Latest from Andrew Healey
Safety
New safety initiative takes first steps
At a briefing at February’s Heli-Expo in Dallas, members of the industry’s newly formed International Helicopter Safety Team briefed delegates on their str
Safety
Ditching Characteristics under Study
A UK CAA study says the risk of a helicopter capsizing during a controlled ditching is “considerably higher” than it should be.
Rotorcraft
S-76C++ Wins FAA Approval
Sikorsky has been awarded FAA certification for its S-76C++ variant.
Rotorcraft
Third Norsk S-92 Enters Service
Norsk Helikopter’s third Sikorsky S-92 entered revenue service last month.
Maintenance and Modifications
Supplier Boosts MDHI Parts Inventory
Heli-Mart of Costa Mesa, Calif., has bought nine MD 520Ns and a 300C previously operated by the Phoenix Police Department.
Rotorcraft
Helitech shines despite absence of big orders
Amid feverish speculation that the 2005 show might be rattling around the mighty Excel exhibition centre in London’s docklands, this year’s Helitech, held
Rotorcraft
PZL Swidnik Delivers 500th Airframe
PZL Swidnik in Poland has handed over its 500th airframe–an AW139–to AgustaWestland, marking 10 years of cooperation between the two companies.
Rotorcraft
Look Ma, No hands, No feet
Boeing has flown its Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) technology demonstrator without a safety pilot for the first time.
The modified MD 530F lifted off f
The modified MD 530F lifted off f
Regulations and Government
London government looks at helicopter noise
A committee within the London Assembly is investigating the issue of helicopter noise in Britain’s capital.
Rotorcraft
Faster Filling for Firefighters
Simplex has introduced a new DC electric hover pump for its Fire Attack helicopter firefighting system that it says slashes fill times by nearly 50 percent
Rotorcraft
Bloodied but Unbowed
With the appointment of a new manager to lead its bid for a joint civil/military UK Search and Rescue service, Bristow Helicopters is giving notice of its
Rotorcraft
Russia eyes China's Heavy-lift Market
Russian manufacturer Rostvertol is establishing a joint venture with Lectern Aviation Supplies in Hong Kong to promote its Mi-26T heavy-lifter in the Peopl
Rotorcraft
AgustaWestland Makes Mark in Asia
As part of a modernization program for its helicopter fleet, AgustaWestland will supply four A109 Powers to Japan’s National Police Agency.
Rotorcraft
San Diego Buys a Bell Too
After a competitive tender, San Diego County has approved a sheriff’s department request to buy a new Bell 407.
Sightseeing market a boon for Eurocopter’s EcoStar
Investing in a new helicopter is not a decision to be made lightly–especially for a mom-and-pop operation working in a particularly volatile market sector.
Regulations and Government
HAI launches disaster-relief database, invites volunteers
Last month the Helicopter Association International (HAI) rolled out its First Responder program–an online database of helicopter operators who, in the eve
Rotorcraft
Extra Comfort for S-92 Crew
Sikorsky has taken delivery of a new, ergonomically improved crew seat for the S-92.
Rotorcraft
Latvia To Get A109 Powers
The Latvian Border Guard has ordered two Agusta A109 Powers to increase its border-patrol capabilities before joining the European Union’s Schengen (open b
FBOs
Second heliport proposed for London
London City Airport (LCY) has broached the subject of an east London heliport to cater to the capital’s helicopter traffic.
Rotorcraft
NVG Specialists Reach STC Milestone
Aero Dynamix has received an 11th STC approval for a night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit modification, this time for the Eurocopter AS 350B3.
Rotorcraft
R&D Center Loses Funding
American Helicopter Society (AHS) president Rhett Flater warns that the rotorcraft industry risks losing one of three university-based Rotorcraft Centers o
Rotorcraft
Rotorart for Mozart
This example of public art is currently on display in the Residentsplatz in Salzburg, Austria, as part of the city’s 200th anniversary celebrations of its
Rotorcraft
Oil industry drives N. Sea helo fleet expansion
The upsurge in oil and gas activity is putting increasing strain on helicopter operators’ ability to serve their offshore customers, and highlighting a pot
Maintenance and Modifications
Jet-Care Analysis for Helicopters
Demand for engine oil and debris analysis from laboratories in Europe and the U.S.
Avionics
In-flight Monitoring System Rewarded
Flight-tracking specialist OuterLink was presented an award during the American Helicopter Society symposium in Phoenix last month.
Rotorcraft
First European Customer for S-76D
Sikorsky will sell two S-76Ds to Premier Aviation Services of Ireland, for VIP and business travel use.
Rotorcraft
Civil/Military Future for British SAR
Further details have been announced about the future of the UK’s helicopter search-and-rescue service.
Spanish firm readies for firefighting season
Right now more than 250 aircraft–the majority of them helicopters–are positioned around Spain, to address what everyone expects to be another busy summer o
Rotorcraft
Island Shuttle Flights
Helisureste also offers scheduled services, flying from Malaga to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, on the North African coast, and from Malta to its Mediter
