Latest from Andrew Healey
Rotorcraft
Bell’s new 427i promises much more than just IFR
By launching the IFR version of its 427 model at Heli-Expo, in Las Vegas in March, Bell Helicopter finally acknowledged its mistakes in introducing the typ
Rotorcraft
Malaysia needs dedicated SAR helicopters
Malaysia’s deputy prime minister has acknowledged the need for the government to acquire helicopters configured to conduct search-and-rescue missions.
Security
TSA undertakes security checks at NYC heliports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is taking over security checks of passengers and baggage at New York City heliports, following warnings th
Erickson Air-Crane selling S-64 to Italians
Erickson Air-Crane will hand over a “new” S-64 Helitanker to Italy’s Corpo Forestale dello Stato (state forestry corps, or CFS) this morning at Booth No.
Dealer finds it’s best to sell direct
Since diversifying into a sales dealership last year, HelicopterBuyer (Booth No.
Industry Perspective: Eurocopter
American Eurocopter opened its new production facility near Columbus, Miss., in October.
Start-up company plans new twinjet STOL aircraft
British company Avcen has designed an innovative ducted-fan twinjet, called the Jetpod, that it claims will cruise at 300 knots yet take off and land in sl
Rotorcraft
Improved helo display blends HUD and NVGs
An international technical consortium has completed trials on a new head-up display (HUD) that allows helicopter pilots to view the display through night-v
Rotorcraft
AB139 deliveries continue as Bell/Agusta awaits FAA OK
Bell/Agusta AB139s seem to be headed far and wide at the moment.
Rotorcraft
A Customer Is a Customer
Heritage Aviation of Grand Prairie, Texas, is to install VIP interiors for
two Sikorsky S-92s ordered by the government of Turkmenistan to transport
two Sikorsky S-92s ordered by the government of Turkmenistan to transport
Rotorcraft
Kiwi Rescue Flight Recognized
The Life Flight Trust, operator of a Wellington, New Zealand-based Westpac Rescue BK 117B2, was named 2004 “Trust of the Year” at a recent awards dinner.
Rotorcraft
HAL Claims New Altitude Records
Hindustan Aeronautics claimed new helicopter high-altitude flying records last month, although it remains to be seen whether those records will be certifie
Rotorcraft
New Nose-mount for EC 120
A Danish flight-test engineer has developed a camera nose mount for the EC 120 that, he says, is stronger and lighter than the only current alternative.
Rotorcraft
Grand on Track
Development of AgustaWestland’s new A109S Grand is on schedule, with two test aircraft already achieving their performance targets, according to the Italia
Rotorcraft
Bell Wins Federal Contracts, Too
Eurocopter wasn’t the only OEM to strike it rich with a multiple-ship order from the U.S.
Rotorcraft
Hamburg Takes EC 135 Delivery
The city of Hamburg, Germany, has accepted two new EC 135s for police duties.
Rotorcraft
Chinese Order Eurocopters
Chinese operator COHC has ordered two Eurocopter AS 332L1 Super Pumas, with an option to acquire one EC 225 and an EC 155 B1.
Rotorcraft
New Eurocopter Facility Opens
American Eurocopter opened its manufacturing, assembly and customization plant in Columbus, Miss., in October.
Rotorcraft
Bell/Agusta anticipates a bright future
You might call Heli-Expo 2005 a triumph for Bell/Agusta Aerospace and particularly for the AB139.
Rotorcraft
MD Helicopters secures investment from Boeing
Just two days before submitting its February 7 bid for the U.S.
ATC
Precision Approaches Take Shape
Hickok & Associates of Orange Beach, Ala., has developed a network of 19 GPS approaches to hospitals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for aeromedical operator
Rotorcraft
One Small Step for Helifilms
A British aerial filming business played a small part in last month’s successful landing of a European Space Agency probe on the surface of Saturn’s moon T
Regulations and Government
Italian Pilots Cleared
An Italian military tribunal has thrown out cowardice charges against four pilots who refused to fly in Iraq because of the poor state of their helicopters
Rotorcraft
Fly Neighborly in New York City
The Eastern Region Helicopter Council has established a “fly neighborly” program that establishes guidelines for helicopter operators flying over the New Y
Rotorcraft
HeliExpo 2004 to test mettle of helicopter industry
The industry gears up for its annual group hug, this year back in Las Vegas (March 15 to 17) against a backdrop of decent sales figures for new civil helic
Rotorcraft
Crewman Fights for Compensation
A search-and-rescue crewman with the UK’s Bristow Helicopters claims he is being “unceremoniously dumped” from his job after the injuries he sustained over
Rotorcraft
Better Late Than Never
Southwest Nebraska will receive its first-ever air ambulance in May–a Bell 407 operated by MedStar.
