We are Vertical Aviation International.

Together, we will fuel the growth of the vertical aviation industry so communities around the world are strengthened by the power of vertical flight.

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VERTICON 2026

The world’s biggest vertical aviation conference and trade show will happen Mar. 9–12, 2026, with exhibits open Mar. 10–12, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Join us!

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Safety

From Safety Management Systems (SMSs) to other critical safety resources, VAI is elevating safety throughout the global vertical aviation community.

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Advocacy

Classic columns of the Victorian Parliament building in Melbourne, Australia.

VAI represents vertical aviation before legislators and regulators around the world, securing a stronger future for our industry.

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Shaping the Future of Low-Altitude Drone Operations

FAA’s Part 108 – Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Proposal

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The Leading Member Organization in Vertical Flight

This edition of François’s Aviation Reflections is coming to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where VAI concluded a highly successful conference and trade show earlier this month. The energy at VERTICON 2026—my first as VAI’s president and CEO—was electric, providing momentum for the launch of VAI’s first international safety event, the 2026 VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference, which takes place in Bali, Indonesia, May 27–29. I hope to see you there and in Anaheim, California, Mar. 15–18, 2027, for next year’s VERTICON!

Find Your VAI Community Online!

Join your fellow VAI members on a new online platform designed for you!

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About VAI

For more than 75 years, we’ve been the global leader in advocating for the vertical flight industry and the unique benefits it offers communities. We’re the leading voice in promoting safety, professionalism, innovation, and the industry’s economic viability. Today, VAI is evolving and expanding, just as our industry is exploring new territories in vertical mobility. The vertical aviation fleet is becoming more diverse, and VAI is committed to representing all the people and organizations that build, fly, fix, operate, and supply those aircraft.

Our purpose is to fuel the growth of the vertical aviation industry through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for businesses and individuals. Together, we will strengthen communities worldwide and unlock the unlimited potential and power of up.

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Exclusive Member Benefits

Support for Small Businesses

Take advantage of benefits specially designed for small-business members and get access to a small-business advisory council to tackle challenges and provide support.

Exclusive Discounts

Stock up on savings with member-only and company-exclusive discounts to events like VERTICON, safety and education programs, and other resources.

VA Online Academy

Sharpen your skills and get year-round training, designed especially for vertical aviation professionals, from industry leaders and experts.

SMS for Your Business

Get exclusive savings on SMS options designed to scale to your operation. Identify and resolve potentially dangerous and costly safety risks that threaten your business.

Access to Experts

Whether you need legislative, regulatory, technical, or safety support, or answers to questions and concerns, VAI members get direct access to our staff of experts.

VAI Member Online Community

This is VAI’s member collaboration platform promoting networking and knowledge sharing among Vertical Aviation International members

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With more than 35 member benefits, expert support, industry-leading resources, and deep discounts that add up, VAI is here for the vertical aviation community every step of the way.

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“I would highly recommend to anybody in this industry to join VAI. The benefits from networking, the events and trade shows, the education opportunities, and the political lobbying—there isn’t a better organization to join.”

Ronnie Ries

VP of Marketing, GPMS International

“Join VAI and be with your people. You’ll meet people who have lived the same problems and have solutions that you haven’t even considered. ”

Jessie Bailey

President, North American Helicopter

Our Impact at a Glance

From adding value to your membership to shaping the future of vertical mobility, VAI is constantly taking the industry to new heights.

96,000

emails sent, keeping open New York City’s West 30th St. Heliport (KJRA)

$20,000

saved by VAI members through the Flight Training and Checking benefit

38 schools

(an addition of 6 in 2024) now participate in the Utah Rotor Pathway Program

54%

increase in VAI members volunteering on VAI industry advisory councils

Latest News

May. 4, 2026

Tell us: Are you ready for SMS?

For many US helicopter operators, the clock is ticking toward the May 2027 safety management system (SMS) mandate. Through an…
May. 4, 2026

UCF research project maps radio signals for urban air mobility

(UCF Today) – As drones, air taxis, and emergency aircraft begin to fill city skies, the biggest challenge may be…
May. 4, 2026

NAAA asks pilots to add FRAT into agricultural operations

The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is urging pilots to take a fresh look at its flight risk assessment tool…