Safran passes a major milestone in its hybrid electric propulsion roadmap with the first ground test of a distributed propulsion system. The test run took place at a Safran Helicopter Engines test facility near Pau-Pyrenees Airport in France.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces FAA approval of its advanced, all-glass cockpit for the MD 530F (type certificate 369FF). Approved for production and as a type design option, this is the third glass cockpit certification MDHI has received in the last year.

As part of a growing commitment to deliver full-service, full life-cycle support programs for its growing global fleet, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces the formation of the MDHI Flight Training Academy. Established to provide industry-leading maintenance and pilot training to all customers in a professional learning environment, MD Helicopters has expanded its current training offerings to include a more comprehensive portfolio focused on mission execution, effectiveness and safety.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited obtains an European Aviation Safety Agency supplemental type certificate on the Augusta Westland AW139/AB139 helicopter to install night vision imaging system lighting. ASU obtained the STC for Airgreen Italy, and it will be used for air medical activities in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta, in addition to firefighting and civil protection in the Italian regions of Piemonte, Valle d’Aosta and Sardegna.

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) signs with Airbus Helicopters for an HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material management contract for a period of five years. Beginning in July, the contract will cover comprehensive maintenance support, including parts-by-the-hour for JCG’s H225 fleet. With the provision of all the parts needed for the maintenance of the rotorcraft in one single contract, this will yield better cost control and forecasting, as well as more efficient day-to-day management for JCG.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. is exhibiting its role as the North American market leader for new law enforcement helicopters at the Airborne Public Safety Association Conference (APSCON) Expo, July 11-13, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, Booth #809. An H125, owned by Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, will be on display by Airbus at the show.

Hospital Wing, a Memphis-based air ambulance company, becomes the first helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) operator in the U.S. to take its operation fully paperless. Utilizing the Flightdocs HMX platform, Hospital Wing has been able to eliminate all paper-based forms and reports from its operation, significantly increasing efficiency across maintenance and operational processes.

Rick Garcia, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Avionics and Pacific Coast Avionics, announces that the companies have been appointed authorized dealers for Whelen Engineering’s full line of exterior and interior aircraft lighting products.

Becker Avionics announces that Arista Aviation has installed the Becker Digital Voice Communication System (DVCS) 6100 Digital Audio System into one of its UH-60A demonstration medium lift helicopters.

Guardian Flight Inc., an air medical transport company, appoints Steve Kelly director of Safety. As a member of the executive management team, Kelly reports to Fred Buttrell, Guardian Flight president as well as president and CEO of Air Medical Group Holdings (AMGH), Guardian Flight's parent company.