VAI President and CEO François Lassale (right) welcomes US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to the Vertical Lift Center at the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Jul. 23, 2026. (VAI/Josh Rousseau) USDOT secretary tours Vertical Lift Center with VAI leaders The VAI team enjoyed a pleasant surprise last week when US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stopped by the Vertical Lift Center during the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. VAI leaders including President and CEO François Lassale and Director of Education and Training Services Greg Brown chatted with the secretary about vertical aviation priorities and the status of the industry while showing off the new center, which debuted at this year’s show. The facility, cosponsored by VAI and Robinson Helicopter Co., displayed helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft while promoting rotorcraft education, industry recruitment, and innovative technology in the vertical lift industry. VAI continues to bring together operators, manufacturers, regulators, and tech leaders to shape a more integrated airspace system. By aligning policy, infrastructure, and operations, the association is helping place the modern cornerstones to support the continued growth of vertical aviation and the broader aerospace industry for now and for the future.
