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The inaugural VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference will bring together operators, regulators, manufacturers, and other aviation safety professionals from across the region to strengthen collaboration and share best practices. The conference takes place May 27–29, 2026, in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has determined that a loss of tail-rotor effectiveness likely occurred at an insufficient height for the pilot to recover. Investigators also identified that the operator’s risk assessment for low-level operations did not contain the hazard and control measures necessary to avoid the likelihood of loss of tail-rotor effectiveness. ATSB also found no requirement for the operator’s pilots to conduct preflight risk reviews.

The association submitted letters of support for applications from at least 10 US states for the FAA’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program.

Since François Lassale joined VAI as the association’s president and CEO in October, he has been talking with and listening to industry members worldwide. His conversations with operators are always strikingly similar, focusing on operational pressure, workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and safer operations. Watch this first edition of François’s Aviation Reflections to learn what VAI achieved in these areas in 2025—achievements made possible by the participation and perspectives of our members.

(Task & Purpose) – A 129th Rescue Squadron HH-60W crew conducted a medical evacuation from a cruise ship in foggy conditions Dec. 16 more than 100 miles off the coast of California.

The Joint Aviation Command helicopter, an Airbus H145 D3, has started training pilots and rear crew at Royal Air Force (RAF) Benson. Part of an order for six helicopters, the H145 D3 will deploy to Brunei and Cyprus in 2026 and replace the Bell 212 and 412.

(HeliOps magazine) – The Dublin, Ireland–based helicopter leasing and finance company plans to finalize the transaction for the European operator in early 2026.

The FAA is requesting comments by Feb. 5, 2026, on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would require repetitive inspections of the right-hand forward transmission support-beam fitting for cracks. It would also require repairs, if necessary, and submission to the FAA of data on any previous repairs and replaced fittings.

Safran Helicopter Engines USA President and CEO Thierry Derrien thanked 400 staff members for their dedication to the company’s mission during an event in Grand Prairie.