POWER UP JUN 2025
ADVOCATING FOR YOU
Some Positive Signs
Despite challenges, much federal, state activity in first half of year supports helicopter operations.
By Cade Clark, Theresa Marr, and Katia Veraza W
ITH ALL 50 US STATE LEGISLATURES IN SESSION and the federal government busy as well, the first half of 2025 has been exceptionally active for the VAI Government Affairs team. The team has tracked and analyzed nearly 150 aviation-related bills across the country during the period. Below are key highlights of those efforts, including both
challenges the association overcame and legislation we strongly supported.
Key Legislative Wins and Challenges Hawaii: Defending Federal Preemption ▪ H.B.810 sought to create a private right of action allowing
individuals to sue helicopter operators for alleged sound vio- lations of federal aviation law—an overreach that conflicted with federal preemption. VAI successfully opposed the bill, which was ultimately withdrawn following direct outreach to state legislators and the bill sponsor.
▪ S.B.1197 would have imposed excessive state-level insur- ance requirements on tour aircraft operators, another area preempted by the FAA. After the bill nearly passed in 2024, VAI mobilized early in 2025 to stop the legislation through targeted advocacy and engagement, resulting in its defeat.
New York: Protecting Access and Uniformity ▪ A.2583/S.1140, which proposed a noise tax on nonessential
helicopter and seaplane operations in cities with populations over 1 million, made it to the state’s appropriations bill. VAI, working with legislative partners, successfully removed this language from the final appropriations bill.
▪ New York City Council Int. 0026-A significantly restricts nonessential helicopter operations at city-managed heli- ports, with the eventual aim to allow only fully electric air- craft. VAI led a coalition of aviation organizations—including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Eastern Region
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Helicopter Council, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Air Transportation Association, and National Business Aviation Association—to secure amendments preserving limited operations and enabling continued infrastructure development. The law remains problematic, underscoring the need for reaffirmation of federal authority over airspace.
Washington: Opposing Harmful Taxes ▪ S.B.5801 imposes a 10% tax on
noncommercial aircraft sales over $500,000, effective April 2026. VAI and others argued that the bill misclas- sifies essential aircraft as luxury items, threatening access and economic activity. A coalition including VAI urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto the mea- sure, but it became law in May. VAI and the broader aviation community will continue efforts to repeal or revise the tax in the next legislative session.
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