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As millions of fans travel across the United States to attend the soccer matches, VAI continues to actively engage with the FAA and other stakeholders to monitor potential impacts to vertical lift operations, advocate for our members, and provide timely operational updates.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD) supersedes AD 2022-19-13, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N, and AS355 NP helicopters. Since that AD was issued, a determination was made that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The new AD, which takes effect Jul. 21, 2026, 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.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD) was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD, which takes effect Jul. 21, 2026, 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.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jul. 14, 2026, continues to require the actions of AD 2025-06-04, released Apr. 4, 2025, while correcting the interval compliance times.

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has become the first transportation secretary in American history to fly in an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The historic flight, which took place at the Vermont headquarters of BETA Technologies, comes as the government’s new eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) progresses.

US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Industry Chair Chris Baur, a member of the VAI Board of Directors, shares details about US helicopter accidents during April 2026 and calendar year 2025 in the spring edition of the USHST newsletter.

The global helicopter distributor has acquired and resold to Mercy Flight a Bell 429 to support the operator’s air ambulance services operations in the United States.

The designation means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the designated airspace and surrounding grounds during the matches.

The FAA is establishing temporary flight restrictions over FIFA World Cup 2026 venues and fan events to protect spectators, with strict enforcement against unauthorized drone operations.