iStock/mgstudyo TOMORROW: VAI to host follow-up member roundtable on FAA’s visual separation general notice VAI will provide an update to members about the FAA’s safety risk management panel on Friday, Mar. 27. This week, VAI participated as subject-matter experts in a Mar. 24–25 FAA safety risk management panel (SRMP). The panel focused on identifying potential safety concerns related to a recent FAA general notice suspending the use of visual separation between helicopters or powered-lift aircraft and other aircraft in US Class B and Class C airspace and in terminal radar service areas. Instead, the FAA now mandates the use of air traffic control (ATC)–managed radar separation with defined lateral and vertical distances where helicopter or powered-lift routes intersect with arrival or departure paths. VAI will provide an update to members about key takeaways from the SRMP tomorrow, Mar. 27, at 12:00 pm eastern (UTC-4). The follow-up virtual member roundtable will relay the information VAI received during the panel, continue to gather member feedback about how the rule updates are being worked into daily operations, and provide an opportunity for members to raise any new operational, safety, or implementation concerns that have emerged since our initial Mar. 23 roundtable on the topic. Nearly 200 members from across the vertical aviation community attended the Mar. 23 member roundtable, where operators and other members shared firsthand perspectives on how the new policy is affecting real-world operations and identified concerns that will help shape VAI’s advocacy moving forward. We recognize the magnitude of these regulatory changes as they affect operations, and we are committed to representing you and your concerns as the aviation ecosystem continues to evolve. VAI will continue to advocate for airspace rules that increase efficiency and maintain the highest standards of safety. If you have concerns or comments regarding the new mandate, please email Advocacy@verticalavi.org. Learn more and attend the virtual Mar. 27 VAI member roundtable.
