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The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-13-09, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS365 N2, AS365 N3, EC155 B, EC155 B1, SA 365 N, and SA 365 N1 helicopters. AD 2025-13-09 requires inspecting the tightening torque, reporting the results of the inspections, and, depending on the results of the inspection, taking corrective action. This proposed AD would retain some of the actions of AD 2025-13-09 and would also require additional inspections and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. Comments on the proposed rule are due by Aug. 17.

Airbus has finalized a contract for the purchase of the helicopters by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Air and Marine Operations. The H125s will support critical law enforcement, border security, and public safety missions across the United States.

Europe’s leading vertical aviation trade show and safety conference returns 30 Nov. through 3 Dec. 2026 (exhibits open 1–3 Dec.). This year, the event will be held in Lyon, France, with the country hosting the event for the first time as the show builds on five years of consecutive growth. EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026 will bring together operators, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, training organizations, unmanned aircraft systems companies, advanced air mobility innovators, and the next generation of aviation professionals. Be sure to be there! Click on the headline above to register.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it will vote on Jul. 22 on a plan to auction off 160 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum (3.98–4.14 GHz) next year. The forthcoming spectrum sale requires coordination with the aviation industry, which uses nearby spectrum for radio altimeters.

The FAA proposes to amend the regulations for certificated mechanics by replacing the inspection authorization with an inspection rating on a mechanic’s certificate, similar to the existing airframe and powerplant ratings. Comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) are due by Aug. 31.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MD Helicopters Model 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, and MD 500N helicopters. Prompted by a report of mechanical damage to the main transmission driveshaft coupling, this proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection of the couplings for cracks of the splines and, depending on the results, replacement of the couplings. Comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking are due by Aug. 17.

(Urban Air Mobility) – The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft maker has begun the process to certify the Hili aircraft with the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aircraft is being developed to transport payloads of up to 250 kg (551 lb.) over distances of up to 700 km (435 miles).

The FAA’s 48th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey), reporting on calendar year 2025, is still underway, but time is running out to respond! The last day aircraft owners and operators can respond is Friday, Jul. 10, 2026. VAI highly encourages participation in the survey, whose data is used by governmental agencies and industry organizations to compute safety metrics, determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, and more.

The move, effective Jun. 29, establishes Honeywell Aerospace as an independent, publicly traded company in the aerospace and defense industry.

Reiser Simulation and Training and Varjo hosted an “Experience Day” Jun. 24 in Berg, Germany, showcasing high-fidelity extended-reality (XR) simulation for civil aviation, aerospace, defense, and training communities. The event featured expert talks and live demonstrations highlighting mixed reality’s role in closing gaps between evolving operational demands and traditional training capabilities.