our members and the vertical aviation industry as a whole.
New York New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) recently voiced his endorsement for vertical flight, unveiling plans to trans- form the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (KJRB) into the world’s first facility tailored for electric flight infra- structure. VAI President and CEO James Viola and members of VAI’s Government Affairs team were pres- ent alongside representatives of VAI members Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Volocopter during a visit to the heliport on Nov. 13, 2023. Flight demonstra- tions were conducted from the facility, providing a tan- gible demonstration of the current state of future aviation. Simultaneously, VAI’s ongoing discussions regarding
the Gateway Program aim to sustain existing vertical transportation operations while exploring avenues for long-term success in the broader New York–New Jersey metropolitan area. The Gateway Program, a multibillion-dollar initiative, is set to construct two vital tunnels beneath the Hudson River, addressing per- sistent issues of traffic congestion for both vehicles and railways in the Northeast Corridor. While VAI acknowledges the project’s significance and necessity, we believe it poses a potential threat to operations at the West 30th Street Heliport (KJRA) location and, con- sequently, the entire New York City heliport network. VAI supports the Gateway Program in principle but is engaged in ongoing dialogues with all stakeholders involved, emphasizing the preservation of existing verti- cal transportation operations in the vicinity. These dis- cussions extend beyond mere preservation efforts to exploring opportunities for sustained access and suc- cess for our industry in the greater New York–New Jersey metropolitan area in the future. As the New York State Legislature and the New York
City Council commence their work this year, we remain vigilant concerning proposals that may impose limita- tions on vertical aviation operations in and around New York City. A crucial aspect of this endeavor involves maintaining open communication with elected officials and others to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s needs and contributions.
North Carolina As in Florida, policymakers in North Carolina are pro- posing legislation to expand aviation sales-tax exemp- tions, which would benefit the vertical flight industry by removing sales and use taxes on rotorcraft parts and accessories. Such exemptions could result in signifi- cant cost savings for companies in the rotorcraft indus- try, making repairs and maintenance more affordable.
Washington State Noteworthy developments in the Evergreen State include proactive legislation aimed at boosting the AAM industry. The state is allocating significant funds for sustainable-aviation grants, focusing on technology that promotes sustainability. A proposal to allocate money from aeronautics fund- ing aims to create a comprehensive state- wide AAM aircraft plan. The plan is designed to integrate AAM into existing modal transportation systems, including recommendations for land-use plan- ning and infrastructure needs for vertiports. Additionally, proposed governance structures, regulatory mecha- nisms, and policies ensure FAA oversight, fostering equitable vertiport development and integration into statewide transportation plans. As the new legislative year begins, we advise our members to stay informed through VAI’s Legislative Action Center, which provides updates on legislative developments across the states as well as the federal government. The association will share introduced bills and seek feedback to ascertain their potential impact on member businesses and operations. Whatever your home state, don’t forget to look for
VAI Members
VAI is here for you! Contact
advocacy@verticalavi.org with your legislative challenges.
opportunities to invite your local elected officials to your headquarters. Educate them about your business and show them all that you do for the community. Need help in connecting with your elected representatives? Reach out to us at
advocacy@verticalavi.org. As the state sessions move forward, stay tuned for updates to help you navigate the legislative landscape effectively.
MARCH 2024 ROTOR 13
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
