Rotorcraft

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

Latest

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

February 2, 2007

ERHC pilots brave elements to get an update

Helicopter pilots gave a clear demonstration of their dedication to their profession last month by turning out in impressive numbers on one of the most fri

Rotorcraft

February 2, 2007

Pop-out floats approved for Enstrom 480B

Enstrom Helicopter of Menominee, Mich., has earned FAA approval for a pop-out float option on its Model 480B.

Maintenance and Modifications

February 2, 2007

Bell increases JetRanger’s takeoff weight

Bell Helicopter announced last month a supplemental type certificate (STC)–free to operators–that increases the maximum takeoff weight of its 206B-series J

Rotorcraft

February 2, 2007

More Articles

Schweizer Gets Power Boost

Schweizer has won FAA certification for an increased takeoff horsepower rating on its Model 333.

Rotorcraft

February 2, 2007

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

February 2, 2007

Honeywell expands engine offerings, plans return to helicopter business

Barry Eccleston wants to take Honeywell back into the commercial helicopter business in a big way, while at the same time finding another airframe on which

Engines

February 1, 2007

Mideast Seals PAS Expansion

The ambitions of the UK’s Police Aviation Services (PAS) to attract external training contracts have been boosted by news of a deal for its parent company,

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Daniels Lands at Simplex

Steve Daniels has joined Simplex as vice president of sales and marketing.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

EMS expansion in Northern Virginia

EMS operator Inova AirCare is doubling its fleet of aeromed helicopters this month in an effort to increase service to residents of Northern Virginia and t

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Bell 407 Fleet Passes a Million Hours

One million hours equals more than 114 years, 11.5 decades or nearly 42,700 days.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Helicopter FBO Opens in Paris

This month, French company Aviaxess will open a helicopter FBO at Paris Heliport, Issy-le-Molyneaux, in addition to starting a fractional helicopter and je

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Report inconclusive about why R44 ditched in water

The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has issued its report on an accident last January.

Safety

January 31, 2007

Dutch Lose Patience with MDHI

The government of the Netherlands has canceled a contract for eight high-gross-weight MD 902 Explorers.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Working group to address Grand Canyon noise issue

In 1987 the National Parks Overflights Act mandated substantial restoration of “natural quiet” at Grand Canyon National Park.

Regulations and Government

January 31, 2007

Helicopter tour operators thrive in South Africa

While U.S.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Firefighting

Helitanker operators may have thought they would profit after the U.S.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Heavy Lift ‘Fire Stallions’ ready for firefighting duty

Clovis, Calif.-based Heavy Lift Helicopters is currently converting the first commercially owned Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallions for firefighting operations.

Rotorcraft

January 31, 2007

Amsat’s Action Plan

The Air Medical Service Accident Analysis Team (Amsat) developed four categories of recommendations, each representing factors that could be addressed with

Safety

January 31, 2007

Enstrom upgrades turbine air conditioner unit

The Enstrom 480 series has an upgraded air conditioning unit that the FAA recently certified.

Maintenance and Modifications

January 31, 2007