Fly Neighborly

Simple, safe flight techniques can significantly reduce helicopter sound and promote community acceptance of vertical aviation. Participate in this voluntary program created by the FAA and endorsed by VAI.

How to Fly Neighborly

When safety allows, “flying neighborly” into and out of landing zones can reduce sound complaints and ensure that surrounding communities continue to benefit from helicopter service. Fly Neighborly provides training on proven sound abatement techniques and profiles specific to each aircraft type.

FAA Fly Neighborly Training

Learn how to Fly Neighborly by visiting our Online Academy and utilizing sound abatement procedures and situational awareness tools to reduce the impact of helicopter noise on the surrounding communities. The training is free of charge to VAI members.

Fly Neighborly teaches you to reduce sound (when safe) by:

  • Performing climbing turns instead of level or descending turns
  • Performing accelerating climbs rather than steady-state or decelerating climbs
  • Using collective climb instead of cyclic climb
  • Maintaining a higher altitude
  • Turning away from the advancing blade
  • Making steeper takeoffs
  • Using a steep approach glidepath
  • Making smooth control inputs
  • Maximizing steady state segments
  • Maintaining the same airspeed during a turn.

Fly Neighborly Education

Fireguards helicopter

Fly Neighborly Auditory Techniques

Training in sound abatement procedures, auditory evaluation techniques, and situational awareness tools. Free to VAI members.

Fly Neighborly Noise Abatement Guidance

Training in quiet approach operations with procedures specific to seven individual helicopter models. Free to VAI members.

Fly Neighborly Acoustic Animations

Animations demonstrating how helicopter sound is perceived from the ground and the difference created with Fly Neighborly recommendations.

Call on VAI for assistance with the Fly Neighborly program.

VAI
1920 Ballenger Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314-2898