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Thirty-one years ago today, Hughes Aerospace CEO and VAI Board Member Chris Baur, then a captain in the US Air Force, took part in a historic mission that tested the limits of man and machine in one of the longest rescue operations ever recorded.

The Air Methods operator hosted an event Dec. 3 at Kingman Airport (KIGM) in Mohave County, Arizona, to recognize the milestone.

Airbus Helicopters has released a Q&A about how the OEM applies human factors and ergonomics concepts starting with the design phase to help improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

The company is looking to hire a field technician for a remote position that will provide technical support, maintenance, and field services for wireless communications and aerial surveillance systems.

The FAA is seeking comments by Jan. 23, 2026, on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would supersede AD 2025-05-09, issued Apr. 4, 2025. The proposed AD would require revisions to the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness, as well as the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jan. 13, 2026, requires repetitively inspecting certain swashplates for cracks and, if necessary, removing and replacing each cracked swashplate. The AD also prohibits installation of an affected swashplate unless it has passed inspection requirements.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined the probable cause of the incident to be the local controller’s loss of situational awareness, inadequate provision of traffic advisory or safety alert information, and lack of positive control, which nearly resulted in a midair collision.

The FAA has approved the 1,000-gal. capacity version of Recoil Aerospace’s Tsunami External wildfire suppression tank for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which takes effect Jan. 12, 2026, requires modifying the main-gearbox suspension-bar link and installing new bolts. It also prohibits installing certain parts. The AD supersedes AD 2020-06-13, issued Apr. 6, 2020.