Federal Updates FAA, DOT Announce Suspension of Visual Separation in Congested Airspace to Improve Safety House T&I Committee Passes Bipartisan ALERT Act to Implement NTSB Recommendations Modern Skies Coalition Calls on Congress to Stop Essential Work Without Pay Global Aviation Leaders Discuss Vertical Flight’s Future at VERTICON 2026 State and Local Updates US DOT Announces eIPP Winners Florida H.B.1093 Advances to Governor’s Desk International Updates FIDAE 2026 to Spotlight Vertical Flight in Latin America Federal Updates FAA, DOT Announce Suspension of Visual Separation in Congested Airspace to Improve Safety Summary of Facts Last week, the FAA hosted a safety risk management panel (SRMP) following the announcement by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the (FAA) regarding new operating requirements for helicopter and airplane operations in congested airspace near busy airports. Under the FAA’s General Notice (GENOT), the agency is suspending the use of visual separation between helicopters and airplanes and requiring air traffic controllers to use radar-based separation where helicopter routes intersect with airport arrival and departure paths. According to the FAA, the change follows a yearlong review of mixed helicopter and airplane operations nationwide and reflects the agency’s determination that there has been an overreliance on pilot “see-and-avoid” operations in high-traffic environments. VAI Position and Actions VAI recognizes that this change may have impacts on helicopter operators. As such, VAI participated in last week’s SRMP and remains committed to working with the FAA, operators, and other stakeholders to support implementation, provide operational clarity, and maintain the highest standards of safety across the vertical aviation community. To better understand the impacts of the new requirements and inform VAI’s engagement with the FAA and Congress, the association recently held two member roundtables to gather feedback from operators and other stakeholders across the country. If you were unable to attend the roundtables and would like to receive further information about the SRMP, or relay any concerns or comments regarding the GENOT, please email Advocacy@verticalavi.org. House T&I Committee Passes Bipartisan ALERT Act to Implement NTSB Recommendations Summary of Facts Last week, the US House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee passed the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026. The move marked a step toward implementing safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). The bipartisan bill responds directly to the NTSB’s final accident report and advances a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening safety across the US National Airspace System (NAS). The ALERT Act addresses the full range of safety recommendations identified during the investigation and seeks systemwide improvements to reduce collision risk and improve operational coordination. Key safety issues addressed in 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 Reducing loss-of-separation incidents Addressing deficiencies in FAA safety culture Enhancing air traffic control training and procedures, particularly during high-traffic periods Strengthening airspace safety around KDCA Repealing Section 373(a) of the most recent National Defense Authorization Act, among other provisions. VAI Position and Actions VAI thanks House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02) for their leadership in strengthening safety in the NAS. VAI looks forward to continued engagement with the US House and the US Senate as the legislation advances toward enactment and implementation. Modern Skies Coalition Calls on Congress to Stop Essential Work Without Pay Summary of Facts The Modern Skies Coalition, which includes VAI, is urging Congress to take immediate action to prevent government shutdowns from disrupting critical aviation operations and undermining safety and security. In a statement released last week, the coalition highlighted the growing strain caused by the ongoing US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. As the shutdown entered its sixth week, US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers had gone more than 40 days without full pay—mirroring the prolonged financial hardship experienced by federal aviation employees during the record 43-day federal government shutdown just months prior. According to TSA leadership, officers have effectively been working without pay for nearly half the fiscal year. The coalition emphasized that these shutdowns have tangible consequences across the aviation system. More than 400 TSA officers have resigned, while staffing shortages have contributed to significant passenger delays, including waiting times exceeding four hours at some airports. At the same time, the nation’s air traffic control system continues to face ongoing challenges, including controller shortages and outdated infrastructure—issues that are exacerbated when hiring, training, and modernization efforts are paused during funding lapses. The coalition argues that aviation professionals, including TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and customs personnel, should not be subjected to political uncertainty that disrupts their pay and, in turn, the stability of the aviation system. To address this problem, the group is calling on Congress to pass targeted legislative solutions such as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act. These measures would ensure that essential aviation personnel continue to be paid during government shutdowns. VAI Position and Actions VAI supports these efforts and is advocating for Congress to incorporate these provisions into any viable legislative vehicle, with the goal of preventing future shutdowns from jeopardizing the safety, security, and reliability of the US aviation system. Global Aviation Leaders Discuss Vertical Flight’s Future at VERTICON 2026 VAI President and CEO François Lassale (left) and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford (center) listen as European Union Aviation Safety Agency Executive Director Florian Guillermet speaks during the VERTICON Liftoff and VAI Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast on Mar. 9 at VERTICON 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The three aviation leaders discussed key challenges and opportunities facing vertical aviation. (VAI/f-stop Photography) Summary of Facts At VERTICON 2026, a historic moment underscored the growing global discussion on the future of vertical aviation: For the first time, the heads of the world’s two leading aviation regulators, the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), shared the stage at the event. During the VERTICON Liftoff and VAI Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast Mar. 9 in Atlanta, Georgia, VAI President and CEO François Lassale moderated a discussion with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet focusing on the evolving needs of the vertical flight ecosystem. A central theme of the discussion was modernization. Bedford outlined a three-pillar approach to safely integrating emerging operations: investing in workforce hiring and training, ensuring technological reliability, and advancing system design to manage increasingly complex and congested airspace. The conversation also emphasized the importance of collaboration. Lassale highlighted VAI’s role in helping bridge industry members and regulators, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to aligning stakeholders around a shared safety mission. Guillermet reinforced that safety must remain a continuous effort, noting that progress in aviation depends on maintaining vigilance and avoiding complacency as new technologies and operations are introduced. VAI Position and Actions VAI’s hosting of both regulatory leaders at VERTICON reflects a broader commitment to global coordination. The discussion signaled a shared focus on enabling innovation while maintaining the highest safety standards across the vertical aviation industry. US DOT Announces eIPP Winners Summary of Facts The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the selected participants in the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The program was established following a presidential executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate the deployment of emerging aviation technologies and strengthen US leadership in aerospace innovation. The eIPP creates public–private partnerships between state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and US-based aviation companies to test and evaluate operational concepts for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms. The program is intended to generate real-world operational data to inform future FAA regulations, certification pathways, and airspace integration strategies. Selected projects will explore a range of use cases, including passenger air taxi services, cargo and logistics operations, regional transportation, and emergency response missions. The three-year initiative will be implemented through partnerships between the FAA and participating government entities. The eight selected projects span 26 states and include leading aircraft manufacturers and operators: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey—Partners: Archer, BETA, Electra, Joby Texas Department of Transportation—Partners: Archer, BETA, Joby, Wisk Utah Department of Transportation—Partners: Ampaire, BETA, Joby, others Pennsylvania Department of Transportation—Partners: BETA, Electra, others Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development—Partners: BETA, Elroy Air Florida Department of Transportation—Partners: Archer, BETA, Electra, Joby, others North Carolina Department of Transportation—Partners: BETA, Joby, others City of Albuquerque (New Mexico)—Partner: Reliable Robotics. Operational concepts under evaluation include urban and regional passenger transport, cargo networks, emergency medical services, autonomous flight technologies, and offshore- and energy-sector transportation. VAI Position and Actions VAI supports the DOT’s advancement of the eIPP as a national effort to enable the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System. The program represents an important step in ensuring that innovation in vertical aviation proceeds within a safety-focused framework. Prior to application submissions, VAI engaged with several selected participants and provided letters of support to strengthen the project proposals. State and Local Updates Florida H.B.1093 Advances to Governor’s Desk Summary of Facts On Mar. 10, the Florida State Legislature passed House Bill 1093, sending the measure to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. If passed, H.B.1093 would require state law to formally incorporate vertiports into Florida’s public infrastructure framework and expand funding opportunities for their development. Key Provisions Public–Private Partnerships (P3s): The bill amends Section 255.065, F.S., to include vertiports and associated charging systems within the definition of a “qualifying project,” allowing these facilities to be developed through P3 arrangements. Airport Infrastructure Definition: The bill revises Section 332.007, F.S., to include vertiport-related infrastructure—such as vertiport pads, safety zones, charging systems, grid upgrades, and resilient energy systems—within the definition of “airport infrastructure.” As a result, vertiports must be incorporated into airport planning, inspection, and maintenance programs. State Funding Authority: The legislation authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to fund public vertiport projects at the following levels: Up to 100% of project costs when federal funding is unavailable Up to 80% of the nonfederal share when federal funding is available. If signed into law, the bill will take effect Jul. 1, 2026. VAI Position and Actions VAI supports H.B.1093 as a practical step toward advancing vertical flight infrastructure. By integrating vertiports into state policy, enabling P3 delivery models, and providing flexible funding mechanisms, the legislation helps create a clear pathway for scalable deployment of AAM operations in Florida. Tackle Southeast Asia’s Biggest Issues—and Bring a Colleague on Us Stay ahead of the changes shaping Southeast Asia’s vertical aviation landscape—without stretching your budget. Register now for the 2026 VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference and bring a colleague for free! At this event, we’re diving into the key regional issues impacting you right now: Regulations ✔ what’s changing and how to stay compliant Safety ✔ standards, responsibilities, and best practices Representation ✔ ensuring voices are heard across the community Operations ✔ clarity on obligations and opportunities Walk away with practical insights, shared understanding, and stronger connections—together. Two seats. One price. Double the impact. Register Now & Bring a Colleague FOR FREE *After you register, you will receive a promo code to register your colleague free of charge within 2 business days. This email will come to the address you used to register for the event. International Updates FIDAE 2026 to Spotlight Vertical Flight in Latin America Summary of Facts FIDAE 2026, the 24th International Air and Space Fair, will take place Apr. 7–12, 2026, at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Santiago, Chile. Recognized as Latin America’s leading aerospace, defense, and security exhibition, the event brings together stakeholders across civil and military aviation, space technology, and unmanned aerial systems. The exhibition will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 33 countries and is expected to attract hundreds of official delegations and more than 100,000 attendees. Programming includes both aerial demonstrations and static displays showcasing current and emerging aerospace technologies. For the first time, FIDAE will include dedicated programming about vertical flight, with four panel sessions focused on the future of the sector. These sessions will be held Wed., Apr. 8, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. VAI Position and Actions VAI will attend FIDAE 2026 and participate as a panelist in one of the vertical flight sessions. VAI supports the inclusion of vertical aviation topics at major international forums, as they provide an important opportunity to advance dialogue, share expertise, and promote the vertical flight industry. If you are a VAI member interested in connecting with us at FIDAE, we encourage you to attend the vertical flight sessions or reach out in advance to Katia Veraza, VAI’s director of state government affairs and regional relations, at KatiaV@verticalavi.org to coordinate an in-person meeting during the event.
