Robinson’s R22 officially turns 40 years old on March 16th. In celebration, at this year’s Heli Expo convention in Atlanta, Robinson will display a new R22 (S/N 4797, N40YR) painted in the same scheme and colors as the very first R22 (S/N 0001).

Onboard Systems International, Inc., a provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announces its dual cargo-hook kit for the MD500 series has been STC-certified by the FAA. This cargo hook system meets the 14 CFR Part 27 certification requirements for human external cargo (HEC) and has been built around a dual installation of Onboard's TALON® LC Hydraulic Hook. The kit will be on display at the 2019 Heli-Expo show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, on March 5-7 at Onboard's booth (B5409).

Alpine Aerotech is best known for its comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities; serving leading makes and models of helicopters worldwide.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recognizes the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT) Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification as equivalent to formal training when determining eligibility for a repairman certificate. This action helps simplify the application process for repairman certification, strengthening efforts to recruit and retain avionics technicians in this innovative and fast-growing industry.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. and Helisim have broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art helicopter pilot and maintenance crew training center in Grand Prairie, TX. 

S.A.F.E.

A record 80+ aviation maintenance teams from around the world plan to compete against each other in the industry’s premier annual event, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition Presented by Snap-on. The event will be held at the MRO Americas 2019 Convention, April 8-11, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

The government and industry cooperative effort to promote helicopter safety and reduce accidents and fatalities, the International Helicopter Safety Team, is now the International Helicopter Safety Foundation.

Snap-on Industrial launches a new lineup of grinder and cutoff tools that are lightweight and designed for low vibration. The four new grinders and two new cutoff tools feature pneumatic motors that keep internal components cool; adjustable rear exhaust that allows the operator to direct air flow away from the work area; and a built-in air regulator to dial in the exact speed for each specific application.

A new report by global aviation services provider, AAR (NYSE: AIR), examines the significant opportunities for the industry to grow its pool of aircraft maintenance workers and track progress through public-private partnerships, targeted recruitment and career pathways that are designed using stackable credentials toward advancement.