Helicopter Maintenance News

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 11:07
Airbus Helicopters announces NHV Group has begun operating two H160 helicopters leased from GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) to support oil, gas and offshore wind crew-change operations in Northern Europe. This entry into service marks a significant milestone in the global rollout of the H160, as the aircraft enters the European offshore energy market.

Helicopter Maintenance Blogs

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - 12:38

Many aircraft maintenance professionals liken what we do as aircraft maintenance professionals to doctors. After all, doctors are responsible for the health and well-being of their patients. Similarly, we are responsible for the health and well-being of the aircraft we maintain. 

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June/July 2026 Helicopter Maintenance

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Airbus Finalises Acquisition of Aerovel and UAS Flexrotor
Airbus Finalises Acquisition of Aerovel and UAS Flexrotor

Airbus finalizes the acquisition of U.S.-based Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, in a move to strengthen its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. Flexrotor is a small, tactical, unmanned aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land.

Bell Reveals Bell 429 Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy Fly-by-Wire Operations
Bell Reveals Bell 429 Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy Fly-by-Wire Operations

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, reveals its Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA) based on the Bell 429 commercial aircraft. Developed by Bell's Advanced Programs team, ALFA is dedicated to performing flight maneuvers with an aircraft safety system and executing autonomous fly-by-wire flights. The fly-by-wire integration was a critical step in future development of autonomous controls for Bell’s commercial aircraft, an emerging technology that aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety.

Airbus Helicopters’ Racer Off to a Flying Start
Airbus Helicopters’ Racer Off to a Flying Start

Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, performs its first flight in Marignane. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight-test team to check the overall behavior of the aircraft. This important milestone launches the flight campaign, which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high-speed capabilities.

Vertical Aviation International Ready to Help Members Meet SMS Mandate
Vertical Aviation International Ready to Help Members Meet SMS Mandate

In anticipation of the FAA's announcement made April 22 that companies conducting air tours, air-ambulance operations, charters, and commuter flights must implement a safety management system (SMS) program within 36 months of the effective date of the rule, Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has developed programs to make it as easy as possible for operator members to implement SMS.

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