Issue Overview, Jul. 21, 2025 US Federal Updates Congress Confirms Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator US State and Local Updates Florida Enacts Transportation Law with Major AAM and Heliport Implications News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative “Advocacy in Action,” by Josh Rousseau, VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative International Updates Leadership Updates at EASA and ICAO US Federal Updates Congress Confirms Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator Summary of Facts On Jul. 10, Bryan Bedford was sworn in as administrator of the FAA, where he now leads a workforce of more than 40,000 employees committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the world’s largest and most complex aerospace system. Bedford, who has over 35 years of aviation industry experience, previously served for 26 years as president and CEO of Republic Airways, where he oversaw the airline’s growth from $85 million in revenue and a fleet of 36 turboprops to over $3 billion in revenue and more than 250 regional jets, all while maintaining a strong safety record. In 2018, Bedford launched LIFT Academy, the first airline-owned pilot training school in the United States. The program later expanded to include aviation maintenance training. Earlier in his career, Bedford served as president and CEO of Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines, and as CFO at Phoenix Airline Services and West Air Airlines. He served multiple terms as chair of the Regional Airline Association and was named Airline Executive of the Year in 1997, 2004, and 2009. He holds a multi-engine, instrument-rated private pilot license. VAI Position and Actions The entire vertical aviation community congratulates Bryan Bedford on his confirmation as FAA administrator. At a time when the agency faces a range of complex challenges, from modernizing air traffic control to integrating new entrants into the National Airspace System, his leadership will be both timely and essential. VAI looks forward to working with Bedford to ensure that the FAA remains focused on safety, innovation, and the effective use of the $12.5 billion down payment for air traffic control modernization recently signed into law. US State and Local Updates Florida Enacts Transportation Law with Major AAM and Heliport Implications Summary of Facts Last month, the Florida Legislature passed S.B.1662, a comprehensive transportation package that includes significant provisions related to airports and advanced air mobility (AAM). The new law directs the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to: Integrate vertiports, AAM, and emerging aviation technologies into the statewide aviation system plan and, where applicable, its work program Appoint an AAM subject matter expert to support local jurisdictions and review airport hazard-zone regulations Collaborate with the Florida Department of Commerce to support AAM system development, including identifying statewide corridors and incorporating AAM into broader aviation planning efforts. S.B.1662 also introduces a new airport classification, “private airport of public interest,” which includes facilities such as hospital heliports used for air ambulance operations. Under the new law: These airports must obtain a certificate from the FDOT before conducting aircraft operations The FDOT must perform a physical inspection to ensure compliance with certification requirements before issuing the certificate Private airports operating in this category as of Jul. 1, 2025, must be certified by the FDOT by Jul. 1, 2030. VAI Position and Actions VAI will engage with the FDOT on both the AAM integration and new heliport certification requirements and update our members as new information becomes available. News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative “Advocacy in Action,” by Josh Rousseau, VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative While summer in the Northern Hemisphere may invite a slower pace, VAI’s advocacy continues at full speed, ensuring that our members remain central to critical conversations about air traffic control (ATC) modernization, helicopter routing, community compatibility, and more. Most legislatures in the Northeastern United States have wrapped up the bulk of their 2025 sessions by now, but the New Jersey Legislature remains in session and is considering several bills aimed at taxing, restricting, or banning certain helicopter operations. The focus surrounding ATC modernization and integration signals a pivotal moment in our industry. We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of airspace in a way that supports sustainable infrastructure, cleaner operations, workforce development, and expanded transportation access. Results matter, and local operators continue to show good faith and deliver real community benefits. Despite misleading narratives by some, safety, environmental responsibility, and community compatibility remain top priorities in every vertical aviation mission. In the New York/New Jersey metro area, VAI, the FAA, and other industry stakeholders continue to meet regularly to address local helicopter issues. These meetings foster collaboration, emphasize safety and community input, and seek practical, data-driven routing solutions that benefit both operators and residents. This is also a renewed call for federal partners to fully engage with the vertical aviation industry. We support the FAA’s mission of maintaining the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. That’s why it’s essential that decisions be informed by the knowledge and expertise of those who live and breathe aviation every day. The VAI Government Affairs team remains actively engaged, meeting regularly with agency leaders, regulators, legislators, and stakeholders to advocate on behalf of our members on safety, regulatory decisions, routing, and funding priorities. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer. May you enjoy clear skies and continue Powering Up! International Updates Leadership Updates at EASA and ICAO Francesco Gaetani has been appointed director of flight standards at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), effective in November. He currently serves as EASA’s chief pilot and head of the Aircrew & Medical Department. Stefano Fico will succeed David Solar as head of EASA’s General Aviation and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Department. Fico is presently the section manager for business jets. In the United States, the White House has nominated Jeffrey Anderson as the US ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Anderson is a retired naval aviator and former Delta Air Lines pilot with decades of aviation experience.
