A Solid Foundation
Historic firsts set up VAI members for success. By Mark A. Schlaefli
D
URING ITS 75-YEAR HISTORY, VERTICAL Aviation International (VAI) has experienced a lot of “firsts,” all for the benefit of our members. But the past year has truly been historic.
Since February 2024, the association has taken on a new
identity, rebranding from Helicopter Association International to a new, more inclusive name that builds bridges across our industry and redefines how we think of vertical aviation. This column, my first as VAI chair, appears in the first issue
of POWER UP, the publication that replaces the familiar ROTOR magazine in your mailbox. Since 1988, ROTOR has been the voice of the helicopter community, and now POWER UP will do the same for our expanded industry. With our growing partnerships in Europe and an expanding official role at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), our association is truly international, living up to the “I” in VAI. VAI has just hosted the first safety conference dedicated to
air tour operations, bringing together operators and regulators to drive safety culture and develop best practices. Meanwhile, our annual conference and trade show, previously known as HAI HELI-EXPO®
, will be stepping out as the first VERTICON in
March 2025 in Dallas, Texas. A center of vertical aviation man- ufacturing and business, Dallas is a fitting location for an event that brings us together. All of this adds up to a lot of firsts! Reflecting on these changes, I’m filled with excitement
for the future. VAI provides our industry with advocacy that has proven to be an effective agent for change, successfully blocking harmful legislation and initiatives. When rule making committees and standards boards meet to discuss the future direction of regulations, VAI is there to represent our inter- ests. Access to safety programs, professional education
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MARK A. SCHLAEFLI, of Dakota Rotors and a Parts 135/133 operator in the US Upper Midwest and Mountain West, began his one-year term as chair of the VAI Board of Directors on Jul. 1, 2024. Mark holds an ATP rotor- craft certificate as well as instrument, CFI, and CFII ratings.
POWER UP SEP 2024
FROM THE BOARD
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