Van Horn Aviation (VHA) receives a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for composite main rotor blades installed on the Bell 206L LongRanger helicopter. Loosely based on VHA’s composite 206B JetRanger main rotor blades, which were certificated in 2016, the new VHA LongRanger main rotor blades have been approved with a 16,000-hour service life, which is four times the life of the current OEM metal blades.

Innovation and enterprise in the rotorcraft industry is at the heart of this year’s Helitech International when it returns in October with 10% more floor space and 13 new exhibitors joining the event for the first time.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announces that Thai Aviation Services has accumulated 10,000 flight hours on its S-76D™ fleet in record time of less than two years. This milestone was achieved just a few months after TAS began operating as Sikorsky’s first customer support center in Thailand.

Med-Trans Corporation and Northwest Texas Healthcare Systems commemorate the 25th anniversary of LIFESTAR air medical transport service in the Texas Panhandle and surrounding states. Originating in one location with one helicopter, LIFESTAR now operates two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft from three locations.

The Los Angeles Area Helicopter Operators Association (LAAHOA) and the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association (PHPA) object to a proposal to discontinue a noise complaint hotline serving the Los Angeles region and sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Safran passes a major milestone in its hybrid electric propulsion roadmap with the first ground test of a distributed propulsion system. The test run took place at a Safran Helicopter Engines test facility near Pau-Pyrenees Airport in France.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces FAA approval of its advanced, all-glass cockpit for the MD 530F (type certificate 369FF). Approved for production and as a type design option, this is the third glass cockpit certification MDHI has received in the last year.

As part of a growing commitment to deliver full-service, full life-cycle support programs for its growing global fleet, MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces the formation of the MDHI Flight Training Academy. Established to provide industry-leading maintenance and pilot training to all customers in a professional learning environment, MD Helicopters has expanded its current training offerings to include a more comprehensive portfolio focused on mission execution, effectiveness and safety.

Aviation Specialties Unlimited obtains an European Aviation Safety Agency supplemental type certificate on the Augusta Westland AW139/AB139 helicopter to install night vision imaging system lighting. ASU obtained the STC for Airgreen Italy, and it will be used for air medical activities in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta, in addition to firefighting and civil protection in the Italian regions of Piemonte, Valle d’Aosta and Sardegna.

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) signs with Airbus Helicopters for an HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material management contract for a period of five years. Beginning in July, the contract will cover comprehensive maintenance support, including parts-by-the-hour for JCG’s H225 fleet. With the provision of all the parts needed for the maintenance of the rotorcraft in one single contract, this will yield better cost control and forecasting, as well as more efficient day-to-day management for JCG.