Latest from Mark Huber
Rotorcraft
K-Max Operators Awarded Key Firefighting Contracts
Forty percent of all Type 1, large helicopters exclusive use USFS firefighting contracts awarded to Kaman K-Max operators.
Accidents
NTSB Faults Lacking Safety Culture in Aeromed Crash
The NTSB found that a helicopter air ambulance operator’s “inadequate management of safety” led to the fatal crash of a Survival Fight helicopter.
Maintenance and Modifications
Appareo Upgrades EnVision FDM Software
EnVision can now accept flight data from third-party devices.
Maintenance and Modifications
Covid-19 Exacerbating Maintenance Technician Shortage
Twenty-five percent of Part 147 schools have suspended operations.
Maintenance and Modifications
Robinson Offers Tougher Windshields for Helicopters
Robinson is offering optional impact-resistant windshields for R22, R44, and R66 helicopters.
Accidents
Vortex Ring State Likely Preceded Fatal Bell 407 Crash
The NTSB has issued its final report on the fatal 2017 crash of a Virginia State Police (VSP) Bell 407.
Rotorcraft
Bristow-Era Merger To Close in June
Senior management team announced for merged Bristow-Era.
Accidents
Japan Super Puma Fatal Crash Tied To Tail Rotor Mx
Japan’s Transportation Safety Board (JTSB) has linked the 2017 crash of an Airbus Helicopters AS332L to tail rotor maintenance.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Insurance Hikes, Limited Covid Aid for Helo Operators
"Seismic changes” will continue for helicopter insurance.
Rotorcraft
Perot Pushes Alliance as eVTOL Hub
Perot promotes Fort Worth Alliance airport complex as home for UAS, eVTOL development.
Avionics
Airbus H135 with Helionix Approved in Canada
Transport Canada has granted certification validation to the Airbus Helicopters H135 light twin equipped with the Helionix aviation system.
Accidents
NTSB: Wisconsin EMS Crash Followed Loss of Control
The pilot was non-responsive before his ship rolled inverted.
Accidents
Houston Police Investigating Helo Crash as Homicide
Houston Police are investigating the fatal Saturday morning crash of one of the department’s helicopters as a homicide.
Rotorcraft
Textron CEO Scott Donnelly Bullish On Bell
Textron CEO Scott Donnelly sees a bright future for the company’s Bell unit.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Helo Safety Team Offers Case Studies for Survival
The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team has released a new recommended practice training guide to mitigate risks, including plans based on real acccidents.
Airlines
Air Ambulance Crews Adjust To Covid-19 Operating Conditions
Flying in masks and gloves and distancing from cabin medical crews is now required conduct for emergency helicopter pilots.
Accidents
Huey Crash Kills Former L.A. Newscopter Pilot
Chip Paige was killed when a 1969 Bell UH-1H crashed into a Mesa, Arizona park.
Rotorcraft
Bell 525 Edges Closer To Certification
Bell recently completed noise testing on its 525 super-medium twin.
Engines
Sikorsky Signs Cougar for S-92A+ Helicopter Upgrades
The Sikorsky S-92A+ upgrade kit provides added safety redundancy if primary lubrication fails and extends the overhaul interval by up to 25 percent.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Ambulance Industry Asks for Another $816M
Air ambulance bailout would cover estimated losses for the next six months.
Rotorcraft
Sikorsky HH-60W Emerges From Climate Testing
The Air Force tested its rescue helicopter in extreme temperature regimes.
Rotorcraft
Helo Operators Increase Use of Safety Tools
International Helicopter Safety Foundation survey shows marked increase in the use of best practice safety tools.
Regulations and Government
Covid-19 Brings Changes To HEMS Aircraft, Crews
Covid-19 forces helicopter operators and regulators to make significant changes to air ambulance transports.
Rotorcraft
U.S. Air Ambulances Seek $363.5M in Emergency Aid
Air Ambulances Seek $363.5 Million In Emergency Covid-19 Relief
Rotorcraft
EASA Issues Covid-19 Guidance for Helo Ops
EASA has issued guidance for continued helicopter operations in the face of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
Rotorcraft
Helijet Offers Free Flights To Medical Professionals
Responding to the Covid-19 crisis, Helijet is offering free flights to medical professionals in the Vancouver area.
Rotorcraft
Boeing Suspends Philadelphia Rotorcraft Production
Boeing suspends operations at its military rotorcraft assembly plant in Ridley Township, Pa. outside Philadelphia.
Rotorcraft
Air BP Providing Free Fuel To UK Air Ambulances
Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, Air BP is providing free jet fuel for a number of UK air ambulance helicopter services.
Rotorcraft
Covid-19 Shutters London Heliport
The London Heliport at Battersea is closed until at least April 13.
Rotorcraft
German Medevac Transports Patients In Special Isolettes
German helicopter air ambulance service DRF Luftrettung will begin transporting Covid-19 patients in “EpiShuttles” this week to protect patients and crew.
