Latest from Mark Huber
Rotorcraft
"Defiant X" Enters U.S. Army FLRAA Derby
Sikorsky and Boeing unveiled a slicker version of their SB-1 “Defiant” for the U.S. Army's $40 billion future long range assault aircraft competition.
Rotorcraft
Optionally Piloted K-Max To Begin Testing by Midyear
Kaman's optionally piloted vehicle module for the K-Max helicopter will enter ground and flight testing during the first half of 2021.
Rotorcraft
VFS Cancels In-person Forum 77
The Vertical Flight Society has canceled its annual in-person Forum gathering due to continuing covid concerns.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Flightlab To Test UAM Technologies
Airbus flying laboratory dedicated to evaluating future UAM and helicopter innovations.
Rotorcraft
Bell 412 Turns 40
Since 1981, Bell has delivered more than 1,100 412 medium twins across 11 different variants.
Rotorcraft
HAI Cancels Heli-Expo 2021 Trade Show
The Helicopter Association International has cancelled its annual Heli-Expo trade show scheduled for March 22 to 25 in New Orleans.
Rotorcraft
Milestone, NHV Partner on Airbus H145s
New five-bladed Airbus H145s will suport Germany's Federal Armed Services training program.
Accidents
NTSB: Winds Triggered 2018 Helitour Fatal
The NTSB has issued its final report on the 2018 Grand Canyon helitour crash.
Accidents
Pilot To Be Sentenced after Drone Hits LAPD Helicopter
Andrew Rene Hernandez, 22, could receive up to one year in federal prison.
Rotorcraft
Several OEMs Passing on Heli-Expo Show
Companies including Bell, Metro Aviation pull out of this year's Heli-Expo.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters H160 Readies for ENG Duty in Japan
All Nippon Helicopters will add a new Airbus H160 to its electronic newsgathering fleet in Japan.
Rotorcraft
HAI Doubles Down on In-person March Heli-Expo Show
The Helicopter Association International said it expects New Orleans to lift its Phase One covid restrictions in time for its annual trade show.
Avionics
Compact Cockpit Video Recorder Wins New Zealand Nod
Eye In The Sky approved for installation in Airbus and Robinson helicopters.
Rotorcraft
Blade To Start Westchester County-NYC Helo Service
Helicopter rideshare service Blade partnering with Ross Aviation to build a vertiport at Westchester County Airport in New York.
Rotorcraft
Leonardo Helicopters Makes Fresh Latin American Inroads
Leonardo Helicopters reports new AW139 and AW169 sales in Colombia, Mexico.
Accidents
Malaysia Suspends Heli Operator's Training Certificate
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has suspended the training certificate of My Heli Club following its second crash in less than two months.
TOP FLIGHT AWARDS: 2020 WINNERS
AIN announced the winners of the inaugural 2020Top Flight Awards.
Rotorcraft
Air Methods: 'No Surprises' Law Details Raise Concerns
Air ambulance company urges fair compensation after new law bans "no surprises" medical billings.
Rotorcraft
EASA Proposes Modifications for Overwater Helo Ops
EASA is proposing equipment changes for Part 27 and 29 helicopters that are operated for extended periods over water.
Accidents
Mexico AW109 Crash Now a Homicide Investigation
Mexican authorities have detained four people in connection with the December 2018 fatal crash of a 2011 Leonardo AW109S.
Regulations and Government
Congress Nixes 'Surprise Air Ambulance Bills'
Covid relief legislation ends health insurance denials for "out-of-network" transports.
Rotorcraft
DOT Watchdog Gives FAA Fresh 'Doors Off' Upbraiding
DOT IG critical of FAA current supervision of "doors off" helitour flights.
Rotorcraft
Air Methods Takes Aim at Helicopter EMS Membership Programs
The nation’s largest helicopter air ambulance company has launched a full-frontal assault on competitors who sell annual “memberships.”
Rotorcraft
Heli-Union Signs Up for Airbus H160s
Héli-Union is purchasing two new multi-mission Airbus H160 medium twins.
Rotorcraft
Bell V-280 Flies with Sling Loads
The Bell V-280 tiltrotor was recently flown with a new tactical common datalink (TCDL) and completed external sling load sorties.
Avionics
H135 Gets New Max Weight, Single-pilot IFR Upgrades
Airbus's H135 light twin gets a 265-pound boost in mtow, along with a new single-pilot IFR cockpit.
Maintenance and Modifications
Safran Signs China Utility To Engine Support Program
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a Support-By-Hour contract with State Grid General Aviation Company of China.
Rotorcraft
FAA's Dickson Warns 'Disruptions' Could Affect Safety
FAA administrator Steve Dickson describes risks resulting from changes caused by the pandemic.
Rotorcraft
HAI, FAA Call for Voluntary Rotorcraft Safety Retrofits
HAI president and FAA administrator call for retrofit of crash resistant fuel systems, seats, and structures in legacy helicopters.
