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The FAA has approved VAI’s request to extend and amend Exemption No. 6002O to allow properly trained pilots employed by member operators to remove and reinstall liquid oxygen (LOX) system containers in company-owned or -leased aircraft after receiving and documenting training in this task by an FAA-certificated airframe mechanic. The extension runs until Jan. 31, 2028. The existing exemption expires at midnight on Jan. 31, 2026; all operations specifications will need to be updated with the new exemption number before that time. Because Jan. 31, 2026, falls on a Saturday, there is a risk of noncompliance for Part 135 operators that have this exemption in their operations specifications if they do not update and issue them prior to the weekend.

VAI, a Modern Skies Coalition member, is asking Congress to pass the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The legislation would fund the FAA against future US government shutdowns. A potential deal to avoid another shutdown is in the works and is expected to receive votes in Congress by Jan. 31.

This European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive (AD), ATA 53 – Fuselage – Mounts and Attachment – Checks/Replacement, takes effect Feb. 5.

This European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive (AD), ATA 53 – Fuselage – Intermediate Fuselage Frame 8 – Inspection, becomes effective Feb. 2.

Rotortrade’s North America Helicopter Market Report 2025 notes that inventory scarcity has become a defining constraint, leading operators toward preowned options.

The FAA is accepting comments through Mar. 16 on this airworthiness directive (AD), which requires initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play, as well as taking corrective actions to replace any affected bolts. It would also prohibit installing any affected bolt without first meeting certain requirements. The AD takes effect Feb. 17.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is accepting feedback through Feb. 26 on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD), ATA 71 – Powerplant – Engine Firewalls – Modification.

The addition increases the number to 38 MH-139A Grey Wolfs under contract with the US Air Force.

Illinois-based fixed-base operator Flightstar and Hawaii tour operator Rainbow Helicopters have joined the Air Charter Safety Foundation safety management program.

(AIN) – Leaders from the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) outlined the structure and goals of its new Peer Pilot Mental Health Support Program during a recent FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) webinar. The program is a confidential, peer-to-peer resource designed to address mental health challenges within the rotorcraft community.