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The aircraft will replace an AS350 B3 currently in service at the Baltimore (Maryland) County Police Department (BCPD).

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. The AD, effective Sep. 10, 2026, requires inspecting the main gear box engine coupling for correct installation and, depending on the results, taking corrective action.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopters. The AD, which takes effect Sep. 10, 2026, requires a one-time visual inspection for proper installation of the washer on the pitch link assembly and, depending on the results, taking corrective action.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-20-12 for certain Carson, Croman, Glacier, Robinson Air Crane, Sikorsky, and Siller helicopters regarding the aircraft’s main rotor shafts (MRS). The new AD, effective Sep. 10, 2026, retains some of the requirements of the original rule while reducing the retirement life for a certain MRS installed on certain helicopters, among other details.

(YouTube) – Go behind the scenes of the successful first-ever run of the GT50, the engine that will power Hill Helicopters’ HX50 aircraft. Watch footage from this major milestone, hear from the team that made it happen, and discover what comes next for the development program.

(Vertical Plus) – As workforce shortages continue to pressure operators across the helicopter industry, maintenance leaders say attracting and retaining technicians will require more than simply filling vacancies. The challenge is developing maintainers who understand the pace, accountability, and technical demands of rotary-wing operations, and who are prepared to build long-term careers within them.

(Helicopter Investor) – GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) has ditched plans to buy rotary operator and maintenance and training business NHV Group following the Belgian government’s decision to block the proposed deal.

“Delivering the 5,000th R44 Raven II reflects the enduring trust operators around the world place in Robinson,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Co., in an announcement about the OEM’s milestone. “The R44 remains the most widely sold and flown light civil helicopter on the planet because it delivers unmatched reliability, low direct operating costs, and multimission versatility.”

The Boeing Co. and Archer Aviation announced Aug. 10 that they have signed definitive agreements in which Archer will acquire Boeing’s Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu subsidiaries. The deal will combine complementary capabilities in aviation autonomy, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems. In conjunction with the transaction, Boeing and Archer are entering into a collaboration and technology-sharing arrangement through which Boeing will retain access to the Wisk core autonomous flight technology for its current and next-generation commercial and defense aircraft.

(DroneLife) – Cleveland Clinic has launched a drone delivery program for prescription medications, becoming the first US health system to establish a long-term drone delivery service for patients. The program, operated in partnership with Zipline, is already making deliveries to eligible patients in the East Side suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio’s.