FAA-certified instrument flight instructor with mountain flying experience explains why the shortage will be won or lost in training, not in hiring. The United States pilot shortage reaches its steepest point this year. According to Oliver Wyman's supply and demand analysis, North American airlines will be short about 24,000 pilots in 2026, the worst figure of the current cycle, and the defici...
Bell Textron expanded its component, repair, and overhaul facility in Australia to include hydraulic component maintenance and repair. This marks a major milestone as Bell’s first facility in the Asia-Pacific region to offer specialized hydraulic services, reinforcing the company’s commitment to comprehensive aftermarket support across Australia and the broader APAC region.&n...
Rotortrade U.S. maintenance facility, Rotortrade MRO Latrobe, has received Mexico's Workshop Certificate Convalidation from the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC), extending international recognition of its FAA Part 145 capabilities. The approval authorizes Rotortrade MRO Latrobe to perform maintenance, inspections, repairs, modifications, and retrofit work on helicopter...
Airbus Helicopters officially delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate. This new variant of the NH90 TTH was designed specifically for special operations. France has ordered a total of 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters that will be delivered by mid 2029. They will be operated by the French Army Aviation’s special forces squadron in Pau. In December 202...
The Arriel 2K engine that powers Leonardo’s AW09 helicopter, has received its type certificate from EASA. This marks an important milestone towards the entry into service of the AW09, Leonardo’s new single-engine helicopter. Arriel 2K underwent its first bench tests in 2022 and made its maiden flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then, it has accumulated more than 4100 hours of test...
Rotortrade reached another major milestone with the successful completion of its 30th Super Puma transaction over the past decade, further strengthening its leadership in the global pre-owned heavy helicopter market. With 30 completed Super Puma transactions, the vast majority involving the H225 platform, Rotortrade has built one of the industry’s most comprehensive track records supporting...
Bell Textron announced new milestone of 240,000 flight hours for the Bell Training Academy, reflecting Bell’s ongoing dedication to safety, capability and innovative learning. The academy continues to strengthen its position as a leading provider of pilot and maintenance training, supporting growing demand from commercial and parapublic operators across Europe. Chad Sparks, general manage...
Sikorsky and Safran Helicopter Engines announced the signing of an agreement to jointly explore areas of cooperation in existing and emerging vertical lift platforms at the Farnborough International Airshow. The agreement, signed by Rich Benton and Cédric Goubet deepens a decadeslong relationship and paves the way for new collaboration on power and propulsion technologies for...
During Farnborough International Airshow Bell Textron announced that it has delivered its 700th Bell 505 to a private VIP operator, highlighting the platforms’ popularity in the corporate aircraft segment. Since its introduction in 2017, the Bell 505 has accumulated more than 390,000 flight hours and operates in more than 55 countries across six continents. Based on the proven...
UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) has placed an order for an additional two H135 helicopters, bringing the total fleet renewal programme to nine H135s. The firm order, which follows the arrival of the first two fleet renewal aircraft at Airbus Helicopters in the UK in April for extensive policing customisation, comes under the original 2025 Framework Contract signed with the BlueLight Com...
Bell Textron announced the order for two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs by Texas A&M Forest Services, the lead wildfire and forest management organization in Texas. These will be the first Bell aircraft to join the Texas A&M Forest Service fleet as part of a master purchasing agreement, which includes options for additional aircraft. With these new additions, the agency will be enabled to better serv...
In a milestone for European aerial firefighting and emergency response, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, commenced production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters. The aircraft are being manufactured for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a Helicopte...
