Resource Hub

Updated structure aligns staff roles with the association’s priorities in safety, advocacy, data, workforce development, events, and member value. ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 23, 2026 — Vertical Aviation International (VAI) today announces a substantial staffing realignment designed to strengthen the association’s ability to execute its five-year strategic plan and meet the needs of an evolving vertical […]

VAI led an aviation coalition that sent a letter Jun. 22 to US House of Representatives leaders opposing H.R.5634, the Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2026. The coalition raised concerns that the bill would limit veterans’ access to post-9/11 GI Bill flight training benefits and restrict an important aviation workforce pipeline. VAI remains committed to working with Congress to ensure that veterans can access the benefits they were promised.

Matt Johnson, an FAA designated pilot examiner, provides tips for interpreting a terminal aerodrome forecast, or TAF, in the latest edition of the United States Helicopter Safety Team newsletter.

(Vertical Plus) – Pilots have a rich tradition of sharing stories that highlight the thrill, humor, and danger of aviation. That’s why Terrence D. Eissfeldt always encourages early-career maintainers to make sure they engage in ad hoc conversations with pilots at the end of the day.

Speedy is a member of the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Steering Committee who works as a test pilot for Leonardo Helicopters on the AW609 program.

The new aircraft will be deployed across the emergency aerial services operator’s extensive network, strengthening its presence in the Nordics, Italy, and Spain for helicopter emergency medical services and other mission segments, including offshore transportation.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jul. 21, 2026, supersedes AD 2023-01-04 for all Airbus Helicopter Model AS350 B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS350 D, AS355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N, and AS355 NP helicopters. AD 2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part-numbered tail-rotor head spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the pitch change spider nut for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm–wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. The new AD requires the same actions as AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspections, and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), effective Jul. 21, 2026, supersedes AD 2022-11-08, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350 B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS350 D, EC130 B4, and EC130 T2 helicopters. Since that AD was issued, it has been determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The new AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.

As you may know, earlier this month VAI Daily shifted from publishing every business day to a weekly format. As a reader of VAI Weekly, you’ll get many of the news highlights you received from VAI Daily, plus more original content and information to optimize your business success.

The FAA is accepting applications through Jun. 22 for its Aviation Workforce Development Grants program supporting aircraft pilots, unmanned aircraft system operators, and aviation maintenance technical workers. The grants help strengthen the aviation workforce pipeline and support training opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals. Note: The application website will be unavailable Jun. 20 through midday Jun. 22, so early applications are encouraged.