As much as any other year in recent memory, the events of 2024 highlighted the unique and vital role of helicopters when disaster strikes.
The effects of Hurricane Helene on the southern U.S. were devastating, but they brought out the best in the rotorcraft community. Dozens of pilots volunteered their time, money and personal aircraft to fly the type of rescue missions only helicopters can achieve.
This was also a year of game-changing innovation, important safety improvements, and accountability measures that document the helicopter industry’s constant evolution.
As the year draws to a close, we’re celebrating the top 10 stories of 2024 from Verticalmag.com, the online companion to Vertical magazine.
Happy New Year from everyone on our team! Join us again in 2025, as we develop new and exciting ways to cover the industry’s biggest and most important achievements.
10. Racer completes 4th flight as Airbus celebrates rapid progress’
In May, Airbus Helicopters opened the flight envelope of its Racer high-speed demonstrator to 165 knots (305 km/h) after only four flight tests. The achievement signaled a leap forward for the aircraft’s flight test program, which continued into summer. In June, the demonstrator reached 227 kts (420 km/h), exceeding its level speed objective.
9. FlyNYON legal saga comes to a close, more than six years after fatal flight killed five
A jury awarded $113 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages in the conclusion of a legal saga stemming from a fatal flight in March 2018.
8. The future of aerial firefighting
As forest fires increase in frequency and intensity around the world, aerial firefighters are adapting on the fly. This feature from Vertical Valor plots new developments in a sector that’s as essential now as it’s ever been to protecting lives and property.
7. VIH Aviation fields world’s first firefighting S-92
Canada’s VIH Aviation Group partnered with lessor Milestone Aviation to deploy a novel use for the venerable Sikorsky S-92. The twin-engine medium-lift helicopter was converted for firefighting and deployed to a fire near Victoria, B.C., on July 28.
6. Columbia Helicopters unveils a new era for the commercial Chinook
In February, Columbia Helicopters announced it is developing the 234 Special Purpose (234SP) variant of its Model 234 commercial version of the Boeing CH-47D Chinook. The first customer is Alaska-based ROTAK, with certification and market entry planned for 2025.
5. U.S. Army announces shock FARA program cancellation
Years of development toward a high-speed replacement for the U.S. Army’s retired OH-58D Kiowa Warrior ended abruptly with cancellation of the Army’s Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). Instead, the Army plans to upgrade its UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47F Block II Chinook fleets, and use these alongside unmanned systems and space-based assets.
4. RCAF’s modernized Bell CH-146 Mk II Griffon performs first flight
In June, the Royal Canadian Air Force announced the maiden flight of the first Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopter upgraded to the CH-146C Mk II version. The upgrade is part of the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project, designed to extend the fleet’s service life to at least 2031. The Griffon is a variant of the Bell 412EP.
3. Transport Canada imposes limitations on restricted aircraft operations
Concerns about safety in aerial work operations prompted Canada’s aviation regulator to issue a Civil Aviation Safety Alert, primarily affecting the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and Boeing CH-47 Chinook on the rotorcraft side.
2. Vuichard develops new autorotation technique
Swiss pilot and aviation safety advocate Claude Vuichard has developed a new autorotation technique that “pre-loads” the rotor disc to provide the best energy management, he said. The flare is less accentuated when compared to conventional techniques, with a maximum 15 degrees nose-up, and has a slow-motion feel.
1. Hurricane Helene response galvanizes U.S. helicopter community
Devastating storms in North Carolina were a rallying point for the U.S. helicopter community. Volunteer pilots used their personal aircraft to deliver vital supplies and airlift stranded residents at a time when many roads were impassible.
The relief effort was a remarkable example of the rotorcraft community’s generosity and goodwill, as well as a showcase of helicopters’ unique ability to extricate disaster victims from hard-to-reach areas.
