Advocating for You: Some Positive Signs Despite challenges, much federal, state activity in first half of year supports helicopter operations. By Cade Clark, Theresa Marr, and Katia Veraza With all 50 US state legislatures in session and the federal government busy as well, the first half of 2025 has been exceptionally active for the VAI Government Affairs team. The team has tracked and analyzed nearly 150 aviation-related bills across the country during the period. Below are key highlights of those efforts, including both challenges the association overcame and legislation we strongly supported. Key Legislative Wins and Challenges Hawaii: Defending Federal Preemption H.B.810 sought to create a private right of action allowing individuals to sue helicopter operators for alleged sound violations of federal aviation law—an overreach that conflicted with federal preemption. VAI successfully opposed the bill, which was ultimately withdrawn following direct outreach to state legislators and the bill sponsor. S.B.1197 would have imposed excessive state-level insurance requirements on tour aircraft operators, another area preempted by the FAA. After the bill nearly passed in 2024, VAI mobilized early in 2025 to stop the legislation through targeted advocacy and engagement, resulting in its defeat. New York: Protecting Access and Uniformity A.2583/S.1140, which proposed a noise tax on nonessential helicopter and seaplane operations in cities with populations over 1 million, made it to the state’s appropriations bill. VAI, working with legislative partners, successfully removed this language from the final appropriations bill. New York City Council Int. 0026-A significantly restricts nonessential helicopter operations at city-managed heliports, with the eventual aim to allow only fully electric aircraft. VAI led a coalition of aviation organizations—including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Eastern Region Helicopter Council, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Air Transportation Association, and National Business Aviation Association—to secure amendments preserving limited operations and enabling continued infrastructure development. The law remains problematic, underscoring the need for reaffirmation of federal authority over airspace. Washington: Opposing Harmful Taxes S.B.5801 imposes a 10% tax on noncommercial aircraft sales over $500,000, effective April 2026. VAI and others argued that the bill misclassifies essential aircraft as luxury items, threatening access and economic activity. A coalition including VAI urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto the measure, but it became law in May. VAI and the broader aviation community will continue efforts to repeal or revise the tax in the next legislative session. Legislation VAI Supports Montana: Protecting ADS-B Data Use H.B.571 prohibits the use of ADS-B data by state agencies or private entities to calculate or impose fees on aircraft owners or operators flying in Montana. VAI supports this bill for preserving the original safety intent of ADS-B technology and preventing misuse that could burden operators. Utah: Advancing AAM Integration S.B.96, signed into law, directs the Utah Department of Transportation to launch a statewide public education campaign about advanced air mobility (AAM). The bill updates state aeronautics law, defines AAM terms, and requires the development of a tool kit with model ordinances and best practices for local adoption. This effort positions Utah as a national leader in AAM readiness and public engagement. VAI continues to monitor state legislation daily to ensure that policies support aviation growth while addressing community concerns. We encourage members to stay involved—if you’re aware of any legislation in your state that may affect vertical flight, or if you have questions about specific bills, please contact Katia Veraza, assistant director of government affairs and regional relations, at KatiaV@verticalavi.org. Your feedback strengthens our advocacy endeavors and ensures that state policies support the safe and innovative future of vertical aviation. In the federal arena, the new Congress and administration have spurred exceptional levels of activity so far this year. Congress is working through a number of issues, but one especially worth highlighting is the Trump administration’s work on modernizing the country’s air traffic control (ATC) system. ATC Modernization Plans Unveiled Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently unveiled a sweeping proposal to overhaul the nation’s aging ATC infrastructure, urging Congress to approve full funding up front and streamline permitting processes to avoid the delays that have plagued previous modernization efforts. The plan, which is intended to be implemented over the next three to four years, would upgrade more than 4,500 sites with new radios and telecommunications systems, deploy over 600 modern radars, and expand surface detection technology at airports to enhance safety. An important element includes consolidating the FAA’s 21 air traffic centers into 6 state-of-the-art hubs—an effort that could face regional resistance but is framed as a technical necessity driven by outdated infrastructure. While the plan does not yet include a formal cost estimate, Duffy has previously said it would require “tens of billions” of dollars. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has already approved $12.5 billion as a starting point, calling it a “down payment” toward broader modernization. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long recognized the urgent need to upgrade ATC systems to support growing demands from traditional aviation and emerging technologies such as drones and advanced air mobility. As the aviation industry evolves, a modernized, efficient, and unified ATC network is essential to ensuring continued safety, economic competitiveness, and operational resilience in the National Airspace System. Furthermore, the FAA intends to replace more than 25,000 aging radios and nearly 800 voice switches—many of which are over 30 years old—with modern digital systems that meet current cybersecurity and interoperability standards. Without accelerated funding, these existing components would remain into the 2030s, threatening system stability and the safe integration of new airspace users such as drones and AAM aircraft. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the FAA plan proposes deploying Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) technology at 200 additional airports, especially those currently lacking surface surveillance tools. This follows close-call incidents that highlight the need for real-time situational awareness on airport surfaces to prevent runway incursions. The FAA also plans to streamline and replace outdated automation platforms such as STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System) and ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization) with a unified system capable of handling growing traffic volumes and emerging-technology integration. Modern Skies Coalition Supports ATC Upgrade VAI is a member of the Modern Skies Coalition, an organization that advocates to Congress on the need to modernize the US ATC system. In early May, VAI joined nearly 60 aviation organizations in signing the Modern Skies Coalition letter supporting Secretary Duffy’s plan. The coalition has outlined three goals: • Replace the antiquated technology that runs the US ATC system, which will require significant investment from the federal government, while upholding the highest standards of safety. • Divest old and outdated technologies and facilities to reduce costs and inefficiencies while strengthening the industry’s competitiveness. • Foster understanding that it is paramount for Congress, the administration, and the aviation community to come together to embrace bold, decisive action that ensures we don’t squander this opportunity to enhance aviation safety. The letter also applauded the work of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) in moving forward the $12.5 billion “down payment” to address systemic, ongoing problems. VAI continues to engage directly with congressional leaders and administration officials to ensure that low-altitude and vertical flight operations are fully represented and prioritized throughout the modernization process. As always, we welcome your questions and concerns at Advocacy@verticalavi.org. Cade Clark is VAI’s chief government affairs officer. Theresa Marr is VAI’s director of government affairs. Katia Veraza is VAI’s assistant director of state government affairs and regional relations.
