Rotorcraft

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Rotorcraft

Many Obstacles Prevent Single-Engine IFR Helo Cert

Regulatory restrictions, costs, and operator and pilot mentality all have combined to serve as a disincentive for IFR flight in single-engine helicopters.

Rotorcraft

HAI Pilot of the Year Robert McCabe Brought Lessons to USCG

HAI's Pilot of the Year, USCG Lt. Cdr. Robert McCabe, demonstrated his skills coaching a pilot through disorientation and shared the lessons learned.

Rotorcraft

Robinson Helicopter Hits Milestone, Sees Daylight

Torrance, California-based Robinson Helicopter started off the year with the delivery of its 13,000th rotorcraft.

Rotorcraft

Bell Finds Additional Opportunities with Wichita Office

Bell opened the Wichita site in August 2020 to support its efforts to win contracts on two substantial future vertical lift programs for the U.S. Army.

Rotorcraft

U.S. AAM Market To Generate $115B Annually by 2035

The joint Deloitte/AIA study sees the AAM market, including flying taxis and cargo drones, to generate the equivalent of 0.5 percent of U.S. GDP by 2035.

Rotorcraft

Bell Nears Milestones With 525, 505 Helos

Bell looks to wrap up certification flight testing of the 525 Relentless in the first half of 2021.

Rotorcraft

Hillsboro Aero Academy Keeps the Rotors Turning

Although flight hours dropped significantly during the Covid pandemic, Hillsboro Aero Academy has been able to keep its fleet busy.

Rotorcraft

Hill Reveals More Features for HX50 Helicopter

Hill HX50 to have options including folding blades and landing gear skids.

Rotorcraft

Used Helicopter Market Attains Shaky Hover

Pandemic, falling energy prices, overhang used helicopter market.

Rotorcraft

HAI Salutes Michael Hynes for Lifetime Achievement

Michael Hynes, HAI's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, has had a 65-year career that has included Brantly helicopter production and as an educator.

Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Donation Helps Launch RedTail Academy

An anonymous donation of a Sikorsky helicopter is helping a chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen to launch RedTail Flight Academy.

Accidents

NTSB Chair Pushes for More Helicopter IFR

In the wake of the Kobe Bryant crash report, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt is pressing for more IFR helicopter operations.

Rotorcraft

Erickson To Begin Flying Optionally-piloted Air Crane Next Year

Erickson said it would begin flying an optionally-piloted S-64F+ in 2022 and that it aimed for first customer deliveries in 2024.

Rotorcraft

HAI Expanding International Reach, Safety Programs

While HAI head James Viola's year didn't go exactly as planned, his association is making progress on a number of fronts from new members to safety.

Rotorcraft

Kopter Restarts SH09 Helicopter Flight-test Program

The Kopter prototype was retrofitted with new rotor components, Garmin G3000H avionics.

Regulations and Government

New York City Helicopter Access War Heats Up

New York City is considering legislation that would effectively shut down heliports there.

Rotorcraft

CHC AW139s To Fly with HTAWS In Brazil

CHC is partnering with Shell and Leonardo to launch Leonardo's Helicopter’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System in Brazil.

Airports

Aviation Groups Unite To Oppose NYC Helo Restrictions

Two bills being considered for New York City could restrict as many as 80 percent of helicopter operations in the city.

Rotorcraft

Leonardo's 2020 Helicopter Deliveries Fall 29 Percent

Leonardo delivery drop offset by increased military and support sales.

Charter & Fractional

Fly Lindy Plans Per-seat New York City-D.C. Helo Service

Fly Lindy plans to offer per-seat, scheduled helicopter charter shuttle service between New York City, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore starting in June.