Will Provide Air Medical Transport And Other Medical Services

Metro Aviation Inc. had ordered an unprecedented 25 EC145e helicopters that it will place into service providing air medical transport and other aerial services. It is one of the larger commercial helicopter orders ever booked by the U.S. based company.

No Safety Pilot Onboard For The 45-Minute Demonstration

The SW-4 Solo optionally piloted helicopter developed by Leonardo Company has successfully completed its maiden flight with no safety pilot onboard at Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (Southern Italy). The aircraft flew for 45 minutes and all systems performed as expected with excellent controllability and handling qualities. Tests included, among others, remote engine start up and shut down with ground run, automatic take-off and landing, hovering OGE (Out of Ground Effect) and acceleration to forward flight, automatic way point navigation to and from the area of operation and simulation of a surveillance mission. The aircraft reached an altitude of 1500 ft and up to 60 knots airspeed during the flight. 

Tailored For Three Of Its Most Popular Helicopter Engines

Operators thinking of buying a pre-owned AW139 or AW109 helicopter will now have the option of a 500-hour/one-year engine warranty under P&WC's new Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) engine program for PT6C-67C, PW206C and PW207C engines.

U.S. Expected To Continue Its Leadership In Revenue Generation

At the inception of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the 20th century, the UAVs were utilized specifically for military purposes. But with the passing time and advancements in various technologies, the UAVs now serve multiple purposes besides military application. The UAVs have witnessed a significant reduction in size and weight over the last decade, which has consequently reduced the cost of manufacturing. Besides these developments, the battery life has also been enhanced considerably along with the degree of autonomy for these vehicles. As a result of these developments, UAVs now have a wider range of applications in different commercial and non-commercial sectors.

Twenty-One Scholarships Announced At Heli-Expo 2018

Whirly-Girls International, a non-profit, educational, and charitable organization dedicated to advancing women in the helicopter aviation industry, has announced the recipients of the 2018 Whirly-Girls Scholarship Awards.

First FAA Special Conditions Exempt ELT Available On The Market

Safety and survival manufacturer ARTEX, an ACR Electronics, Inc. brand, is introducing what the company says is world’s only 406 MHz approved transport-grade alkaline battery-powered Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).  The development of the innovative ARTEX ELT 4000 featuring an alternative power source to traditional lithium batteries offers OEMs, airlines and operators an ELT that is exempt from FAA non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions, while introducing significant benefits and savings in the cost of ownership through reduced, acquisition, installation, and maintenance.

Six Additional Sessions Planned For 2018

On February 22, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) held the second in its series of 2018 Industry Town Hall meetings at Austin Executive Airport in Texas. NATA Managing Director, Safety and Training Michael France was joined by regional aviation business professionals from airports, FBOs, MROs, flight training providers and university aviation programs.

High Fidelity Data Enables Efficient, Precise Animations For Pilots

CEFA Aviation and GE Aviation have formed a partnership to provide customers with a higher fidelity of data for airline flight safety analysis, operational efficiency and pilot training. The partnership combines GE's experience in flight analytics with CEFA Aviation's expertise in flight data animation.

Officials Say It Would Prevent Delivery Of Contraband Into Correctional Facilities By Small UAVs

The Vermont House has a bill under consideration that would restrict the use of UAVs near the state's correctional facilities.

Unit Can Fly Anywhere In The Nation, Department Says

Drones have become part of the Grand Forks County (ND) Sheriff's Department toolkit, giving officers trained in their operation the ability to take them out on patrol.

Study Released By HAI And University Of North Dakota

The results of a study forecasting the U.S. supply of rotorcraft pilots and mechanics over the next 18 years has been released, confirming what many in our industry suspected. Unless there are some fundamental changes in policy, outreach, scholarships, and access to financing, the helicopter industry faces large-scale deficits in the amount of available and qualified licensed and certificated pilots and mechanics.