HeliHub.com News

Fishtail Air achieve long-line vertical-face rescue at 6,380m altitude

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:29:11 +0000

Our Italian duo of rescue experts Capt. Piergiorgio Rosati and Capt. (Mountain climber) Simone Moro rescued the dead body of a Ukrainian man whose body has been stuck at Tengkangpoche about 18 months using the longline from our B3 helicopter. The Ukrainian climber had been climbing the Tengkangpoche peak 18 months ago with his female [...]

Global Vectra director launches second court case to get company flying again

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:23:59 +0000

A director and a shareholder of Global Vectra Helicorp, the aviation arm of the Ravi Rishi-led Vectra Group, Thursday moved the Delhi High Court against the suspension of its permit to fly choppers. The court is already hearing the plea of Global Vectra Helicorp against the DGCA’s order. (see full story)

L-3 Wescam wins $10M EO/IR contract from Canadian military

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:19:33 +0000

L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has been awarded an in-service support contract valued at $10 million by Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). The contract fulfills the DND’s requirement for long-term product support of its WESCAM electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems and mission equipment packages [...]

Hawke’s Bay SAR crew recognised for dangerous rescue

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:20:21 +0000

A Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter crew from Hawke’s Bay has won the NZSAR Gold Award for the most significant contribution to search and rescue in 2011 following a harrowing rescue off Cape Kidnappers. (see full story)

NTSB Safety Recommendations on Amateur-Built Aircraft

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:14:43 +0000

A gap in safety between experimental and certificated aircraft is widest on the first flight, and the early hours of flying in a new pilot’s hands. That is among the conclusions of a detailed analysis released by the NTSB on May 22 along with a set of recommended changes approved unanimously by the board. Working [...]

Applications for 2013 HFI Scholarships open 1st June

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:14:11 +0000

Helicopter Foundation International announces that it will begin accepting 2013 scholarship applications starting June 1, 2012. The deadline for applying for these scholarships, to be received at HFI headquarters, is no later than 11:59 p.m. on Nov., 30, 2012. Applications may be mailed or emailed. HFI offers up to four Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarships, up [...]

Miami commissioners approve Watson Island heliport

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:13:18 +0000

A New Jersey company will build and operate the new heliport, which will be known as the Watson Island Aviation and Visitors Center (see full story)

Northwest MedStar Launches Alert App to Reduce Response Time

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:09:11 +0000

There’s an app for that. Just launched, the new app places Northwest MedStar on alert when air transport may be needed. MedStar Alert, one of the first smartphone applications in the nation developed by a critical care transport provider for EMS providers, launched as part of EMS appreciation week celebrations. A free EMS application, MedStar [...]

ORNGE ran $14.5-million deficit, documents show

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:02:48 +0000

Leaked ORNGE budget documents obtained by the Progressive Conservatives show the air ambulance service was running a $14.5-million deficit (see full story)

UTair marks first year as Eurocopter Certified Center

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:32:16 +0000

On May 18 at HeliRussia 2012 UTair Aviation and Eurocopter marked the 1 year anniversary of their jointly sponsored Training Center for pilots and maintenance personnel of Eurocopter helicopters. The event was attended by the heads of both Eurocopter Vostok – the Russian subsidiary of the Eurocopter Group – and UTair – the leading helicopter [...]

Sikorsky completes first S-61T airframe modernization

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:22:09 +0000

Sikorsky Aircraft’s Troy, Ala., facility announced today it has completed the structural modernization of its first S-61T™ airframe, which will now undergo completion at Carson Helicopters for eventual delivery to the U.S. State Department for diplomatic service in Afghanistan. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The State Department signed an agreement in...

13 Aviation Trade Groups Urge Congress to Support Biofuels

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:18:04 +0000

Thirteen aviation trade associations representing all facets of the industry authored a letter to Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), urging them to support U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) efforts to “research, test, and deploy biofuels in the aviation sector.” “It is our collective belief that the ongoing efforts of the United States [...]

Eurocopter and Turbomeca launch maintenance training centre in Mexico

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:55:17 +0000

Eurocopter de México (EMSA) and Turbomeca México (Safran Group) have signed a cooperation agreement for the training of helicopter maintenance technicians and recently opened their first joint training center in Mexico, which is also the first of its kind on the American continent to offer Spanish-speaking instructors. This new center, inaugurated today by Eurocopter’s Executive [...]

Metro Aviation on record pace during 30th year

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:51:06 +0000

Celebrating 30 years in business, Metro Aviation continues on a record pace both with their aircraft completions business unit as well as the air medical operations division. The company has recently integrated the GPS Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability into their existing EC145 Single/Dual Pilot IFR (SP/DPIFR) STC utilizing the Garmin GNS 200 Multi-function Display, [...]

South Africa – AW119 found smeared in mud, and blades cut off

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:45:08 +0000

An AW119 belonging to alleged underworld tycoon and businessman Frikkie Lutzkie mysteriously crashed near the border with Botswana. The crash is being investigated by the Northern Cape Organised Crime Unit (see full story and three photos). HeliHub.com editor note – a photo in happier times (taken December 2010) can be found here

Guimbal develops iPad dock for Cabri

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:31 +0000

Helicopteres Guimbal have developed a new iPad docking station for the Cabri cockpit under the name FlyPad – which they have registered as a trademark. The design allows for the iPad to be landscape or portrait, with a facility to just fold it away against the side of the instrument binnacle if required. While in [...]

The Helicopter Museum gives special access to Royal helicopter

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:52:59 +0000

If you would like to savour the luxury of Her Majesty The Queen’s own helicopter, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be available over the Bank Holiday weekend of June 2nd – 4th, when The Helicopter Museum at Weston-super-Mare opens up its Royal Wessex helicopter to visitors. Be sure to bring your children and your camera too. [...]

Clubhouse talk – comparing the R66 with an EC120

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:37:05 +0000

You know how it is. You go down to the clubhouse to have a drink with some friends, and inevitably the conversation will turn to aviation. This time I was asked how I would compare the Eurocopter EC120 against a Robinson R66. So we resorted to a comparison by numbers using brochures etc – and [...]

Portugal’s 751 Squadron passes landmark 2,751 rescues

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:17:30 +0000

Portugal’s 751 Squadron, responsible for the country’s SAR helicopters, had achieved a milestone 2,751 rescues. The key rescue was made in the Azores chain of islands in the Atlantic on 20th May when they transported a pregnant woman from the island of Graciosa to a hospital at Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira. [...]

Neonate learns to fly

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:19:26 +0000

Heli-Air Design’s Helineo ultralight helicopter completed its first flight at Metz Nancy Lorraine airport, in north-east France, on 26 April. Under the control of test-pilot Stéphane Lignier, the three-blade turbine-engined two-seater made fifteen take-offs and a series of hover-taxy manoeuvres inside ground effect. According to HAD’s Jean Fiaud, the flight demonstrated that the helicopter...

China’s Kunming thinks big – a GA airport and 15 helicopters please

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 07:56:59 +0000

Kunming is one of a few prefecture-level cities in China, and is the capitan of Yunnan province. With a population of 6.5 million, Kunming appears ahead of its fellow states and cities with an ambitious general aviation plan. This week they have announced the intention to build a GA airfield from scratch, and intend purchasing [...]

Australia – Helicopter pilot pleads guilty to crash charges

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:52:29 +0000

Darwin Magistrates Court has heard 41-year-old Mark Sullivan strapped a power generator filled with fuel into an empty passenger seat of the helicopter and failed to comply with a number of procedures outlined in an operations manual. (see full story)

Mayor Bloomberg to stop using E34 Heliport on weekends

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:46:50 +0000

A neighbour has been videoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg using his S76 in and out of East 34th Street Heliport at weekends when the heliport is closed. Sounds to us like a mismatch between Bloomberg considering that heliport is open although the terminal is closed and fuel not available – and the neighbours who [...]

UTair Engineering extends cooperation with Turbomeca Germany

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:39:29 +0000

On May 17 at the 5th annual International Helicopter Exhibition HeliRussia 2012 held in Moscow, UTair Aviation subsidiary UTair-Engineering and Turbomeca Germany signed an agreement for the construction of a new MRO Center for Turbomeca engines and their components. Turbomeca is a global leader in the manufacture of helicopter engines and components. The purpose of [...]

Unapproved Parts – Chelton/Wulfsberg ELT subcomponents

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:54:48 +0000

The FAA have issued document No.: 2012-20111019001 as follows: AFFECTED PRODUCTS: Subcomponents and brackets produced by Chelton Avionics, Inc. (dba Wulfsberg Electronics Division) Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) PURPOSE: This notification advises all aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, and parts distributors regarding ELT subcomponents and brackets...

Bristow ferry EC225 half way round the world

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:49:03 +0000

Bristow yesterday returned a Eurocopter EC225 to the British register as G-ZZSH, having previously been flying it in Australia for two years as VH-ZFH. However, it is unusual for such ferry flights to be done by air, as was the case here. The EC225 finally landed at Aberdeen around 2pm on Tuesday, and while we [...]

CHC transfers Super Puma from Angola to UK

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:41:55 +0000

CHC have in the last 24 hours registered a AS332L2 Super Puma in the UK – serial 2398 as G-CHCY. This aircraft had previously been operated for eight years by SonAir in Angola in full CHC colours and titles. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

Sikorsky awarded $9M for H-53 swashplate and gearbox work

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:36:37 +0000

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $9,064,199 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00383-06-D-003F) for the incorporation of two Naval Air Systems Command approved engineering change proposals supporting the H-53 helicopter: Dynamic Component Change No. 97 swashplate, and Dynamic Component Change No. 94 gearbox. Work for the nose gearboxes...

Bristow Group announces results for Q4 and full year to 31st March 2012

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:34:25 +0000

Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) today reported net income for the March 2012 quarter of $14.2 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared to net income of $30.9 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago. Adjusted net income, which excludes special items and asset disposition effects, was $44.6 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, for the March 2012 quarter, an increase...

Bristow Group announces 33% dividend increase

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:26:44 +0000

Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS), the leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a 33 percent increase in the company’s dividend, resulting in a quarterly dividend of $0.20per share, up from $0.15 per share previously. The dividend will be payable on June 15, 2012 to stockholders of record at [...]

CAE appoints new Military Group President

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:06:08 +0000

CAE is pleased to announce the appointment of Gene Colabatistto as its new Group President, Military Simulation Products, Training and Services. He will be replacing Martin Gagne who, after 16 years of service with CAE, has decided to retire. CAE is also pleased that Mr. Gagne has agreed to stay on as a consultant in [...]

Eurocopter delivers first Airbus A350 XWB jetliner passenger door

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:35:48 +0000

This month’s delivery of Eurocopter’s initial A350 XWB jetliner passenger door produced at its Donauwörth, Germany facility represents a further milestone in a program that underscores synergies between helicopter production and the construction of carbon fiber aircraft components. In a ceremony in Donauwörth’s C4 production building, Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, Eurocopter Executive Vice President...

Barclays London Heliport takes record bookings ahead of British Grand Prix

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:17:45 +0000

With six weeks still to go before the 2012 British Grand Prix, The Barclays London Heliport is anticipating its busiest weekend of the year to date, having confirmed record bookings for the forthcoming Formula 1 Santander Grand Prix at Silverstone. Bookings from City-based corporates and private individuals ahead of the July 6-8th weekend are up on [...]

Women in Aerospace announces Annual Conference

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:14 +0000

Women in Aerospace (WIA), the leading professional group promoting women’s opportunities in aerospace, will hold its annual conference, “Aerospace 2012: Leading the Way,” on Friday, June 1, at the Key Bridge Marriott in Rosslyn. NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver will open the conference, which brings together government and industry leaders to analyze key aerospace issues....

Specialist Aviation Services add another MD Explorer

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:56:05 +0000

Specialist Aviation Services has added another MD Explorer to its fleet – a lease from sister company European Support Centre bvba in Belgium. SAS’s Nigel Lemon told HeliHub.com that they see greater market opportunity for the Explorer in the UK and have thus transferred it from the Belgian register – where it was OO-EMS – [...]

Heliflight UK Ltd leaves Patriot Aerospace Group

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:04:46 +0000

On 18th May 2012 Heliflight UK Ltd, one of Gloucestershire Airport’s longest established helicopter operators left the Patriot Aerospace Group and returned to its roots. Founder Jon Lane said ‘we’ve had an interesting couple of years as part of a larger organisation but with Patriot wanting to concentrate on its general aviation businesses at Coventry [...]

All Metal to build custom maintenance stands for Chevron AW139s

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:36:02 +0000

All Metal MS, a leader in the development and manufacturing of safety first custom maintenance stands, maintenance support equipment and hangar equipment, announces that the Aircraft Operations of Chevron North America gave the approval to purchase 18 custom maintenance stands for their fleet of AW139s. All Metal has been working with Chevron North America’s Aircraft [...]

Columbia Helicopters to diverisfy into military engine maintenance

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:16:45 +0000

Seeing a growing business opportunity in military helicopter engine repair services, Columbia Helicopters has built upon its long-time relationship with engine manufacturer Honeywell International, and is in the process of opening a second test cell at its Aurora, Oregon, maintenance base. Under its new agreement with Honeywell, which was finalized in March, 2012, Columbia Helicopters is now [...]

LockMart/Bristow will not bid for Australian AIR 9000 Phase 7 project

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:11:18 +0000

Lockheed Martin has confirmed it is not bidding for the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) project. (see full story)

FAA proposes new repair station regulations

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:08:55 +0000

On May 21, the FAA released a proposed rule that would bring significant regulatory changes to repair stations operating under 14 CFR part 145. “As with all proposed rules, it may create as many problems as it is trying to fix,” noted ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod. “ARSA notes that there are proposals for permanent housing, satellite [...]

Breeze-Eastern name new President/CEO

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:07:46 +0000

Breeze-Eastern Corporation (nyse mkt:BZC)(nyse mkt:the “Company”) today announced that Brad Pedersen has been appointed to serve as the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Pedersen succeeds Donald M. (Mike) Harlan, who has served as Breeze-Eastern’s President and CEO since January, 2010, and who has decided to resign to pursue other interests. Pedersen has...

Thermal imager for Westpac Life Saver Rescue

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:53:40 +0000

Sydney’s Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has received a boost with the supply of an advanced thermal imaging camera from Thales Australia. The camera, from the company’s Sophie range of world-leading thermal imagers, will be used to help rescue crews detect and identify people in need of assistance. The camera works by identifying body [...]

UK CAA postpone EASA pilot licence start date

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:51:57 +0000

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the introduction of new EASA pilots’ licences in the UK has been delayed until 17 September 2012. The CAA said that due to the complexity of the transition to the new licence format, and changes to the associated requirements and infrastructure, the original 1 July 2012 [...]

Russia to acquire 20 Ansat trainer helicopters

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:50:42 +0000

The Russian Air Force will take delivery of at least thirty Ansat trainer helicopters by 2020, the service’s spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Tuesday (see full story)

Columbia River Bar Pilots acquire AgustaWestland Grand New

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:21:07 +0000

The AW109SP is operated by Brim Aviation to whisk bar pilots to and from the Columbia River bar, where they board or disembark from incoming and outgoing vessels. (see full story). The particular aircraft is N361CR serial 22243. [File photo]

ASU Announces Final Call for Night Vision Awards

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:55:08 +0000

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) are accepting nominations for the Night Vision Awards to be presented at the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Annual Trade Show and Convention in July 11-14 in Reno, Nevada. Nominations will be accepted until June 18, 2012. The night vision awards were created to acknowledge companies that use night vision systems [...]

Barclays Bank sponsor The London Heliport

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:30:26 +0000

The London Heliport, still known by many as Battersea Heliport, now has a sponsor. Although no press release was issued, a hint was given in the footer of another press release that Barclays Bank have been the title sponsor of the Heliport from earlier this month. HeliHub.com will aim to get more information on this [...]

Norwegian Police lease second EC135

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:13:37 +0000

Up to now, Norway has had a single police helicopter – a1 Eurocopter EC135T2 based at Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (ENGM) and operated by Pegasus Helicopter. They have operated it since April 2004. A second helicopter was promised and funded after last July’s terrorist attacks, and back in January, we reported that there was a delay in [...]

36th Cabri is first in Denmark

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:53:54 +0000

Helicopteres Guimbal have recently delivered Cabri serial number 1036 to Air Service Vamdrup, where it is now flying as OY-HJI. The Danish dealer is Air Service Vamdrup Aps, based at Vamdrup close to the city of Kolding. The company was founded in 1988 by Bent Iversen and has now grown to around 20 employees. The [...]

V-22 Osprey is saved from budget cuts

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:44:25 +0000

V-22 Osprey program escaped the federal budget chopping block once again after local members of the U.S. House of Representatives voiced opposition about an amendment that would have stripped funding for the tilt-rotor aircraft. (see full story)

Kaman workers warn against more cuts to Aerospace and Defense

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:36:32 +0000

Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.) and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll addressed more than 400 workers today at the Kaman Aerostructures facility in Jacksonville to warn about the threat to U.S. economic and military strength posed by $500 billion in sequestration budget cuts scheduled for January 2013. A study commissioned by AIA last year found that Florida could lose more than 39,000 jobs if Congress does...

UH-72A Lakota fleet hits 100,000 flight hour milestone

HeliHub.com Editor — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:13:49 +0000

The U.S. Army’s fleet of 219 UH-72A Lakota helicopters surpassed the 100,000 flight hour milestone during operations on May 10. The 100,000 flight hour aircraft, configured for Opposing Force training missions, was flown by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Lacrosse and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Ezell of the Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s Falcon Observer/Controller-Trainer [...]

HAI attends successful HeliRussia show in Moscow

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:00:52 +0000

From May 17-19, as part of continued efforts to expand its global presence and outreach to members, HAI participated in the 5th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition, HeliRussia, at the Crocus Expo Center in Moscow. Matt Zuccaro, president of HAI; Stan Rose, HAI director of Safety; and Nick Prelosky, staffer of the Helicopter Foundation International (HFI), joined [...]

Heli-Sport starts deliveries of the CH-77 Ranabot

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:54:58 +0000

Heli-Sport has just announced that initial deliveries of their side-by-side two-seat CH-77 Ranabot were made approximately a month ago to customers in their native Italy. Next deliveries are expected to be to France and the Czech Republic – and Heli-Sport is actively working with the dealers in those countries, who will be responsible for assembly, [...]

UK – Nobody has applied for Helicentre Aviation pilot scholarships so far

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:54:58 +0000

In February this year Helicentre Aviation announced the launch of two Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarships – unbelievably not a single application has so far been received with just over ten months remaining until the March 2013 deadline! The two scholarships have been designed to offer graduates of Helicentre’s PPL(H) and CPL(H) courses the chance to [...]

Dallas Airmotive appoints new manager at Phoenix Regional Turbine Center

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:40:55 +0000

Kevin Bang has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul Group (ERO) company, as manager of its Phoenix Regional Turbine Center (RTC). Bang will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the RTC which focuses on PT6A, JT15D, M250™ repair services and, with its recent appointment, the HTF7000. “Kevin has a long history [...]

Atlanta Aero Club honours HAI President

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:38:14 +0000

Join the Atlanta Aero Club as it welcomes Matt Zuccaro, president of the Helicopter Association International (HAI), at a luncheon on June 7, 2012 at the Capital City Club Downtown, Atlanta, Ga. All HAI members are invited and will receive the Aero Club member discount for attendance. Zuccaro, who became HAI President in 2005, has [...]

REACH renews NVG Training Contract with Night Flight Concepts

HeliHub.com Editor — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:24:01 +0000

Night Flight Concepts® is pleased to announce contract renewal of NVIO™ Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Initial and Recurrent Computer-Based Training (CBT) for REACH Air Medical pilots, flight nurses and EMT aircrew. “With more than 200 pilots and crew, Night Flight Concepts NVIO™ NVG CBT allows for easy access, and standardized training to all personnel regardless [...]

NATO/ISAF comment on changes brought by unmanned K-Max operations

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:11:23 +0000

Improvised explosive devices have changed the way the Marine Corps engages hostile forces. The need has risen for supplies to reach the most remote parts of Afghanistan quickly, reliably and safely. Late last year, the Corps began experimenting with the K-MAX – an unmanned helicopter, able to transport large amounts of cargo and reduce the [...]

UTair to operate ten AW139s, becomes Authorized Service Centre

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:01:39 +0000

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that UTair of Russia has recently been certified as an AW139 helicopter operator and is set to operate ten AW139s for passenger, corporate and VVIP transport missions in Russia. The first aircraft is expected to be handed over this summer with deliveries planned to be completed by [...]

FlightSafety HH-60G Pave Hawk simulator enters service at Kirtland AFB

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:49:33 +0000

FlightSafety is pleased to announce that its new Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter simulator has entered service at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support (ATARS) program. ATARS prime contractor Lockheed Martin and FlightSafety designed the weapons systems trainer to prepare HH-60G aircrews [...]

Dart announces FAA/EASA certification for B206 screw-in Windshield Kit for Bell 206

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:41:43 +0000

DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announce FAA & EASA approval of DART Aerospace Ltd.’s (DAS) new Screw-in Windshield Modification Kit for Bell 206A/B/L/L1/L3/L4 model aircraft. Transport Canada approval has been previously received. The new DAS Screw-in Windshield Modification Kit allows the operator to replace the existing OEM windshield retainers with quick change out [...]

North Slope Borough SAR selects Night Flight Concepts for NVG Maintenance

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:34:28 +0000

North Slope Borough’s Search and Rescue Aviation Unit has chosen Night Flight Concepts® (NFC) to provide a Night Vision Goggle (NVG) repair and maintenance solution to augment their existing night vision program. The addition of NFC FAA-certified repair and maintenance services, including NVG inspections, will streamline NSB’s NVG sustainment to deliver greater value, performance and [...]

Bell honours H1 “Yankees and Zulus” in “Heroes of Aviation” Series

HeliHub.com Editor — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:22:37 +0000

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the second of the Bell Helicopter “Heroes of Aviation” Series which pays tribute to the men and women who preserve freedom and save lives while using Bell Helicopters. “On behalf of the 11,000 men and women of Bell Helicopter, I am proud to dedicate this painting [...]

HMH-363 completes time in Hawaii, transitions to VMM-363 in California

HeliHub.com Editor — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:05:01 +0000

The color guard and headquarters staff of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 render honor while the national anthem plays during a change of command and re-designation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, May 10, 2012. The commanding officer of HMH-363, Lt. Col. Mark Revor, flew his squadron’s battle colors before casing them for [...]

R44 crashes on aerial saw operations in Finland

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:51:03 +0000

This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]

Metro Aviation begins EC145 deliveries to Duke Life Flight

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:15:38 +0000

Nationwide air medical operator and helicopter completions specialist, Metro Aviation, Inc. has delivered the first of two EC145 helicopters to longtime air medical program, Duke University Life Flight. Life Flight Administrative Director, Henry Ward accepted the aircraft during a delivery ceremony at the Metro Aviation main facility in Shreveport, Louisiana this month. Attending the event was...

Russian Helicopters showcases new-look medium multi-role Ka-62

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:21:42 +0000

Russian Helicopters, part of Russian state defense industry holding Oboronprom, and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters and producer of some of the world’s most iconic, innovative and widely operated models, today presented the new model of the medium multi-role Ka-62 at the 5th international helicopter exhibition HeliRussia 2012. The presentation took place on [...]

Russian Helicopters becomes official partner of Caterham F1 Team

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:21:06 +0000

Russian Helicopters, one of the global leaders in the helicopter industry, is glad to announce an official partnership with Caterham F1 Team, one of the 12 participants in the FIA Formula One World Championship. From the Monaco Grand Prix, the Russian Helicopters logos will be seen on the Caterham F1 Team cars and in future [...]

Helicopter Service Company signs JV with Scientific-Production Company “PANH”

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:19:07 +0000

Today at the 5th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition 2012 HeliRussia «Helicopter Service Company” (FAC), a subsidiary of the holding company “Russian Helicopters”, which is part of United Industrial Corporation “Oboronprom”, has signed a partnership agreement with Russian helicopter operator of the Scientific and Production Company “PANH.” Under...

Russia – Helicopter Service Company opens up a single call-center

HeliHub.com Editor — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:18:44 +0000

[electronic translation] “Helicopter Service Company” (FAC), a subsidiary of the holding company “Russian Helicopters”, which is part of United Industrial Corporation “Oboronprom”, begins the next stage of creating an integrated system of after-sales service Russian-made helicopters. June 1, 2012 RCS provides a single call-center operators for the Russian...

Bell affirms presence in Russia at HeliRussia

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:58 +0000

Bell Helicopter announced at the 5th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HELIRUSSIA 2012 it completed delivery of its sixth Bell 429 in Russia and Ukraine. “We are excited about the tremendous customer response to the new generation of Bell aircraft,” said Patrick Moulay, Bell’s managing director of Commercial Sales in Europe. “Versatility is the name of [...]

AAMS to celebrate MedEvac Hour during EMS Week

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:55:49 +0000

Next week is National EMS Week, May 20-26, 2012, during which there will be strong focus on the important work of EMS providers nationwide. In conjunction with EMS Week, the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) will put special emphasis on the life-saving work of medevac crews around the world through our annual MedEvac Hour [...]

Australia – All barriers cleared for Heli-Experiences to start Hanson Bay flights

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:15:49 +0000

Helicopter joy flights could start from Hanson Bay by spring, with the court appeal by EcoAction discontinued. Heliexperiences director Guy Maine said he was delighted that all actions ihad been concluded and there were now no impediments to the launch of the business. (see full story)

Mi-28NE Havoc on display at HeliRussia

HeliHub.com Editor — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:11:10 +0000

The Mil Mi-28NE Havoc (Night Hunter) attack helicopter and 49 other military exhibits will be displayed by 14 Russian organizations at HeliRussia in Moscow, the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation reported. (see full story)