Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The FAA is clarifying which fall protection standards should apply to human external cargo (HEC) helicopter operations in a <a href="https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/PS-AIR-27_29_865">draft revised policy statement</a>.&nbsp;HEC operations include line workers repairing or inspecting powerlines from a hoist line or while standing on skid structures of hovering helicopters or carriage of people via hoist.
According to VAI, “This decision ensures uniformity, enhances safety, and promotes operational compliance with existing local, state, and federal safety rules.”
There were discrepancies between various standards that applied to full-body harnesses used in HEC operations, including FAA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, VAI noted. “These discrepancies created a fragmented operational framework, posing significant compliance challenges for operators and utilities alike.” VAI recommended that the FAA adopt a consensus American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard to address these discrepancies. The new FAA policy will adopt the ANSI standards.
“This policy change is a testament to the importance of collaboration between industry and regulators,” said VAI president and CEO James Viola. “By adopting the ANSI standard, the FAA has not only enhanced safety but also simplified the regulatory landscape for operators and utilities working to maintain our national power grid.”
ANSI standards also will enable “greater innovation in harness design that both meets ANSI specifications and better protects utility line workers,” he explained.

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

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Operations Fall Protection Policy

ANSI standards will impose a more uniform framework

The FAA is clarifying which fall protection standards should apply to human external cargo (HEC) helicopter operations in a draft revised policy statement.

FAA Revises Human External Cargo Fall Protection Policy

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Lithium-ion battery STC expands options for helicopter operators 

Airwolf Aerospace Gets Brazil STC for TB17 Batteries 

Jessica Reed

LifeFlight's Mount Isa-based helicopter team rescued the couple and their two dogs

Helicopter Crew Makes Rescue in Australian Outback

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

In this article

Vertical Aviation International (VAI)

More In Rotorcraft

Airwolf Aerospace Gets Brazil STC for TB17 Batteries

Lithium-ion battery STC expands options for helicopter operators

Helicopter Crew Makes Rescue in Australian Outback

LifeFlight's Mount Isa-based helicopter team rescued the couple and their two dogs

Vita Rescue System Hoist Is Qualified by U.S. Army

Testing was also conducted by the Air Force

Subaru Bell 412EPX Certified by EASA

European operators can now fly the helicopter in EU countries

ACE Aero Modding Black Hawks with Skyryse Controls

The upgrade makes the helicopter much simpler to fly

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN