trail and up to the helicopter, but as that basket got close to the door, it started to spin faster and faster. (VIDEO)... Read more
28-Nov-2010Source: Native Air
Native Air, a division of Omniflight Helicopters, a leading national provider of air medical services, has donated more than $15,000 to River Cities United Way. The donation, part of Native Air’s Flight for a Cause fund-raising program, supports local charities and community organizations within the communities it serves. The donation was based on the number... Read more
23-Nov-2010Source: Omniflight
ADDISON, Texas, November 22, 2010 — Omniflight Helicopters, Inc., a leading national provider of air medical services, has launched its OmniAdvantage family membership program in eight of the 18 states in which it offers service. Omniflight is introducing OmniAdvantage as a supplemental insurance offering to give the millions of families in its service regions the... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced that it has delivered another AS350 B3 to the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support unit. This is the fifth AS350 B3 in the unit’s fleet of helicopters that has grown to meet the needs of its citizens and its expanding coverage area. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support... Read more
9-Nov-2010
Tail rotor struck a cactus. Pilot was sole occupant... Read more
5-Nov-2010Source: Vertical Aviation
Monday, November 1st, 2010, marked the official start of Vertical Aviation! Under new ownership and management, Westcor Aviation, Inc. will now be known as Vertical Aviation LLC. For the past year, operations have been conducted under the direction of John Castrogiovanni as General Manager, and now as Owner and President, they anticipate the transition to... Read more
25-Oct-2010Source: Serenity Helicopters
Serenity Helicopters has opened their doors as the newest provider of Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Steve Egger, founder of Air Maui (a popular Hawaii helicopter tour provider), brings his 25+ years of experience and flawless safety record to the Las Vegas helicopter industry. Serenity takes pride in being a small company, which... Read more
20-Oct-2010
FAA prelim report stated that this R22 “ended up on its side”. We note that we have another report dated 29th October of the same type of helicopter in Prescott AZ – perhaps the FAA got the wrong date on this report?... Read more
19-Oct-2010Source: ASU
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) announced this week that they received a contract to complete cockpit modifications on three AS350s for the Phoenix Police Department. Phoenix has a population of more than 1.6 million people and is larger in square miles than Los Angeles. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States and the... Read more
17-Oct-2010Source: Aero Products
Aero Products (www.aeroproducts.com ) was recently approved to join the ranks of the highly acclaimed Bell Helicopter / Textron product support network as a Customer Service Facility. “We are very excited to have been selected to join Bell Helicopters independent product support group as a Customer Service Facility, said Ted Johnson, Founder and President. At... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Prescott Daily Courier
Guidance Helicopters, Inc. in Prescott has donated a high-altitude four-seater helicopter to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office to help with daytime search and rescue efforts.... Read more
15-Oct-2010Source: Timken
The Timken Company’s Aerospace Aftermarket Solutions business, based in Mesa, Ariz., offers a full range of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft fleets ranging from commercial planes to military rotorcraft. Those capabilities and the fact that Timken offers its own aftermarket replacement parts approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uniquely position the... Read more
2-Oct-2010Source: Arizona Republic
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Cari Harrison sentenced him to a total of 303 years, but ordered that all but two of them be served concurrently, meaning Jones will have to serve 25 years.... Read more
1-Oct-2010Source: KFYI
Christopher Jones pleaded guilty to 35 counts, including car theft and running from the police. He is not charged with the deaths of the four men who died when the KTVK and KNXV helicopters covering the chase collided.... Read more
1-Oct-2010
Emergency landing made after chip light illuminated... Read more
30-Sep-2010
Tail rotor struck canvas umbrella while hovering at low level... Read more
