Vertical Aviation International

Join us for the ✨ VAI Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast on Tuesday, Mar. 11.✨ in Ballroom C2 - C4 at VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) https://lnkd.in/emNc29sV Hear from VAI President & CEO James A. Viola and our Board of Directors as they share insights on the past year’s accomplishments, exciting plans for the future, and the latest industry trends. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of shaping the future of our industry! . . . #VERTICON #VerticalAviation #AviationProfessionals #Helicopter #FutureOfAviation #AviationEvents #NetworkingOpportunity #Aviation #HAI #VAI #HELIEXPO

VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) rolls on! Kicked off a very busy day at the annual membership breakfast where on behalf of Vertical Aviation International members and staff, Mark Schlaefli and the VAI Board presented James Viola a Robinson R44 tail rotor (signed by the entire organization) in appreciation for his contributions during his leadership of VAI. Verticon means meeting new and interesting people and having fun with colleagues and old friends. Stopped in to see my friends at Leonardo, paused for a minute with my buddy Ryan Naru and Matthew Broffman, before finally running into my main West Coast man Chuck Street (VAI West Coast Regional Rep) at Robinson's big R88 announcement. The connecting power of Verticon on full display!

US helicopter industry enjoys record safe year in 2024 Lowest number of fatal accidents, lowest rate of fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours in 25 years. By Mark Huber In 2024, the US helicopter industry posted its lowest number of fatal accidents and its lowest rate of fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours in 25 years. The data was presented as part of the US Helicopter Safety Team’s (USHST’s) all-hands meeting Monday at VERTICON 2025. The data, compiled by FAA aviation safety coordinator Lee Roskop, found that the fatal accident rate of 0.44% per 100,000 flight hours was 14% less than the lowest rate recorded since 0.51%, in 2016, and 24% lower year over year from 2023’s rate of 0.58%. Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Senior Director of Safety Chris Hill applauded the good news while emphasizing the work the USHST, VAI, and other aviation industry organizations continue to do to further improve vertical flight safety. “VAI works tirelessly with global industry and safety stakeholders like the USHST and the Vertical Aviation Safety Team to actively develop and deliver safety enhancements that target known issues affecting vertical aviation. It is so rewarding to learn this positive news regarding reductions in fatal accident rates,” Hill said. “However, each new accident reminds us that there remains much work to be done. We will continue in our relentless pursuit of zero fatal helicopter accidents.” The fatal accident rate has been steadily declining since 2020, when it was 0.79%. The 13 fatal accidents during 2024 was 19% lower than the previous low of 16 in 2016 and 24% lower than 2023’s count of 17. Broken down by industry sector, the distribution of the fatal accidents was as follows: * Personal/private 3 (23%) * Aerial application 3 (23%) * Commercial 2 (15%) * Air tour/sightseeing 2 (15%) * Helicopter air ambulance 2 (15%) * Law enforcement 1 (8%). There were only 4 fatal accidents in the first six months of the year and 10 months when there were either zero or only 1 fatal accident. Between Feb. 9 and Apr. 26, there were no fatal accidents. The 77-day streak was the longest since 70 in 2020. July and October 2024 accounted for 5 of the 13 fatal accidents, 3 in July and 2 in October. Roskop called the results “pretty amazing numbers.” The fatality rate of 1.02 per 100,000 flight hours was 24% lower than the previous five-year average and 17% lower than the previous 10-year average. The overall fatality count of 30 people was comparable to the best years on record, 2015 and 2016, when 28 fatalities were recorded in each year. 🔎 Read more: https://shorturl.at/H8ygg

Don't Miss This Must-See AAM Panel at VERTICON Tomorrow! 🚁 Navigating the Future: State Perspectives on Advanced Air Mobility Readiness 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12 in Room C147 ⏰ Time: 2:45–3:45 PM Featuring Expert Panelists: - Dan Harmon – Aviation Division Director, Texas DOT - Robin Grace – Chief of AAM Integration & Strategy, MassDOT Aeronautics Division - Clement Solomon – Intermodal Director, Georgia DOT - Bryan Budds – Director, Michigan DOT Aeronautics Division - Kenji Sugahara – Director, Oregon Department of Aviation As AAM moves closer to reality, how are states preparing for this transformative shift? Join top state aviation leaders as they discuss the future of vertical flight in their states. If you're a policymaker, industry leader, AAM enthusiast, or simply love all things vertical flight, this is a must-attend discussion on how states are paving the way for the future of flight. 📍 Add this session to your VERTICON schedule! See you there!

James Viola: "Today, we launched the VAI Member Online Community, an online platform for you to connect, engage, and learn with fellow VAI members. We can connect with you. You can connect with your fellow members and share important resources." VAI's Emerging Professionals Community meeting at VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) https://lnkd.in/eNESra4j

After months of dedication crafting our beloved tradeshow, VERTICON 2025 is finally here! We're thrilled to welcome you with the latest breakthroughs in vertical aviation. . . . #VERTICON2025 #VerticalAviation #AviationProfessionals #Helicopter #FutureOfAviation #AviationEvents #NetworkingOpportunity #EarlyBirdDiscount #Aviation2024 #HAI #HELIEXPO #VAI Vertical Aviation International

Under the leadership of James Viola, Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has strengthened our ability to unify, promote, and protect the global vertical aviation industry. We have expanded our legislative and regulatory resources, forged stronger international partnerships, and strongly and consistently advocated for the value that our industry provides to communities around the world. VAI members can now take advantage of a wide variety of benefits that provide business aids, education, and support for our members' success. Throughout, we have worked consistently with regulators, safety agencies, and manufacturers to elevate safety across the global industry. The Board of Directors thanks James Viola for his dedication to and passion for the success of all that encompasses vertical flight.

#SoundOfService AIN: Robinson helicopters support California firefighting efforts -During the Palisades Fire in January, all sorts of aerial assets helped mitigate the devastating damage and eventually contained the blazes. One might assume that light helicopters—such as those manufactured in nearby Torrance, California, by Robinson Helicopter—wouldn’t be suited for firefighting. That isn’t the case. . . . #VerticalaviationInternational #News 🔎 Link to the news: https://shorturl.at/GZt6N

Michael J. Hertzendorf, COO of VAI, opens up VERTICON MIL2Civ workshop.

So psyched to be in Dallas to power up at #verticon25! VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) is the world's gathering spot for networking, training, education, and advocacy coordination. Vertical Aviation International welcomes with open arms all our members, friends, family, and colleagues who with passion and dedication are here celebrating and supporting the industry we love and respect. Here's to having some fun while we're here and look me up if you'd like to connect in person!