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Aviation journalist Mark Huber talks with a leading propulsion expert who explains why the electrochemical power source offers numerous advantages over batteries.

In its comments to the FAA, VAI supports the agency’s main safety objectives but raises concerns about the proposed framework. The association recommends, among other points, that the final rule place greater emphasis on operational coordination, situational awareness, and risk management rather than relying primarily on notice-based mechanisms.

VAI is offering four scholarships for 2027 to help students, aviation maintenance technicians, and commercial helicopter pilots continue their education and training. Click on the headline above to learn more about each scholarship and how to apply!

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed procedures for Auction 115, the next major step toward introducing terrestrial wireless services in the Upper C-band. The FCC’s notice advances the timeline for wireless deployment immediately below the 4.2–4.4 GHz band used by aircraft radio altimeters.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-20-11, which applies to certain Bell Textron Canada Model 429 helicopters. AD 2022-20-11 requires visually inspecting the external surface of the tail-rotor gearbox support assembly; borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tail boom; and performing a tactile inspection, among other tasks. The proposed AD would require the same actions as the earlier rule and would reduce the inspection interval. Comments are due by Sep. 8, 2026.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model EC130 B4 helicopters. The proposed AD, prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand side swinging and sliding door, would require modifying the swinging door star support and sliding door star support stringer. Comments on the proposal must be submitted by Sep. 8, 2026.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-04-10, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, and EC635 T2+ helicopters. The proposed AD would retain the actions of the earlier rule and require repetitively inspecting a certain tail-rotor blade assembly for cracks, among other tasks. Comments are due by Sep. 14, 2026.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines Model Arriel 2E engines. The AD, effective Sep. 3, 2026, requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the airworthiness limitations section of the existing approved aircraft maintenance program, as applicable.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. The AD, prompted by reports of cracking on the ejector ducts, requires repetitively inspecting the left- and right-hand side ejector ducts, including the exhaust bracket reinforcements and reinforcement plates, and, depending on the results, replacing any affected ejector duct. The AD is effective Sep. 3, 2026.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-02-55, which applies to certain Bell Textron Canada Model 505 helicopters. AD 2024-02-55 requires initial and recurring inspections of the vertical stabilizer top end cap assembly and corrective action if a crack is found. The new AD continues the inspection requirements of the earlier AD, excluding certain serial-numbered Model 505 helicopters, among other tasks. The new rule takes effect Sep. 3, 2026.