DOUG LONEMAN, LONEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“Advocacy for issues like airspace access is one of the biggest benefits of VAI. The association has a fantastic government affairs team working on our behalf to engage with lawmakers.” —Mark Schlaefli
tour flights over the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park from an allocation of 9,300 to 0. In response to what amounts to a ban on air tours by uninformed policymakers, Mark has filed suit to overturn the new rules. “Advocacy for issues like access is one of the biggest
benefits of VAI. Te association has a fantastic government affairs team working on our behalf to engage with lawmakers. We may not get everything we want, but we have someone out there fighting for us.” Te owners of Dakota Rotors are finding ways to cope
with the shifting landscape. Te company has grown over the past couple of years by adding new locations in the Yellowstone area and diversifying into other sectors such as utility operations.
Serving the Industry As for what’s ahead in his year as chair, Mark is focused on continuing to develop and implement VAI’s strategic initiatives. Of the association’s new identity as Vertical Aviation International, he emphasizes that the organization’s member-focused purpose hasn’t changed. “It’s just more inclusive,” Mark explains. “We’re embracing
the future. Helicopters are vertical aviation. We’re just evolving to include other vertical-capable aircraft. We want
30 ROTOR JUNE 2024
a unified industry ecosystem, with manufacturers, operators, training organizations, and service providers all working together and supporting each other.” Having attended HAI HELI-EXPO every year since 2010,
Mark values the show for its focus on networking, sharing best practices, and discussing industry needs. “I learn something every time I attend. Actually, I learn
something new every day in this job. It’s one of the things that attracted me to the industry. I love that education is a big piece of what VAI offers,” says Mark, who has served on several of the association’s committees and working groups, including those involving safety. “I think learning how to establish a healthy safety culture is essential. We replicate our mistakes over and over. Te causes of accidents are repeated themes. Finding ways to curb those is one of our greatest challenges.” Mark thinks of his role as VAI chair as a mixture of
leadership and service. “Rather than focusing on individual accomplishments,
I’m more interested in our collective growth as an industry. It’s about supporting VAI staff, engaging with members and serving their needs, and ensuring the health of the association. I want what’s best for all of us. I want us all to prosper; I want us all to be safe. I’d like there to be a future where we all share in increased opportunity.”
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