Aviation Safety & Regulation News

FlightGlobal • Jon Hemmerdinger

US inspector general probes FAA oversight of helicopter tours after fatal Bell 206 crash highlighted regulatory loophole

The Transportation Department inspector general is examining FAA regulation of the helicopter tour industry after a Bell 206 crashed during a tour flight last year. The NTSB is investigating the wreckage; the inspector general has also flagged a loophole that lets aerial photography flights operate under less-stringent Part 91 rules.

2026-11-03T17:04:56.877119-08:00

Aviation Safety & Regulation

Recent Coverage

US inspector general probes FAA oversight of helicopter tours after fatal Bell 206 crash highlighted regulatory loophole

The Transportation Department inspector general is examining FAA regulation of the helicopter tour industry after a Bell 206 crashed during a tour flight last year. The NTSB is investigating the wreckage; the inspector general has also flagged a loophole that lets aerial photography flights operate under less-stringent Part 91 rules.

1 source Bookmark this story

FAA orders inspections of 60 US Boeing 787s over fuel-tank ignition risk

The FAA has ordered inspections of fuel-tank sealant on 60 Boeing 787s registered in the United States, citing a potential explosion risk if lightning strikes ignite fuel vapors. The directive puts attention on a specific aircraft-system vulnerability and the inspection work required to address it.

2 sources Bookmark this story

Reuters

High activity

Bomb threats target European passenger flights, prompting diversions and security checks

A series of bomb threats against flights operated by Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines and SAS disrupted passenger operations across Europe. Aircraft were diverted or made emergency landings, while security services inspected planes and fighter jets escorted some flights; no explosives have been found.

57 sources Bookmark this story

Air Data News

High activity

Wizz Air A321neo diverted to Budapest after bomb threat; Hungarian Gripen escorted landing

A Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia diverted to Budapest on Nov. 2 after a bomb threat prompted Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighters to escort the A321neo. It landed at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport at 12:09 local time; a ground inspection found no explosive, and the aircraft later resumed its journey.

16 sources Bookmark this story

Create a free account to see more recent Aviation Safety & Regulation stories and keep bookmarks in one place.