ROTORWA H
underscoring the economic implications of restrict- ing air tours, particularly the potential losses to the avia- tion industry, and the vital role air tour operators play in providing entry-level jobs for pilots and supporting local economies. The potential closure of air tour operations at national parks could lead to significant job losses and disrupt the aviation industry’s workforce pipeline—a sit- uation that demands immediate attention and action. The economic impacts of restricting helicopter tours
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“By challenging proposed airspace restrictions and highlighting the economic and social consequences, VAI aims to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the splendor of America’s natural
landscapes from both the ground and the sky.”
–James Viola, VAI President & CEO
extend beyond the operators themselves to the com- munities they serve, including potentially devastating small communities reliant on tourism. “We hope our advocacy underscores the impor- tance of striking a balance between conservation efforts and public access to national parks,” says VAI President and CEO James Viola. “By challenging pro- posed airspace restrictions and highlighting the eco- nomic and social conse- quences, VAI aims to ensure that future genera- tions can continue to enjoy the splendor of America’s natural landscapes from both the ground and the sky.”
VAI is also criticizing the ATMP development pro-
cess for excluding crucial safety input from organiza- tions such as the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group, an approach that hinders collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators. With upcoming court cases looming, every contribu- tion to the ATMP Legal Defense Fund is crucial. VAI members who would like to contribute to the fund may visit
rotor.org/atmp-ldf to learn more.
VAI BRIEFS
VAI Members Elect 2024–25 Board of Directors
AT HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 IN ANAHEIM, California, the members of Helicopter Association International voted to elect the first board of directors for the organization
14 ROTOR JUNE 2024
under its new brand, Vertical Aviation International. The board will sit for fiscal year 2024–25. VAI members reelected current board members Brian Jorgenson and Rick Kenin, who will fill the two available commercial operator positions. Their new three-year terms start Jul. 1, 2024. While VAI member operators select the board mem- bers, the board itself selects its panel of officers, or Executive Committee, each year. Beginning Jul. 1, 2024, the following board members will serve one-year
terms as officers: ■ Chair Mark A. Schlaefli, Dakota Rotors ■ Vice Chair Brian Jorgenson, Timberline Helicopters ■ Treasurer Rick Kenin, Boston MedFlight ■ Assistant Treasurer Paul Gottwig, Los Angeles
County (California) Fire Department. Schlaefli understands that he takes over as board
chair at an intriguing time in the association’s history. “Having been involved in the organization’s rebrand-
ing efforts, it’s quite humbling to take over as chair during the first year with a new brand and robust stra- tegic plan. VAI has a great history, and we support an incredible industry that provides incredible value to people’s lives,” Schlaefli says. “There is excitement about VAI’s fresh identity and renewed purpose, and I feel a great sense of responsibility to help lead the organization forward and support VAI staff to bring inno- vative, industry-leading education, advocacy, and sup- port to our membership.” With organizational changes in the air, Schlaefli feels his role is clear. “There are two focus areas, the first of which came directly from our membership, and that is the promotion of and support for VAI staff in executing our strategic plan. On a more personal level, with many of the things happening across our industry, advocacy remains a top priority to help our members highlight the immense good that comes from vertical flight capa- bilities and to fight for our ability to deliver those ser- vices,” he says. Schlaefli, who is currently completing a term as vice
chair, continues: “From workforce development to actively advocating and fighting for airspace access and keeping the legislative wolves at bay, VAI will deliver solutions, and it is a humbling experience to be a part of that process.” VAI President and CEO James Viola is pleased to
have a seasoned group of leaders prepared for the 2024–2025 term. “We announced significant ➤
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