Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

Contributor

Mark Huber

Erickson and Helicopter Express have formed a strategic alliance to support and diversify S-64 Air Crane operations in North America and meet the growing demand for the aircraft’s sustainment, modernization, and production. In October 2022, Chamblee, Georgia-based Helicopter Express became the first commercial operator to acquire an S-64F (N159AC). The company plans to acquire additional S-64s from Erickson later this year.
“The Helicopter Express team is thrilled to own and operate additional cranes, support existing customers, and bring the crane’s unique construction and firefighting expertise to new customers in North America and abroad,” said Scott Runyan, company founder and president.
Founded in 1995, Helicopter Express operates a diversified fleet of 24 helicopters and specializes in heavy lift, utility construction, and aerial firefighting operations. Its business model is built on the acquisition of new-production aircraft. Through the first half of 2023, Erickson owned and operated 15 Air Cranes.
“The alliance with Helicopter Express is a strategic step for us,” said Erickson president and CEO Barry Kohler. “Erickson is channeling resources to integrate the global supply chain and improve support for all operators.”
Erickson said it continues to optimize OEM support, including with its “Powered by Erickson” performance-based logistics plan, and expand the S-64 fleet. Both companies said they will coordinate with S-64 customers to prevent any disruption in service.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Erickson Selling Additional Air Cranes to Helicopter Express

Heavy-lift specialist operates a diversified fleet of 24 helicopters

Erickson and Helicopter Express have formed a strategic alliance to support and diversify S-64 Air Crane operations in North America and meet growing demand. 

Erickson Selling More Air Cranes to Helicopter Express

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Neelam Mathews

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Charlotte Bailey

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany 

Matt Thurber

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

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Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

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Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

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European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance

Sikorsky Is Upgrading the Black Hawk Helicopter for Evolving Military Needs

Armed forces will be able to outfit Black Hawks with new armament and equipment.

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