Federal Updates Modern Skies Coalition Calls on Congress to end US Government Shutdown State and Local Updates Helicopter Route 12 at KBWI Raises Safety Concerns Following FAA Adjustment Washington State’s Proposed Aircraft Tax Raises Industry Concerns News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative “Advocacy in Action,” by Josh Rousseau, VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative __________________________________ Federal Updates Modern Skies Coalition Calls on Congress to end US Government Shutdown Summary of Facts The Modern Skies Coalition, which comprises VAI and a broad group of other aviation stakeholders, released a statement Nov. 6 calling on the US Congress to end the shutdown of the federal government without delay, noting that the prolonged shutdown has strained the aviation system and its dedicated workforce to unacceptable levels of stress and disruption. VAI Position and Actions VAI urges Congress to restore full government funding immediately to ensure the continuity of critical FAA functions, maintain safety and efficiency across the National Airspace System, and protect the livelihoods of aviation professionals who keep America flying. State and Local Updates Helicopter Route 12 at KBWI Raises Safety Concerns Following FAA Adjustment Summary of Facts The FAA recently shifted Helicopter Route 12 at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (KBWI) Airport to the north of I-95 to increase separation from fixed-wing traffic. The change is part of a broader effort to update helicopter routes and airspace around Washington, D.C.–area airports to improve safety following the January 2025 midair collision between a US Army helicopter and a passenger jet. However, the new chart lists a route ceiling of 500 ft. mean sea level (msl) despite the fact that nearby terrain reaches elevations of 525 to 528 ft. msl within roughly a quarter mile. As a result, portions of the route, as currently charted, position helicopters at or below the level of surrounding terrain and structures. While the route was shifted north, it appears the higher terrain in this segment was not accounted for. Pilots have reported flying unusually low over residential areas with limited nighttime clearance. The US Army also conducts frequent nighttime operations in the area, compounding safety concerns. Some VAI members have noted that following the route as published can place helicopters within 100 ft. of the ground and, in certain locations, even below terrain elevation. VAI Position and Actions VAI encourages pilots and operators flying Route 12 at KBWI to share feedback or report additional safety concerns by contacting KatiaV@verticalavi.org. VAI will continue working with the FAA to address these issues to prioritize flight safety. Washington State’s Proposed Aircraft Tax Raises Industry Concerns Summary of Facts Earlier this year, the Washington State Legislature passed S.B.5801, which adds a 10% tax on the sale, lease, or transfer of any noncommercial aircraft over $500,000, effective Apr. 1, 2026. Revenue from the tax would go to the Move Ahead Washington flexible account, which funds state transportation projects. VAI and several industry partners oppose this measure, arguing that labeling aircraft as “luxury” items based solely on their value overlooks their essential roles in emergency response, medical transport, and economic activity across diverse communities. The tax would have broad and unintended consequences for the state’s economy, transportation network, and public safety services, potentially raising costs, limiting access to aviation services, and driving aircraft purchases to neighboring states such as Oregon and Idaho. Rather than targeting luxury purchases, it would affect a wide range of essential aviation users. VAI Position and Actions With the next legislative session approaching, VAI, along with other general aviation associations, plans to advocate for the repeal of this provision. VAI encourages any members conducting business in Washington who may be impacted by the 10% tax to share their story and input by contacting KatiaV@vertical.org. These insights will help inform VAI’s continued outreach to state legislators. News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative “Advocacy in Action,” by Josh Rousseau, VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Everything good is on the highway.” That sentiment perfectly captured my recent travels across the Northeast region of the United States, meeting with VAI members, industry stakeholders, and government officials to continue VAI-led discussions on helicopter routing, airspace integration, and aviation infrastructure modernization. One of the highlights was attending the 52nd Annual Conference of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association on Cape Cod. This year’s event represented the largest such gathering to date, with more than 200 aviation professionals coming together for panels, updates, and discussions. The conference featured valuable insights from some of the state’s top aviation leaders. Massachusetts continues to be an important partner and leader in sustainable aviation, advancing initiatives such as a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuel, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and prioritizing workforce development across the state’s aviation sector. Farther south, during a recent visit to two of three bases run by Mercy Flight Central (MFC) across Central New York, I saw firsthand the critical role the operator plays in the region’s health-care network. As broader discussions continue about the interconnected future of aviation, MFC and other air medical providers remain focused on their mission, delivering lifesaving care every day. Since 1992, MFC has provided air medical transport to more than 18,000 patients and has grown to over 70 employees dedicated to serving their communities. Despite their vital work, local air medical providers continue to face serious financial challenges due to historically low Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates, threatening both their sustainability and the public’s access to essential services. VAI is working closely with the New York State Department of Health to identify state and federal opportunities that will help keep air medical operations viable and ensure they remain a key part of the rural health-care system. At the same time, challenges to aviation access persist elsewhere. In New Jersey, legislators are advancing a measure that seeks to circumvent federal law and regulatory authority for political points. S.4639 would tax tourist (so-called “nonessential”) helicopter flights operating from state-licensed facilities. Instead of collaborating with industry to address community concerns, this measure seeks to circumvent federal law and regulatory authority, setting up a troubling precedent. VAI has submitted formal opposition to this punitive legislation and reached out to members of the New Jersey Legislature’s Senate Transportation Committee, though no response has been received to date. VAI continues to lead by advocating for a safety-first approach and data-driven policies that deliver practical, informed outcomes. It remains essential to stay focused on ensuring that aviation policy decisions are guided by experience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to public safety. The VAI Government Affairs team is dedicated to working with elected officials at all levels of government to advance thoughtful solutions. For us, “flying neighborly” isn’t just a slogan; it reflects how we operate as an industry: responsibly, respectfully, and with a deep commitment to the communities we serve. VAI will continue to promote open dialogue and cooperation to strengthen aviation safety, support innovation, and ensure that regulations keep pace with a rapidly evolving airspace. Legislative decisions about the future of aviation must be shaped by expertise, professionalism, and real-world experience, and VAI is proud to ensure that those perspectives are represented. I am equally proud to continue to make sure your voices are heard as we work hard to ensure that our priorities are reflected in the results. There is still important work ahead, so let’s stay engaged, stay informed, and, as always, keep Powering Up!
