In this issue: President Trump issued an executive order aimed at streamlining federal wildland fire governance and enhancing wildfire prevention and response; VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative Josh Rousseau reports on his activities, including successful efforts to defeat New York State legislation to impose a “noise tax” on helicopter operations and successful efforts to amend legislation passed in New York City to preserve most existing operations at the two city-owned heliports; and the release of a report developed collaboratively by the civil air authorities of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States to align certification processes for emerging advanced air mobility aircraft types across international jurisdictions to ensure safety, foster innovation, and streamline cross-border operations. Issue Overview, Jun. 23, 2025 US Federal Updates White House Issues Executive Order on Federal Wildland Fire Governance US State and Local Updates News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative International Updates International Roadmap Streamlines AAM Aircraft Certification Chile Joins Global Conversation on Advanced Air Mobility US Federal Updates White House Issues Executive Order on Federal Wildland Fire Governance Summary of Facts On Jun. 12, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order (EO) aimed at streamlining federal wildland fire governance and enhancing wildfire prevention and response. Several provisions in the EO may have implications for VAI members engaged in aerial firefighting: Consolidation of Wildland Fire Programs (90 days to implement): The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture are directed to consolidate wildland fire programs to improve coordination and efficiency across offices, budgets, procurement processes, and research. This may affect how aerial firefighting resources are contracted and managed at the federal level. Expansion of Partnerships and Agreements (90 days to implement): The order instructs federal agencies to strengthen partnerships and mutual aid agreements with state, local, tribal, and community entities. This could increase opportunities for collaboration in aerial firefighting and improve coordination during wildfire response. Technology Roadmap Development (180 days to implement): A comprehensive wildfire technology roadmap is to be created, with a focus on tools such as artificial intelligence, data sharing, modeling, mapping, and early-detection systems. These developments may support more-informed deployment of aerial firefighting assets and improve situational awareness. Review of Fire Retardant and Prescribed Fire Policies (90 days to implement): Federal agencies are directed to review rules that may restrict the use of prescribed fires and fire retardants. Use of Satellite Data (120 days to implement): The Department of Defense is tasked with identifying and potentially declassifying historical satellite data to support wildfire modeling and predictions. These data could be used to enhance aerial detection and strategic planning for firefighting operations. Regulatory Review (180 days to implement): Agencies are instructed to identify and consider revising rules that may impede wildfire prevention and response. This includes evaluating whether any existing regulations affect the deployment or operations of aerial firefighting resources. The EO also calls for the creation of performance metrics for wildfire response, such as average response times, treatment areas, safety, and cost-effectiveness. VAI Position and Actions VAI is actively monitoring developments and engaging with our members and relevant agencies to understand the potential implications the EO will have for US aerial firefighting operations. We will share updates as more information becomes available. The EO includes directives that may impact aerial firefighting by influencing interagency coordination, regulatory frameworks, use of technology, and performance measurement. The specific outcomes will depend on how each directive is implemented across relevant federal agencies. US State and Local Updates News from VAI’s Northeastern US Regional Representative By Josh Rousseau, VAI Northeastern US Regional Representative As we reach the midpoint of 2025, and with most legislative sessions wrapping up across the Northeast United States, it’s a good time to assess where we stand and where we need to go as an industry. Each day presents an opportunity to demonstrate the economic value of vertical aviation and highlight the diverse, life-enhancing missions we safely perform. I’m pleased to report that, last week, we successfully defeated legislation in New York that would have imposed a “noise tax” on helicopter operations. In New Jersey, we are continuing productive discussions with lawmakers and stakeholders on proposed bills that could significantly restrict helicopter activity. Meanwhile, our ongoing efforts to evaluate and adjust routes to enhance community compatibility remain a priority. While not always publicly recognized, these efforts are producing real results in the New York–New Jersey metro area. Although local-restriction legislation recently passed in New York City, we were able to have the measure amended to preserve most existing operations at the two city-owned heliports. The revised law also allows for continued infrastructure investment in anticipation of advanced air mobility (AAM) and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) integration. Speaking of AAM, I recently joined BETA Technologies to mark a major milestone for the company: its Alia became the first all-electric aircraft to land at a New York–New Jersey area airport, an event that was celebrated at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK). Despite local legislative challenges, our industry continues to drive national progress on airspace modernization and regulatory preparedness. We are at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of US and global airspace. Safety, air traffic control modernization, integration of new aircraft, and community compatibility are now key discussions in Washington, D.C. We continue urging federal leaders to fulfill their role in ensuring a unified, safe, and efficient National Airspace System, avoiding a patchwork of inconsistent local and regional regulations. This is bigger than any one city or state—it’s about building a national framework guided by the knowledge, experience, and commitment of our industry. As always, VAI is here to support you. Stay safe this summer, and thank you for continuing to power the industry forward. International Updates International Roadmap Streamlines AAM Aircraft Certification Summary of Facts On Jun. 17, a coalition of national aviation authorities from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States released the joint Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification. The goal of the report is to align certification processes for emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft types across international jurisdictions to ensure safety, foster innovation, and streamline cross-border operations. Aircraft type certification ensures that aircraft meet safety and airworthiness standards. While traditional aircraft are certificated using harmonized global standards, new AAM technologies have led to diverging approaches. The coalition’s roadmap aims to harmonize these emerging standards and support consistent certification pathways across borders. The roadmap was developed collaboratively by the FAA, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Transport Canada, the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. During the Paris Air Show last week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau joined other global leaders in formally committing to implementing the roadmap. The initiative was initially developed through an international working group to enhance cooperation, share best practices, and align regulatory approaches in support of safe and innovative aviation growth. VAI Position and Actions VAI strongly supports international collaboration on aircraft certification standards. Cross-border alignment will help ensure the safe, efficient integration of AAM aircraft into the global airspace. VAI is reviewing the roadmap and will provide further insights in an upcoming VTOL Advocate newsletter. Stay tuned for more information! Chile Joins Global Conversation on Advanced Air Mobility Summary of Facts The Chilean College of Engineers will host a technical seminar in Spanish, “El Futuro de la Aviación Vertical en Chile,” on Jun. 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. This free event, open to the public, will take place in a hybrid format, both in-person and online, and aims to explore Chile’s readiness for the technological leap represented by advanced air mobility (AAM). The seminar will address key topics such as Chile’s preparation for AAM; the regulatory framework and the role of the state; critical infrastructure, including vertiports and urban planning; lessons from international case studies; and emerging opportunities for businesses, start-ups, and the public sector. The seminar will touch on three key questions for the future of vertical aviation in Chile: What role will cities play in shaping the skies of tomorrow? How can innovation be balanced with sustainability and equitable development? Are we training the workforce today that this future industry will require? Organized by EXPODRON and the Chilean Helicopter Association (ACHHEL), the event is open to students, professionals, public officials, and companies alike. Whether attending in person or connecting virtually from anywhere in the world, participants will be part of shaping the future of aviation. VAI Position and Actions VAI, together with ACHHEL President Loreto Moraga, encourages all our Spanish-speaking members interested in the future of vertical aviation, and how Chile is preparing to incorporate the industry’s latest technological advancements, to register for this seminar.
