Heli Service highlights strain from support of sister firms but maintains positive outlook
German offshore windfarm specialist Heli Service International has warned in its 2023 accounts of a “strained” liquidity position on the back of heavy financial support for its overseas sister operations, particularly in Taiwan but sees brighter future ahead on back of contract wins and increased flight activity.
South African R44 crashed during lift-off after unsecured penguin fell on controls
South African investigators have determined that the pilot of a Robinson R44 helicopter did not assess the risk of transporting a live penguin in the cockpit before the aircraft crashed just after lift-off.
Six reportedly killed as Bell 206 plunges into Hudson River
Early reports suggest that six people aboard a tourist helicopter that plunged on 10 April into the Hudson River were killed.
Creation of ‘conflict point’ led to fatal Australian EC130 collision
A ‘conflict point’ stemming from operational changes led to the fatal collision of two Airbus Helicopters EC130B4s on 2 January 2024 at Gold Coast, Australia.
Partners hail success of hydrogen helicopter first flight
Unither Bioelectronique (UB) is claiming several aviation firsts following the first flight of a piloted hydrogen fuel cell-powered helicopter.
SAF Aerogroup plans growth path under new ownership
One of France’s leading helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operators is hoping for a growth boost from a planned acquisition by a pair of private equity firms.
Researchers use video simulations to show ‘visceral experience’ of exposure to rotorcraft downwash
UK researchers believe they have discovered a “powerful new approach” to demonstrate safety risks posed by hovering helicopters or other vertical take-off vehicles by using video simulations to “capture the true physical form” of the gusting and swirling winds generated.
Columbia Helicopters renews Chinook firefighting deal with Turkey
Columbia Helicopters will deploy four civil Chinook heavy-lift rotorcraft to Turkey in the coming months following the renewal of an aerial firefighting contract.
Racer resumes flight testing with new low-drag parts in place
Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator is back in flight testing after a six-month lay-up to install new parts to boost the high-speed rotorcraft’s aerodynamic performance.
Charter tour Mi-8 fatally collided with mountain ridge as crew descended in poor visibility
Russian investigators have found that a Mil Mi-8T helicopter captain’s decision to descend in limited visibility, while operating in mountainous terrain, led to a fatal collision with a ridge, with no survivors from among the 22 occupants.