EMS TRACKING
California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) air medical transport service is installing Sky Connect's Iridium network-based voice, automated tracking and text messaging service in its fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The move will provide CALSTAR aircraft with continual automatic satellite tracking and communications for its operations in northern and central California, including regions around Lake Tahoe, says SkyConnect.
ALSIM SELECTION
Canada's Pacific Flying Club has installed the Alsim AL200MCC simulator at its base in British Columbia. The device will be used to train pilots on Cessna 172, Piper Seneca, Navajo and Seminole and Beechcraft King Air 200s. Meanwhile, US flight training school the Fairmont State National Aerospace Education Centre has selected the AL200MCC to train its student pilots. More than 40 AL200 MCCs have been installed throughout the USA since the system was certificated in February.
ATSB PROBE
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating a fatal accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter on cattle-mustering activities during which a person on the ground was struck on the head by the helicopter's main rotor and fatally injured. The incident occurred at a cattle station in the Northern Territory when the helicopter took off to resume cattle mustering after conducting scenic rides for visitors to the station. During the climb after take-off the helicopter's low RPM warning horn activated. During the recovery manoeuvre by the pilot, one of the visitors on the ground was struck in the head by the main rotor. The ATSB is looking at issues including aircraft performance, take-off and obstacle clearance, weather and pilot performance and training in its investigation.
Source: Flight International
