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(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.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate this accident, which occurred under clear conditions at dusk. Injuries to the four occupants were minor, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Learn more about the nine operators, manufacturers, and suppliers that became members of VAI last month.

(National Business Aviation Association) – Safety standdowns offer learning opportunities that can notably reduce aviation incidents and identify operational vulnerabilities.