ROTORWA H ➤ The class focused heavily on understanding the air-


craft, its limitations and emergency procedures, and the attendees’ own limitations as pilots. Viola found that even though he has a helicopter ATP rating, he still learns something every time he attends the course. “It’s a part of safety, to always be on the lookout for


ways you can be a better and safer pilot,” Viola says. “I guarantee that attending the manufacturer safety course for the aircraft you fly will almost always teach you something you didn’t know or realize before.” New to the RHC Pilot Safety Course for 2024 is an introduction to VAI and its member services, including safety programs. Course attendees receive a code to purchase two years’ worth of VAI membership for the price of one.


VAI BRIEFS


VAI Adds New Regional Reps in Northeast and Western United States


VAI HAS HIRED JOSH ROUSSEAU AND CHUCK STREET as Northeastern US regional representative and Western US regional representa- tive, respectively, to provide local support for VAI members in both areas. With Rousseau based in New York and Street in California, the two positions expand VAI’s ability to provide more direct face-to-face support to mem- bers, represent members in local government meetings, and advo- cate directly for VAI members. “With growing needs from members in California and Hawaii, along with increased leg- islative attempts to limit and eliminate helicopter operations in the New York City–New Jersey area, VAI identified two highly connected industry pro- fessionals not only in the helicopter industry, but also in local and state government, to help represent and sup- port our members,” says John Shea, senior director of government affairs at VAI. “Both Josh and Chuck are very well-known in their local helicopter communities, have experience promoting the benefits of our industry


20 ROTOR MARCH 2024


with elected and appointed officials, and have already developed positive relationships with people across several layers of government in their regions.” Rousseau brings more than 25 years of experience in the highest levels of New York State government, including the state assembly assistant speaker’s office. He has held executive leadership posts at critical state agencies, including the New York State Department of Transportation, and has served as the state’s assistant secretary for legislative affairs. His background also includes developing relationships with public and pri- vate stakeholders, advocates, and elected officials, pro- viding him access to a vast network of key individuals to help support VAI member concerns. Street began his career as a helicopter pilot and broadcast traffic reporter in the Los Angeles area in the 1980s. He soon became a well-known member of the helicopter industry, later working to form advocacy organizations to promote and protect helicopter opera- tions in Southern California. Street has represented the industry in community and municipality meetings, worked with elected and appointed officials, and devel- oped relationships with government officials in various cities, counties, and states.


Josh Rousseau


Chuck Street Both Rousseau and Street regularly meet with local


VAI members and nonmembers alike, learning about their concerns and issues and providing assistance and advocacy support.


Members in the Northeast can contact Rousseau at JoshR@verticalavi.org, and members in California and Hawaii can contact Street at ChuckS@verticalavi.org.


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