HATSOFF TO HINDUSTAN
CAE and Hindustan Aeronautics are planning to open their Hatsoff helicopter training centre joint venture in May at HAL's Bangalore-based facility. The academy - also known as the Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying - will offer training for the Bell 412, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin and for military and civil variants of the HAL-built Dhruv advanced light helicopter. Other aircraft will be added as demand dictates.
AUSTRO POWER
Diamond Aircraft subsidiary Austro Engine has gained Brazilian certification for its diesel-powered AE300 engine, paving the way for the Austrian-based general aviation manufacturer to sell the engine into the Latin American market. The approval comes as an AE300-powered DA42NG piston twin completes its 14,800km (8,000nm) demonstration tour through East Africa. The purpose of the tour, Diamond says, "was to test the performance of the aircraft on long-haul flights in severe conditions and to present the aircraft to several governmental institutions and flight training organisations in Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan where there is a shortage of Avgas".
FINNISH ORDER
The Finnish border guard has ordered a fourth AgustaWestland AW119Ke helicopter. The single-engined aircraft will be used for border patrol, special operations and firefighting missions covering the Finnish/Russian border when it enters service in the fourth quarter of the year. Around 190 AW119s have been ordered to date by more than 90 customers in 30 countries, says AgustaWestland.
Source: Flight International
