Helicopter Maintenance News

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' (PIA) School for Aviation Maintenance announces that all four of its campuses across the United States have now been recognized by the Accrediting Commission on Career Schools and Colleges as ACCSC Schools of Excellence.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) releases the draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline for public comment. Pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation stakeholders are asked to review and comment on the FAA’s draft plan, which highlights many of the technical, regulatory and logistical challenges in shifting from 100LL to unleaded fuel.

TBX announces the release of its 2026 TBX Annual Survey, a comprehensive, data-driven snapshot of the general-aviation (GA) maintenance landscape. Drawing on more than 600 responses from maintenance shops and operators across sizes, regions, and aircraft types, the report captures a real-time view of the challenges, opportunities, and operational realities shaping GA maintenance today. Unlike industry studies that often focus on airlines or business aviation, the TBX Annual Survey centers on the maintenance professionals who keep general aviation flying: A&Ps, IAs, DOMs, shop owners, operators, and flight schools.

Airbus secures the first order for its H160 helicopter in Australia, with Australia’s privately owned logistics and supply-chain enterprise, Linfox, placing the purchase. The new aircraft, which will be used for passenger transportation missions across Australia, marks Linfox’s first purchase with Airbus. 

Concorde Battery Corporation announces that registration is now open for the 6th Annual Virtual IA Renewal Series, airing online in January 2026. This free training event is open to all and will be broadcast twice daily — at 8:00 AM EST (USA) and 5:00 PM EST (USA) — to accommodate a global audience.

GPMS International, a provider in helicopter health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), announces that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has validated several of its existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificates (STCs) for its Foresight MX HUMS. The new validations include the Airbus AS350/H125 (STC 10086957), Bell 407 (STC 10069291), Bell 429 (STC 10087254), and Bell 212 and 412 models (STC 10087806).

BriskHeat, a global provider in industrial heating and temperature control solutions, announces the launch of its most advanced hot bonder to date, the ACR® 4 Hot Bonder. Engineered for precision, durability, and ease of use, the ACR 4 sets a new standard in out-of-autoclave composite curing and debulking, as well as adhesive bonding.

With the government shutdown continuing, Kilroy Aviation, LLC, an approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) company with Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), announces that it is assisting clients in obtaining STC certifications during the shutdown.

Ex-Change Parts AB, the Swedish-based helicopter parts and component support specialist, launches a strategic expansion program designed to both strengthen its purchasing operations and also increase the availability of certified components. In particular, the company is expanding its already robust acquisition program for surplus inventories and helicopter airframes, ensuring sellers continue to benefit from rapid decisions and fair valuations.