Resource Hub VAI’s booth draws thousands of visitors at this popular annual event. Vertical Aviation International (VAI) proudly represented the vertical flight community at this year’s Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh, which took place Jul. 22–28 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Wisconsin. The annual celebration of aviation draws more than 10,000 aircraft of every shape and size and well over 600,000 visitors from around the world. At the VAI booth (pictured above), association leadership and staff members spoke to thousands of visitors about opportunities in vertical flight, as well as the process of becoming a licensed helicopter pilot or aviation mechanic/engineer. 2024–25 VAI Chair Mark Schlaefli (from left) and VAI President and CEO James Viola pose with Skyryse CEO Mark Groden in front of the Skyryse One at EAA AirVenture 2024. The aircraft operates by fly-by-wire technology. There was a constant flow of people visiting the VAI booth, in part to see the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X on display (thanks, Bell!). In addition to Bell, more than 60 VAI members exhibited at AirVenture 2024. VAI Director of Strategic Communications Bailey Wood (from left), President and CEO James Viola, and 2024–25 Chair Mark Schlaefli pose at the gateway to the 2024 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In Convention, better known as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. VAI President and CEO James Viola shared his thoughts on safe aeronautical decision-making at an FAA Safety Team forum. He spoke on a panel of aviation leaders, including pilots, manufacturers, and safety experts, who joined Viola in stressing the importance of clear thinking in planning for, reacting to, and recovering from unexpected situations. 2024–25 VAI Chair Mark Schlaefli (far left) and VAI President and CEO James Viola (center) visit flight instructor Wes Vandell (green hat) and assistant professor Mike Humble at the University of North Dakota booth at EAA AirVenture. Nicole Battjes, who just completed her term as 2023–24 VAI chair, shared her inspiring story at EAA WomenVenture, a program of speakers and events designed for female aviators. Starting with a single helicopter, Battjes built Rainbow Helicopters into the largest air tour company in Oahu, Hawaii. Battjes and Stacy Sheard, a fellow member of the VAI Board of Directors, also participated in a panel discussion that explored the evolution of women in the vertical flight industry.
