The Maryland State Police Aviation Command marks the 50th anniversary of the first civilian medevac mission flown in our state and the commencement of an integrated emergency medical system whose members have helped saved tens of thousands of lives since. On March 19, 1970, at 11:20 a.m., Maryland State Police “Helicopter 108,” crewed by pilot… Read more »
Source: Maryland Government, 23-Mar-20
Helicopter was trying to take off from the top level of a parking garage when the operator lost control, striking a parked car
30-Sep-18
AVIAN-Precise Co.,* Lexington Park, Maryland, is being awarded a $57,399,109 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for approximately 739,200 hours sustaining engineering, training and tools in support of the Naval Air Systems Command’s Systems Engineering Department (AIR-4.1). Services to be provided include direct systems sustainment engineering support throughout the full life cycle of a weapon system from concept development to disposal… Read more »
Source: US DoD, 12-Feb-18
Late last year, Maryland Natural Resources Police received their helicopter back after seven years. Their 1972 Bell Jet Ranger, named Natural 1, was transferred in 2009 to Harford County Sheriff’s Office due to a budget cut. Mark Belton, the NRP’s secretary went to great lengths to reacquire the helicopter and spent $158, 000 on an… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 13-Mar-17
With deer hunting season and oyster harvesting reaching their peaks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a new conservation enforcement tool to its fleet: its own helicopter. The black-and-gold aircraft, Natural 1, has resumed its place after a seven-year absence on the department’s roster. The helicopter will be used as a surveillance platform… Read more »
Source: Department of Natural Resources, 04-Dec-16
Baltimore County (Md.) Police Department’s Aviation Team began operations in 1983 with a small Cessna aircraft that it leased for $1 a year. Today, the elite team responds to some 5,000 calls a year using its fleet of three Airbus Helicopters H125 AStars, the most widely purchased helicopter by U.S. law enforcement agencies. Airbus Helicopters… Read more »
Source: Airbus, 26-Jul-16
BGE and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) have finalized an agreement to utilize BGE’s Spring Gardens Facility in Baltimore as an alternate landing site for medevac helicopters transporting patients to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center / University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). A simulated patient transport, including a test helicopter landing… Read more »
Source: BGE, 02-Jul-16
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, the state’s leading insurer, and PHI Air Medical, a national air ambulance company that serves the University of Maryland Medical System, have reached an agreement that won’t leave patients with the (increasingly hefty) bill. See full story
Source: Baltimore Business Journal, 16-Mar-16
NBAA strongly supports a Maryland bill that would exempt aircraft repair and upgrade parts from sales tax, saying that without the repair exemption, the state is at a competitive disadvantage to other neighboring states. NBAA Supports Aviation Tax Exemption in Maryland “The exemption proposed in SB14 is sound tax policy that will lead to increased… Read more »
Source: NBAA, 10-Feb-16
In making the announcement, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler cited safety, cost, focus and usage as reasons for the decision. See full story
Source: Wbal TV, 08-Jul-15
Landed in shallow water close to the shore of Taylor’s Island. Remained upright and the 2 POB got out and walked to the shore after experiencing a mechanical problem. Pilot named as 45-year-old Vincent Giglio of New Jersey and passenger 61-year-old Ronald Lopes of New York
24-Mar-15
The Haskell Co., Jacksonville, Florida, is being awarded $21,754,670 for firm-fixed-price task order 0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N40080-10-D-0491) for the design and construction of a helicopter operations facility at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington. The work provides for a new two-story facility to accommodate consolidation of two… Read more »
Source: US DoD, 09-Jan-15
Mid-air collision with Cirrus fixed wing N122ES. Helicopter crashed fatally in an industrial area. Total of three fatal – named later as Christopher David Parsons, 29, of Westminster, an instructor for Advanced Helicopter Concepts. William Jenkins, 47, of Colorado, and Breandan J. MacFawn, 35, of Cumberland, were also killed
23-Oct-14
AgustaWestland has delivered to Maryland State Police the 10th AW139 to be used for the state’s emergency medical, search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions. All 10 of the aircraft ordered have been fully built and delivered from the company’s Philadelphia assembly line, with continued technical support provided by the Philadelphia-based Customer Support… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 06-Aug-14
Metro Aviation recently completed and delivered a new EC145 for Boston MedFlight, a critical care transport service in New England. This is the second EC145 that Metro has completed for Boston MedFlight. “We are excited to receive our second Airbus EC145 after its completion from Metro Aviation. This gives us the youngest operating fleet in… Read more »
Source: Metro Aviation, 11-Jul-14
Airbus Helicopters Inc.(AHI) has delivered a fourth EC135T2+ twin engine helicopter to the Massachusetts State Police, further demonstrating the company’s strong leadership position in the U.S. law enforcement helicopter market for both single engine and twine engine aircraft. Massachusetts State Police selected the EC135 in 2009as the replacement aircraft for their existing fleet of Airbus… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 11-Jul-14
Helicopter was reported “in difficulties” and had reported tail rotor control issues. Hard landing, helicopter fell over onto its port side on landing. Pilot and Passenger walked away
25-May-14
During low level hover while training, helicopter fell to the ground and onto its starboard side
01-May-14
Maryland State Police have disclosed they flew 136 community outreach missions in 2013 amid mounting costs for maintaining dual medevac fleets during a troubled transition to new AW-139 helicopters. See full story
Source: WBFF Television, 05-Mar-14
HeliWagonTM announced this week that the company has delivered new HeliWagon mobile landing dollies to the New Jersey National Guard and the Maryland National Guard. New Jersey accepted delivery of four units and Maryland accepted delivery of their first HeliWagon. “We saw the Heliwagon demonstrated and it had all of the capabilities we were looking… Read more »
Source: HeliWagon, 25-Feb-14
State Senator John Astle says he wants more details about a spate of recent emergency repairs on the older Dauphin helicopters and the apparent slower-than-planned roll-out of the new AW-139s. See full story
Source: Fox 45, 04-Feb-14
Force landed in field near Clearview Airport
31-Jan-14
The Sheriff’s Office has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday 3rd December at the Forest Hill Business Airpark to make the announcement and debut their Bell OH-58 See full story [File photo]
Source: Baltimore Sun, 28-Nov-13
University of Maryland students from Team Gamera have unofficially set a world record of 97 seconds for the duration of a human powered helicopter flight. The announcement came at an event on Saturday, October 26 celebrating the team’s accomplishments, which was attended by senior officials from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, United Technologies Corporation, the American Helicopter Society (AHS)… Read more »
Source: Team Gamera, 01-Nov-13
Pilot error was the reason a state medevac helicopter hit the tarmac without its landing gear deployed last month, state police confirmed see full story See also HeliHub.com page for this incident 25-Sep-13 N95MD Eurocopter AS365N3 Leonardtown, US-Maryland
Source: WBFF Fox 45, 15-Oct-13
State Police helicopter made wheels-up landing and remained upright on the fuselage
25-Sep-13
Helicopter grounded after pilot found hole (possibly from a bullet) in a rotor blade on pre-flight inspection
12-Sep-13
Emergency landing in school field, helicopter remained upright. Tail boom sliced by main rotor blades
30-May-13
Word reaching us that a Baltimore Police EC120 has made an emergency landing near the junction of Hanover Street and Reedbird Avenue in Baltimore at 0025 local time. Later flew back to base.
05-Jan-13
A Maryland State Police Dauphin touched down for the first time Thursday morning for a test landing at Frederick Memorial Hospital’s new rooftop helipad. (see full story)
Source: Your4State, 12-Oct-12
On Fridya, Governor Martin O’Malley joined Colonel Marcus Brown, officials from AgustaWestland, representatives from the state’s emergency medical services community, and other officials to unveil the first new Maryland State Police medevac helicopter, an important step forward in replacing Maryland’s aging medevac helicopter fleet. “The most sacred responsibility that any government holds is to protect… Read more »
Source: Maryland State Police, 07-Oct-12
Following the decision to replace their existing Eurocopter EC120 fleet, Baltimore Police have recently launched operations with the first of their four new helicopters – replacing the four old ones which are all at or close to their 12 year overhaul. By taking new aircraft, the Maryland city has also been provided the opportunity to… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 31-Aug-12
Flight Reached Height of Two Feet Towards 10-Foot Requirement Students on the Gamera human-powered helicopter team at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering have unofficially satisfied two of the three American Helicopter Society Sikorsky Prize competition requirements with a flight that unofficially lasted 65 seconds, stayed within a 10 square meter… Read more »
Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering, 29-Aug-12
Larger Space to Allow for Longer, Higher Flights The following advisory is from the A. James Clark School of Engineering: WHAT: A team of A. James Clark School of Engineering students will fly a modified version of their human-powered helicopter, Gamera II, in a much larger space than in previous flight attempts. Gamera II is… Read more »
Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering, 28-Aug-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Maryland State Police Aviation Command has executed options under their current contract for three additional AW139 medium twin helicopters. These aircraft will be used for emergency medical, search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions. This order follows an initial contract for six AW139s placed… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 19-Jul-12
In October of last year, the Baltimore Police Department ordered four EC120® helicopters as part of a fleet renewal program for its current fleet of four EC120s that it has been operating since 2000. The delivery of two of the department’s new EC120s will take place in July, with the remaining two delivered in August…. Read more »
Source: American Eurocopter, 13-Jul-12
On June 20, students on the Gamera II human-powered helicopter team from the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering set a new, unofficial flight duration record of approximately 35 seconds. If verified by the National Aeronautic Association, this new time will supersede the team’s previous world record of 11.4 seconds set last July. The Gamera… Read more »
Source: Clark School of Engineering, 22-Jun-12
The Maryland Board of Public Works voted Wednesday to grant $500K more to AgustaWestland to account for a remodeled searchlight and medical interiors on their nine AW139s, none of which are yet delivered. (see full story)
21-Jun-12
Single engined helicopter crashed into the Wicomico River near the Whitehaven Ferry. Rescued by boat without serious injuries.
09-Jun-12
The Maryland Army National Guard introduced their new helicopter during an orientation event conducted at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation near Reisterstown, Md., April 18. The event gave service members and the media the opportunity to learn about the capabilities of the new UH-72A ‘Lakota’ helicopter and what benefits it brings to the Maryland Army National… Read more »
Source: Maryland National Guard, 20-Apr-12
Engine vibrations in flight, made emergency landing and there was a fire in the engine too
20-Feb-12
Ontario’s air ambulance operator Ornge has had a number of problems recently, a number of them documented here on HeliHub.com. One ongoing aspect is the “emergency room in the air” EMS interior fitted to the AW139s which have been deemed unsuitable for the role they are intended for. Problems identified particularly include the height of… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 09-Feb-12
The FAI has certified that the Clark School’s Gamera human-powered helicopter team set world records earlier this year for flight duration and flight duration with a female pilot. The FAI certified the 4.2-second flight of May 12, 2011, and the 11.4-second flight of July 13, 2011, which supersedes the first. Gamera was designed and built by a… Read more »
Source: Clark School, 21-Nov-11
Former officer Samuel K. Miller, wrote a memo in 2006 criticizing the Police Department for failing to properly train officers in the helicopter unit and to properly maintain the helicopters. The settlement includes a $120,000 payment to Miller and $125,000 in legal fees and other costs (see full story)
Source: Baltimore Sun, 27-Oct-11
What follows is the formal press release from American Eurocopter, issued today. However, HeliHub.com broke this story five weeks ago on 22nd September – see here. American Eurocopter announced today that the Baltimore Police Department has ordered four EC120’s to update its current fleet of four aircraft. The department is one of the leading law… Read more »
Source: American Eurocopter, 24-Oct-11
Join the Department of Aerospace Engineering on November 10, 2011 for a presentation on The CH-53K Marine Corps Program with Dr. Michael S. Torok,Vice President and Chief Engineer of the Marine Corps Program. The talk will take place in the lecture hall (room 1110) of the Jeong H. Kim Engineering building. Meet the Speaker Michael S…. Read more »
Source: University of Maryland, 21-Oct-11
In a major about-turn, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has this week approved the purchase of four new Eurocopter EC120s and support package for $9.5 Million. Less than two years ago, she had threatened to ground the Police Department in a budget reduction plan. Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III was on hand to thank the… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Sep-11
Aero Dynamix Inc. is very proud to announce the completion and delivery of the Howard County Police night vision goggle modified Bell 407 aircraft. ’We are very pleased to be working with a large number of law enforcement agencies on the conversion of their aircraft for night vision goggle operations’ stated General Manager Dennis Trout…. Read more »
Source: Aero Dynamix, 23-Aug-11
Heavy landing which damaged the helicopter after pilot Steven Rindone experienced severe in-flight vibration and put the helicopter down as soon as he could.
29-Jul-11
On July 13, the students on the Gamera human-powered helicopter team from the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering completed their scheduled summer flight session with a new unofficial flight duration of 12.4 seconds. If verified by the National Aeronautic Association, this new time will shatter the team’s previous 4.2-second U.S. national record set… Read more »
Source: Clark School of Engineering, 28-Jul-11
Knowing minutes can mean the difference between life and death, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command is implementing a plan to pre-position the medevac helicopter stationed in Baltimore County closer to where it is most frequently used in Northeastern Maryland during hours of peak mission demand.
Source: Dagger Press, 28-Jun-11
The National Aeronautic Association has certified that onMay 12, 2011, the human-powered helicopter Gamera, designed and built by graduate and undergraduate students of theUniversity of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and piloted by biology student Judy Wexler, achieved lift-off and hovered for 4.2 seconds, thereby establishing the U.S. national records for the duration of… Read more »
Source: University of Maryland, 09-Jun-11
The Maryland State Police helicopter typically stationed in Salisbury will be relocated to the Ocean City Airport for weekends during the summer. Police say the switch means they can respond more quickly to medical crises in the tourist-packed resort.
Source: Del Marva Now, 29-May-11
Prince George’s County Fire Department Spokesperson Mark Brady says a military helicopter made an emergency landing
24-May-11
HI-RES VIDEO:http://lecture.umd.edu/detsmediasite/Viewer/?peid=7ec9bc500b61490aaf49b05320e0cda61d COLLEGE PARK, Md.–A team of more than 50 students at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering has succeeded in flying their human-powered helicopter, Gamera. Pilot Judy Wexler, a 24-year-old biology graduate student at UM, pedaled furiously, taking the craft several inches into the air for about 4 seconds, setting… Read more »
Source: University of Maryland, 13-May-11
The following is being released today by A. James Clark School of Engineering: WHAT: In a step toward winning the Sikorsky Prize, a team of A. James Clark School of Engineering students will attempt for the first time to test-fly their human-powered helicopter, called Gamera. Gamera has a rotor at each of the four ends of its X-shaped frame,… Read more »
Source: University of Maryland, 05-May-11
BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard hosted the 2011 Search and Rescue Conference at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore to improve cooperation between search and rescue agencies in the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, Friday. Approximately 100 members from the Coast Guard, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, and supervisors from more than 25… Read more »
Source: US Coast Guard, 01-May-11
In its latest filing, the federal government says the pilot failed to properly assess the risk of landing the helicopter and executing an approach to the base’s runway, and that he attempted to descend too quickly.
Source: Baltimore Sun, 15-Apr-11
The state is looking into the possibility of billing each patient transported, according to 11 News reporter David Collins. This would be a huge departure from current policy, which uses tax dollars to fund the program, without charging patients.
Source: WBAL 11 News, 19-Mar-11
“They made a precautionary emergency landing due to an equipment malfunction, and they had a patient on board,” said Cpl. Kelly Matthews with the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office.
14-Mar-11
Precautionary landing for a potential mechanical problem.
29-Jan-11
The state of Maryland has filed a $4 million lawsuit against the federal government over the 2008 crash of a state police helicopter that killed four people.
Source: Buffalo News, 13-Jan-11
Grand Prairie, TX – Today, American Eurocopter announced that STAT MedEvac has ordered five more twin-engine helicopters. The order consists of three EC135 helicopters and two EC145 helicopters and is part of an ongoing strategy at STAT to continually upgrade its fleet with the latest aircraft and the newest technology. The aircraft are scheduled to… Read more »
Source: American Eurocopter, 13-Jan-11
A medevac helicopter en route to a Caroll County hospital made an emergency landing in Reisterstown Thursday night, Baltimore County police said.
06-Jan-11
The sole survivor of a 2008 Maryland State Police helicopter crash in District Heights has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the FAA, alleging negligence on the part of air traffic controllers.
Source: Gazette, 14-Dec-10
David H. Hopwood, 35, of the 7000-block of Bristol Place in Sykesville was charged with reckless endangerment, attempted second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and prohibited use of a laser pointer.
Source: Eldersburg Patch, 25-Nov-10
Ocean City council have funded the transportation of the UH-1 from Pennsylvania on the basis that Ocean City Aviation Association reimburses them over time
Source: Ocean City Today, 21-Nov-10
(HeliHub.com editor note – we have already run this story as reported in Maryland local press – this the confirmation from AgustaWestland via a press release) AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce today that it has been awarded a contract by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to provide six AW139 helicopters for… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 20-Oct-10
MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) joined with Allegheny General Hospital’s LifeFlight at this year’s Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Allegheny General Hospital’s LifeFlight had on display its MD Explorer which they use to provide regional emergency helicopter and critical care ground transportation services for critically ill and injured patients who need immediate… Read more »
Source: MD Helicopters, 20-Oct-10
A state tender for six helicopters closed this week with AgustaWestland’s $72M bid the only one placed. Questions now being raised as to why they were the only manufacturer to bid, and why helicopters as large as AW139s are used for State police and EMS work
17-Oct-10
The AW139 was the only bid – a year back Eurocopter alleged that the state’s specifications for new aircraft were skewed in favour of AgustaWestland
Source: Baltimore Sun, 15-Oct-10
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter today announced that HeatlhNet Aeromedical, long-time customer and program with aircraft operated by Air Methods, continues to expand its operations utilizing the company’s industry leading helicopters. HealthNet has already placed an EC135 and an EC145 into service this year and it has further expansion planned for the fourth quarter…. Read more »
Source: American Eurocopter, 11-Oct-10
Authorities from several Maryland police agencies called attention to the problem on Wednesday, asking people to put down their lasers, some of which can project beams more than two miles.
Source: Baltimore Sun, 13-Sep-10
The attorney for Kenneth Mallard says he deserves compensation for the death of his wife because of the “negligence of Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers”
Source: Washington Post, 02-Aug-10
