At age 20, while serving as a Red Cross nurse’s aide in Toronto in 1917, Amelia Mary Earhart’s interest in flight was spurred by stories she heard from World War I pilots. Three years later in Los Angeles she paid $10 (equivalent to $160 today) to take a brief flight in an airplane piloted by air racer Frank Hawks.

The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team is a government-industry partnership focused on reducing helicopter accidents in the United States. The team is undertaking a variety of efforts to help achieve that goal. Let's take a look at the USHST and its role in the helicopter community.

FAA Oversight in the Demanding World of Medical Helicopter Operations

Drones and helicopters regularly operate in the same environments. They perform many of the same operations, often at the same time. It can be difficult for both types of pilots to know when the other is operating nearby. Even when helicopter pilots are aware of nearby drone operations and remain vigilant, it is still very hard for them to spot a drone with enough time to avoid a collision. It is every drone pilot’s responsibility to see and avoid helicopters and all other aircraft, as well as remain well clear of and not interfere with other aircraft operations.

The FAA and U.S. Helicopter Safety Team provide valuable resources in a variety of media formats to help helicopter pilots fly more safely.

From airports to the tops of hospitals, from Alaska to Hawaii and beyond, weather camera footage helps pilots fly more safely.

The National Archive’s Freedom Plane took off from the Coast Guard Hangar at Reagan Washington National Airport on March 2 as part of America’s Freedom 250 celebration. Dubbed “Archive One,” the Freedom Plane will ferry national treasures -- together and through the air for the first time -- to eight U.S. cities where they will be on display in prominent museums free to the public. See our coverage and learn about this historic mission.

Following your airline’s packing restrictions can prevent property loss, injury, and fines. Let’s look at some examples of the hazard warnings you might see and what items you can and can’t bring on board.

The age of aviation has run through nearly half of our nation’s history. Since the Wright brothers took flight, 22 U.S. presidents, starting with Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., have witnessed and helped propel aviation forward.

The FAA has a clear message for people considering a charter flight to the Super Bowl or any other venue: Use good judgment and avoid signing on with an illegal or uncertificated operation that exposes you to unwanted safety risks and potential liability.