On the Cover Rick Kenin stands at Boston MedFlight headquarters at Hanscom Field (KBED) in Bedford, Massachusetts, on Apr. 11, 2025. Behind him, pilot in command Matt Koerber conducts his daily start-of-shift preflight inspection and hover checks in one of the company’s seven Airbus H145s. Read about VAI’s new chairman and his vision for VAI. (Katie Reilly Photo) Download PDF View Digital Issue Rick Kenin: Taking VAI to New Heights (POWER UP) – New VAI chairman brings strategic view to industry challenges. VERTICON Takes Off (POWER UP) – Premier global vertical aviation event sees successful debut. VERTICON 2025: The Rest of the Story (POWER UP) – While we can’t capture everything that makes VERTICON the most exciting place to be for the vertical aviation community, if you couldn’t make it to Dallas in March 2025, this article provides a taste of what you missed. Sikorsky’s Next Act(s) (POWER UP) – OEM offers both legacy product improvement and out-of-the-box thinking. The Safety Dividend (POWER UP) – The US helicopter industry posts its safest record in 25 years. From the Board: Reflection and Anticipation (POWER UP) – Our work in this past year sets up our future success. Advocating for You: Some Positive Signs (POWER UP) – Despite challenges, much federal, state activity in first half of year supports helicopter operations. VAI Briefs: Jul. 1 Sees New Board, Officers (POWER UP) – VAI is ushering in a new era of leadership and governance designed to reflect the full breadth of the global vertical aviation industry. VAI Briefs: VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference Planned (POWER UP) – The inaugural VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference is scheduled for May 27–29, 2026, in Bali, Indonesia. VAI Briefs: VAI to Host Annual Air Tour Safety Conference (POWER UP) – Following a successful 2024 event in Honolulu, Hawaii, the VAI Air Tour Safety Conference this year will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 21–22. VAI Briefs: VAI Honored with TRENDY Award for Best Video (POWER UP) – The association received a Bronze TRENDY Award in the “Best Video” category from Association Trends. VAI Briefs: VAI Wins Award for Outstanding Rebrand (POWER UP) – VAI is the winner of the 2025 Gold Circle Award for Rebranding Campaign by the American Society of Association Executives. VAI Member Benefit of the Month: VAI Member Online Community (POWER UP) – Web-based platform lets aviation pros network, collaborate. 5 Dos and Don’ts: How to Ace Your FAA Medical Exam (POWER UP) – Preparation and transparency are key. In the Spotlight: Melissa McCaffrey, Head of Government Affairs, Archer (POWER UP) – AAM company’s lead lobbyist discusses what’s next. FlyOver: Highway 121, McKinney, Texas, USA | Mar. 17, 2025 (POWER UP) – Pilot Todd Guison flies a Guimbal Cabri G2 over Highway 121 in McKinnney, Texas. Accident Recovery: Caught in a Jam (POWER UP) – Unsecured iPad causes deadly loss of control. Fly Safe: Are You Mentally Fit to Fly? (POWER UP) – US Helicopter Safety Team program offers free, confidential counseling to the vertical aviation community. Work Safe: Integrity in Aircraft Maintenance (POWER UP) – Aviation challenges us to prove ourselves each day. Last Hover: Norma Lantz (POWER UP) – Sales and marketing executive excelled in roles at Safran Helicopter Engines, Boeing. Member Focus: Gyro-Stabilized Systems (POWER UP) – Gyro-Stabilized Systems’ S512 five-axis aerial surveillance gimbal includes 4K optical and high-definition mid-wave infrared sensors with a laser range finder, supported by software for object tracking, augmented reality map integration, and navigation.
