Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

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Mark Huber

As wild fires continued to rage across Southern California, the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) got some good news: its bid to acquire up to 12 new Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks has been approved by state administrators. The deal is worth an estimated $240 million, but had been on hold since August pending an appeal from Leonardo Helicopters.

 


Cal Fire is seeking the new helicopters to replace its aging fleet of Bell UH-1Hs. The Firehawk features a belly tank that can hold 1,000 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam and can be quickly refueled by a pump snorkel system at a rate of 1,000 gallons per minute. The aircraft is based on the civil version of the UH-60 Black Hawk.

 


“No other helicopter can deliver more water per minute than the Firehawk, and when every minute counts, it’s no surprise that this aircraft has quickly become the most effective initial attack helicopter,” said Mike Slattery, the president of United Rotorcraft, an Air Methods division that performs Firehawk conversions. Firehawks are currently in service with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other U.S. agencies.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Cal Fire Cleared To Buy Sikorsky Firehawks

Firehawk features a belly tank that can hold 1,000 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam and can be quickly refueled by a pump snorkel system.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Charles Alcock

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Twin-engine aircraft will be based at Broome in Western Australia

PHI Adds H175s to Australian Energy Support Fleet

Kits are retrofittable to 429s with existing single- or dual-hook systems

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429

ORRA encourages helicopter companies to go beyond traditional risk management

Operators Enrolling in VAI Risk Accreditation Program

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Rotorcraft

Bell Soars in 3Q with Higher Civil Helo Deliveries, FLRAA

Commercial shipments nearly doubled, while new military program brought in more than $80M

Bell Appoints Japanese Dealer for 505 Helicopter

Japan General Aviation Service is already a customer for the larger 429 model

Avincis Strengthens Portugal Helicopter MRO Base

Plan will help ensure long-term job stability for Portugal workforce

PHI Adds H175s to Australian Energy Support Fleet

Twin-engine aircraft will be based at Broome in Western Australia

Onboard Talon Dual Cargo Hook Approved in Bell 429

Kits are retrofittable to 429s with existing single- or dual-hook systems

Operators Enrolling in VAI Risk Accreditation Program

ORRA encourages helicopter companies to go beyond traditional risk management

FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Cert for Skyryse One

Single-flight-control user interface makes helicopter flying safer and easier

Blade Helo Shuttle Service Returns to 2024 NBAA-BACE

Helicopter flights will be available to transport attendees between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport

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