Vertical Aviation International (VAI)

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces the winners of this year’s prestigious Salute to Excellence Awards. This annual program is dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment of professionals within the vertical aviation industry. Celebrating the best of the best in vertical flight, Salute to Excellence highlights outstanding contributions from pilots, maintenance technicians, operators and safety professionals who set the highest standards of professionalism and safety in the field.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) recognizes the recipients of this year’s Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. As part of a strategic rebranding initiative and in response to the exceptional caliber of nominees, VAI has chosen to honor multiple professionals from the vertical-flight industry who have demonstrated significant impact, sustained commitment, and leadership throughout their careers.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) congratulates Chris Rocheleau on his recent appointment as deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues a revised policy for the harnesses used for fall protection by utility-line workers when performing human external cargo (HEC) operations. This decision ensures uniformity, enhances safety, and promotes operational compliance with existing local, state and federal safety rules.

USAIG (United States Aviation Insurance Group), an aviation-specific insurance provider, adds support for ORRA participation (Operational Risk and Resilience Accreditation) to its portfolio of safety-enhancing services available to eligible policyholders through its Performance Vector program. Performance Vector is available to most USAIG policyholders that insure a turbine-powered aircraft or place multiple policies with USAIG.* Each eligible policy can select and receive one program option annually as a policy benefit to enhance organizational loss control and safety efforts.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and the general-aviation industry commend the recent decision by the U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii, to overturn a section of Hawaii Act 311 that imposed reporting requirements on air-tour operators in that state. The decision reaffirms the doctrine of preemption, which reserves certain functions, including oversight of aviation, to the federal government.

In response to the needs of the rapidly expanding vertical aviation industry, Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is the new identity and name for Helicopter Association International (HAI).