Page 35 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2013 Online Magazine

ROTARY

VERTICAL LIFT

Rotorcraft forum
The 39 European Rotorcraft Forum
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saw more than 200 participants from
15 countries taking part in the annual
talkfest for helicopter types at Moscow’s
Tsaritsyno Park and Estate. Held each
year on a rotating basis across Europe in
the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Holland
and Russia, this year the delegates
gathered in Moscow from September Puma ban lifted
3 to September 6. The event saw The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has agreed to the lifting of the voluntary
scientists, leading experts and industry grounding of Eurocopter Super Pumas. Following a fatal accident in Scotland
specialists from Russia, the United involving a Eurocopter AS332L2 Super Puma, the aircraft was suspended
States, France, the United Kingdom, temporarily. However, a CAA statement noted that initial investigation showed the
Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and more accident “was not caused by an airworthiness or technical problem”, and supported
discussing issues around material an end of the grounding. The CAA said it was happy to see Super Pumas resume
engineering and aerodynamics, on- offshore flights. “Based on all the information currently available, we do not believe
board systems, maintenance and safety. that the accident was caused by an airworthiness or technical problem, and consider
The US’s Matthew S. Whalley gave the key that the decision by the operators to resume Super Puma flights is appropriate,”
address on Autonomous Obstacle Field the CAA statement noted. The CAA also said it would not allow a return to service
Navigation and Landing Site Selection. unless it was satisfied that it was safe to do so.

Russia produces 750 Mi-8MT chopper
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The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP), when it first flew. Today’s Mi-8AMT can
a Russian Helicopters company, has be fitted with infrared spotlights, an FLIR
delivered its milestone 750 Mi- system and winches, plus additional
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8AMTSh helicopter to the Russian fuel tanks to increase range. “It is
Defence Ministry. The company says the symbolic that this ‘landmark’ helicopter
ruggedness, reliability and survivability should be delivered to the Defence
of the aircraft make it ideally suited Ministry,” says Leonid Belykh, UUAP
to the tasks of delivery of essential managing director. “We have enjoyed a
cargo to remote areas, and ferrying fruitful relationship with the Ministry for
wounded people for emergency medical many years, and are continuing to
treatment, and has been since 1984 develop this partnership.”

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