Latest from Mark Huber
Rotorcraft
U.S. Orders More Sikorsky Black Hawks
The U.S. Army currently operates a fleet of 2,100 Black Hawks and intends to continue flying them for another 30 years.
Aircraft
Bombardier Workers Ratify New Contract
Bombardier continues to pay down debt as workers win 18.5 percent pay raise.
Charter & Fractional
Wheels Up and Hertz Partner To Offer Electric Cars
Wheels Up is partnering with car rental firm Hertz to offer electric vehicles to its customers.
Rotorcraft
Cyprus Takes Six Airbus H145 Helicopters
The Cypriot National Guard has ordered six militarized H145s from Airbus Helicopters.
Environment
Helo Groups Launch Noise-complaint Reporting in D.C.
HAI and the Eastern Region Helicopter Council have partnered with PlaneNoise and the FAA for noise abatement solutions in the Washington, D.C. region.
Aircraft
Universal Avionics Providing EVS Systems for Helicopters
Universal is providing panel and helmet mounted enhanced vision displays to European law enforcement agencies.
Rotorcraft
Skytrac Transmits Real-time EMS Patient Data
Air ambulances equipped with Skytrac can transmit patient data via satellite or cell in real-time and live-stream video to remote physicians.
Avionics
Garmin Autopilot EASA Approved for AStars
Garmin receives EASA approval for installation of its GFC 600H digital autopilot for Airbus AS350 helicopters.
Avionics
Wireless Carriers Agree To Extend 5G C-Band Mitigations
Mitigations to prevent 5G C-band interference will continue while airlines retrofit fleets with filters, new radar altimeters.
Regulations and Government
New York Lawmakers Take Fresh Aim at Helicopters
State bill would outlaw all "non-essential" helicopter traffic in New York City.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
LCI Delivers Pair of Air Ambulance Leonardo AW169s
Helicopter leasing firm LCI has delivered two new Leonardo AW169 Helicopters to their joint venture and now has a fleet of more than 140 helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Helicopter Training Network Launches in Europe
European helicopter schools join forces to offer more diverse, specialized training.
Rotorcraft
GAO: Key Defense Rotorcraft Programs Delayed
Pentagon rotorcraft programs beset by technical, supply chain problems, GAO finds.
Regulations and Government
Hansen Helo Case Hovers Near Mistrial
A second major delay interrupts Hansen Helicopter fraud trial.
Accidents
Attorneys Want More FAA Oversight of Helitours
Hawaii aviation attorney says 'FAA is not doing its job.'
Rotorcraft
Norway Cancels NH90 Helicopter Orders, Seeks Refund
Norway cancels orders, cites 20 years of frustration with NH90 helicopter program.
Aircraft
GAO: Delay Risks Remain for New Air Force Ones
Converting a pair of existing 747-8 airliners to presidential duty presents a host of expensive problems.
Rotorcraft
R44 Makes First Flight with MagniX Electric Propulsion
Tier 1 Engineering plans to build fleet of all-electric R-44s for organ transport using MagniX propulsion.
Training and Workforce
NGPA Doubles Aviation Scholarships
The National Gay Pilots Association is offering $300,000 in aviation scholarships this year, doubling last year’s amount.
Rotorcraft
UK Orders CHC To Offload Babcock Helicopter Business
UK authority brands CHC's 2021 acquisition of Babcock's offshore helicopter business anti-competitive.
Charter & Fractional
Flexjet Launches Helicopter Division
Flexjet will fly Sikorsky S-76s in the Northeastern states and Florida.
Rotorcraft
Bristow Narrows Annual Loss
Bristow Group reported a net loss of $15.8 million on $1.1 billion in revenues for the 2022 fiscal year.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Sending Trio of AW139s to Australia
CHC Australia will operate Leonardo AW139s for Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service.
Rotorcraft
Piasecki Enters Hydrogen Helicopter into eVTOL Race
Piasecki's new eVTOL and UAS designs build on legacy research vehicles.
Maintenance and Modifications
TransDigm Completes Dart Acquisition
Helicopter aftermarket manufacturer Dart acquired by TransDigm for $360 million.
Rotorcraft
Babcock Takes First H160s for French Navy
Helicopter operator Babcock will lease 10 Airbus H160 helicopters to the French Navy.
Rotorcraft
First Woman Pilots AW609 Tiltrotor
Emirati Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum is the first woman to fly Leonardo's AW609 civil tiltrotor.
Regulations and Government
FAA Inspector Took 'Money and Hookers' To Ignore Violations
Former FAA inspector Cislo testifies at Hansen Helicopter trial.
Rotorcraft
Blade Acquisition To Increase European Footprint
Blade Air Mobility is acquiring the commercial activities of three leading helicopter operators in Europe.
Engines
Rolls-Royce Sees Electric Aviation Future
Rolls-Royce sees UAM and commuter markets as the path to electric airliners.
