Download PDF View Digital Issue Mark Schlaefli: ‘VAI Is about Supporting You’ VAI Calls for Photo, Video Submissions to Support Vertical Flight Industry (ROTOR) – VAI is inviting photographers and videographers to contribute their best work to a new initiative designed to enhance the visibility and understanding of the vertical aviation industry. 5 Dos and Don’ts: Passing the Rotorcraft Practical Test (ROTOR) – Five dos and don’ts for making sure things go smoothly with your FAA designated pilot examiner. VAI Member Benefit: Flight Data Monitoring Program (ROTOR) – VAI has partnered with Truth Data Insights to offer a powerful flight data monitoring program to help helicopter operators improve flight safety. In the Spotlight: Torque, Huey Crew Member and Therapy Dog, EMU Inc. (ROTOR) – The Belgian Malinois accompanies veterans on exposure therapy flights to treat PTSD. Flight Path: Elizabeth Vavashe (ROTOR) – Elizabeth Vavashe, the first female helicopter pilot in Zimbabwe, shares her experiences from a career in aviation. VAI Expands Annual Salute to Excellence Awards Program (ROTOR) – VAI, formerly Helicopter Association International (HAI), is broadening its annual Salute to Excellence Awards program, which celebrates the highest standards of professionalism in vertical aviation. VAI Members Elect 2024–25 Board of Directors (ROTOR) – At HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, California, the members of Helicopter Association International voted to elect the first board of directors for the organization under its new brand, Vertical Aviation International. VAI Spearheads Efforts to Preserve Airspace Access over US National Parks (ROTOR) – VAI is actively advocating to protect airspace access over national parks and monuments across the United States amid efforts by the FAA and the National Park Service to restrict or eliminate air tours over national parks. 2024 FAA Reauthorization Impact Summary (ROTOR) – The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 offers notable enhancements for both general aviation and the vertical aviation industry. Work Safe: Tools Secure? Double-Check to Be Sure (ROTOR) – Don’t assume you left nothing behind after working on an aircraft. Fly Safe: A Precautionary Tale (ROTOR) – Did you decide to Land & LIVE? Then you did the right thing—no matter what the media says. State Legislative Mid-Year Highlights (ROTOR) – VAI’s Government Affairs team provides updates on legislative developments in California, Colorado, Hawaii, and New York. Accident Recovery: Running on (Almost) Empty (ROTOR) – Your planned fuel stop doesn’t have fuel. Now what? HAI HELI-EXPO 2024: Heralding a New Era (ROTOR) – The association’s rebranding, record-breaking attendance make this year’s show one for the ages. Valérie André: The World’s First Female Helicopter Rescue Pilot (Rotor) – She broke through barriers to become a military pilot and neurosurgeon. All Aboard! The SMS Helo Is about to Take Off (ROTOR) – Buckle up—the journey might get a little bumpy for unprepared operators. Member Focus: Eagle III (ROTOR) – VAI member Eagle III is an air medical services provider in northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. FlyOver: Marquette, Michigan (ROTOR) – Pilot Bill Taylor, Enstrom senior technical fellow, flies over Marquette, Michigan, Jul. 6, 2023. Are Helicopters Still Important? (ROTOR) – Yes! And that is why the vertical aviation fleet is expanding. AAM’s Infrastructure Promise (ROTOR) – Funding and technology for advanced air mobility will benefit all vertical aviation. Empowering Vertical Aviation (ROTOR) – VAI has a new brand but we have the same purpose: serving you.