Additionally, the bill would allocate funds for airport sound- monitoring devices, education on sound prevention or mitigation, and future on-airport charging infrastructure for electric aircraft. Grants would be prohibited for airports in densely populated resi- dential areas unless they comply with specified conditions, including adopting a phase-out plan for leaded aviation gasoline sales by 2030 and implementing sound-abatement measures. Moreover, H.B.1235 would mandate the appointment of two


new members to the Colorado Aeronautical Board, prioritizing individuals who are familiar with airport infrastructure and who reside in communities significantly impacted by airport traffic and, particularly, sound or lead emissions. These amendments aim to ensure a smoother transition to cleaner aviation fuels while addressing community concerns. As of late May, when this issue went to press, the bill had gained approval from both the House and the Senate. Colorado’s legislative session ended on May 8, leaving Gov. Jared Polis until Jun. 7 to either sign or veto the bill. Failure to sign by Jun. 7 would automatically enact the bill into law.


Hawaii In January, the Hawaii State Senate introduced Senate Bill (S.B.) 2747, a bill that proposed insurmountable insurance rates on air tour operators. While the bill originally introduced in January required liability coverage of at least $1 million per person per incident, as amended, the bill required air tour operators to main- tain aircraft liability insurance coverage of $20 million per person per incident. From the beginning, VAI took proactive steps to oppose


S.B.2747, collaborating with industry stakeholders including its Hawaii members, AOPA, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). In addition, VAI engaged in constructive dia- logue with Hawaii state legislators to address the vertical aviation industry’s concerns about the bill. These included the impractical- ity of obtaining the specified insurance coverage at a reasonable cost and the risk of violating FAA grant assurances, potentially jeopardizing Hawaii’s federal funding for airport improvement programs.


At the end of the session, the bill did not move to conference, which means the bill was stopped.


New York In April, the New York City (NYC) Council reviewed multiple reso- lutions that call upon local, state, and federal authorities to


restrict or prohibit helicopter operations within the city. Suggested actions include urging the FAA to ban charter and tourist flights and limiting operations at city heliports to electric- powered rotorcraft. Additionally, there are proposals to amend New York’s 1998 Hudson River Park Act to prohibit heliport use and establish a sound tax. Another resolution seeks to install sound-level meters in areas prone to helicopter sound for data collection and report- ing by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. VAI opposes legislation that would ban nonessential helicop- ter operations as well as any proposals to restrict the use of New York City’s heliport system. Katia Veraza, VAI manager of government affairs and regional relations, testified before the NYC Council on Apr. 16 on behalf of our members, highlighting the importance of our industry. She emphasized that the proposed measures would adversely affect small businesses, essential operations, and infrastructure crucial to the city and the region. It’s also worth noting that the city’s efforts to regulate helicopter operations based on sound con- cerns conflict with the FAA’s sole authority to regulate aviation operations.


VAI State Legislative Priorities As you can see from the above examples, VAI has been monitor- ing and engaging with state legislation to protect the interests of our members. By keeping a close eye on legislative activities, we’re able to proactively address proposed laws that could nega- tively impact the industry. At the same time, we use our monitor- ing efforts to support measures and initiatives that benefit our members and the industry. This helps us contribute to well- informed policies and create a positive regulatory environment for growth. As VAI’s influence expands, we’re unlocking new opportunities


and forming partnerships with stakeholders who share our val- ues and priorities. We’re asking states to enact legislation that focuses on enhancing infrastructure, zoning, workforce develop- ment, advanced air mobility planning, tax incentives, and funding for state aviation departments while maintaining the federal gov- ernment’s authority in aviation regulation. Please reach out to advocacy@verticalavi.org if you believe there is any legislative activity in your state or region that could affect the industry. Your input helps VAI remain proactive in safe- guarding your interests. Together, we can make a real difference in shaping policies that support our industry’s growth and prosperity.


JUNE 2024 ROTOR 9


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