Helicopter Weekly Brief: May 13–18, 2025
This week in the helicopter industry saw a flurry of activity, from significant military contracts and exercises to important safety updates and technological advancements. Here’s a quick rundown of the top helicopter news:
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Potential $1.3 Billion Chinook Helicopter Sale to UAE Approved
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for six Boeing-made CH-47F Chinook helicopters, valued at an estimated $1.3 billion. This deal includes air-to-air refueling capability, engines, communication devices, and defensive systems. The sale aims to enhance the UAE’s ability to meet current and future threats in areas like search and rescue, disaster relief, and counterterrorism.
Published: May 13, 2025
US approves potential $1.3B Chinook helicopter sale to UAE, as Trump kicks off Middle East visit - Breaking Defense -
FAA Issues Concern Over Bell 206L Vertical Vibrations
The FAA has issued an airworthiness concern sheet (ACS) regarding reports of severe vertical vibrations in Bell 206L LongRanger helicopters. These vibrations have been inconsistent, and post-flight inspections haven’t found a definitive cause. The FAA and NTSB are concerned that pilots may not know the correct recovery procedures, with recommendations to slow down and increase collective pitch to load the rotor system.
Published: May 14, 2025
FAA Concerned About Bell 206 LongRanger Vertical Vibrations | Aviation International News
Tools & Tips
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FAA Safety Briefing - May/June 2025 Issue: This issue focuses on the use of tools and technology for safe flight, including weather technology and automation, which are crucial for helicopter operations.
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-briefing/mayjune-2025-faa-safety-briefing-magazine -
Science Olympiad™ 2024-2025 Helicopter Kit: For those involved in educational outreach or competitions, this officially licensed kit provides materials for building practice helicopters, aligned with the latest Science Olympiad rules.
Avantor is setting science in motion for a better world | Avantor
Fun Fact
Did you know? The twin-engine, tandem-rotor CH-47 Chinook helicopter, a workhorse for the U.S. Army, takes its name from the Chinookan people of the Northwestern United States.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any helicopter-related events or utilized new helicopter tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.