Peer Pilot Program for the Vertical Aviation Community
The mental well-being of helicopter pilots has long been an overlooked yet deeply consequential issue in aviation safety. Pilots face a unique combination of pressures — high-stakes decision making, irregular hours, extended periods away from home, and the constant demand for peak performance under stress. Despite these challenges, open conversations about mental health in aviation have historically been stigmatized or sidelined by regulatory fears. But the tide is turning. A growing recognition across the industry acknowledges what we’ve known all along: pilots are human. Their mental health matters — not just for their quality of life, but for the safety
In-Flight Abnormal Bell 206L Vertical Vibrations
The FAA has received reports of severe vertical vibrations occurring during flight on Bell 206L series (L, L-1, L-3, L-4) helicopters and is investigating the concern. The FAA is aware of at least one event where continued vibration resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter’s tail boom, but the aircraft was able to land safely. To assist in the FAA’s investigation, the FAA is interested in receiving any information from operators on occurrences of abnormal in-flight vertical vibrations on the Bell 206L series helicopters, including the conditions/configurations of the helicopter at the time of the event. To read the Airworthiness