Vertical RotorBeat | March Edition
Vertical Plus
Vertical is the world’s premier multimedia group serving the rotorcraft industry. Find us at verticalmag.com.
Welcome back to Vertical RotorBeat, your monthly roundup of the top stories, expert insights, and in-depth features from the world of rotorcraft — published exclusively by Vertical Plus.
The Pulse of the Rotorcraft Industry
Vertical & Valor Plus’s 2026 Spring Mega Issue now available
A special combined edition of Vertical Plus, Vertical Valor Plus, and Insight — created to coincide with Verticon 2026 — is now available online.
Inside: Rotorcraft OEM leaders on the state of the industry; advanced air mobility’s influence on the helicopter sector; Alpine Helicopters Inc. at 65 years; the Bell 505 in the law enforcement sector; advances in aerial and uncrewed ignition; profiles of leading companies shaping the rotorcraft industry in Insight magazine, and much more.
Out of Control
Pilots Who Ask Why look at what can be learned from the way the crew of a Leonardo AW139 dealt with complete loss of collective control.
News Highlights from VAI Verticon 2026
Return of the ‘Hot Rod’: MD launches the six-bladed 564 helicopter
MD Helicopters ' new 564 aircraft is designed to deliver performance margins typically associated with larger platforms while preserving the agility and economics that define the light-single segment.
Robinson launches unmanned business; unveils autonomous R66 ‘Turbinetruck’
Robinson Helicopter Company has made a major move into the field of unmanned aviation with the launch of a new “Robinson Unmanned” subsidiary — and unveiled a suite of remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft.
Guimbal launches the Cabri G5 — the long-awaited ‘big sibling’ for the G2
HELICOPTERES GUIMBAL has revealed the first images of the long-awaited “big sibling” for its popular two-seater Cabri G2 — known as the “Grand Cabri” G5.
Airbus launches ACH140 at Verticon
Airbus Helicopters ' ACH140 helicopter is the corporate/VIP version of its upcoming new light twin H140.
Bell has ‘never been closer’ to 525 certification
Bell Flight believes it is in the very final stages of its long effort to gain certification of its 525 super medium helicopter from the FAA — having completed all flight testing required for the approval.
Sikorsky reboots production of the S-92, focuses on industry disruption in 2026
Sikorsky is turbocharging its plans to monitor, modernize, and disrupt vertical takeoff and landing technology with its S-92 and a growing portfolio of autonomous and hybrid-electric systems.
How Vertical Aviation International’s new CEO is charting a course for the future
VAI | Vertical Aviation International 's CEO François Lassale spoke with Vertical Plus about his plans and priorities.
This year’s Verticon in Atlanta featured 684 exhibitors, 64 aircraft on display, and nearly 13,000 attendees, with 280,000 square feet of exhibits highlighting the latest technology, aircraft, and services across the industry. Watch highlights from the show floor, aircraft displays, and key moments from one of the vertical aviation industry’s largest gatherings.
In this episode of The Helicopter Podcast, host Halsey Schider sits down with David Smith , president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, for a conversation that blends storytelling, innovation, and the future of rotorcraft.
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Fatal incident in Japan underscores hazard of helicopter rotor wash
A tragedy at Kadena Air Base last year starkly illustrates the risks posed by helicopter rotor wash, an underappreciated hazard that is starting to receive more attention.
“I think it’s really important for pilots to understand the effect that their aircraft might be having on its surroundings, and to realize that on occasion they may need to take control of the situation.” - Richard Brown, aerodynamicist, Sophrodyne Aerospace
Down to the wire: Kleon Solutions’ wire detection system
Norwegian startup Kleon Solutions AS has spent over a decade developing a camera-based wire detection system for helicopters. Now they are putting it into operation.
In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Aaron Hamm, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a truly unique aviation journey. Aaron has experienced this profession from both sides of the stretcher and the cockpit, and his story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose.
Ornge tackles pilot shortage with targeted IFR training support
In January 2025, Ontario's air ambulance provider, Ornge , launched an instrument flight rules (IFR)/night rating reimbursement program. So far, four pilots have completed training through the program, with several others currently in progress.
"I’ve done a lot of things as a pilot, and this is the one that’s worth pursuing.” - Sean Morley, manager of training and standards, Ornge
In this exclusive walkaround, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office pilot Mike Smith takes us inside the aircraft that anchors the aviation unit: the Bell 429. Sponsored by Switlik Survival Products , this feature marks the first stop of the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour — a journey across the public safety aviation community, spotlighting the people, aircraft, and missions shaping the field.
This episode of the Vertical MRO Podcast was recorded live on location at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit the as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour. Hosts Jon Gray and Jack H Schonely sit down with Matt Callander, an avionics technician serving the unit who also happens to be a pilot, to explore a perspective that bridges the cockpit and the hangar.
Building a culture of safety and trust: Leadership lessons for maintenance professionals
Technical expertise keeps aircraft flying in our industry, but it’s workplace culture that keeps people motivated, safe, and dedicated to performing good work. That culture comes directly from a company’s leadership.
This was the resounding message Elevate Aviation 's Emily Kutryk and Krishna Mann shared in their talk at the 2025 Vertical MRO Conference in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Women in Aviation Week: Q&A with Kodey Bogart
Dr. Kodey Bogart, AvD is a decorated combat veteran, expert in aviation safety — and also an author of children’s books about helicopters.
In this exclusive walkaround, Capt Jason Vanbuskirk takes us inside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's AW139 to explore the platform supporting maritime recoveries, urban extractions, wilderness rescues, and complex overwater operations across South Florida. Sponsored by Switlik Survival Products, this feature is a part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour.
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Great RotorBeat edition from Vertical Plus Magazine—really highlights the momentum across vertical lift right now. Honored to contribute alongside such a strong mix of articles spanning AI, offshore wind, and critical safety topics. The depth in this issue reflects an industry that’s evolving fast and thinking even bigger. Appreciate being part of the conversation. #VerticalAviation #Rotorcraft #AviationSafety #SMS #HumanFactors #VERTICON #WomenInAviation