SERVING MANY INDUSTRIES—SAVING MORE THAN TIME

www.nehc.org November 2009

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear NEHC Members,

I’ve been thinking about energy lately. No, this is not an aerodynamics lesson describing the finer points of energy management in autorotation. And I don’t think that any of my ideas about how to solve our country’s dependence on foreign oil have much chance of being adopted. What I have been thinking about is the incredible power of human energy.

The past few years have been particularly challenging. The global war on terrorism, the deepest recession since the great depression, and many other such problems, have personally affected every American to one degree or another. Have you noticed that, in spite of these challenges, people are passionate about life; that they are reaching out to help their family, neighbors and country? I have!

Aviation has been particularly hard hit by the recession. Last August, we landed at the W30th Street Heliport. Every parking spot was occupied, helicopters were holding over the river waiting for their turn to land and I remember thinking that I had not seen so much helicopter activity in New York City since the late 80’s. A couple of months later, in November, we flew into the exclusion and only saw one other helicopter in Manhattan. That aircraft was parked and shutdown. I’d never seen so little helicopter ac-tivity in New York City. But, just like the enthusiasm for life and resilience I’ve seen in our community, our aviation colleagues have been demonstrating incredible vitality. At the national level, the Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association (AOPA), are working tirelessly to spread the message that general aviation is an integral part of our economy. Their message is making a positive impact; a couple of weeks ago I saw a line of corporate aircraft waiting to takeoff from Teterboro Airport again, a sight that has been missing for a large part of the year.

I have seen the same enthusiasm from our own NEHC members. We are fortunate! Our members are passionate about helicopters and even in these difficult times, the organization continues to find opportu-nities to get together socially and host events that promote rotary-wing aviation. I’d like to thank our Directors, Officers, and members who are devoting so much energy to promoting our organization’s goals. If you have not had an opportunity to attend any of these events, please join us at the next one. Come feel the energy!

Talking about passion for rotary wing aircraft; please look at this picture of Piasecki Aircraft Corporation’s, “SpeedHawk”. The Piasecki family has made tremendous contributions to the advancement of rotary wing aircraft. I think you’ll enjoy hearing John Piasecki talk about the company history and on-going projects at our upcoming membership meeting, on No-vember 11. Please join us at the Tewksbury Country Club. It promises to be a great night and you won’t want to miss it!

W. Gregory Harville President

Piasecki—X-49A "SpeedHawk"

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July 10, 2009

Grand Prairie, Texas – Today, American Eurocopter celebrated 40 years of leadership and growth in the United States with a special anniversary event at the company headquarters in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The “All-American Celebration” commemorated the company’s significant growth and achievements since it was founded in 1969, when Aerospatiale and LTV Aerospace formed Vought Helicopter in Texas. Since that time, the company has developed into one of the most successful helicopter companies in the nation with a tremendous impact on the local community as well as the U.S. rotorcraft industry.

The company employs more than 750 U.S. employees, with well over 500 located in Grand Prairie and the rest at facilities in Columbus, Mississippi. These employees include engineers, production techni-cians, program specialists and administrators in manufacturing, marketing, technical support and train-ing for an exceptionally robust product line in the United States. The company’s facilities in Grand Prai-rie and Columbus generate about $740 million annually in total economic impact in the United States and support over 1,000 suppliers nationwide. Recent additions in Grand Prairie include new delivery and training centers, including a full-motion flight simulator, a Customer Service and Fleet Operations Center, and a two-story avionics shop and engineering center.

American Eurocopter is the market share leader in the U.S. rotor-craft industry and has been the number one company for the last nine years. This success reflects the company’s development as well as its strong organization, product design and planning. The company is the U.S. arm of Eurocopter Group, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, and it is also a subsidiary of EADS North America.

“Eurocopter is focused on designing, building and delivering industry-leading helicopters and services,” explains Dr. Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter Group. “American Eurocopter’s success in the United States represents our commitment to bringing technologically advanced products to the larg-est commercial and military market in the world. We are proud of these achievements, of the increasing role our American arm plays in the group and of this 40-year celebration.”

“We take pride in our U.S. heritage and the role our operations have played in our growth and leader-ship in the rotorcraft industry,” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “It has been a great 40 years — and the best is yet to come.”

Today in the United States, almost 500 federal and state government and private operators rely on more than 1,800 American Eurocopter rotorcraft, and these totals are growing rapidly. Last year, the com-pany delivered 135 commercial helicopters plus 35 UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters to the U.S. Army.

“Our products have consistently captured half the U.S. law enforcement market, and nearly 50 state and local agencies rely on our helicopters to protect and save lives and property,” Paganini said. “We are proud of our role in supporting these important missions, just as we are proud of our rapidly growing defense presence.”

(Continued on page 3)

American Eurocopter Celebrates 40 Years of

Investment, Leadership, and Growth in the U.S.

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To learn more about Eurocopter—Please visit www.eurocopter.com

One of American Eurocopter’s most significant accomplishments in this decade was the award of the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter program to EADS North America in 2006.

"American Eurocopter’s 40-year anniversary is a significant achievement and a reflection of EADS’ com-mitment to the U.S. economy and the nation's security," said Ralph D. Crosby, EADS North America chairman and CEO. "For four decades American Eurocopter has played a vital role in providing superior products in support of our nation's defense and creating high-value U.S. jobs - a proud tradition that will continue for decades to come."

Additional production and sales opportunities to the U.S. Army and Navy remain strong. EADS North America, supported by American Eurocopter and Lockheed Martin, is ready to provide the Armed Scout 645, a variant of the EC145/UH-72 that will meet or exceed the U.S. Army’s current armed scout mission requirements. EADS North America and American Eurocopter have already proven that they can deliver a highly capable, U.S.-built utility helicopter to the U.S. Army on or ahead of schedule and on cost.

After 40 years, American Eurocopter’s “employees, proven products, growing markets and full-spectrum quality will keep the company at the forefront of the U.S. rotorcraft industry for decades to come,” Paganini said.

A crowd of over 1,000 guests including the company’s workforce attended the “All-American Celebration,” along with a range of government officials, helicopter industry and customer VIPs. The event featured static displays, skydivers and aerial demonstrations of Euro-copter’s historic models and their exciting and techno-logically advanced product line.

About American Eurocopter

American Eurocopter is the U.S. subsidiary of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world, and EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and the company markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most cost-effective technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American Eurocopter's head-quarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS and its West Coast Regional Support Facility in Long Beach, CA.

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FAASTeam Helicopter Safety Seminar

We would like to thank Larry Mattiello and Terry Palmer, co-founders of PALMAT Avia-tion Consulting, for spending an evening with us discussing, "Risk Management and Safety Concepts". This FAASTeam “Wings” event was sponsored by Mr. John Wood, the FAA New England Region Safety Advisor and was hosted by Ray Newcomb, at JBI Helicopter Services in Pembroke, NH. Terry Palmer is an experienced pilot rated in both airplanes and helicopters and is currently employed as a helicopter flight training spe-cialist with Flight Safety International. She started the presentation by reminding us that there are no new causes of aircraft accidents, just new pilots making the same old mistakes. Many of you know Larry Mattiello. Larry is a long time NEHC member who works in the aviation insurance industry and is very active with the Helicopter Association International’s Safety Committee and the Civil Air Patrol. Larry reminded us that the majority of all air-craft accidents are caused by human error. The evening was spent discussing human fac-tors training and safety management systems; two counter measures that are useful to mini-mize the human errors that all too often part of the accident chain. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event and, for those of you who missed this safety seminar, we hope to see you at our next safety event.

Attention—Military Aviators

A number of NEHC members are

current, or former, military helicop-

ter pilots. We want YOU to be a

member, too. Please join us at the

membership meeting on November

11. Identify yourself as a military

aviator and be our complimentary

guest

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Special Guest:

John W. Piasecki

President and CEO

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is a research and development company founded by the rotor-

craft pioneer Frank N. Piasecki. The company continues to honor his spirit of innovation and

creativity by focusing on the advancement of aviation and rotorcraft. Leveraging this heritage,

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is able to address its customer’s needs and requirements in agile

and innovative ways developing state-of-the-art solutions built on sound engineering principles.

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation

NEHC Fall Membership Meeting

Wednesday

November 11, 2009

7:00 PM

At the

Tewksbury Country

Club

1880 Main Street

Tewksbury, MA 01876

(978) 640-0033

Heavy hors d’oeuvres

and Non-alcoholic bev-

erages will be served.

Cash bar. Free admis-

sion for members and

$10 fee for non mem-

bers, which is waived if

you join NEHC on the

night of the meeting

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation’s core capabilities are rapid design, fabrication and assembly of innovative

concepts to advance aviation technology, with special emphasis on rotary wing aviation. An example of

such ‘out-of-the box’ thinking is the PiAC “SpeedHawk”. Speedhawk is a Vectored Thrust Ducted Pro-

peller helicopter (see photo on page 1) designed to demonstrate potential improvements in helicopter

speed, range, survivability and reliability.

Please join us to learn more about Piasecki Aircraft Corporation.

Any members interested in flying into this meeting should contact Marc Ginsburg

978. 640.0033 to make arrangements. Happy Flying!

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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Announces Plan to Enhance Safety for New York Airspace As you know, a helicopter and small airplane collided over the Hudson River this past August. This accident resulted in nine fatalities. As a result of this tragedy the NTSB and FAA, along with the Eastern Region Helicopter Council and a number of aviation safety experts, have reviewed the operating procedures and practices in the exclusion zone within the New York Class B airspace.

The FAA is now planning to modify the airspace over the Hudson River by revising procedures to create safe, dedicated operating corridors for all the aircraft that fly at lower altitudes around Manhattan. “The New York Airspace Task Force chartered on August 14 developed a comprehensive series of recommendations that we plan to implement as quickly as possible,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “These steps will significantly enhance safety in this busy area and create crystal-clear rules for all of the pilots who operate there.”

The proposed safety enhancements will restructure the airspace, mandate pilot operating rules, create a new entry point into the Hudson River airspace from Teterboro, standardize New York area charts and develop new training for pilots, air traffic controllers and businesses that operate helicopters and aircraft in the area. One of the most signifi-cant changes, if adopted, will divide the airspace into altitude corridors that separate aircraft flying over the river from those operating to and from local heliports or seaplane bases. The new exclusionary zone is expected to be comprised of three components and will establish a uniform “floor” for the Class B airspace over the Hudson River at 1,300 feet, which would also serve as the “ceiling” for the exclusionary zone.

The current proposal is for aircraft operat-ing between 1,300-2,000 feet to be under positive control in Class B airspace un-der visual flight rules and to communicate with air traffic con-trol. Aircraft operat-ing between 1,000-1,300 feet will be re-quired to operate under VFR and to use a common radio frequency for the Hudson River. Aircraft operating below 1,000 feet would use the same radio frequency. If adopted, the new pilot operating practices will require pilots to use specific radio frequencies for the Hudson River and the East River, will set speeds at 140 knots or less, and will require pilots to turn on anti-collision devices, position or navigation equipment and landing lights. Pilots will also be re-quired to announce when they enter the area and to report their aircraft description, location, direction and altitude.

Existing common practices that take pilots along the west shore of the river when they are southbound and along the east shore when they are northbound would become mandatory. In addition, pilots would be required to have charts available and to be familiar with the airspace rules.

The FAA also intends to propose standardized procedures for fixed-wing aircraft leaving Teterboro to enter the Class B airspace over the Hudson River or the exclusionary zone. If an aircraft plans to enter the Class B airspace, Teterboro controllers would request approval from Newark before the aircraft takes off and be authorized to climb the aircraft to 1,500 feet. Aircraft that want to enter the VFR exclusionary zone would be directed by a special route over the George Washington Bridge.

The FAA expects to complete and publish any changes in time to have them in effect by November 19, so that they can be incorporated on new, standardized aeronautical charts that will replace existing charts. The charts will highlight the Class B VFR corridor, encouraging more pilots to exercise the option to fly over the Hudson River under air traffic con-trol, instead of entering the congested exclusionary zone.

Finally, the FAA intends to develop training programs specifically tailored for pilots, air traffic controllers and fixed-base operators to increase awareness of the options available in the Hudson River airspace, and better develop plans that enhance safety for the intended flight. The final rule will be posted on the NEHC website. www.nehc.org

Interested in experimental and home-

built aircraft? On Saturday, November

7, EAA Chapter 106 is hosting a presen-

tation about building aircraft for the

movie FLYBOYS.

For More Information Contact

Penny Bowman

EAA106.Penny@.gmail.com.

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Mystery Helicopter

Can you identify this aircraft?

The first person to correctly identify this aircraft

will win a coveted NEHC ball cap, as well as im-

portant bragging rights. Please tell us who built

the aircraft and something about its history.

Answers can be submitted on line at info@nehc.org or drop us a note addressed to:

New England Helicopter Council

5 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA 01760

Helicopter Puzzles

Fill the grid so that every row, every

column, and every 3 x 3 box con-

tains the letters

H E L I C O P T R

P L

L R

T E I C P

P C R O

T H I P C

L P E H

O T R H C

E O

O H

H-E-L-I-C-O-P-T-R Sudoku

C—O—P—T—E—R Sudoku

P

C R

P O C

R T O

O P

E

Fill the grid so that every row, every

column, and every 2 x 3 box con-

tains the letters

C O P T E R

A minister dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy who's dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. St. Peter addresses the guy, "Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you?" "I'm Huey, the helicopter pilot.” the man replies. St Peter consults his list, smiles and says to the pilot, "Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter." The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff. Next it's the minister's turn. He approaches St Peter and booms out, "I am Pastor John, a minister for the last 43 years." Saint Peter consults his list and says to the minister, "Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter.” Just a minute," says the minister. "That man was a pilot and he gets a silken robe and golden staff. How can this be?" Up here, we work by results," says St. Peter. "While you preached, people slept; while he flew, people prayed."

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Dear Helicopter Pilots, Owners and Enthusiasts, Port City Air/NH Helicopters would like to thank all of the at-tendees at our 3rd Annual Helicopter Fly-In at KPSM. The day’s weather was marginal looking, but like usual when you expect the worst in helicop-ter flying, things seem to always work out well. The clouds cleared and we watched as over a dozen helicopters of all types came in. A restored Bell 47, a sleek Agusta 109E, Robinson R-22's and 44's, a Bell Jet Ranger, a

Eurocopter EC-120, the New Hampshire State Police Bell 407 and more. The events included talks by Eurocopter Tech Rep, Scott Dodge, on preventative maintenance tips, the Portsmouth Tower discussing airport op-erations, Joe Brigham, Designated Pilot Examiner and veteran pilot, reviewing accident prevention scenarios, and a review of avionics by Flight Display Systems’ Steve Lord, and our own Avi-onics Manager, Sean Adams. Steve Fox, our helicopter Director of Maintenance and Rich Ruel, our Fixed Wing Maintenance Manager were available for a question and answer period.

The New England Helicopter Council, once again, was in full support of promoting helicopter activities, along with providing a sounding board for local and national industry issues and discussions. Greg Har-ville, President of the NEHC, thanked everyone for their participation at the Fly-In. We are looking forward to a 4th Annual Helicopter Fly-In with the support of the New England Helicopter Council. Maybe a flight skills demonstration or even a best looking restored helicopter, all with prizes would be interesting. Thanks again for everyone's support, and keep the rotors turning.

Contributed by: Pete Mekelatos

Helicopters Descend on Port City Fly-In

Although the forecast was not promising, the weather at PSM turned out to be just fine on June 20 for the third annual Port City Fly-In hosted by NEHC Director and Port City Air owner Bob Jesurum.

The event had a great turnout with over 50 pilots and aviation enthusiasts in attendance and more than half a dozen rotorcraft of various types on static display with even more coming and going throughout the day.

After a warm welcome to all by Peter Mekelatos of Port City Air, attendees were treated to pres-entations on products including Eurocopter (presented by NEHC Director Scott Dodge), Flight Display Systems (Steve Lord) and safety presentations by renowned flight instructor and NEHC member Joe Brigham and NEHC 1st VP, Bill Carroll.

A BBQ lunch was provided by Port City Air and we all enjoyed the food, the camaraderie, and the information provided to us. Many thanks to Bob J and the Port City team for making this a great event. We look forward to many more.

Contributed by: Darryl A. Abbey

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Specialized Service for Agusta, Bell, Eurocopter, & McDonnell Douglas HelicoptersMajor/Minor Inspections Major Repairs and Alterations Avionics Installation and Repair

For More Information

Steve Fox Director of Maintenance

(888) 732-7324 sfox@portcityair.com

Over 130 Years of Combined Avionics and Maintenance Experience

The Pilots Choice For Maintenance and Avionics

9

— Open Invitation to All Helicopter Flight Schools and Flight Instructors—

Join the New England Helicopter Council and help grow the New England Helicopter community.

NEHC was created to foster and promote rotorcraft aviation in New England, to provide a forum from which to provide helicop-ter education and safety related information; to develop constructive programs and policies for rotary wing aircraft; and to create an environment where our members can exchange information and enjoy the camaraderie of like minded helicopter enthusiasts. Join us at the membership meeting on November 11. Identify yourself as a CFI-H and be our complimentary guest.

ACONE cordially invites YOU to attend

Silver Anniversary Scholarship Auction

Dinner Dance

Where: Doubletree Hotel Bedford Glen

Bedford, MA 781.275.5500

When: Friday, November 6, 2009 5:30 PM

Contact: Deirdre O’Connor

781.729.0664

flyowd@comcast.net

For more information please visit:

www.acone.org

Boston MedFlight has been providing critical care trans-

portation for 25 years. In recognition of the organiza-

tions’ incredible service, achievements and record of

success, a Gala celebration will be held on Saturday,

June 5, 2010, at the Hanscom Air Force Base. This ele-

gant and fun-filled evening will be open to the public.

Please mark this event on your calendar and watch for

more details in the next few months.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). As you know time-critical aeronauti-cal information is disseminated via the National NOTAM System. But, did you know that the NOTAM sys-tem is changing? NOTAMs are now classified into four categories; NO-TAM (D) or distant, Flight Data Cen-ter (FDC) NOTAMs, Pointer NO-TAMs, and Military NOTAMs. 1. NOTAM (D) information is dis-seminated for all navigational facili-ties that are part of the National Air-space System (NAS), all public use airports, seaplane bases, and heli-

ports listed in the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). NOTAM (D) information includes such data as taxiway closures,

(Continued on page 10)

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personnel and equipment near or crossing runways, and airport lighting aids that do not affect instrument approach

criteria, such as VASI. 2. FDC NOTAMs are issued on those occasions when it becomes necessary to disseminate information which is regulatory in nature. FDC NOTAMs contain such things as amendments to published IAPs and other current aero-nautical charts. They are also used to advertise temporary flight restrictions caused by such things as natural disas-

ters or large‐scale public events that may generate a congestion of air traffic over a site.

3. Pointer NOTAMs are NOTAMs issued by a flight service station to highlight or point out another NOTAM, such as

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Granite State Aviation LLC

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JBI Helicopter Services For Charter Information 603-225-3134

11

Icing Quiz

Answers and 6 more ‘Icing’ questions are posted on the NEHC Website. www.nehc.org.

1. Regarding rime ice, it:

A. forms when water drops are large as in rain or cumuliform clouds.

B. forms when water drops are small such as in stratified clouds or drizzle.

C. is hard, heavy and easily removed by deicing equipment.

D. decreases aerodynamic efficiency of the airfoil, is brittle, and more difficult to remove than clear ice.

2. Regarding clear ice, it:

A. forms when water drops are large as in rain or cumuliform clouds.

B. forms when water drops are small such as in stratified clouds or drizzle.

C. is hard, heavy and more easily removed by deicing equipment than rime ice.

D. decreases aerodynamic efficiency of the airfoil, is brittle, and difficult to remove.

3. Which statement is most correct pertaining to in flight icing hazards?

A. When the temperature is at or near 0º C, pilots can normally expect to encounter clear ice in stratus clouds.

B. When the temperature is at or near 0º C, pilots can normally expect to encounter rime ice in stratus clouds.

C. When the temperature is at or near 0º C, pilots can normally expect to encounter mixed ice in stratus clouds.

D. When the temperature is at or near 0º C, pilots can normally expect that there will be little or no ice accretion while flying in stratus clouds.

4. A condition favorable for rapid accumulation of clear ice is freezing rain below a frontal surface.

A. True. This hazard is only associated with a warm front.

B. True. This hazard may occur with either a warm front or cold front.

C. True. The best way to escape from such an icing encounter is to descend to warmer air at, or close to, the surface.

D. True. This hazard is only associated with a cold front.

LifeFlight of Maine News

Waldo County Hospital in Belfast recently com-

pleted construction of a new helipad, allowing

LifeFlight of Maine to land right outside the emer-

gency department. Previously, critically ill or in-

jured patients had to be transported by ground to

the airport in order to meet the helicopter. This

new facility eliminates as much as 15 minutes of

precious transport time for critically ill or injured

patients.

For more information please visit

www.lifeflightmaine.org

5 Commonwealth Road

Natick, MA 01760

THE NEHC ORGANIZATION

What do YOU want to see in the Newsletter?

Please send any comments and/or submis-

sions to info@nehc.org. We look forward to

hearing from you and continuing to improve

and expand our newsletter!

Board of Directors Paul M. Montrone

Chairman

Darryl Abbey

Chris Harrington

Greg Harville

Bob Jesurum

Joe Miara

Doug Sherman

Rob Smith

Christian Valle

Officers President

Greg Harville

Vice President

Bill Carroll

Vice President

Wes Verkaart

Treasurer

Christian Valle

Secretary

Deirdre O’Conner

Assistant Secretary

Laurie Harville

Affiliate Members/ Director Designees Aero Club of New England

Deirdre O’Connor

Boston MedFlight

Suzanne Wedel

Friends of Flying Santa

Brian Tague

AirSure

Helicopter Association International

Life Flight of Maine

Industry Members/ Director Designees American Eurocopter

Scott Dodge

Bell Helicopter Textron

Jeanette Eaton

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

Vaughan Askue

NEHC Operating Members

Cannon Aviation Group Inc.

Granite State Aviation LLC

JBI Helicopter Services

Massachusetts State Police Air Wing

NationAir Aviation Insurance

Port City Air Inc./New Hampshire Helicopters

Thermo Fisher Scientific

United Technologies