Resource Hub

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jul. 25, requires updating the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.

Coulson Aviation Canada has obtained a 70-day contract to deploy a night-vision goggles–equipped Sikorsky S-61 helitanker for the British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The FAA is seeking comments by Aug. 4 on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would supersede AD 2020-24-07. The new AD would keep the requirements of the existing AD while establishing an additional modification, which would constitute terminating action for repetitive inspections. The proposed AD would also expand the helicopter applicability; propose additional requirements for certain helicopters; and prohibit installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip with an affected microswitch.

Due to the efforts of a coalition of stakeholders led by the VAI Government Affairs team, the New York State government’s regularly scheduled legislative session concluded this week without passage of a “noise tax” on helicopter operations.

Chris Baur, United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) cochair, recently met with Reynaldo Ribeiro, president of the Brazilian Helicopter Safety Team, to discuss safety, weather cameras, pilot mental health, and other topics.

The company has appointed Matt Fullerton, a pilot and A&P mechanic, as technical sales manager for the Central United States.

The June 2025 safety report from the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) is now available. The report covers various metrics, including average accident rates and average fatal-accident rates for the past five years.

Representatives from Leonardo joined the operator in announcing the milestone Jun. 17 during the 2025 Paris Air Show in France.

This proposed airworthiness directive (AD) would require repetitively inspecting certain swashplates for cracks and removing and replacing each cracked swashplate, if necessary. It would also prohibit installing an affected swashplate unless it has passed the proposed inspection requirements. The FAA is accepting comments through Aug. 4.

The FAA is seeking comments by Aug. 4 on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would require revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual supplement and replacing the air-conditioning system’s condenser-outlet grids with condenser-outlet covers.