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The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-01, which applies to several Airbus Helicopters Series AS350, AS355, AS365, EC130, and SA 365 helicopters. AD 2022-01-01 requires applying alignment markings on, and performing repetitive inspections of, the main-rotor pitch rod upper links and, depending on the findings, taking applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-01, the manufacturer designed a new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw and issued applicable modification material as an alternative option. This proposed AD would retain all the actions of the previous AD and allow the modification as a terminating action to the repetitive inspections and corrective actions, among other requirements. Comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking are due by Sep. 14.

The FAA today pre-released its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) drone delivery Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). VAI’s engagement on the issue ensured that the operational realities of the shared low-altitude airspace were formally considered and addressed in the FAA’s final decision.

The VAI team enjoyed a pleasant surprise last week when US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stopped by the new Vertical Lift Center during the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The facility, cosponsored by VAI and Robinson Helicopter Co., displayed helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft while promoting rotorcraft education, industry recruitment, and innovative technology in the vertical lift industry.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Jul. 24 adopted rules to auction 160 MHz of spectrum in the Upper C-band (3.98–4.14 GHz) by July 2027. VAI Director of Regulatory Affairs Amber Harrison explains what this new development means for vertical aviation.

(Unmanned Airspace) – For advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft developers speaking at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow, civil certification is only another step along the way to bringing artificial intelligence, autonomy, more capable drone logistics, and new forms of hybrid electric propulsion into the market.

Robinson Helicopter Co. President and CEO David Smith and VAI President and CEO François Lassale joined EAA Radio’s Digital Dave and Fast Eddie to talk vertical aviation Jul. 20 at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The focus of their discussion? The spectacular Vertical Lift Center, which debuted at this year’s show and was cosponsored by VAI and Robinson.

(AIN) – Greek charter flight provider Hoper is adding a pair of leased Airbus helicopters—a five-seat AS355 Écureuil 2 and six-seat H135—to its fleet to meet high demand in the summer vacation season. According to the Athens-based company, the twin-engine rotorcraft will be operated by companies within its network of operators.

The updated fleet of Black Hawk helicopters will feature Moog’s Genesys Avionics Suite and four-axis GRC 4000 autopilot system.

(AvBrief.com) – FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau says there will be a new “roadmap” issued on the transition to unleaded avgas in coming weeks, and it now seems likely that industry and government will miss the 2030 congressional deadline for the elimination of 100LL leaded fuel, according to reporting from AvBrief.