ADVOCATING FOR YOU


ability of a bill to move forward in any Congress, one consideration is the legislation’s level of controversy and the political party of the sponsor. Sponsors in the major- ity party may see more action on controversial bills than those in the minority. Through the 116th Congress, articles in ROTOR have


chronicled numerous legislative initiatives with varying degrees of controversy that could impact the helicopter industry. While those proposals will expire at the end of the year, the sponsors of those initiatives still maintain their position and therefore are expected to reintroduce their bills in the 117th Congress.


HAI Members


HAI is here for you! Contact advocacy@rotor.org with your legislative challenges.


2021 Legislative Agenda The 117th Congress starts after what most would chari- tably describe as a tumultuous 2020 for the entire world. Additionally, this year has seen a wide range of events, both positive and negative, that have placed the vertical flight industry in the spotlight for leg- islators and policymakers at all levels across the globe. Our industry has also made


invaluable contributions to soci- ety in 2020. The impacts of a


worldwide COVID-19 crisis, a record-setting hurricane season in the Atlantic, and the worst fire seasons in his- tory for the United States and Australia were all made less severe thanks to the vertical flight industry. Moving into the 117th Congress, the parties con- trolling the House and the Senate will establish their agenda for their legislative priorities. Aviation issues will continue to be in the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on some segments of the vertical flight industry. Stay-at- home orders, travel restrictions, state and local orders, and an overall decrease in economic activity have had a disastrous impact on many helicopter operators, espe- cially in the commercial tour industry. COVID response efforts will continue to be a huge priority for lawmakers in 2021, and targeted relief to the aviation industry will remain a focus because of the massive impact the industry has on the US economy.


HAI’s Agenda Within the framework of the 117th Congress, HAI will continue to press for industry priorities, which include:


12 ROTOR 2020 Q4


■ Promoting, expanding, and defending the vertical flight industry


■ Promoting legislation that increases industry safety and ensures its viability


■ Promoting the development of electric aircraft, includ- ing vertical takeoff and landing and advanced air mobil- ity platforms


■ Preserving those segments of the electromagnetic spectrum critical to aviation safety


■ Preserving federal sovereignty over the National Airspace System (NAS) by protecting federal preemption


■ Strengthening and expanding aviation workforce devel- opment programs. This election has shattered everyone’s crystal ball but looking through those shattered remains, we anticipate that all these priorities will be addressed in the 117th Congress. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a departure from


how HAI’s Government Affairs team traditionally con- ducts congressional outreach. As with the rest of the business world, meetings, networking events, commit- tee hearings, receptions, fundraisers, conferences, and other traditional advocacy activities are no longer in per- son. Meeting and developing relationships with newly elected officials and their staff will take place in a com- pletely different manner. Webinars, video meetings, website content, and other online communications are now the new norm. What hasn’t changed is the need for relationships.


Remember that legislative agenda? It’s just as important as ever for you to develop a relationship with your elected officials—both federal and local. We encourage you to get to know your newly elected


officials or reach out to congratulate your current repre- sentatives on their reelection. While observing COVID-19 restrictions, look for opportunities to bring your law- makers physically, or virtually, to your business to show- case your operations and the benefits you bring to the community. Have questions on how to do that? Please reach out to us and let us help. As we turn the page on 2020 and begin a new Congress, our industry confronts new opportunities and challenges. HAI’s advocacy program saw some suc- cesses in the last Congress, and we look to build on that momentum as we continue to advocate for the VTOL industry in the 117th Congress.


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