MY 2 CENTS By Randy Rowles
HELICOPTERS AND EVTOLS
During a recent visit to Wing, a leading drone operator in Dallas, Texas, I was captivated by the precision, efficiency, and innovation behind its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations. Wing’s mission to revolutionize urban delivery aligns surprisingly well with the goals of my companies, Helicopter Institute and Longhorn Helicopters. The shared challenges and opportunities between our industries became clear during my visit, emphasizing the potential for collaboration rather than competition.
This experience reinforced my belief that the future of aviation lies in the synergy between traditional rotorcraft and emerging eVTOL technologies. These two industries are not competitors; they are complementary forces working toward the shared goal of safe, efficient, and sustainable vertical lift. For those in aviation, events like Verticon 2025 provide the perfect platform to explore this collaborative future.
Wing operates at the cutting edge of drone-based eVTOL delivery services. Observing its drones navigate urban airspace to deliver packages safely and efficiently was eye-opening. The company’s meticulous approach to safety, route planning, and airspace deconfliction closely mirrors the principles that guide helicopter operations.
At Longhorn Helicopters, whether we’re conducting aerial surveys, delivering passengers or supporting other vertical lift required operations, our focus on precision and safety parallels Wing’s rigorous drone operations. This shared foundation underscores the common ground between helicopters and eVTOLs even though their sizes, missions, and complexities differ.
Both helicopters and eVTOLs rely on low-altitude airspace, and this presents unique challenges in increasingly crowded skies. Wing’s sophisticated systems for navigation and deconfliction highlight tools that could benefit traditional rotorcraft as we adapt to these complexities.
Public perception is another mutual challenge. Helicopters have long faced concerns about noise, safety, and environmental impact. Similarly, eVTOL
companies must address apprehensions about privacy, noise pollution, and visual clutter
THE CASE FOR COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION
in urban areas. Both industries must educate communities and policymakers about the value of vertical lift while proactively addressing concerns.
Regulatory hurdles further unite us. Whether seeking FAA approval of a new helicopter or eVTOL certification pathway, both industries face lengthy and expensive processes. Collaborative advocacy could streamline these pathways, benefiting all vertical-lift operators.
Helicopters and eVTOLs share a common purpose: improving lives through vertical lift. Helicopters have proven their worth in emergency medical services, search and rescue, and utility operations. With their focus on urban mobility and logistics, eVTOLs are set to expand that legacy.
Wing’s drones exemplify this potential by reshaping last-mile delivery. By reducing road congestion and enabling rapid, sustainable package delivery, they tackle urban mobility challenges in innovative ways. This aligns with the broader goals of vertical flight: solving transportation problems that ground-based systems cannot.
Sustainability is another shared priority. Advances in helicopter technology, like more fuel-efficient engines and noise reduction systems, reduce environmental impact. With their electric propulsion systems, eVTOLs represent a leap toward sustainable aviation. By working together, these industries can accelerate progress in reducing their collective carbon footprint, which is a regulatory hurdle we all see on the horizon.
Collaboration between helicopter and eVTOL operators offers immense potential. As eVTOLs expand, they will require new infrastructure including vertiports, charging stations and maintenance facilities. Helicopter operators, with decades of experience managing helipads and FBOs, can provide valuable insights into infrastructure design. Shared facilities could reduce costs and foster compatibility between the two technologies.
The growth of eVTOLs also demands a skilled workforce including pilots, technicians, and airspace managers. Helicopter Institute is uniquely positioned to help develop training programs that prepare professionals for both rotorcraft and eVTOL operations.
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Jan/Feb 2025
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