Federal Updates FAA Revises Helicopter Routes, Zones Near KDCA, KIAD, KBWI ROTOR Act Advances following Bipartisan Committee Approval State and Local Updates Florida Looks to Advance AAM Infrastructure News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative International Updates EASA Releases First ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report You Also Might Be Interested In … __________________________________ Federal Updates FAA Revises Helicopter Routes, Zones Near KDCA, KIAD, KBWI Summary of Facts The FAA has issued new helicopter route charts as part of its routine 52-day update process, introducing several permanent adjustments following the Jan. 29 midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) involving a military helicopter and a passenger jet. The updates also include revised helicopter zones at Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI). Changes at KDCA To improve safety, the FAA has implemented the following modifications at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Helicopter Routes 1 and 5 will remain limited to essential missions—specifically, medical and law enforcement operations—unless cleared by air traffic control. The boundaries of Zones 1, 2, and 5 have been reduced to enhance traffic separation and minimize potential conflicts. Adjustments at KIAD and KBWI At KIAD and KBWI, the FAA has redesigned certain routes to create greater distance between helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These updates are intended to improve situational awareness and reduce congestion in shared airspace. Ongoing FAA Safety Measures following the KDCA Incident As part of its continued collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, the FAA has taken several additional steps to strengthen safety around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Implemented new procedures to separate helicopter and airplane traffic near the airport Permanently closed Helicopter Route 4 between Hains Point and the Wilson Bridge Updated agreements with military partners to require ADS-B Out transmissions Suspended Pentagon takeoffs until revised procedures and system upgrades at the Pentagon Army Heliport (KJPN) are completed Ended the use of visual separation within a 5-mile radius of KDCA Adjusted helicopter routes and zones to keep operations farther from airport approach and departure paths Increased staff presence, oversight, and operational support at KDCA Continued working closely with industry stakeholders to coordinate safety initiatives. VAI Position and Actions VAI recognizes the importance of maintaining both safety and operational accessibility for essential missions such as medical transport and law enforcement. VAI will continue working with the FAA and other stakeholders to ensure that any future updates are data driven and well coordinated with industry input. We remain committed to keeping our members informed as this process evolves. ROTOR Act Advances following Bipartisan Committee Approval Summary of Facts On Oct. 21, 2025, the Rotor Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (S.2503) advanced out of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation following a bipartisan agreement led by Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). Sen. Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act in July following the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) that claimed 67 lives. The bill directs the FAA to issue a rule requiring ADS-B In for all manned aircraft operating in airspace that requires ADS-B Out. The bill also provides some flexibility regarding technical options to achieve that mandate for small general aviation aircraft. Under the legislation, the FAA must issue the rule within two years of enactment, and all affected aircraft must comply no later than Dec. 31, 2031. The bill also directs the development of an airborne collision avoidance system X (ACAS X) action plan and the creation of a new office of FAA–Department of Defense coordination to improve communication between civil and military aviation authorities. It further directs an inspector-general audit of US Army aviation practices and an FAA safety review of airspace near major airports. VAI Position and Actions As the ROTOR Act moves through the legislative process, VAI will continue working with Congress, the FAA, and the vertical aviation community through our industry advisory councils to support ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation safety. State and Local Updates Florida Looks to Advance AAM Infrastructure Summary of Facts On Oct. 16, Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled new initiatives to alleviate congestion in Central Florida and officially broke ground on the nation’s first infrastructure for advanced air mobility (AAM). Construction has officially begun on the first of two AAM vertiports at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) SunTrax testing facility. The site will serve as the country’s first dedicated AAM aerial test bed and airspace, forming the foundation of a statewide network of interconnected commercial vertiports. Additional FDOT announcements on Florida’s AAM initiatives are expected in the coming months. The FDOT is leading efforts to position Florida at the forefront of AAM by: Building infrastructure. The department is partnering with industry to develop a robust network of vertiports and an AAM aerial highway, including profitable business models. Accelerating operations. Within 2 months, the FDOT will formalize the aerial highway network, identify viable use cases, and establish partnerships for station construction. Within 6 months, the Florida AAM headquarters at SunTrax will support aviation and aerospace clusters. Within 18 months, passenger operations and supporting infrastructure are expected to be operational. Cultivating a workforce. The FDOT is expanding its work with the Florida Transportation Research Institute to develop curricula and hands-on training programs, in partnership with universities and trade programs, to ensure a skilled AAM workforce. The FDOT is also focusing on research, development, and the implementation of comprehensive plans to make AAM operationally and commercially viable in the state. VAI Position and Actions VAI welcomes Florida’s proactive approach to preparing for the implementation of AAM. By investing in dedicated vertiports, establishing a statewide aerial test bed, and developing a comprehensive AAM network, the state is setting an important precedent for local and regional readiness in this emerging sector. VAI will continue to monitor developments in Florida and other regions, keeping our members informed of opportunities to engage with AAM initiatives and contribute to this growing industry. News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative It’s no secret that the vertical flight industry is facing a shortage of qualified pilots and maintenance technicians. As the Western US regional representative for VAI, one of my key priorities is building partnerships with local high schools and colleges to create programs that guide students toward careers as pilots and mechanics. Many students are interested in joining our industry but don’t know where to start, and VAI’s robust Pathway Program is designed to change that. Southern California has a proud legacy in aviation and aerospace. From Douglas Aircraft and Northrop Grumman to North American Aviation and Robinson Helicopter Co., this region has long been a hub of innovation and opportunity. With such a rich history—and many potential future engineers, pilots, and technicians right here—Southern California is an ideal place to expand VAI’s Pathway initiatives. I’m committed to advancing these efforts and welcome your input. Please feel free to reach out to me at ChuckS@verticalavi.org with any suggestions or ideas. International Updates EASA Releases First ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report Summary of Facts Under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is required to publish an annual report detailing the development of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market and compliance levels associated with SAF blending mandates across the European Union (EU) and its member states. Beginning in 2025, suppliers must meet a mandatory 2% SAF blending target at designated EU airports. The yearly EASA reports will assess whether that mandate has been achieved. Last week, EASA published its first ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report, providing an initial overview of how SAFs are being supplied, purchased, and used across the EU. The report establishes the following baseline for SAF deployment: in 2024, fuel suppliers reported that 0.6% of all aviation fuel delivered at EU airports was SAF—equivalent to 193 kilotonnes. EASA notes that a functioning reporting system is now in place, with strong initial compliance and SAF deliveries occurring across multiple member states. Key Findings of the Report The EU is on track to meet its 2030 SAF blending target of 6%, based on current production capacity assessments. No synthetic fuels were included in the 2024 fuel mix, reflecting the early development stage of this technology. The average price of SAF in 2024 was 2,085 euro per ton, compared with 734 euro per ton for conventional jet fuel. Twenty-five fuel suppliers provided SAF to 33 airports across 12 member states. However, 99% of total supply occurred at airports in just five countries (France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands), indicating a very concentrated market. Nearly all SAF was biofuel, primarily produced from used cooking oil (81%) and waste animal fats (17%). More feedstock (69%) originated outside the EU than in it, with China (38%) and Malaysia (12%) as the leading sources; Finland was the largest EU-based supplier (10%). VAI Position and Actions VAI will continue keeping members informed about global SAF initiatives and share relevant insights to support strategic planning and innovation in the vertical flight industry. You Also Might Be Interested In … Affordable Health Insurance Through Gallagher As a member of VAI, you enjoy exclusive access to comprehensive health insurance coverage options through Gallagher, the world’s third-largest insurance broker. Plan options change every year, so now is the time to review what’s available and ensure you have the right coverage for 2026. 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