Operational news updates
FAA considers rule change to expand wildland firefighter transport options
The FAA is seeking industry data by 13 November to assess whether civilian-owned restricted-category aircraft can be authorized to transport firefighters to US wildfires for ground-based suppression
28 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
TRU Simulation launches Cessna Grand Caravan EX training device
The new virtual reality system expands simulation options for utility aircraft pilots, including those supporting humanitarian and specialist aviation operations
27 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Boeing secures order for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters
The US Air Force is expanding its helicopter fleet following a major production milestone, with 27 aircraft delivered to date
27 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Leonardo expands helicopter simulator production in Italy
The 6,000m2 expansion at Sesto Calende will increase Leonardo’s capacity to build up to five helicopter simulators simultaneously, with initial systems destined for operators in Italy and Asia
26 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
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Latest Issue
October 2026
Issue
The latest edition of AirMed&Rescue is packed full of content to keep you occupied in October. We have features on the challenges that swiftwater presents when trying to rescue someone; how sensor technology is affecting and improving aerial firefighting missions; why operators choose to have a varied fleet of aircraft to perform special missions; and what can be done to improve the accessibility and awareness of mental health assistance programs for safer and sustainable working conditions.
Saving lives in swiftwater scenarios
Worldwide training in swiftwater rescue is a deep well of knowledge regarding safety, environmental conditions, equipment, and risk, reports Jennifer Ferrero
1 Oct 2026
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Jennifer Ferrero
Fire intelligence aircraft: eyes in the sky that never blink
Barry D Smith explores how the aerial firefighting sector is adapting its processes to incorporate better sensor technology and increase the value gained from the data available
1 Oct 2026
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Barry D Smith
Mental wellbeing and care for special missions crews
Continual high-stress, time-critical environments where decisions can be a matter of life or death can result in psychological harm, either as a result of a single mission outcome or as...
1 Oct 2026
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Editorial Team
Mixing bowl
Some operators have mission requirements that demand a mix of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in their fleet. Ian Harbison learns how differing operations affect equipment choice
1 Oct 2026
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Ian Harbison
Interview: High-performance HEMS
Bill Long, Aviation Director for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, tells Mandy Langfield about the challenges facing the UK charity and the priorities and goals of the organization going forward
1 Oct 2026
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Mandy Langfield
Industry voices: Bridging the distance: Why South Africa needs the Diploma in Retrieval and Transfer Medicine
Dr Neville Vlok, Specialist Emergency Physician, and Kaleb Lachenicht, Emergency Care Practitioner, detail the complexity of retrieval medicine and the subsequent value of a qualification that demonstrates clinical competence and...
1 Oct 2026
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Dr Neville Vlok
& Kaleb Lachenicht
Industry voice: When wearable tech knows more than your roster
W Sander Starreveld, Principal of SIG Aviation, highlights the key indicators, monitors, and outcomes associated with fatigue risk in airborne medical, SAR, and special missions
1 Oct 2026
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W Sander Starreveld
Gallery: HEMS in Piedmont: training and qualification of new doctors and nurses
Dino Marcellino reports on and photographs the training of a new tranche of doctors and nurses for the Piedmont Regional Helicopter Rescue Service
1 Oct 2026
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Dino Marcellino
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HEMS/SAR
Medical helicopters deployed after fatal train collision in Spain
Airborne emergency crews have joined a major rescue operation following a high-speed rail collision involving more than 500 passengers
28 Oct 2026
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Editorial Team
Boeing secures order for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters
The US Air Force is expanding its helicopter fleet following a major production milestone, with 27 aircraft delivered to date
27 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Ukrainian forces evacuate wounded soldier using heavy-lift drone
A six-month rescue operation involving helicopters, diversionary drones, and artillery enabled the recovery of a soldier stranded behind enemy lines
22 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Saxony expands helicopter rescue capabilities with H145 fleet and new hoist
Air rescue operators in the German state will extend winter operating hours and introduce specialist equipment for difficult-terrain missions
21 Oct 2026
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Editorial Team
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Emergency Services
FAA considers rule change to expand wildland firefighter transport options
The FAA is seeking industry data by 13 November to assess whether civilian-owned restricted-category aircraft can be authorized to transport firefighters to US wildfires for ground-based suppression
28 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
Helitak secures FAA approval for Bell 412 firefighting tank
The 1,800L belly-mounted system can be installed on the Bell 412 in 15–20 minutes without permanent aircraft modifications, with Helitak pursuing regulatory validation beyond the USA
22 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
ATSB identifies firefighting helicopter safety risks after Bell 412 incident
Australian investigators found shortcomings in flight risk assessments and aircraft configuration following an uncommanded descent during aerial firefighting operations in Tasmania
22 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Air ambulance diverts to Dhaka after mid-flight door fault; patient dies
The incident highlights the patient-safety challenges facing air ambulance operators when an in-flight emergency forces an unscheduled international diversion without prior landing clearance
22 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
Trending Articles
Avionics and Technology
GA-ASI tests airborne disaster communications system with SoftBank
SoftBank’s payload could enable the MQ-9B to restore mobile connectivity in disaster-hit areas
23 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
Wisk Air selects GPMS monitoring system for Bell 412 and 407GXi helicopters
Predictive maintenance technology will support aircraft operating on firefighting and remote missions across Canada, helping crews identify potential mechanical issues earlier
20 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Coulson Aviation moves forward with EmberWorks, its dedicated innovation division
The division connects operational experience with the development and testing of new wildfire and emergency-response technologies, including ORBIT and CFR HALO
28 Sep 2026
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Editorial Team
The CAURUS-Sensor successfully masters first wildfire fighting mission in Norway
The CAURUS Technologies sensor has been deployed for tests in five countries, completing its first real firefighting mission in Norway
24 Sep 2026
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Editorial Team
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Simulation and Training
TRU Simulation launches Cessna Grand Caravan EX training device
The new virtual reality system expands simulation options for utility aircraft pilots, including those supporting humanitarian and specialist aviation operations
27 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Leonardo expands helicopter simulator production in Italy
The 6,000m2 expansion at Sesto Calende will increase Leonardo’s capacity to build up to five helicopter simulators simultaneously, with initial systems destined for operators in Italy and Asia
26 Oct 2026
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Chloe Fox
Entrol upgrades police helicopter simulators with Unreal Engine 5
New visual system incorporates simulated thermal imaging, dynamic urban environments, and customizable tactical scenarios for airborne law enforcement crew training
26 Oct 2026
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Editorial Team
Philippine Air Force to receive S-70i Black Hawk flight simulator
Lockheed Martin contract will establish domestic pilot and maintenance training capabilities for helicopters used in search and rescue and disaster response
21 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
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Drones
UK drone container receives safety recommendation for radioactive medical cargo
Crash-tested packaging could support future drone deliveries of time-sensitive diagnostic materials, although commercial operations will require further regulatory authorization
23 Oct 2026
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Siân Yates
Elroy Air completes the first uncrewed autonomous flights under US DOT and FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program
The autonomous heavy-cargo drone developer completed the first authorized autonomous and uncrewed flights in Houma, Louisiana, USA
16 Sep 2026
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Jon Adams
Nepalese rescue efforts bolstered by use of drones
Rescue operations continue in the aftermath of the Bhote Koshi River floods. The Nepali Army is using drones to distribute supplies, and search for missing people
11 Sep 2026
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Jon Adams
Dutch medical drone trial extended after 800 BVLOS flights
The year-long program tested medical deliveries in shared airspace, including environments used by trauma helicopters and other aviation operators
26 Aug 2026
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Siân Yates
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Industry Moves
CareFlight appoints Peter Broschofsky as new Chief Executive Officer
Broschofsky has taken over the role of CEO of Australia’s CareFlight from Mick Frewen, who held the position for eight years
18 Sep 2026
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Jon Adams
Court appoints supervisory trustee to Red Star Aviation
The Turkish air ambulance operator will remain under its existing management, with court-appointed oversight of major decisions and financial transactions
17 Sep 2026
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Editorial Team
Stefano Villanti appointed Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters
Villanti brings extensive experience in Leonardo’s rotorcraft business, having held senior leadership positions within Leonardo Helicopters for the past 10 years, including leading sales, marketing, and contracts for over the...
9 Sep 2026
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Editorial Team
Esther Zermatten appointed CEO of Air-Glaciers
The Swiss helicopter operator will change leadership in December as Bernard Vogel prepares to retire following six years at the company’s helm
4 Sep 2026
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Siân Yates
