Resource Hub

Bell Textron delivered a second Bell 505 to the Fort Worth Police Department this week at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW).

This revised FAA special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) provides information to helicopter owners and operators regarding crash-resistant fuel systems.

VAI is seeking nominations for four open operator positions on our Board of Directors for the term Jul. 1, 2026, through Jun. 30, 2029. We welcome thought leaders from across the industry.

(Dronelife) – Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification has released a report that documents $42 million of public- and private-sector funding invested during 2025 to develop an advanced air mobility ecosystem across the state.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) preliminary report about a forced landing accident at Bankstown Airport (YSBK) indicates the instructor and student pilot were conducting a circuit training flight in windy conditions, and the student reported hearing a whistling noise and seeing a loss of either engine or rotor RPM as the helicopter suddenly lost altitude. The instructor died in the accident.

(Open PR) – A new forecast from Market Research Future projects that the global helicopter market will expand from an estimated 2025 value of US$7.0 billion to US$11.6 billion in 2035.

(L’Unione Sarda) – According to the Carabinieri, the helicopter landed directly in the ski area at the Maniva Pass slopes Dec. 13 in the mountains near Brescia. The pilot faces a fine and administrative license review from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.

(WNCT) – A military helicopter from Marine Corps Air Station New River briefly landed unexpectedly Dec. 16 at Open Grounds Farm in Carteret County.

The FAA is requesting comments by Feb. 2, 2026, on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would retain the actions of AD 2020-09-15, issued May 20, 2020, while adding a requirement to repetitively measure in-flight vibration levels.

This proposed FAA airworthiness directive (AD) would require repetitive inspections of certain vertical upper-fin spars and, if necessary, taking corrective action. It would also prohibit the installation of certain upper-fin assemblies. The FAA is accepting comments on the proposed AD through Feb. 2, 2026.