Resource Hub

This proposed FAA airworthiness directive (AD) was prompted by reports that the identification plate affixed to certain tail cone assemblies contains an incorrect part number that may not accurately convey the life limit. The AD would require verifying the tail cone assembly part number and, if necessary, replacing the incorrect tail cone assembly identification plate and updating the existing log card or equivalent record for the helicopter. Comments regarding the proposal are due by Aug. 6, 2026.

The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for several Airbus Helicopter AS355 model aircraft. The proposed AD was prompted by the determination that the tail-rotor drive fan wheels and the impeller second stage have been incorrectly identified during production. This proposed AD would require verifying the serial number and amendment of the log cards of the affected parts and, depending on the findings, performing a one-time borescope inspection to verify consistency between the log cards and the affected parts. Depending on the inspection results, the proposed AD would require replacing or reidentifying certain parts. It would also prohibit the installation of certain fan wheels and impeller second stages on any helicopter. Comments regarding the proposal are due by Aug. 3, 2026.

(National Aeronautic Association) – The former chairman of the US National Transportation Safety Board is being honored for more than 40 years of exemplary service as an airline pilot, safety researcher, instructor, and federal leader.

Updated structure aligns staff roles with the association’s priorities in safety, advocacy, data, workforce development, events, and member value. ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, June 23, 2026 — Vertical Aviation International (VAI) today announces a substantial staffing realignment designed to strengthen the association’s ability to execute its five-year strategic plan and meet the needs of an evolving vertical […]

Matt Johnson, an FAA designated pilot examiner, provides tips for interpreting a terminal aerodrome forecast, or TAF, in the latest edition of the United States Helicopter Safety Team newsletter.

(Vertical Plus) – Pilots have a rich tradition of sharing stories that highlight the thrill, humor, and danger of aviation. That’s why Terrence D. Eissfeldt always encourages early-career maintainers to make sure they engage in ad hoc conversations with pilots at the end of the day.

Speedy is a member of the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Steering Committee who works as a test pilot for Leonardo Helicopters on the AW609 program.

The new aircraft will be deployed across the emergency aerial services operator’s extensive network, strengthening its presence in the Nordics, Italy, and Spain for helicopter emergency medical services and other mission segments, including offshore transportation.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jul. 21, 2026, supersedes AD 2023-01-04 for all Airbus Helicopter Model AS350 B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS350 D, AS355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N, and AS355 NP helicopters. AD 2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part-numbered tail-rotor head spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the pitch change spider nut for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm–wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. The new AD requires the same actions as AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspections, and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), effective Jul. 21, 2026, supersedes AD 2022-11-08, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350 B, AS350 BA, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS350 D, EC130 B4, and EC130 T2 helicopters. Since that AD was issued, it has been determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The new AD 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.