François’ Aviation Reflections (FAR)

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Welcome to our regular report to the vertical aviation community: François’ Aviation Reflections (FAR).

We hope you’ll drop in often to find out how VAI has been supporting you, whether through safety resources and partnerships, advocacy representing industry’s voice at the table, debriefs providing critical regulatory analysis, or connection via our events and publications. Our mission is to help you keep powering up across the world.

Current FAR

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Partnering for Progress: VAI and EHA Look Ahead

Aug 27

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EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 with François Lassale

Join VAI President and CEO François Lassale for a walk through EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, one of the world’s largest aviation gatherings. François visits the VAI booth, explores the EAA Vertical Lift Center, tours military and civil aircraft displays, and meets with the people advancing helicopters and vertical flight.…

François’s Aviation Reflections (June 2026) – Advancing Safety, Data, Workforce Support, and the International Aviation Safety Conference in Bali

In this month’s FAR, VAI President and CEO François Lassale discusses how VAI is using data, member input, and industry engagement to support safer operations and stronger advocacy. The video also highlights VAI’s first International Aviation Safety Conference in Bali and previews the association’s new job board, launching in late…

François’s Aviation Reflections (May 2026) – Workforce, Safety, and the Future of Vertical Aviation

Vertical aviation is changing fast. New aircraft, new technology, and shared airspace are reshaping the industry. But the fundamentals remain the same: people, safety, standards, and trust. In this edition of François’ Aviation Reflections (FAR), François Lassale reflects on VERTICON, workforce development, military-to-civilian pathways, emerging aviation technology, international alignment,…

François’s Aviation Reflections (March 2026) – Inspiration for Our Future

This edition of François’s Aviation Reflections is coming to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where VAI concluded a highly successful conference and trade show earlier this month. The energy at VERTICON 2026—my first as VAI’s president and CEO—was electric, providing momentum for the launch of VAI’s first international safety event,…

François’s Aviation Reflections (February 2026) – Meeting You Face-to-Face

I was on a road trip earlier this month, accompanied by Cade Clark, recently named as VAI executive vice president, to visit member operators and manufacturers. The reason for the trip was simple: There’s simply no substitute for meeting people face-to-face. Very soon, our industry will be doing just…

François’s Aviation Reflections (January 2026) – VAI’s Flight Plan

Over its 77 years of existence, VAI has grown from a group of 15 operators based in one US state to a truly global organization with thousands of members in more than 60 countries. One of our top priorities is strengthening collaboration across that global community. Because it’s only…

François’s Aviation Reflections (December 2025) – What Really Matters

Since François Lassale joined VAI as the association's president and CEO in October, he has been talking with and listening to industry members worldwide. His conversations with operators are always strikingly similar, focusing on operational pressure, workforce shortages, regulatory complexity, and safer operations. Watch this first edition of François’s Aviation…