Rotorcraft
News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.
Rotorcraft
Robinson Boosts Production as Backlog Swells
As it mourns the loss of its founder, Robinson Helicopters looks to boost its rotorcraft output in 2023.
Rotorcraft
OEMs, Experts Exude Market Caution
Used helicopter market likely to remain tight as OEMs navigate economy, supply chain issues.
Rotorcraft
LCI CEO Warns of Helicopter Demand 'Bow Wave'
CEO of helicopter lessor LCI says pent up demand will drive continued scarcity.
Regulations and Government
FAA Updating Helicopter Certification Standards
Minor changes to FAR Parts 27 and 29 attempt to streamline approval process for new helicopter technologies and features.
Regulations and Government
Training Providers Gear Up for AAM Market
FlightSafety, CAE prepare to train for an an advanced air mobility market that will need up to 70,000 new eVTOL pilots.
Rotorcraft
Navy Orders Fourth Lot of Leonardo TH-73A Trainers
The U.S. Navy is adding more TH-73A training helicopters to its fleet, replacing its Bell TH-57 Sea Rangers.
Rotorcraft
EASA To Study Helicopter Vortex Ring State
A vortex ring state study undertaken by EASA will focus on recovery methods for various helicopter types.
Aircraft
New eVTOL Aircraft Set to Co-exist Alongside Helicopters
Helicopter operators worldwide have started to make plans to add new eVTOL aircraft into their fleets, only in some cases replacing existing rotorcraft.
Rotorcraft
HAI Announces 2023 Salute to Excellence Award Winners
Helicopter Association International has announced the recipients of its 2023 Salute to Excellence Awards.
Charter & Fractional
Saudi Arabia’s THC to See Fleet Jump to 46 Helicopters in 2023
‘Substantial’ amounts are being spent on the development of a sector long neglected in the Kingdom.
Airports
Nation's Heliports Normalize Deviance
Consultant encourages the adoption of mandatory standards.
Rotorcraft
Vision Systems Brings Dimmable-window Solutions to Heli-Expo
France-based Vision Systems was acquired by Israel’s Gauzy in 2022
Maintenance and Modifications
AeroBrigham Adds Hangar Space in Texas
The completions specialist will also feature a recently delivered Bell 407 at Heli-Expo.
Rotorcraft
Metro Delivers EMS EC135 to Health First
Metro Aviation has delivered an Airbus Helicopters EC135 to Health First in Melbourne, Florida.
Maintenance and Modifications
First Aviation Services Consolidates Helicopter Repair Brands
First Aviation Services is unifying helicopter service holdings under the Rotary Wing Group brand.
Charter & Fractional
KinectAir Plans To Add Electra eSTOLs to Charter Network
KinectAir plans to use Electra’s nine-passenger eSTOL aircraft to develop point-to-point regional air mobility services in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Maintenance and Modifications
Ocean Explorer Teams With Embraer on Helo Mx System
Brazilian helicopter operator Ocean Explorer has selected Embraer's Beacon digital maintenance platform.
Rotorcraft
Wings Air Helicopters To Begin NYC Commuter Service
Wings Air Helicopters will begin scheduled morning commuter service between White Plains, New York and Manhattan starting on March 1.
Rotorcraft
Sentencing Delayed in Hansen Helicopters Case
Sentencing has again been postponed by the Federal District Court in Guam as the court needs additional time to produce a trial transcript.
Regulations and Government
Hawaii Helicopter Noise Bill Advances, Sort Of
Hawaii's helicopter noise bill progressed in the state's legislature earlier this month, but with an amended effective date for the year 3000.
Regulations and Government
MD Helicopters Launches Latest Cayuse Warrior Plus Version
The company says the latest iteration of the “Little Bird” offers similar capabilities to more expensive light attack/armed scout helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Air Ambulance Provider Rega Logs Record Transports
Swiss Air Rescue Rega's fleet of 20 air ambulance helicopters flew 20,992 missions last year—a 16.5 percent increase from 2021.
Rotorcraft
Eagle Single Helicopter Certified in Japan
Eagle Copters receives STC from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for its Eagle Single—a re-engined Bell 212—offering reduced costs and more payload.
Fuel
Robinson Now Offers Pressure Refueling for R66
Robinson's new pressure refueling system for the R66 turbine can provide up to 50 gallons per minute.
Fuel
Bell Flies 505 with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The Bell 505 is the first single-engine helicopter to fly with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel.
Airports
HAI Urges Member Action on Indianapolis Heliport Closure
The Helicopter Association International is urging members to oppose the proposed closure of the Indianapolis heliport.
Rotorcraft
Twirly Birds Set Heli-Expo Meeting
Twirly Birds will hold its annual membership meeting at this year's Heli-Expo.
Rotorcraft
Coulson Dispatches Chinook to Argentina
Coulson has placed one of its CH-47D helitankers in Argentina to fight fires.
Rotorcraft
Mobilizations of Firefighting Helicopters Dropped In 2022
Firefighting helicopter mobilizations dropped slightly in 2022, but requests for UAS surged.
Maintenance and Modifications
AeroBrigham Delivers Bell 407 to Florida Sheriff
A high-customized law enforcement Bell 407 was delivered by completion specialist AeroBrigham to Florida's Orange County Sheriff's Office.
