Archive: April 2026
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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I graduated from high school in 1983, inspired to become a pilot by the popular books and movies of the time. Like Craig Thomas’, Firefox Down and Tom Wolfe’s, The Right Stuff and their movie adaptations. In The Right Stuff, Gordon Cooper, played by a young Dennis Quaid, repeatedly asks, “Who’s the best pilot you ever saw?” His predictable reply: “You’re looking at him.” It’s a memorable line, filled with swagger, charisma, and a little cringe. Most of us have flown with someone like that.
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Chris Hill
Safety SITREP
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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For decades, helicopter operators have demonstrated the real-world value of vertical lift—from emergency response and medical transport to offshore operations and disaster relief. As electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft begin moving from prototype to operational testing, AUVSI is working with industry and government to safely integrate this new era of aviation technology into the existing national air space.
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AUVSI
Uncrewed
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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There is a hard truth in life and business that most people learn the slow way: some people are only close to you when they need something from you. The moment the need is gone, so are they.
The helicopter industry has more than its fair share of this type of person. Ours is an industry that likes to talk about relationships, trust, mentorship, and reputation. We describe it as a small community. We speak of loyalty, professionalism, and looking out for one another. We shake hands at events, share stories in convention halls, and talk as though this business is built on something deeper than opportunity. But if you stay in it long enough, you start to see another layer beneath all of that.
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My 2 Cents Worth
Randy Rowles
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My Two Cents Worth
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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Bell Completes Critical Design Review on DARPA SPRINT X-Plane Program, Receives Official X-Plane Designation
Following the completion of CDR, Bell will now begin building a brand-new X-plane with first-of-its-kind stop/fold technology.
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Military Matters
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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“I’ve worked in shops where quality was a slogan… and I’ve worked in shops where quality was a decision.
In aviation, quality is often described as everyone’s responsibility. It is. However, for the aircraft mechanic, quality is not a shared responsibility — it is personal responsibility. It is Job One.
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Maintenance Minute
Mark Tyler
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Maintenance Minute
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Apr
30
2026
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Posted by Admin
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Brief them as their lives depend on it, because it may very well be life-saving information in the unfortunate event of an accident or incident.
For those of us who frequently fly commercially on airliners, it isn’t uncommon to know verbatim what verbiage will likely be coming out of the flight attendant's mouth. We sit with the “been there – done that – know this” mentality as we patiently wait to get on with our journey to our destination.
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Matt Johnson
Rotorcraft Checkride
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Rotorcraft Checkride