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In its comments to the FAA, VAI supports the agency’s main safety objectives but raises concerns about the proposed framework. The association recommends, among other points, that the final rule place greater emphasis on operational coordination, situational awareness, and risk management rather than relying primarily on notice-based mechanisms.

VAI is offering four scholarships for 2027 to help students, aviation maintenance technicians, and commercial helicopter pilots continue their education and training. Click on the headline above to learn more about each scholarship and how to apply!

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed procedures for Auction 115, the next major step toward introducing terrestrial wireless services in the Upper C-band. The FCC’s notice advances the timeline for wireless deployment immediately below the 4.2–4.4 GHz band used by aircraft radio altimeters.

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-01, which applies to several Airbus Helicopters Series AS350, AS355, AS365, EC130, and SA 365 helicopters. AD 2022-01-01 requires applying alignment markings on, and performing repetitive inspections of, the main-rotor pitch rod upper links and, depending on the findings, taking applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-01, the manufacturer designed a new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw and issued applicable modification material as an alternative option. This proposed AD would retain all the actions of the previous AD and allow the modification as a terminating action to the repetitive inspections and corrective actions, among other requirements. Comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking are due by Sep. 14.

The FAA today pre-released its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) drone delivery Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). VAI’s engagement on the issue ensured that the operational realities of the shared low-altitude airspace were formally considered and addressed in the FAA’s final decision.

The VAI team enjoyed a pleasant surprise last week when US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stopped by the new Vertical Lift Center during the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The facility, cosponsored by VAI and Robinson Helicopter Co., displayed helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft while promoting rotorcraft education, industry recruitment, and innovative technology in the vertical lift industry.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Jul. 24 adopted rules to auction 160 MHz of spectrum in the Upper C-band (3.98–4.14 GHz) by July 2027. VAI Director of Regulatory Affairs Amber Harrison explains what this new development means for vertical aviation.

(Unmanned Airspace) – For advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft developers speaking at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow, civil certification is only another step along the way to bringing artificial intelligence, autonomy, more capable drone logistics, and new forms of hybrid electric propulsion into the market.