Home / Initiatives / Fly Neighborly 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. Enroll today 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 Fly Neighborly Auditory Techniques Training in sound abatement procedures, auditory evaluation techniques, and situational awareness tools. Free to VAI members. Read more Fly Neighborly Noise Abatement Guidance Training in quiet approach operations with procedures specific to seven individual helicopter models. Free to VAI members. Read more Fly Neighborly Acoustic Animations Animations demonstrating how helicopter sound is perceived from the ground and the difference created with Fly Neighborly recommendations. Watch video More Fly Neighborly Education Robinson R44 Noise Abatement Guidance Airbus AS350 Noise Abatement Guidance Bell 407 Information How to Fly Neighborly in the Robinson R66 How to Fly Neighborly in the Bell 206 “It is critical to our industry’s success that operators and pilots use the Fly Neighborly program to mitigate their impact on their communities. By preserving community compatibility, you protect our access to airspace and infrastructure.” James Viola President and CEO, VAI Fly Neighborly Printable Resources Download or print these tip sheets and outreach materials to help implement Fly Neighborly in your community. Fly Neighborly Tips Flyer 2019 Fly Neighborly Tips & General Info AS350 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet AS365 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet AW139 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet Bell 206 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet Bell 407 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet R44 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet R66 Fly Neighborly Help Sheet iFlyQuiet Community Engagement Guide iFlyQuiet Community Engagement Materials Call on VAI for assistance with the Fly Neighborly program. VAI1920 Ballenger AvenueAlexandria, VA 22314-2898 Call us Email us