Airbus helicopter pilots get new collective pitch stick handles

The US aviation regulator proposes replacing a specific part on some older Airbus helicopters. This part is the handle pilots use to control the helicopter's lift and descent.

A broken collective pitch stick handle grip means a pilot cannot control the helicopter's vertical movement. This proposed rule aims to prevent a specific type of mechanical failure that could lead to a crash. It means operators of these older helicopter models will have to perform a mandatory replacement, ensuring a critical flight control component is reliable.