Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Airbus Helicopters BK117, EC145, and H145 series

Matt Thurber

The Czech police aviation service will receive new Airbus H145s after the country’s interior ministry signed a contract for 11 of the medium-twin helicopters. The police service will use the H145s for law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and emergency medical missions.
Currently, the Czech police operate a fleet of nine H135s, and the H145s will replace those. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a four-axis autopilot and Helionix avionics, the H145 is “the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors,” according to Airbus Helicopters.
Of the more than 1,800 H145-series helicopters in service, more than 200 are operated for public service and law-enforcement missions. The entire fleet has logged more than 8.5 million flight hours.
“As the Czech police currently operate the H135, transitioning to the H145 is the logical next step in their fleet’s evolution, allowing crews and maintenance teams to benefit from a high degree of commonality and ensure seamless operational readiness from day one,” said Airbus Helicopters head of Europe Thomas Hein. “This agreement highlights the H145’s versatility as a multi-mission aircraft, capable of shifting quickly from demanding police work to life-saving rescue duties.”

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The Czech police service will use the H145s for law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical missions.

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In this article

BK117/EC145/H145

Airbus Helicopters

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