GHS on the rise

/in , /by

GHS has kicked off 2023 with a hive of activity and exciting prospects. GHS is preparing a number of aircraft for deployment in Africa which will be used to provide humanitarian support.

Furthermore the GHS Part 145 maintenance team is carrying out an H225 Return to Service and a Bell 412 5000 Hour inspection alongside a number of other maintenance activities.

Tactical AE in Niger
H225, Maiduguri
NVIS Cockpit AB412

Training has also commenced for another exciting development relating to a service offering for maintenance and repair of NVIS equipment to be launched very soon.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce the contract extension from the European Defence Agency (EDA) to continue the provision of a Civilian Tactical Air Evacuation service utilising a Beechcraft 1900D for Belgian Defence deployment in Niger.

Global Helicopter Service trusts Entrol to manufacture their new Bell 412 FTD Level 3 simulator

/in , /by

Entrol will manufacture the device in 2023, and it will be delivered to their headquarters in Germany in early 2024.

This Bell 412 FTD Level 3 simulator will be equipped with the latest technology Entrol has to offer, and it will increase the training capabilities GHS offers to their trainees.

“Having sold another model of an FTD Level 3 is a big milestone for us. We believe that FTDs will be crucial for the future of the industry, and it is reassuring to know that companies like GHS share this same view with us. We are glad we have closed the deal at European Rotors 2022. It has been a great show for us.” states Nacho Navacerrada, Head of Sales of Entrol.

“This new project will bring a lot of flexibility and synergies to our future training strategy. For our overall pilot’s team we will be able to cover all requirements in terms of training and check flight events including scenario training for our missions in remote environment. Further to this of course we will be able to develop a whole new range of business opportunities within our ATO.” States Dominik Goldfuss, CEO and Owner of Global Helicopter Service.

This simulator will be the sixth Entrol device in Germany, making it the third country with the most Entrol devices after Spain and Italy.

About Global Helicopter Service:

Global Helicopter Service is an EASA approved helicopter company based in Kirchanschöring, Germany. GHS offers numerous services utilizing a flexible fleet of helicopters that includes the robust Bell 412, the well known Sikorsky S76C++ and the sophisticated Airbus H225.

Together with our strong partners we have access to more than 50 aircraft, our operational and geographic flexibility is second to none. GHS pilots and team are counted upon around the world to navigate extremely challenging weather conditions, terrain and high-stakes situations.

Since 2020 Global Helicopter Service is an EASA approved training organization (ATO) offering training services to third parties as well.

About entrol:

Since 2005, entrol develops and manufactures helicopter and fixed-wing FNPT and FTD simulators, for flight schools, airlines and operators, in order to improve pilot training, increase security on aircraft operations and reduce operational costs.

Entrol simulators are covered by a comprehensive after-sales services and designed according to CS-FSTD and FAA FTD directives.

In case you have any questions, please contact us!

GHS IS TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO BE A CARBON NEUTRAL AVIATION COMPANY

/in , /by

Environmentalists keep telling the world how important it is to measure and reduce carbon emissions. Naturally, the same applies to us at Global Helicopter Service – which is why we have put sustainability at the heart of what we do and acknowledge that we must reduce our company’s carbon footprint and this has started with reducing our direct emissions one of our measures related to our environmental management initiatives.

GHS has tracked, documented and calculated its overall CO2 emissions based on the amount of JetA1 consumed using common formulas for the 2021 flight hours. Following this calculation the amount of CO2 has been offset via climate protection projects certified by the UN.

Thus we neutralized a significant percentage of our carbon footprint for our operations in Africa for 2021 and will repeat this in 2022 with the introduction of further reduction programs.

“The first step of climate action is awareness: it is only once you know what your footprint is that you will be able to take appropriate action to reduce it.” ©UNFCC

The main feature of the United Nations Carbon Offset Platform is to display UNFCCC-certified climate friendly projects that reduce, avoid or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. These projects are implemented in developing countries around the world and are rewarded with Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) for each tonne of greenhouse gas they help reduce, avoid or remove.

Global Helicopter Service proactively manages environmental protection. All our strategies, measures and missions are coordinated with our efforts to protect the environment. Environmental management within Global Helicopter Service will be systematically expanded and developed further at all levels.

It is all about our planet!

Stay tuned for more details about our other and future Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Global Helicopter Service achieves PART-CAMO compliance

/in , /by

GHS has received final approval to the EASA Part-CAMO standards. Seven years after securing our EASA Part-M approval we have successfully managed the transition into the new Part-CAMO regulatory environment. This important approval recognises the well-established, mature, Safety Management System (SMS) as the backbone to the operation implemented across the entire organisation.

This exceptional achievement assures we are in compliance with latest regulatory requirements that allow us to provide continued, failsafe support to our customers. Our team attests to more than 70 years of combined staff experience in specialized helicopter operations in harsh and difficult environments managed to Part CAMO standards, underpinned by a high ratio of experienced type rated engineers.

GHS generally operate leased aircraft and we pride ourselves on the effective and efficient manner aircraft are processed and approved for use on our AOC. Our team is well prepared for quick turnaround in resolving shortcomings and defects through a very well-established working relationship between the CAMO and Part-145 departments.

Further to this our scope of approval has been enhanced to include the airworthiness review certification for the Sikorsky S76C++.

These milestones continue to demonstrate GHS’ uncompromising commitment to safety and reliability, which have been central to our business since its foundation in 2014.

“Safety has always been our top priority. Thus, we are very proud that thanks to great teamwork we have managed the achievement of being fully Part CAMO compliant, which is imperative to the company staying current and ahead of the market” says Dominik Goldfuss, CEO.

Congrats to our ambitious CAMO Team for this outstanding achievement!

Women Power at GHS

/in , /by

“Let us ensure that every girl, everywhere, has the opportunity to realize her dreams, grow into her power and contribute to a sustainable future for all,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Women in aviation is not something new, early pioneers include French Raymonde de Laroche, the world’s first licensed female pilot as far back as March 8th, 1910. What a fantastic coincidence that many years later International Women’s Day was dedicated to be held every year on March 8th.

When I started my career in an aviation company 17 years ago it was a pure male domain. I joined GHS seven years ago as the first and only female employee. Since then, our female representation has increased incrementally and we are heading to equal gender staff numbers at our German Headquarter.

We at GHS highly appreciate, support and promote the development of women power in aviation. I would like to introduce some of my female colleagues who share their passion for aviation.

Anna Folch has taken over Compliance Monitoring for Air Operations and Crew Training at GHS in November last year. She has been amazed by the world of aviation since she was 8 years old. She started studying aeronautical engineering and worked as an engineer until she fulfilled her dream to get her Helicopter Commercial Pilots Licence CPL(H). Just recently Anna completed her type rating on Bell 412 and carried out her first ferry flight of our Bell 412 D-HEPP from Nigeria to Germany as the Co-Pilot.

“Taking off and seeing that everything becomes smaller and smaller. Nothing else matters, just flying.”

Anny Folch

As a 7 year old, Vera Aitzinger knew that one day she would become a helicopter pilot.  Vera is currently the Executive Assistant at GHS, which means she is involved in all company matters which she carries out enthusiastically and always has good ideas. Vera currently holds a FAA helicopter pilot license and is working on her EASA CPL(H). According to her the industry is still far from having gender equity, which can be very hard sometimes. However, I have no doubt that her dream as a little girl, to become a rescue pilot in the Austrian Mountains will come true sooner than later.

“Little girls with big dreams become women with vision”, you should always go and follow your dreams, no matter what.

Vera Aitzinger

Pheobe Chizobam told me that “When I was a child, I always wanted to fly but this wasn’t a common career choice for kids around my age at that time in Nigeria,” today Pheobe is our first and only female engineer working on our Bell 412 fleet in Maiduguri and has almost completed her type rating. Her favourite part being an engineer is participating in major maintenance, such as removal and installation of aircraft engines. Her biggest obstacle so far is not receiving recognition and acceptance by her peers just because  she’s a woman; “I have literally experienced situations where I was told, you’re intruding in a man’s space, your place is in the kitchen!” , She has risen above this and proved her detractors wrong.

Sara VucemilovicGrgic is our female maintenance planner working with a lot of male engineers and mechanics. Her future plan is to become a licensed engineer which will give her an all-encompassing knowledge from office administration right through to the hangar floor and the aircraft itself.

“If you are a strong woman interested in powerful flying and fast machines, your place is saved in aviation.”

Sara VucemilovicGrgic

Our pilots will always tell you “The best office is a cockpit!”, however, working in an office for an aviation company can be just as exciting and challenging!

I wish all my female colleagues and all women involved in aviation a “Happy International Women’s Day – it’s our responsibility to inspire more and more women to break barriers and follow their dreams!

Ursula Pöcklhofer
Marketing & Sales at GHS

UN World Food Program Helicopter Charter Services in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Contract Award to Global Helicopter Service GmbH

/in , /by

Global Helicopter Service GmbH (GHS) a leading German helicopter service provider is proud to be the recipient of the contract to supply helicopter passenger and cargo transportation Services to the UN WFP in Maiduguri Nigeria.

This contract award is significant being a medium lift service utilising the renowned Airbus H225, which is a first for the WFP and a first in Nigeria both noteworthy accomplishments. 

Airbus H225, D-HTPN was positioned to Abuja for the completion of the Airworthiness Inspection after which it was moved to Maiduguri awaiting the final NCAA review of GHS procedures and quality system. On arrival in Maiduguri GHS and the UNHAS team commenced with aircraft and equipment inspections and familiarisation, training for operational scenarios and boarding procedures in preparation for the first on-site tasking and operational flight.

Meanwhile our H225 is daily flying for UNHAS in Maiduguri fully convincing during each mission flight.

Dominik Goldfuss, GHS CEO, said: “We at GHS are thrilled that WFP has given us the opportunity to demonstrate the true value and performance of the H225 and we look forward to impressing them beyond all expectations”.

Our special thanks goes to Airbus and its team for their continuing support in the implementation of this pilot project.

GHS takes great pride in the quality of all the aviation services it offers ensuring complete compliance to end-user speciation. These services include Part 145 Maintenance, CAMO services, Forward Aeromedical Evacuation, Pax & Freight Air transport, firefighting and Air Training Organisation (ATO) services.

European Defence Agency Forward Aeromedical Evacuation Contract Award to Global Helicopter Service GmbH

/in , /by

Global Helicopter Service GmbH a leading German helicopter service provider is pleased to announce the award of the European Defence Agency, Forward Aeromedical Evacuation, and Air Transport Contract for the MINUSMA Mission in Mali.

The contract runs from 01 December 2020 and GHS have positioned an Airbus H225, D-HTPN, and a Bell 412 EP, D-HAFN to Gao, Mali. Both aircraft are equipped and manned to provide Forward aeromedical evacuation (Fwd AE) at marked and secured landing sites and Air Transport (AT) capabilities whilst not engaged in armed military operations, providing a high degree of confidence of timely treatment to meet life, limb and function preserving surgical and resuscitative care not later than 2 hours after injury.

Dominik Goldfuss, GHS CEO, said: “We at GHS are delighted that EDA on behalf of the German Bundeswehr has selected GHS to partner with them for the provision of FwdAE and AT services and look forward to developing a strong working relationship between us”.

GHS takes great pride in the quality of all the aviation services it offers ensuring complete compliance to end-user speciation. These services include Part 145 Maintenance, CAMO services, Forward Aeromedical Evacuation, Pax & Freight Air transport, firefighting, and Air Training Organisation (ATO) services.

Contract extension from the European Defense Agency (EDA)

/in , , /by

Global Helicopter Service (GHS) is pleased to announce it has received a contract extension from the European Defense Agency (EDA) to continue the provision of FwdAE services for the Belgian DOD in Niger.

The contract will continue for 12 months commencing on the 1st January 2021, with GHS providing a Civilian Tactical Air Evacuation service utilising a Beechcraft 1900D for Belgian Defence deployment in Niger. The service is inclusive of a MEDEVAC collection service utilising the B1900D operating from the Diori Hamani International Airport, Niamey with an onboard AE Medical Team, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

GHS is privileged to receive this contract extension from EDA who have put their trust in the company to continue to provide this service and GHS is confident that it will deliver a robust, safe, cost-effective, and fit for purpose service on a daily basis as it has done in 2020.

FLEXIBLE MAINTENANCE OPTIONS, TO MEET YOUR NEEDS – GHS EASA Approved Part 145 Base Maintenance

/in , , /by

Another significant milestone and a great addition to the ongoing development at our new premises in Kirchanschöring/Germany. The recent EASA approval by the German Civil Aviation Authority, Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) of the GHS Part 145 base maintenance facilities allows GHS to offer flexible maintenance options which are focussed on controlling costs while keeping aircraft flying.

Our team of highly qualified GHS technicians provide base maintenance services to local and international customers as well as 3rd party maintenance for Bell 412 and EC225 helicopters. Our Part 145 Maintenance options include:

  • Return to Service (RTS)
  • Single scheduled maintenance events
  • Modifications and implementation of STC
  • Base/line maintenance within EASA CAMO regulations
  • Avionic inspections and reviews
  • Special tool rental
  • Hangarage, short and long-term storage
  • Spare Part Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

Our clients benefit from a high degree of cost control and optimization of maintenance task planning. We guarantee our customers the highest possible availability of their aircraft – anytime, anywhere. The entire GHS team is proud of this significant achievement!

Forest fire training in the Chiemgau Alps & Traunstein

/in , , , /by


Successful training sessions performed to be prepared for any emergency

Wildfires in the mountains require a fight with joint forces.

On 13.08.2020, about 70 emergency response teams of the local fire brigade and alpine rescue service including GHS flight and ground crew conducted this successful training in Ruhpolding/Chiemgau Alps.

Within this exercise a forest fire has been assumed across the Chiemgau Arena in Ruhpolding/Bavaria, to be stemmed from the ground as well as by air. It has been a main target to train the collaboration between the teams of the fire brigades and the helicopter flight and ground crews. New techniques could be shared as well has valuable experience with the interaction of helicopter and further organizations involved.

On 12.09.2020, a larger combined disaster response exercise has been carried out at the military training area in Kammer where GHS again supported the Fire Brigades with one of its Bell 412 helicopters as part of the exercise to simulate and train different scenarios.

Both training scenarios did include several flights familiarizing ground personnel and helicopter crew by transporting loads up in the valley and dropping them in impassable terrain uphill as well as water rejection with the Bambi Bucket.

On the second occasion, the Bambi Bucket has as well been used to refill a water basin and 30 firefighters were deployed. With this, we could additionally demonstrate, that with the Bell 412 larger numbers of firefighters can be redeployed to inaccessible areas in the shortest time in order to get them to the places where they are needed most.

These exercises as well gave GHS good opportunities to test their intern procedures and equipment. Lessons learned will be implemented and our setup proved to be efficient and reliable.

All participants and organisations involved have been very satisfied with the achievements and both sides could gain good knowledge and experience during these trainings.

Our gratitude goes to all parties involved, especially to the Traunstein Fire Brigades who invited us to these events.

It will be our great pleasure to assist the Fire Brigades with any aerial vegetation firefighting or disaster response tasks in case of an emergency – we are ready!

Photos by:  flohagena.com/GHS  / Max Köbele/5sM/GHS / Flying Lens

Waldbrand Übung in den Chiemgauer Alpen/Traunstein

Erfolgreiche Übungstage um für den Ernstfall gerüstet zu sein

Bei einem Waldbrand in den Bergen sind viele Helfer gefordert.

Am 13.08.2020 fand ein erfolgreiches Training mit ca. 70 Einsatzkräften der lokalen Feuerwehren und der Bergrettung inkl. GHS Piloten und Bodencrews in Ruhpolding/Chiemgauer Alpen statt.

Es wurde ein Waldbrand im Bereich oberhalb der Chiemgau-Arena in Ruhpolding/Bayern angenommen, den es sowohl vom Boden aus als auch mit „Hilfe aus der Luft“ einzudämmen galt. Eines der Hauptziele war es die Zusammenarbeit von Feuerwehrfrauen- und männer und der Hubschrauber Cockpit- und bodencrews zu trainieren. So konnten neue Techniken geteilt werden sowie wertvolle Erfahrungen im Zusammenspiel mit dem Hubschrauber sowie den anderen beteiligten Organisationen gesammelt werden.

Am 12.09.2020 fand eine weitere umfangreichere Katastrophenübung am Truppenübungsplatz in Kammer statt, bei der die GHS erneut mit einem Bell 412 Hubschrauber die Feuerwehren unterstützte um diverse Szenarien zu simulieren und zu trainieren.

Bei beiden Trainingseinheiten wurden Einweisungsflüge durchgeführt um das Bodenpersonal und die Hubschrauber Crew miteinander vertraut zu machen, indem Lasten im Tal aufgenommen und im Gelände abgesetzt wurden, sowie der gezielte Wasserabwurf aus dem Außenlastbehälter, dem Bambi Bucket.

Weiters wurde das Bambi Bucket dazu genutzt ein Wasserbecken wieder aufzufüllen und es wurden 30 Einsatzkräfte der Feuerwehren repositioniert. Damit konnten wir zusätzlich demonstrieren, dass mit einer Bell 412 auch eine höhere Anzahl an Einsatzkräften rasch in unwegsames Gelände versetzt werden kann, um die Löschtruppen direkt dort einzusetzen wo sie am nötigsten gebraucht werden.

Diese Übungen gaben uns weiters eine gute Möglichkeit unsere internen Abläufe zu trainieren und unser Equipment zu testen. Gelerntes wird umgesetzt und unser Setup auf Effizienz und Zuverlässigkeit geprüft.

Die Teilnehmer und Organisatoren beider Übungen zeigten sich sehr zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis und beide Seiten konnten wertvolle Erkenntnisse und neue Erfahrungen gewinnen.

Unser Dankeschön geht an alle beteiligten Organisationen, im Speziellen an den Kreisfeuerwehrverband Traunstein, der uns zu den Trainingseinheiten eigeladen hat.

Es ist uns eine Ehre die umliegenden Feuerwehren bei der Bekämpfung von Vegetationsbränden oder Einsätze im Katastrophenschutz zu unterstützen – wir sind bereit!

Fotos von:  flohagena.com/GHS  / Max Köbele/5sM/GHS / Flying Lens