Helicopter Association International

Last Chance for HFI 2012 Scholarship Program!

News Staff — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:36:45 GMT

Helicopter Foundation International will stop accepting applications for the Commercial Helicopter Rating, Maintenance Technician Certificate, Michelle North, and Bill Sanderson Scholarships at 11:59 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 31.

Russia, India Sign Helicopter, Jet Deal

News Staff — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:56:11 GMT

New Delhi (DefenseNews) - India has contracted weapons purchases worth around $3 billion from Russia during Russian President Vladmir Putin’s Dec. 24 visit to New Delhi.

Air Methods Orders HEMS Helicopters from American Eurocopter

News Staff — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:52:23 GMT

Air Methods Corp. has placed an order with American Eurocopter Corp. for 22 new helicopters valued at more than $80 million.

Fiscal Cliff-Dive Appears Likely

News Staff — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:43:24 GMT

Following a holiday weekend with no progress on cliff talks, U.S. Senate majority leader, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), offered a grim prognosis on the fiscal cliff just days before taxes rise and major spending cuts start to take effect.

SAIB: Robinson Tank Bladder

News Staff — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:20:40 GMT

A new Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts owners and operators of the availability of a fuel tank bladder retrofit program for enhanced safety on Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters.

Ukrainian Interior Ministry Helicopter Crashes

News Staff — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:47:54 GMT

Kyiv Post - A Ukrainian Interior Ministry Mi-8 helicopter has crashed in Kirovohrad region, killing five people. The crash occurred at the Oleksandria airfield at about 1600 on Dec. 26, the Interior Ministry reported.

AgustaWestland Signs Sea King Support Contract

News Staff — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:21:26 GMT

AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for the provision of Sea King Integrated Operational Support (SKIOS) from 1st April 2013 to the type's out of service date in March 2016.

Corcoran: Helicopter Crashes in Yard, Pilot Hurt

News Staff — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:58:03 GMT

Hennepin County, Minn. (twincities.com) - A 68-year-old man was hurt after the helicopter he was flying caught fire after landing on a western Hennepin County yard on the morning of Dec. 23.

News from Bell

News Staff — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:31:09 GMT

Bell Helicopter will expand its completion and customer delivery facilities located in Piney Flats, Tenn. Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil has validated the Bell 429 to operate in Venezuela. Bell has signed an agreement with the Republic of Turkey Undersecretariat for Defence Industries for the supply of five Bell 429s.

ALEA Southeast Regional Safety Seminar

News Staff — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:53:57 GMT

The Airborne Law Enforcement Association Southeast Regional Safety Seminar takes place from Jan. 8-10, 2013 in Gainesville, Fla.

South Sudan Army Shoots Down UN Helicopter

News Staff — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:02:13 GMT

National Post - South Sudan's armed forces shot down a U.N. helicopter on Friday killing all four crew members on board, the United Nations said.

DHS Determines 13 States Meet Real ID Standards

News Staff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:52:50 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has determined that thirteen states have met the standards of the REAL ID Act of 2005 for driver's licenses and identification cards, and has granted a temporary deferment for all other states and territories.

Universal Avionics Announces New Asia Pacific Office

News Staff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:43:39 GMT

Universal Avionics' V.P. of Sales, Marketing and Support has announced that the company will open a new satellite office in Singapore.

World Civil Helicopter Market to Hit $3.69bn in 2013

News Staff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:23:23 GMT

PRWeb - According to new report 'Global Civil Helicopter Market 2013-2023: Commercial Prospects for Rotorcraft,' the value of the global civil helicopter market in 2013 will hit $3.69bn.

Stalemate on Fiscal Cliff Continues as Fears Abound

News Staff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:20:08 GMT

While Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives were able to successfully pass a measure that would replace the looming sequester cuts to military and other programs, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) withdrew his "Plan B," which would have extended the income tax rate cuts for most Americans making less than $1 million

Dave Nieuwsma: Rockwell Collins V.P. Govt. Systems

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:59:50 GMT

Dave Nieuwsma, who has led the Rockwell Collins Government Systems Airborne Solutions unit for the last two years, has been named V.P. of Government Systems Stategy and Business Development.

Preliminary Accident Report: Apollo Beach, Fla.

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:32:21 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Robinson R22 used during a personal flight, Apollo Beach, Fla.

PM to Have Isles of Scilly Meeting 'If Necessary'

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:13:01 GMT

Cornwall, England (BBC News) - British Prime Minister David Cameron is prepared to meet residents of the Isles of Scilly if he is needed to help secure a new helicopter service from Cornwall, he told the House of Commons.

Heli-One Poland Secures Part 145 Certification

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:08:08 GMT

The world's largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services is now formally open for business in Rzeszow, its fourth major location around the globe.

U.S. House to Vote on Fiscal Cliff "Plan B"

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:55:59 GMT

Only 11 days remain for the U.S. Congress to act to avert a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts scheduled to hit the economy at the start of 2013.

HFI Seeks Heritage Aircraft Sponsors!

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:52:15 GMT

Helicopter Foundation International will once again have vintage aircraft on display at the Heritage of Helicopters Display at HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are currently seeking such aircraft and supporting sponsorships.

Preliminary Accident Report: Childress, Texas

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:48:43 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Hughes 369D used during an external load operations flight, Childress, Texas.

UTair Shares Listed on RTS2 Index

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:45:50 GMT

UTair Aviation shares have been listed on the MICEX-RTS RTS2 index with stock ticker UTAR, a move expressing increased confidence in the liquidity and attractiveness of the shares.

Hikers Rescued from Mt. Baden Powell Summit

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:28:16 GMT

On Dec. 15, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, the San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff Departments, and the United States Forest Service/Angeles National Forest received an emergency call that two hikers were stranded just below the summit of the Mount Baden-Powell.

Make a Difference — Donate to HFI!

News Staff — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:17:36 GMT

Donations to Helicopter Foundation International help support and expand HFI's educational programs and preserve helicopter history. Contributions help sustain and expand HFI's scholarship offerings and mentoring programs.

Carter Slowed-Rotor VTOL: Impressive Lift-to-Drag Values

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:29:51 GMT

Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC has made significant progress as performance flight-testing of its current Slowed-Rotor/Compound prototype, the Proof of Concept demonstrator, continues.

Preliminary Accident Report: Corona, Calif.

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:03:01 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Robinson R44 II used during a personal flight, Corona, Calif.

Duran Duran Star Launches Children's Air Ambulance

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:58:40 GMT

Stratford-upon-Avon, England (Stratford Observer) - Duran Duran star Simon Le Bon has launched the Children's Air Ambulance. The dad-of-three is a patron of the charity. The Children's Air Ambulance will transfer critically-ill youngsters from general hospitals to intensive care units across England and Wales.

List of Parks Exempt from Air Tour Management Act

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:31:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a list of parks exempt from the provisions of the Air Tour Management Act.

IMT Introduces Bluetooth-Capable CTX-II to MAG Market

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:04:23 GMT

Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC introduces its CTx-II COFDM Transmitter, which now features Bluetooth capabilities.

Preliminary Accident Report: Newfield, Ariz.

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:45:45 GMT

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report for the accident involving a Eurocopter AS350 B3 used during a Customs and Border Protection flight, Newfield, Ariz.

Jacksonville Helicopter Cops Win Awards for Risky Water Rescues

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:36:04 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (jacksonville.com) - They are eyes in the sky for Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers on the ground. But Air Unit officers Steve Vaughan and Steve Strickland’s helicopter hovered close to the deck recently when both had to hit the water to rescue people in two separate incidents.

White House and Republicans Inching Closer on Fiscal Cliff Talks

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:29:28 GMT

With the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives bending further on taxes than any Republican leader in recent years, Democrats and Republicans are not very far apart on proposals to resolve the fiscal cliff.

Maintenance Students: Deadline Quickly Approaching!

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:59:51 GMT

The Helicopter Foundation International is pleased to accept applications for the Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship, but time is running out to apply – the deadline is December 31!

Eurocopter Canada Delivers AS350 to Kootenay Valley Helicopters

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:02:18 GMT

Eurocopter Canada has delivered an AS350 B3e to Kootenay Valley Helicopters to assist with utility missions throughout British Columbia.

FAA and NPS Release Air Tour Reporting Guidance

News Staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:41:39 GMT

The recently passed FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 included a provision requiring air tour operators conducting tours over national parks and abutting tribal lands to submit reports to the FAA and the National Park Service.

Russian Helicopter Fleet to Receive Boost

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:21:05 GMT

Russia Beyond the Headlines - Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Yuri Slyusar, recently announced that the state program for the promotion of the aviation industry was approved by the government in November and will be adopted by the end of the year.

Bird Bashes Miami-Dade Police Helicopter

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:17:49 GMT

Miami, Fla. (The Miami Herald) - The pilot of a Miami-Dade police helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing after a large bird crashed into the windshield on Dec. 18, injuring the pilot.

Rep. Markey Introduces UAV Privacy Legislation

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:14:09 GMT

U.S. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced legislation Dec. 18 to establish privacy safeguards regarding the use of drones in the U.S. airspace.

U.S. Coast Guard Selects Honeywell Vibration System

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:07:32 GMT

Honeywell has been awarded a $4.8 million contract to install HUMS onboard the entire fleet of U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T helicopters.

TSA to Study Health Effects of Full Body Scanners

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:22:12 GMT

The Transportation Security Administration has contracted out a study into the health impacts of radiation emitted by backscatter airport scanning machines.

Officials Use Low-Flying Helicopter to Survey Deer

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:35:13 GMT

Denver, Colo. (CBS4) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials will be surveying deer from a low-flying helicopter from Dec. 24.

No One Injured as Helicopter Strikes Hangar

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:07:42 GMT

Winner, S.D. (argusleader.com) - A South Dakota Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk has been damaged after striking an airport hangar in Winner.

White House Offers Fiscal Cliff Counter Proposal

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:20:03 GMT

In a new counteroffer to Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the fiscal cliff, the White House has proposed allowing tax rates to rise for those making more than $400,000.

DART to Offer Left-Hand Pilot-in-Command and Cable Cutters Kits

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:09:02 GMT

DART is to offer Left-Hand Pilot-In Command Kits and Cable Cutters Kits to provide increased safety and to support operators who have to contracts with entities like the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service.

Boy Charged after Laser Shone at Police Helicopter

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:02:59 GMT

Kent, England (BBC News) - A boy has been charged after a laser pen was shone at a helicopter as its crew helped search for an injured man near Hersden in Kent.

Aviation Industry Groups Ask for Study on Pilot Shortage

News Staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:59:19 GMT

A laundry list of aviation groups is asking for a Government Accountability Office study "to gain a better understanding of pilot supply and demand and its potential effects on the U.S. aviation industry and the U.S. economy."

Master Minimum Equipment List Revision: AB/AW-139

News Staff — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:27:31 GMT

The FAA's Flight Standards Division has revised (Rev 2b) the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for the AgustaWestland AB/AW-139.

Huey on-call to Fight Fires

News Staff — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:22:03 GMT

Australia (echonews.com.au) - Northern Rivers has a Bell Huey helicopter at its disposal. The machine will be used on the Far North Coast and in Southern Queensland to water-bomb fires, assist during other natural disasters, and perform aerial crane procedures.

Legislation Promoting Vehicle Miles Traveled Concept

News Staff — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:39:39 GMT

Just as the U.S. House of Representatives is dropping its demands to ban the study of a vehicle miles traveled fee, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) was introducing his bill to require Treasury to study just such a scheme.