A new Photo Report Page just was just added to the website … 65 new images from the Formula 1 event held at Monza Race Circuit (MB) and managed by Elilombarda. The helipad was very busy during the days of the race, and here you will see the images of all the active traffic.
Great and complete photo report thanks to Gianfilippo COLASANTO.
PRESS RELEASE – Philadelphia, 17 September 2024 17:46
Attendees included Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, along with a crowd of over one hundred dignitaries representing government, military, and nonprofit institutions.
In early 2020, the Navy selected the Leonardo TH-73A, an advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rated version of the commercial AW119Kx, to replace its aging fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers as the primary training helicopter to produce the next generation of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and selected allied nations.
“We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to the Navy as it aims at delivering the highest level of quality for their next generation naval aviators’ training,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We’re committed to sustaining this capability with our technology to make sure our partners’ needs are met as frontline capabilities and operational requirements keep evolving.”
“We are thrilled to deliver the 100th TH-73 to our esteemed U.S. Navy partners,” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “This production milestone is a testament to all the collaboration and hard work between our organizations, and we remain focused on preparing for the fleet’s readiness for decades to come.”
The TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System represents a pivotal modernization in Navy helicopter training technology, shifting from analog to digital avionics, and is projected to serve the U.S. Navy through 2050 and beyond. This enhanced training capability will help maintain the highest standard of military flight training with current and relevant training platforms. The TH-73A will facilitate a higher quality and more proficient naval aviator who will be ready to meet the operational challenges faced in the fleet.
“The advanced capability of the TH-73 Thrasher is a great training addition for our warfighters,” said Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, Commander Naval Air Forces. “This means our newest Naval Aviators arrive ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win in war.”
TH-73A’s advanced design, based on the IFR-certified variant of the commercial AW119Kx, sets it apart as the ideal selection for initial flight training with the capacity to support advanced operational maneuvers. The helicopter is powered by a robust Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine and features dual safety and hydraulic systems, ensuring reliability and safety during all aspects of flight operations. With modern digital avionics provided by Genesys Aerosystems, the Thrasher excels in every maneuver within the Navy’s training program and expanded the training syllabi, facilitating a seamless transition from fundamental flying activities to complex operational training.
Training by the numbers
As of mid-August, the Navy’s advanced helicopter training syllabus is currently comprised of more than 317 total Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), of which 185, or 58%, are currently in the TH-73A training curriculum. This number is projected to peak at 66% when the second of three squadrons complete the transition this fall. The third and final squadron, Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28, is expected to begin the transition to the TH-73 later this year.
In addition, the commitment to flight training is unwavering, evidenced by the safe and effective execution of more than 43,000 flight hours flown in support of the Navy’s training requirements. To support the dynamic training environment, 133 Training Air Wing (TW) 5 instructor pilots have been qualified in the TH-73A, comprised of 86 conversion instructors and 47 new Instructors Under Training (IUTs). Many additional IUTs continue to hone their skills within the helicopter instructor training unit. The program also benefits from the expertise of eight contract maintenance provider Functional Check Pilots who have been qualified in the model in direct support of the program. More than 200 SNAs have completed the TH-73A syllabus and been winged Naval Aviators to date.
PRESS RELEASE – Fort Worth, Texas – September 16, 2024
“The S300 is our primary aircraft and, in our view, still the best training helicopter today,” says Elicuneo CEO Marino Mauro. “Since 1982, we have been using the 300 for crop spraying, pipeline inspection, and flight training. We are proud and confident in our ability to continue this tradition and support as many operators as possible in maintaining this helicopter as the best in its class.”
Based in northern Italy, Elicuneo is a leading Italian helicopter operator and the largest operator of the Schweizer 300 family of helicopters in the country. It operates a fully equipped maintenance center with a well-stocked spare parts inventory.
“Elicuneo’s expertise and experience with Schweizer helicopters made it an ideal partner for supporting our customers in Italy,” says Schweizer President and CEO David Horton. “As our parts and aircraft production have grown, so has the number of customers in Europe seeking maintenance, parts, and aircraft. We are pleased to have a partner in Elicuneo to help meet our Italian customers’ needs closer to home.”
Aviation Safety Network NEWS – 22 July 2024
A Vigili del Fuoco Sikorsky S-64F helicopter registered I-CFAG “Geronimo”, returning from a forest firefighting operation, crashed on landing at the Reggio Calabria airport. The pilots were rescued from the aircraft, which was on fire, and were transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.
For further details please visit the following Aviation Safety Network address: https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/403615
PRESS RELEASE – Marignane, 03 July 2024
Prior to beginning commercial operations, the helicopter will be used in a route-proving programme designed to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the demanding offshore environment. This will help facilitate a smooth entry into service, ensuring the operator and final customer are familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technology and safety features.
“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this achievement possible!”
“With its state-of-the-art technology, the H160 has set a new standard in the helicopter industry and we are pleased U.S. customers will now benefit from the aircraft’s superior performance,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended SAF, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for offshore operations, and we are confident that it will excel in PHI’s energy missions.”
The H160 has proven to be a popular choice for customers in North America and the first Canadian delivery of the helicopter type was made recently to Chartright Air Group. The H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, and many other European countries.
A new Photo Report Page just was just added to the website … 50 new images from this event held at Trento Mattarello Airport (TN) when Airbus Helicopters Italia presented the new helicopter.
Great and complete photo report of the event … All images © Gianfilippo COLASANTO.