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The FAA has granted an extension of Exemption No. 18973C, which allows Part 91 and 135 operations using night-vision goggles (NVG) without a functioning radar altimeter at off-airport sites.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD) is effective Jun. 16. It requires inspecting the cables and bonding-braids installation and taking corrective action, if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD.

This FAA airworthiness directive (AD), which requires installing a battery-discharge detector and revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety AD, takes effect Jun. 16.

(The Defense Post) – The helicopter crashed into a reservoir while preparing to demonstrate a fast-roping exercise during a graduation ceremony May 9 at Maduru Oya National Park. The accident resulted in the deaths of six soldiers and injuries to six others onboard.

(WJLA) – The Fairfax County Police Department’s Helicopter Division responds to around 2,000 calls per year, or an average of 5 per day. They can be anywhere in Fairfax County within six minutes.

(Unofficial Networks) – A California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter crew worked with the San Luis Obispo Fire Department to airlift an injured hiker May 10 from the mountain.

(The Herald) – A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) helicopter crew is conducting water drops to assist firefighters on the ground with containing a wildfire that broke out May 10 near Fauldhouse, West Lothian.

(KABC) – Orange County Fire Authority helicopter crews airlifted more than a dozen hikers May 10 from trails in Los Angeles County.

The FAA is requesting information from Bell 206L operators about their experience with in-flight abnormal vertical vibration. Editor’s note: VAI encourages readers with relevant information to respond to this FAA request.