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Since François Lassale joined VAI as the association’s president and CEO in October, he has been talking with and listening to industry members worldwide. His conversations with operators are always strikingly similar, focusing on operational pressure, workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and safer operations. Watch this first edition of François’s Aviation Reflections to learn what VAI achieved in these areas in 2025—achievements made possible by the participation and perspectives of our members.

(Task & Purpose) – A 129th Rescue Squadron HH-60W crew conducted a medical evacuation from a cruise ship in foggy conditions Dec. 16 more than 100 miles off the coast of California.

The Joint Aviation Command helicopter, an Airbus H145 D3, has started training pilots and rear crew at Royal Air Force (RAF) Benson. Part of an order for six helicopters, the H145 D3 will deploy to Brunei and Cyprus in 2026 and replace the Bell 212 and 412.

(HeliOps magazine) – The Dublin, Ireland–based helicopter leasing and finance company plans to finalize the transaction for the European operator in early 2026.

The FAA is requesting comments by Feb. 5, 2026, on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would require repetitive inspections of the right-hand forward transmission support-beam fitting for cracks. It would also require repairs, if necessary, and submission to the FAA of data on any previous repairs and replaced fittings.

Safran Helicopter Engines USA President and CEO Thierry Derrien thanked 400 staff members for their dedication to the company’s mission during an event in Grand Prairie.

(Fly By Wire Aviation) – A Spanish Army Aviation Academy instructor pilot explains the flight instruments and controls in the EC135.

(KETK) – The University of Texas (UT) Health East Texas AIR 1 aviation unit transported its first patient in December 1985.

(MechDesignTV) – The OEM conducted the first flight of its Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR) demonstrator Dec. 19 in Samarate, Italy.

(WFAA) – The helicopter went down Dec. 19 at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (KAFW), resulting in minor injuries to two people.