Vertical Magazine

The latest issue of Vertical Valor Plus is now available to read online! Inside this issue: • The Aerial Advantage – How the Broward Sheriff’s Office aviation unit combines oversight, coordination, and controlled force to support deputies on the ground. • Virginia’s Lifeline from Above – The Virginia State Police Aviation Division blends medevac, rescue, and law enforcement missions into a statewide public safety resource.

Published on: July 13, 2026 Estimated reading time 26 minutes, 28 seconds. The most successful wildfire agencies embrace the concept of a tiered response, deploying a range of assets for each stage of a fire. From small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to the heaviest fixed-wing airtankers, each aircraft makes a unique and impactful contribution. When coordinated properly, the end result is an effective response and, hopefully, successful containment.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace,  and Canadian Helicopters Limited (CHL) are pleased to jointly announce the signing of a contract that will see CHL support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. SkyAlyne Photo As part of the agreement, CHL has been awarded a major subcontract under SkyAlyne to deliver the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing (AFT-RW) component of the FAcT program.

Growing demand for rapid aeromedical and critical care across Queensland has seen LifeFlight crews help their 100,000th patient since the life-saving service began more than 46 years ago. The historic airlift was reached in the past financial year, when 8,982 people were helped by LifeFlight in the wake of motor vehicle crashes, farming accidents, search and rescues and cardiac incidents, alongside many other missions.

Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH has successfully completed the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) assessment of the H145 XR-SIM. The LBA, the German Federal Aviation Office, declared the XR-SIM as “Ready for Training”. The successful assessment of this innovative training device marks an important milestone not only for one individual type of training device, but for the future of professional helicopter training.

I watched a mechanic almost take a rotor head to the face because he was on his phone. The blades were off and the crew was prepping to remove a rotor head. One mechanic was on the man-lift to guide the rotor head once it picked up, another on the ground with the ropes guiding it down, and a crew chief was calling the operation. The mechanic on the lift, however, was scrolling away on his phone. The rotor head popped free, swung, and, luckily, the ground spotter caught it with the ropes.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified Swiss Rotor Solutions’ Smart Pilot View Kit (SPVK), the manufacturer has announced. The SPVK is a smaller and more affordable version of Swiss Rotor Solutions’ Maximum Pilot View Kit, which was certified in 2017 and then offered as an option by Airbus for new-build H125s in 2019. The SPVK allows for improved vertical visibility for the pilot while retaining the original pilot door.

Today, Overwatch Imaging announced the release of ASO 12.0, the latest evolution of its AI-enabled Automated Sensor Operator technology. Developed in collaboration with operators and refined through real-world missions, ASO 12.0 introduces a reimagined user interface, streamlined mission workflows, and expanded autonomy capabilities designed to shift operator workload from human to machine, simplify mission execution, and accelerate the delivery of actionable intelligence.

For decades, Bell has partnered with public safety agencies around the world, delivering reliable, mission-ready aircraft that operators trust when on the job. As a leader in airborne law enforcement and search-and-rescue (SAR) solutions, Bell continues to support operators with platforms designed for readiness, precision, and adaptability in the field.

Two leading aviation companies are together bringing a trusted American aircraft brand to an expanded range of clients. Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) has selected Helicopter Services, Inc. (HSI), a longtime aircraft sales, completion and MRO provider based in Spring, Texas, as its newest dealer. As an authorized sales and service center for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Helicopter Services, Inc.