Federal Updates Bipartisan ALERT Act to Implement NTSB Safety Recommendations from 2025 Midair Accident Report VAI Urges FAA to Clarify KDCA Flight Restrictions to Preserve Operational Access Industry’s Response to FAA Federal Register Notice on Indianapolis Heliport News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative Federal Updates Bipartisan ALERT Act to Implement NTSB Safety Recommendations from 2025 Midair Accident Report Summary of Facts The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Feb. 20, 2026, in response to the final report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the Jan. 29, 2025, Washington, D.C., midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). The report, released Jan. 27, 2026, identified 50 safety-related recommendations and outlined the NTSB’s findings of probable cause. The sponsors of the bipartisan bill noted that the ALERT Act addresses all 50 recommendations and incorporates each finding of probable cause, establishing a comprehensive, systemwide framework to strengthen safety across the National Airspace System. Key provisions of the legislation include: Establishing requirements for equipping collision mitigation, avoidance, and alerting technologies and systems for civil fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft Improving helicopter route design, guidance, and separation Preventing loss-of-separation (near-miss) incidents Addressing deficiencies in the FAA’s safety culture Enhancing air traffic control training and procedures, particularly during high-traffic periods Strengthening airspace safety around KDCA, one of the busiest and most congested airports in the United States Repealing section 373(a) of the last National Defense Authorization Act And more. The legislation was introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02), with collaboration from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.-03) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09). VAI Position and Actions VAI expressed strong support for the ALERT Act in a letter to Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen. The legislation represents a comprehensive effort to strengthen aviation safety in response to the NTSB’s findings about last year’s midair collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near KDCA. This legislation demonstrates Congress’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, data-driven reforms that strengthen safety throughout our aviation system. We thank the bill’s sponsors and committee leadership for their bipartisan collaboration, and we emphasize our commitment to advancing aviation safety with Congress and the FAA as the legislation advances and implementation moves forward. VAI Urges FAA to Clarify KDCA Flight Restrictions to Preserve Operational Access Summary of Facts VAI submitted formal comments Feb. 20, 2026, in response to the FAA’s interim final rule (Docket No. FAA-2026-0199) updating flight restrictions in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). The rule establishes revised airspace requirements intended to enhance safety in one of the most complex and sensitive airspace environments in the United States. In its comments, VAI emphasized the importance of preserving operational access for helicopters and powered-lift aircraft at KDCA and recommended clarification regarding arrivals and departures under the revised framework. VAI noted that the association stands ready to assist the FAA in any way that may support the continued safety and effectiveness of the vertical aviation industry. VAI Position and Actions VAI voiced support for the rule’s safety objectives, noting that we fully advocate straightforward and appropriate measures to enhance airspace safety and ensure the long-term viability of integrated airspace operations. Industry’s Response to FAA Federal Register Notice on Indianapolis Heliport Summary of Facts The FAA is considering a proposal to permanently close the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport (FAA identifier: 8A4) in Indiana and release 5.36 acres of federally obligated land for nonaviation use. The Indianapolis Airport Authority has requested to be released from its federal grant assurances tied to prior funding for the heliport. If the proposal is approved, the property would no longer be required to remain in aviation use and could be sold. The FAA previously: Sought public comment in 2023 Issued a letter of intent in November 2024 approving the release Announced the heliport’s permanent closure effective Dec. 15, 2025. In December 2025, the FAA received two formal requests asking the agency to reconsider the closure and sale. In response, the FAA reopened the public comment period through Feb. 26, 2026. More than 700 comments were submitted, with a significant majority supporting the continued operation of the heliport. VAI Position and Actions We thank all our members and industry stakeholders who submitted comments, either through the association’s grassroots campaign or individually. Your voice matters! For the past three years, VAI has actively advocated for keeping the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport open, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep members informed as the FAA moves toward a final decision. News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative One of VAI’s core strategic priorities is strengthening workforce development across the vertical aviation industry. The need is urgent, as the industry faces a well-documented shortage of qualified pilots and maintenance technicians, particularly rotary-wing mechanics. The average age of a helicopter mechanic today is 53. As these experienced professionals retire, attracting and preparing the next generation is essential to maintaining operational readiness and safety. Mentorship programs will play a critical role in bridging that transition, and VAI is actively encouraging the development of structured pathways that connect seasoned professionals with new entrants to the field. The cost of entry into the professions remains a challenge. Civilian helicopter pilot training can exceed $80,000 to reach commercial certification. While some financing options exist, broader access to affordable student loan programs would significantly improve accessibility. Although military pilots continue to transition into civilian rotary-wing careers, the industry must expand the pipeline beyond that traditional source. VAI is actively strengthening its relationships with flight schools and FAA-certified A&P mechanic schools while also engaging high school career counselors to raise awareness of aviation career pathways. Many students who would thrive as pilots or technicians simply are unaware of the opportunities or the steps required to pursue them. In Southern California, I’m developing a resource guide for high school career counselors outlining how to identify reputable helicopter flight schools and accredited A&P programs. The guide will include QR codes linking directly to up-to-date program information and contact details, making it easier for counselors and students to take the next step. Over the coming months, I will continue outreach to high schools across the region and offer experienced, engaging vertical flight professionals to participate in career day programs. Aviation captures attention, and rotary-wing aircraft, in particular, inspire curiosity and excitement. By increasing visibility and clarifying pathways, VAI is committed to ensuring that the next generation sees vertical aviation as representing not just impressive machinery, but also viable, rewarding careers. The future of our industry depends on it, and that future remains bright.
