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This proposed FAA airworthiness directive (AD) was prompted by a determination that certain bolts installed on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls were not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during manufacturing and thus could lead to bolt failure. The AD would require replacement of affected bolts with bolts that are eligible for installation and prohibit installation of an affected bolt on any helicopter.

(Scoop) – The air ambulance organization’s service during the month included assisting with medical emergencies in hard-to-access rural areas across Waikato, King Country, and Coromandel in New Zealand’s North Island.

Chris Baur, industry chairman of the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and a VAI Board member, notes that fatal US helicopter accidents have been trending in a favorable direction based on the five-year average but are worse than 2024.

The FAA antidepressant protocol received a major update Dec. 3: The stabilization wait time for approved medications has been reduced from six to three months.

Gallagher has partnered with VAI to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed exclusively for individuals, families, and business owners and their employees.

US House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-Tex.-22) made opening remarks at a hearing focused on the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) Dec. 3. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, the FAA regulatory progress, and the modernization of air traffic control systems to ensure US leadership in electric vertical takeoff and landing technology, job creation, and future aviation advancements.

(Vertical magazine) – Private electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developers, along with US state and local governments, next year will take part in an FAA pilot program designed to enable real-world testing of advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies.

This proposed airworthiness directive (AD) would require repetitively inspecting the overhead panel and, depending on the results, repairing or replacing the damaged wires. The AD would also require modifying the overhead panel on certain helicopters.

A LifeFlight aircrew has won The Barry Marsden Memorial Award for the dramatic search and rescue of a Queensland, Australia, couple in December 2024. The couple was stranded near Kowanyama for three days and two nights after losing their vehicle in crocodile-infested floodwater.

Archer Aviation plans a Miami-area air taxi network linking major Florida cities and airports via 10- to 20-minute electric-aircraft flights. The OEM will partner with local real estate developers to create new vertiport infrastructure to support the network.