Search VAI

ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest – Grand Prize

In a year when we had to change so much, some things didn’t change at all. It turns out that ROTOR readers still like photos of helicopters, and so we ran the ninth annual ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest. All but one of our winning photos captured the drama that is part of aviation. You’ll see […]

VAI Flight Report (VFR)

Welcome to our monthly report to VAI members. VAI Flight Report—or VFR—will update you on some of the work the VAI staff is doing on your behalf. It’s essential that we share with you the work we’re doing. Whether we’re addressing new or existing regulatory matters, advocating on your behalf for a strong and vibrant […]

UT Rotor Pathway Program Overview | Aug. 2019

VAI Scholarships

The 2025 scholarship season is now closed. Our scholarship submission period for the 2025 scholarship program is now closed. Winners will be announced in January 2025. If you have any questions, please contact us at Scholarships@verticalavi.org. “Get to Know the Future Faces of the Profession“ Meet some of our previous scholarship winners and future faces […]

VAI Student Member Benefits

Your Career Starts Here.

Viola’s Flight Report (June 2024) – Manage Risk – Prevent Accidents

Mil2Civ: Mentoring and Advice

Articles A Ground Lesson Potential knowledge gaps between military and civil flight training. Military Salary While Working as a Civilian Intern SkillBridge and SkyBridge Programs explained. You Aren’t Saving Lives Anymore Understanding the differences between military and civil helicopter EMS. 2022 HAI Mil2Civ Highlights Recap of the Mil2Civ Transition Course from Heli-Expo 2022. Change Discussion […]

Our History

Sep. 14, 1939 Igor Sikorsky flies the first practical helicopter, the VS-300, when helicopters were still experimental aircraft 1945 The commercial helicopter industry begins, with Axis and Allied militaries using the new technology primarily for troop evacuation Mar. 8, 1946 The Bell 47 is the first helicopter certificated for civil use by the Civil Aeronautics Board (forerunner of the […]

Who We Are

VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, advocating for safety, professionalism, innovation, and economic viability worldwide.

Member Categories

Vertical Aircraft (VA) Operators DUES: $400 to $3,400 based on the number of aircraft Companies that own/operate vertical capable aircraft as a business tool for commercial or private use, or any federal, state, or municipal governmental agency or governmental entity operating VA. Only a principal owner, an officer, or an employee of a VA Operator […]