Resource Hub

The company has started integration testing for the hybrid–electric propulsion system on its Valo electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Vertical Aerospace has also produced the first aircraft battery from its upgraded assembly line in Bristol, England.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has determined that the main rotor of a rescue helicopter struck a tree that was in the pilot’s blind spot during an attempted winching operation around 42 km (26 miles) southeast of Corryong Airport (YCRG) in the Snowy Mountains.

(SnowBrains) – A helicopter crew assisted first responders with airlifting an injured pilot following the May 17 crash of a fixed-wing aircraft along the East Humboldt Mountain Range, according to the Elko County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael Graham has been reappointed as a member and vice chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board. The Senate also confirmed Daniel Edwards as assistant secretary of transportation for aviation and international affairs.

This proposed FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jun. 29, would require inspecting the main-gearbox engine coupling for correct installation and taking corrective actions, if necessary.

(The Defense Post) – The US State Department has approved a $3 billion purchase from South Korea for 24 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters plus $1.2 billion for upgrades to Boeing AH-64E Apaches.

The Midland, Virginia–based avionics and maintenance provider has promoted Kelli Gatewood from director of operations to president.

(Vertical magazine) – An enormous cash pyre continues to fuel vertical aviation’s promise of a green energy future. Collectively, the top 10 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft companies have burned through an estimated $12 billion—four times the amount lost during the very light jet craze of the late 1990s, and six times Boeing’s current annual profit.

VAI encourages operators to participate in the FAA General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey. Governmental agencies and industry organizations will use data from the survey results to compute safety metrics, determine funding for infrastructure and service needs, and more.