In this issue: Congress passed a $12.5 billion funding bill for air traffic control modernization; Utah and Texas continue building education pathways for the future vertical aviation workforce; VAI Western US Regional Representative Chuck Street reports on his activities; and the challenges and opportunities surrounding advanced air mobility (AAM) in Chile, and the country’s potential to lead AAM development in Latin America. Issue Overview, Jul. 7, 2025 US Federal Updates Congress Agrees to $12.5B for ATC Modernization US State and Local Updates VAI Participates in Utah Aeronautics Education and Training Summit Texas Launches Applied Sciences Pathway Program News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative International Updates The Future of Air Mobility in Chile and Latin America Is Taking Off US Federal Updates Congress Agrees to $12.5B for ATC Modernization Summary of Facts Congress last week passed $12.5 billion in funding for air traffic control (ATC) modernization. The funds were included in the budget reconciliation package, which President Trump signed into law on Jul. 4. VAI has been an active participant in the Modern Skies Coalition—a broad alliance of aviation and aerospace organizations advocating for targeted investment in ATC technology and facilities. The coalition has worked to ensure that modernization remains a priority amid growing operational demands and persistent system strain. The $12.5 billion represents a critical first step—a down payment—in the long-term process of transforming the National Airspace System (NAS) to better serve current and future aviation users, including the vertical aviation community. Modernization isn’t optional; it’s a safety imperative and a prerequisite for accommodating emerging vertical aircraft and operations. This funding marks meaningful progress toward those goals, and VAI looks forward to continued engagement with the FAA and Congress to ensure that the funding is implemented effectively and sustained in the years ahead. VAI Position and Actions This is a long-overdue and essential investment in the future of the NAS. VAI commends both the House and Senate for recognizing the urgent need to upgrade outdated infrastructure and for coming together to move this funding forward. US State and Local Updates VAI Participates in Utah Aeronautics Education and Training Summit Summary of Facts Cade Clark, VAI chief government affairs officer, attended the Utah Aeronautics Education and Training Summit Jun. 27–28 in Logan. The event was hosted by Utah State University and the Utah Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics in close collaboration with industry, academic, and community partners. The summit offered hands-on labs and interactive classes to discuss the latest trends and technologies shaping the aviation industry. During the event, Clark held a class for the Utah Rotor Pathway Program (URPP) to discuss further workforce development outreach opportunities in Utah. The URPP brings together industry, universities, and high schools to provide helicopter pilot and maintenance training at the secondary-school level. On Jun. 28, the Logan-Cache Airport (KLGU) hosted a career fair and air show for the community. VAI members participating in the fair included Southern Utah University and Life Flight. VAI Position and Actions VAI thanks all participants for showcasing the vertical aviation industry at the Utah Aeronautics Education and Training Summit. Events like these play a vital role in inspiring and creating the future vertical aviation workforce. Texas Launches Applied Sciences Pathway Program Summary of Facts In late June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed H.B.20 into law, creating the Applied Sciences Pathway Program under the Texas Education Code. This initiative establishes a structured pathway for high school students to earn both a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate in high-demand technical fields.The program is designed to improve workforce readiness by aligning secondary and postsecondary education with industry needs. Initially approved fields include aviation maintenance, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. The Texas commissioner of education will oversee the program, which takes effect in the 2025–26 school year.Key provisions of the law include: All interested 11th- and 12th-grade students at participating schools must be allowed to enroll Partnerships will be created between school districts or open-enrollment charter schools and institutions of higher education. VAI Position and Actions VAI commends Texas for taking a proactive step to strengthen the aviation workforce pipeline. We support similar efforts in other states and encourage policies that promote aviation-related technical education and career readiness. News from VAI’s Western US Regional Representative “Word from the Street,” by Chuck Street, VAI Western US Regional Representative The past few weeks have been active in California, particularly regarding the proposed elimination of five helicopter routes near Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX). The KLAX tower manager initially announced the routes would be discontinued on Aug. 7, despite the absence of a safety risk management (SRM) panel review. Following discussions with the tower manager, the decision was put on hold pending the outcome of an SRM panel review, scheduled for Aug. 19–20. VAI will participate in the review, and I’m currently in touch with local helicopter operators who may be nominated to serve on the panel. More updates will follow. International Updates The Future of Air Mobility in Chile and Latin America Is Taking Off Summary of Facts On Jun. 25, VAI participated virtually in EXPODRON 2025, organized by the Chilean Helicopter Association (ACHHEL), Airbus, and the Chilean College of Engineers. The event convened key stakeholders from Chile and abroad, including the director of the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC); officials from the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT); air traffic management experts and unmanned aircraft system traffic management experts from Airbus; and drone operators from Chile, Colombia, and Spain. Speakers included ACHHEL President Loreto Moraga and representatives from the DGAC and the MTT, who addressed the challenges and opportunities surrounding advanced air mobility (AAM) in Chile. The discussion emphasized the country’s potential to lead AAM development in Latin America. VAI Position and Actions VAI’s virtual participation in EXPODRON 2025 reflects our commitment to engaging with global stakeholders shaping the future of air mobility. The event highlighted strong industry momentum, with Chile emerging as a key regional player in AAM. We thank the organizers, experts, and participants for a successful event and encourage continued dialogue at the next EXPODRON 2025, Chile’s premier event focused on unmanned aircraft systems, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and next-generation air mobility technologies, to be held Oct. 14–15 at Club Hípico de Santiago.
