Resource Hub

(Isle of Wight Observer) – The man who helped rebuild an island-built helicopter, and donated it to the Wight Aviation Museum, has been honored by Aviation Heritage UK.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit – Ireland (AAIU) found that the helicopter lost control during transition to hover because an unsecured power bank restricted the collective pitch lever, prompting three safety recommendations.

(The Economic Times) – India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has found serious deficiencies in how weather information is shared for helicopter operations in the Chardham sector. In a report, the ministry recommends that standard operating procedures for weather dissemination be implemented and that operators’ pilot qualifications for mountain flights be audited.

The North West’s latest LifeFlight helicopter touched down in Mount Isa, Australia, on Nov. 13. The AW139 is the most advanced rescue helicopter to operate in the region to date.

Vertical Aerospace has received a Permit to Fly from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority and begun Phase 4 transition testing, the final stage of its VX4 prototype flight-test program. The approval allows piloted flights that shift between hover and wingborne flight.

(Urban Air Mobility) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is creating a new advanced aerial mobility regulatory framework to test new rules and airspace redesigns to integrate drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The initiative is a joint effort by the Technology Innovation Institute and ASPIRE under the Advanced Technology Research Council in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority.

Christian Wehle, chief engineer of the Airbus Helicopters H140, highlights how the OEM has developed and enhanced the aircraft with major innovations in cabin design, rotor technology, aerodynamics, and performance—many inspired by Airbus’s earlier Bluecopter research program.

(Vintage Aviation News) – On Nov. 13, 1907, French bicycle maker Paul Cornu made what is widely regarded as the world’s first free flight of a rotary-wing aircraft, with his Cornu Helicopter II.

Bell returns to the Dubai Airshow next week, showcasing the Bell 505 and Subaru Bell 412EPX and reinforcing the OEM’s long-standing support for operators across the Middle East and Africa.

With the US government reopened under a continuing resolution through Jan. 30, 2026, the FAA has paused further flight reductions. VAI will continue to monitor developments and work with the FAA, Congress, and the Modern Skies Coalition to support the safe restoration of full aviation operations.