Home / Safety / VAI Safety Awards VAI Safety Awards The Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Safety Awards are designed to recognize and honor VAI members for achieving significant safety milestones. The Pilot Safety Award celebrates pilots who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to safe flying practices. The Aviation Maintenance Technician Safety Award recognizes those in the maintenance sector who sustain safe practice over a 5-year period. The Safety Award for Operators honors companies and operators that have implemented innovative safety programs and initiatives and have had an accident-free year. These awards highlight the crucial role that safety plays in every aspect of the vertical aviation industry. VAI Pilot Safety Award The VAI Pilot Safety Award recognizes helicopter pilots worldwide who have achieved 5,000 or more consecutive accident-free and violation-free flight hours. Qualified pilots can proudly display their VAI Pilot Safety Award as evidence of their high standards of professional conduct. To receive your award, complete and submit the VAI Pilot Safety Award application. An eligible pilot must: Be a full-time employee of a VAI member company OR an individual pilot member of VAI Provide pilot license number and helicopter certification information Indicate the accident- and violation-free flight-hour award certificate sought (the certificates are awarded in 5,000-hour increments; for example, 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, etc.) Complete all entries on the nomination form accurately and legibly, including signing the form to certify that the information contained in the application is accurate If the nominee is an employee of a VAI member company, the nomination form must also include the signature of (choose one) the company’s accountable executive, director of operations, OR director of safety to certify that the information contained in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. The information provided will be used only to determine eligibility for the award. Award application information will not be shared or distributed outside of the VAI Safety Awards program. For questions related to the definition of an accident, applicants should consult the regulations of the aviation regulatory authority under which they are licensed. Any recorded accident, regardless of nature or circumstances, will disqualify the applicant. There is no cost to apply. Qualified applicants will receive a free certificate suitable for framing and display. An award lapel pin and engraved plaque are each available for an additional fee. If desired, applicants must check the box on the application form to request these items and include a method of payment. Award applications are reviewed and processed as they are received. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery of approved awards. If you need additional information concerning the VAI Safety Awards program, please call +1 703 683 4646 or contact Safety@verticalavi.org. Apply for the VAI Pilot Safety Award VAI Aviation Maintenance Technician Safety Award Sustaining a violation-free record for 5 years is an achievement to be proud of. Celebrate — and let your peers know — with a VAI Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Safety Award. The VAI AMT Safety Award recognizes helicopter maintenance and avionics technicians worldwide who have achieved 5 or more consecutive years of violation-free helicopter maintenance experience. Qualified maintenance or avionics technicians can proudly display their VAI Aviation Maintenance Technician Safety Award as evidence of their high standards of professional conduct. To receive the award, you must complete and submit the VAI Aviation Maintenance Technician Safety Award application. An eligible AMT must: Be a licensed aviation maintenance technician, engineer, or avionics technician Be a full-time employee of a VAI member company OR an individual maintenance technician member of VAI Provide certificate or license number, as applicable Complete all entries on the nomination form accurately and legibly, including signing the form to certify that the information contained in the application is accurate If the nominee is an employee of a VAI member company, the nomination form must also include the signature of (choose one) the company’s director of maintenance OR general manager to certify that the facts presented are accurate to the best of their knowledge. The information provided will be used only to determine eligibility for the award. Award application information will not be shared or distributed outside of the VAI Safety Awards program. For questions related to the definition of a violation, applicants should consult the regulations of the aviation regulatory authority under which they are licensed. Any recorded violation, regardless of nature or circumstances, will disqualify the applicant. There is no cost to apply. Qualified applicants will receive a free certificate suitable for framing and display. An award patch and engraved plaque are each available for an additional fee. If desired, applicants must check the box on the application form to request these items and include a method of payment. Award applications are reviewed and processed as they are received. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery of approved awards. If you need additional information concerning the VAI Safety Awards program, please call +1 703 683 4646 or contact Safety@verticalavi.org. Apply for the VAI Aviation Maintenance Technician Safety Award VAI Operator Safety Award An accident-free year is an achievement to be proud of. Celebrate — and let your employees, customers, and peers know — with a VAI Operator Safety Award. The VAI Operator Safety Award recognizes VAI operator members worldwide who demonstrate a commitment to safety while sustaining accident-free flight operations for a calendar year. Qualified operators can proudly display their VAI Operator Safety Award as evidence of their professionalism and high operating standards. To receive your award, complete and submit the VAI Operator Safety Award application. An eligible operator must: Be a current VAI member operator Complete all entries on the nomination form accurately and legibly, including the signature of (choose one) the company’s accountable executive, director of operations, OR director of safety to certify that the information contained in the application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. The information provided will be used only to determine eligibility for the award. Award application information will not be shared or distributed outside of the VAI Safety Awards program. For questions related to the definition of an accident, applicants should consult the regulations of the aviation regulatory authority under which they operate. Any recorded accident, regardless of nature or circumstances, will disqualify the applicant. There is no cost to apply. Qualified applicants will receive a free certificate suitable for framing and display. Plaques and medallions are available for an additional fee. If interested in these items, applicants may contact VAI for more information. Award applications are reviewed and processed as they are received. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery of approved awards. If you need additional information concerning the VAI Safety Awards program, please call +1 703 683 4646 or contact Safety@verticalavi.org. Apply for the VAI Operation Safety Award
