Former NTSB Member Says Helicopters Are Safe, Discusses Factors in Recent Accidents

VAI at Work

From the Board: The future is now

(ROTOR) - VAI chair Nicole Battjes talks about the association’s new identity, announced during HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, and VAI’s drive to expand its leadership and services to the entire vertical aviation industry.

VAI Member News

John, Martha King celebrate 50 years of teaching pilots

King Schools has launched a series of 50th anniversary events to celebrate John and Martha King, who founded the aviation training organization in 1974.

Industry News

NASA to study community response to AAM sound levels

(Flying) - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is initiating plans to use a psychoacoustic study to measure community reaction to advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft sound levels.

Alaka’i advances hydrogen-powered eVTOL aircraft

(AIN) - Alaka’i Technologies has begun the FAA type certification process for its four-passenger, hydrogen-powered Skai electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Rotortrade, ADSOFTWARE partner on European operations

Rotortrade has chosen ADSOFTWARE to streamline its operations across Europe, starting with the Rotortrade maintenance center in Tallard, France.

UK confirms order for more extended-range Chinooks

(UK Defence Journal) - The UK Ministry of Defence has purchased 14 extended-range CH-47 Chinook helicopters that will enhance the military’s ability to operate in challenging environments.

Bravo Air places order for SkyDrive SD-05 aircraft

SkyDrive has received a pre-order from Bravo Air for up to five SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and established a partnership to develop advanced air mobility operations from Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) in Georgia.

How We Serve

Helicopter crew rescues mountain climbers in Italian Alps (VIDEO)

(Guardian News) - A helicopter crew from Italy’s National Fire and Rescue Service on Mar. 16 winched three mountain climbers who were stranded in the Italian Alps.

Regulatory News

FAA begins full enforcement of drone remote ID compliance

Pilots who operate registered drones must now comply with the FAA’s remote identification rule. The FAA’s policy on discretionary enforcement ended on Mar. 16.

Safety

Are helicopters safe? Aviation expert weighs in on factors behind notable crashes

(PBS) - John Goglia, a former member of the National Transportation Safety Board and former chair of the National Coalition for Aviation Education, discusses helicopter safety following a string of high-profile accidents in recent years.

When my tail boom left the aircraft

(ROTOR) - How character, training, and life experiences helped pilot Tim Hunter save six lives when his helicopter suddenly began to spin out of control.

USHST releases March 2024 safety report

The United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has published its March 2024 safety report. The monthly report covers various metrics, including average accident rates and average fatal-accident rates for the past five years.

EASA offers tips for flying in northern Europe

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a series of tips for flying in the remote and mountainous areas of northern Europe, including in snow, icing, whiteout, and other challenging conditions.

Government News

UK government releases Future of Flight Action Plan

(Independent) - The first piloted air taxi could take to the skies of the United Kingdom in two years under government plans that could also see regular drone deliveries by 2027.

DHS trains aviators, law enforcement to combat human trafficking

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released its 2023 Center for Countering Human Trafficking Annual Report, which highlights its efforts to train more than 275,000 individuals, including aviation, transportation, law enforcement, and nonprofit personnel, to recognize and combat human trafficking.