Helicopter Association International

Attention Helicopter Students – Deadline Extended!

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:38:05 GMT

Helicopter Foundation International has extended the deadline for applications for the Commercial Helicopter Rating, Maintenance Technician Certificate, Michelle North, and Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarships! We will now accept applications until December 31, 2012.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service: 40 Years of Saving Lives

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:28:06 GMT

Australia (Herald Sun) - Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service chief executive Steven Leahy said his organisation flew 105 missions last summer. With the upcoming summer forecast to be much hotter than the last, the WLRHS will celebrate its 40th anniversary saving lives.

Preliminary Accident Report: Atlanta, Ga.

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:21:39 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Hughes OH-6A used during a public use flight, Atlanta, Ga.

Erickson Air-Crane Letter of Intent to Acquire Brazilian Business

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:14:31 GMT

Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire 14 helicopters and associated personnel and assets from HRT Participacoes em Petroleo, S.A.

Three Helicopters Battle Takaka Fire

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:45:10 GMT

East Takaka, New Zealand (stuff.co.nz) - Three helicopters were used to fight a fire in East Takaka Nov. 28 which burnt about one hectare of forestry and scrubland.

Robert Cox Joins American Eurocopter

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:23:31 GMT

American Eurocopter has named Robert Cox as Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations. Cox brings more than 30 years of experience in newspaper business reporting.

Preliminary Accident Report: Alexander City, Ala.

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:04:18 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Robinson R22 used during a personal flight, Alexander City, Ala.

Movement Seen in U.S. Congress on Immigration

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:51:02 GMT

On Nov. 27, U.S. Sens. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) unveiled legislation that would create three new visa categories for young immigrants who enroll in college or join the military, some of the first measurable movement on immigration since the U.S. elections.

Factual Accident Report: Hanapepe, Hawaii

News Staff — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:03:35 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a factual report for the accident on Oct. 28, 2012 involving a Robinson R22 in Hanapepe, Hawaii.

Congressman Wants UAV Privacy Concerns Addressed

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:28:40 GMT

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) is taking aim at the FAA for not paying enough attention to privacy as it develops a rule to integrate UAVs into the U.S. national airspace.

ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest Closing Soon!

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:48:48 GMT

Time is fast running out to submit your entry in the ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest: all photos must be submitted by midnight ET on Dec. 1, 2012. Don't put off your chance to share your winning photo!

FAA Approval of DART Fresh Air Vent Kits

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:46:11 GMT

DART Helicopter Services announces FAA Approval of their Fresh Air Vent Kits for EC130 model helicopters. EASA approval is already underway and is expected to be received by end of fourth quarter. Transport Canada approval is expected first quarter of 2013.

U.S. GDP Grows Faster than Expected

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:36:31 GMT

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that real gross domestic product in the U.S. rose at an annual rate of 2.7 percent in the third quarter, up from an initial estimate of 2 percent.

Jail Threat to Man who Shone Laser at Helicopter

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:23:23 GMT

Yorkshire, England (Yorkshire Evening Post) - A man who shone a laser pen at the West Yorkshire Police helicopter as it was helping to investigate a break-in at a school in the Lupset area of Wakefield on Sept. 8 this year was handed a suspended prison sentence Nov. 27.

Aeronautical Accessories Refreshes Online Presence

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:54:18 GMT

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., doing business as Aeronautical Accessories, announces the release of its new website, a redesigned internet presence that provides current and prospective customers access to numerous tools and technical resources and simplified purchasing options.

House Aviation Subcommittee Blasts TSA Administrator

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:36:19 GMT

Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee, Tom Petri (R-Wis.), blasted the TSA for declining to attend a hearing Nov. 29 on how the agency's policies affect air travel.

Board Elections at HAC

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:03:42 GMT

Jen Norie of VIH has been re-elected to the HAC Board by acclamation. There have also been a number of changes to the Officers of the HAC Board.

Pentagon Eyes Project to Preserve Helicopter Design Capabilities

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:52:11 GMT

Reuters - The U.S. Defense Department may fund initial work on a new military helicopter in a year or two to preserve the industry's critical design capabilities for that sector.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Minimums

News Staff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:23:42 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance has released its minimum requirements for drug and alcohol testing of employees at various DOT agencies in 2013.

Senate Passes Udall Biofuel Amendment

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:55:07 GMT

The U.S. Senate voted 62 to 37 to approve an amendment by Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) to strike provisions from the National Defense Authorization Act that barred the military from buying biofuels when more expensive than traditional fuels, except for in a research capacity.

Renew Your IA at HELI-EXPO 2013!

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:47:11 GMT

HAI is offering a variety of easy and convenient options at HELI-EXPO 2013 to renew your inspection authorization certificate.

SkyTrac Systems to Soar with New Ownership

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:45:42 GMT

SkyTrac Systems announces that a group composed of Malachi Nordine, SkyTrac's current Director of Product Development, Stephen Sorocky and Roynat Equity Partners has purchased the business of SkyTrac Systems from Kathleen Wallace, the Founder of SkyTrac.

Progress Slow on Fiscal Cliff Talks

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:25:45 GMT

Congress returned to Washington this week, confronted with a calendar that leaves a month to strike a deal on a wide range of more than $500 billion in tax and spending issues.

Two Days Left for HFI Scholarship Program!

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:19:26 GMT

Helicopter Foundation International will stop accepting applications for the Commercial Helicopter Rating, Maintenance Technician Certificate, Michelle North Scholarships, and Bill Sanderson Scholarships this Friday!

Helicopter Crashes North of Sheridan

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:15:43 GMT

Sheridan, Ore. (newsregister.com) - An MD 500D helicopter crashed north of Sheridan about 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 27. It was being used to load Christmas trees into trucks.

Rep. Schuster to Chair House Transportation Panel

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:05:08 GMT

Bill Schuster (R-Pa.) has been selected by his colleagues to chair the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, set to take his seat in January at the start of the 113th Congress.

HAI Firefighting and Natural Resources Committee Meeting

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:59:57 GMT

The HAI Aerial Firefighting and Natural Resources Committee held its Fall Meeting and Fire Safety Forum from Nov. 26-28 at the Grove Hotel in Boise, Idaho.

Childress County Helicopter Crash Kills 1, Injures 1

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:01:05 GMT

Childress County, Texas (Amarillo Globe-News) - According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a McLean man was killed and another man was hospitalized Nov. 27 after a Hughes 369D crashed in Childress County.

UMD Human Powered Helicopter Competing to Win $10,000

News Staff — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:51:10 GMT

InTheCapital.com - The Boca Bearing Company is giving away over $20,000 in cash and prizes to the most innovative project that in some way, shape, or form uses ball bearings, roller bearings, linear bearings or any type of full ceramic or ceramic hybrid bearings. Among those who have submitted projects thus far is Team Gamera from the University of Maryland, dedicated to designing, building, and flying the first ever human powered helicopter which meets the demand of the American Helicopter Society Sikorsky Prize.

Swedish Maritime Administration Orders Seven AW139s

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:35:27 GMT

AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be equipped for Search and Rescue operations.

Man Admits Helicopter Laser Attack

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:17:40 GMT

Sydney, Australia (The Sydney Morning Herald) - A man has pleaded guilty to pointing a laser at a helicopter in south-west Sydney, temporarily disorientating the pilot.

IMT Brings Surveillance Solution to MAG Market

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:00:47 GMT

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC introduces a portable, turnkey surveillance solution featuring the DTx drop-down tactical camera transmitter and MobilCMDR receiver.

Perth Base for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:02:03 GMT

BBC - Scotland's first charity-funded air ambulance helicopter is to be based in Perth. The Scottish government and the Scottish Ambulance Service have given the project the green light.

Preliminary Accident Report: Lake Havasu, Ariz.

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:09:05 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Robinson R22 used during a photography flight, Lake Havasu, Ariz.

Brazilian Approval of DART AW119 Cable Cutters Kit

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:54:06 GMT

DART Helicopter Services announces Brazilian approval of its A119/AW119MKII Cable Cutters Kit. FAA and EASA approvals were previously received and Transport Canada approval is pending.

Helicopter Help for Wiltshire Fire Service

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:50:30 GMT

Wiltshire, England (BBC) - A millionaire businessman is giving his helicopter and time to operate a "flying fire engine" in Wiltshire. Jeremy Paxton hopes to establish a Thunderbirds-style rescue network using private helicopter owners to assist fire services around the UK.

President Obama Signs Emissions Trading Scheme Bill

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:46:10 GMT

A bill exempting U.S. airlines from the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme has been signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Factual Accident Report: Loop, Texas

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:30:49 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a factual report for the accident on Oct. 21, 2012 involving a Robinson R44 in Loop, Texas.

Newcastle Ducks to the Rescue

News Staff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:09:41 GMT

New South Wales, Australia (Newcastle Star) - They may be quiet achievers, but the men and women of two life-saving organisations work tirelessly to keep the community safe. Together, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the Hunter's 13 surf lifesaving clubs guard coast lines, each day protecting the lives of beach-goers across the region.

News from American Eurocopter

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:54:04 GMT

American Eurocopter has issued a Supplementary Type Certificate with concurrence from the FAA for the installation of the Trakkabeam A800 Searchlight System on the AS350 B3. The Alaska Department of Public Safety has purchased an AS350 B3e to support operations of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and State Troopers.

Eurocopter France: Alouette Helicopters

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:09:36 GMT

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for all Eurocopter France Model SA.315B Alouette III, SE.3160 Alouette III, SA.316B Alouette III, SA.316C Alouette III, SA.319B Alouette III, SA 3180-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU, SA 318B-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU, and SA 318 C-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU helicopters.

Senator Likely to Lift Hold on Huerta

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:39:19 GMT

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) will "likely lift the objection today" on President Barack Obama's nomination for the top job in the FAA, a Senate aide told POLITICO.

Plan to Replace Marine One Choppers Gets Airborne Again

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:34:54 GMT

The Motley Fool - Three years after delays and cost overruns put an end to plans to replace the fleet of Marine One helicopters that ferry President Obama from place to place, the U.S. Navy's controversial VXX chopper program is back in the spotlight.

Helicopter Explodes at Corona Airport, 1 Killed

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:27:08 GMT

Corona, Calif. (KTLA) - Federal investigators are working to determine what caused the explosion of a Robinson R44 at Corona Municipal Airport late on Nov. 25.

Sandel Avionics Receives AS9100 & ISO9001 Certification

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:26:01 GMT

Sandel Avionics Inc. has received its AS9100, Rev C and ISO 9001:2008 certification from NSF International.

Night vision Goggles Show New World to Helicopter Pilots

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:25:49 GMT

Kansas City, Mo. (The Kansas City Star) - Kansas City police helicopter pilots had gotten used to flying blind at night. But when they started training this month with night vision goggles, a whole new world emerged.

UTair Staff and Helicopters Flee Congo Conflict Zone

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:17:51 GMT

HeliHub - Staff and helicopters of UTair Aviation were evacuated from the airport of Goma (DRC) due to a conflict in the region. Within a few hours after taking off from Goma, the city was seized by armed rebels.

Resort Shocked and Saddened by Helicopter Crash

News Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:09:27 GMT

The Bahamas (Tribune242) - Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club said it was left 'shocked and saddened' by a helicopter crash on its property which killed one person and injured four others.

Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH: Generator Control Units

News Staff — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:34:05 GMT

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters with certain Generator Control Units installed. This AD requires replacing the GCUs.

Huerta: FAA May Miss Deadline for UAV Test Sites

News Staff — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:22:55 GMT

The FAA may miss its year-end deadline for selecting six sites to test integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into the airspace, over privacy concerns.