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The FAA has approved VAI’s request to extend and amend Exemption No. 6002O to allow properly trained pilots employed by member operators to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen (LOX) system containers in company-owned or -leased aircraft after receiving and documenting training in this task by an FAA-certificated airframe mechanic. The extension runs until Jan. 31, 2028. The existing exemption expires at midnight on Jan. 31, 2026; all operations specifications will need to be updated with the new exemption number before that time. Because Jan. 31, 2026, falls on a Saturday, there is a risk of noncompliance for Part 135 operators that have this exemption in their operations specifications if they do not update and issue them prior to the weekend.

VAI, a Modern Skies Coalition member, is asking Congress to pass the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The legislation would fund the FAA against future US government shutdowns. A potential deal to avoid another shutdown is in the works and is expected to receive votes in Congress by Jan. 31.

We encourage VAI members to submit comments to the FAA by Feb. 12 opposing the closure of the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport in Indiana.

(CNN Business) – US President Donald Trump wrote on social media Jan. 29 that he is decertifying all aircraft made in Canada and threatened a 50% tariff until the country certifies American-made Gulfstreams. It is unclear whether Trump has the legal authority to decertify aircraft. No US president has ever decertified jets directly. The decision has always been made by aviation safety experts at the FAA.

(KFVS) – A pilot and three Missouri State Parks employees received minor injuries after the helicopter went down into the Meramec River Jan. 29 in Franklin County.

This European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive (AD), ATA 53 – Fuselage – Mounts and Attachment – Checks/Replacement, takes effect Feb. 5.

This European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive (AD), ATA 53 – Fuselage – Intermediate Fuselage Frame 8 – Inspection, becomes effective Feb. 2.

VSE Corp. has agreed to purchase the Atlanta, Georgia–based maintenance, repair, and overhaul services provider from GenNx360 Capital Partners in a deal valued at more than $2 billion.

The companies have started operations at a new beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) airspace-management facility at Springfield–Beckley Municipal Airport (KSGH) in Ohio.

The US Army has awarded a $45.6 million contract for the company to provide Vita Rescue Systems for US military helicopters, including early deliveries to active Army and National Guard units.