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(AVweb) – The FAA has activated a radar data-sharing initiative with the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks, North Dakota, enabling the integration of federal radar information into the state’s Vantis beyond visual line of sight system.

VAI commends the Trump administration and the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for advancing the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, a national effort to accelerate the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the US National Airspace System.

Didn’t get a chance to catch our livestream of the VERTICON 2026 Fly-In? No worries! Click on the link above to watch the official footage from the VAI team.

Bell Textron has conducted the critical design review (CDR) for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program. The achievement allows Bell to begin building an aircraft demonstrator with the designation of X-76.

The May 28, 2027, deadline for Part 135 operators and some Part 91 air tour operators, as well as Part 21 certificate holders (current aircraft manufacturers), to implement an FAA-mandated safety management system (SMS) is looming—and VAI and its industry partners are poised to help at this year’s VERTICON.

(Vertical magazine) – The new MD 564 is a deliberate escalation of the proven MD 500 airframe, designed to deliver performance margins typically associated with larger platforms while preserving the agility and economics that define the light-single segment.

Bell is highlighting the advantages of helicopters in law enforcement roles, providing officers with faster response capability, increased safety, reduced risk during high-speed pursuits, and more flexibility in special missions.

The association has appointed Gabe Sheeran as the new president of its board of directors, succeeding Brett Reeder.