Advocating for You: Fed Leadership Changes Mark Start of 2025 State legislatures also busy as first quarter nears completion. By Cade Clark, Theresa Marr, and Katia Veraza As the aviation industry entered the new year, key leadership changes shaped the landscape of federal aviation oversight. The 119th Congress was sworn in on Jan. 3, followed by the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20. Also on Jan. 20, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker officially stepped down from his post. Upon his departure, VAI recognized Whitaker’s significant contributions to aviation and thanked him for his steadfast leadership in advancing priorities critical to the vertical flight industry and the nation. “Administrator Whitaker’s time at the helm of the FAA has been impactful, marked by meaningful progress in aviation safety, workforce development, and the integration of advanced technology,” says James Viola, VAI president and CEO. “We extend our sincere thanks for his dedicated leadership and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.” On Jan. 30, Chris Rocheleau was appointed as acting FAA administrator, ensuring continuity in the agency’s leadership. VAI looks forward to working with Rocheleau in his new capacity and is confident in his ability to contribute positively to the FAA’s mission. In Congress, key aviation oversight committees remain in experienced hands. The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee continues under the leadership of Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02)—a signal of stability in congressional oversight of aviation policy. In the Senate, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) now chairs the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) serving as ranking member. VAI applauds their leadership and ongoing commitment to addressing industry concerns. This year, both committees will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act, ensuring that key provisions—including workforce development initiatives and infrastructure improvements—are carried out effectively. In light of the recent midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), congressional leaders have signaled their intent to hold hearings on aviation safety but are awaiting additional details on the accident from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) before proceeding. VAI will continue to engage with lawmakers as they shape the policy landscape for the vertical aviation industry. Additionally, former US Rep. Sean Duffy has been confirmed as Secretary of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), bringing a new perspective to the agency’s aviation policies. VAI looks forward to engaging with Secretary Duffy and DOT leadership on issues affecting vertical flight. VAI Promotes Safe Air Tour Operations at AAAE Conference in Hawaii From Jan. 5–9, VAI attended the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) 39th Annual Aviation Issues Conference in Kauai, Hawaii. For over three decades, the event has brought together professionals and top officials from government and all sectors of the aviation industry. Cade Clark, VAI’s chief government affairs officer, participated in a panel on aviation safety, highlighting key safety initiatives and concerns for the vertical aviation industry. While in Kauai, VAI visited with local air tour members to learn more about their operations and how the association can better serve them. At the conclusion of the AAAE conference, VAI held a Hawaii member meeting in Honolulu, bringing together a majority of the association’s operator members to discuss issues facing the vertical aviation industry in the state. Topics included top regulatory and legislative concerns as well as important safety initiatives. FAA Delays Implementation of Medical Certification Policy In a significant win for the aviation industry, the FAA postponed the implementation of a controversial new medical certification policy. Initially set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, the policy would have classified incomplete applications as denied rather than deferred. Following concerns raised by VAI and 13 other aviation organizations in a joint letter, the FAA has delayed implementation until Mar. 1, 2025. Under the proposed policy, applications requiring additional information would have been categorized the same as those denied on medical grounds, potentially harming pilots’ professional opportunities. VAI has worked closely with House T&I Committee Chair Graves to address this issue and commends his dedicated leadership in pursuing a fair resolution. The FAA’s decision to delay the policy reflects a commitment to listening to industry concerns and ensuring fairness. The agency has also announced plans to hold a listening session to gather further feedback and provide additional guidance to pilots. State Action US state legislatures have also started off 2025 with a flurry of activity. With all 50 states in session this year, legislative activity related to vertical aviation is at a peak. While some legislatures convened in January, others are beginning in February, bringing a surge of new bills impacting conventional rotorcraft, drones, advanced air mobility (AAM), and aviation fuels. • Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs): In response to last year’s New Jersey drone sightings, multiple states have introduced bills aimed at strengthening state oversight and safety for drones. • Helicopter legislation: Several states are reintroducing previously contested helicopter-related bills that VAI opposes due to conflicts with federal preemption. • Aviation fuels and sustainability: A growing number of bills propose state incentives to slowly phase out leaded aviation fuels and promote unleaded and sustainable aviation fuels. VAI is actively monitoring legislative developments that affect the general aviation and vertical flight industries. Our goal is to work closely with state legislators to promote policies that support industry growth while addressing community concerns. We encourage our members to stay engaged—if you have questions about bill language or are aware of legislation in your state that may affect vertical aviation, please contact Katia Veraza, assistant director of government affairs and regional relations, at katiav@verticalavi.org. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our advocacy efforts and ensuring that state policies align with the success of vertical aviation. The following is a list of key recently introduced bills that VAI is closely tracking. Hawaii: H.B.810 Summary of facts: Establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue helicopter owners or operators for alleged violations of the Federal Aviation Act and existing federal laws. Industry impact: This bill is a major concern as it conflicts with federal preemption, which grants the FAA exclusive authority over aviation regulations. If passed, it could lead to frivolous lawsuits, increased legal costs, and operational uncertainties for helicopter operators in Hawaii. Hawaii: S.B.1197 Summary of facts: Requires tour aircraft operators at state-controlled airports to maintain a certain amount of liability insurance coverage. Industry impact: This proposal is preempted by federal law. Only the FAA can set requirements for the operation of aircraft, including insurance requirements. New York City Council: 0026-2024 Summary of facts: Restricts nonessential helicopter operations at city-owned heliports to those powered exclusively by electric engines. Industry impact: If enacted, this legislation would eliminate helicopter operations at New York City–owned heliports shortly after FAA certification of AAM aircraft. The bill would shutter an entire industry in New York while severely damaging it throughout the Northeast United States. If passed, it would also deter investment in the development of advanced, greener vertical aviation technologies by signaling a hostile economic and regulatory environment in the region. New York State: A.00540 Summary of facts: Requires helicopters to be equipped with flight recorders, cockpit voice recorders, and terrain awareness and warning systems. Industry impact: The bill violates federal preemption by mandating specific equipment. New York State: A.02583 and S.1140 Summary of facts: Establishes a tax on noise from nonessential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities with a population of 1 million or more. Industry impact: This bill would harm helicopter operators in New York by increasing operating costs. It would also set a harmful precedent for other states considering similar regulations, restricting urban air mobility. Texas: H.B.20 Summary of facts: Creates the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, allowing high school students to earn both a diploma and a certificate in high-demand technical fields. Industry impact: This bill could help address the aviation workforce shortage by training the next generation of aircraft maintenance technicians—a crucial area for the long-term sustainability of vertical flight ops. Utah: S.B.96 Summary of facts: Directs the Utah Department of Transportation to conduct a public education campaign on advanced air mobility (AAM) covering use cases, economic benefits, state-driven initiatives, and implementation. Industry impact: A positive step for AAM adoption, this bill could increase public awareness and acceptance of vertical flight technologies, foster investment, and encourage industry growth in Utah. Washington: H.B.1084 Summary of facts: Provides excise-tax exemptions for businesses and consumers using unleaded aviation fuel, encouraging the transition away from leaded fuel. Industry impact: This bill supports sustainability initiatives and aligns with broader federal and industry goals to transition to unleaded aviation fuel. While the tax exemptions are beneficial, ensuring a sufficient supply of unleaded alternatives will be key to a smooth transition for operators. We are off to a busy 2025. We encourage VAI members to meet with their elected officials and establish relationships with them. Contact the Government Affairs team at Advocacy@verticalavi.org if you’d like help setting up those meetings. Cade Clark is VAI’s chief government affairs officer. Theresa Marr is VAI’s director of government affairs. Katia Veraza is VAI’s manager of government affairs and regional relations.
