VAI Adopts New Bylaws VAI has adopted new bylaws to address the vertical flight industry’s rapid growth and diversification. These updates enhance VAI’s governance structure, ensuring that the association remains an effective industry advocate for years to come. “As the vertical aviation industry evolves, VAI’s governance structure must also adapt,” says Mark A. Schlaefli, VAI Board chair and owner of Dakota Rotors. “These bylaw changes strengthen our ability to represent a diverse and growing membership, future-proofing the association to support the vertical aviation community for decades.” The bylaws revisions focus on two main areas: membership categories and the structure of VAI’s Board of Directors (BoD). Updated Membership Categories VAI’s revamped membership categories reflect the growing diversity of the vertical flight industry: • Vertical Aircraft Operator Members: Includes commercial/private operators and government services providers, capturing a broad spectrum of mission types. • Honorary Members: Recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry, including award winners, past chairs, and former VAI presidents and CEOs. • Manufacturer and Supplier Members: Represents companies involved in building, supplying, or supporting vertical aviation, acknowledging their essential role. • Individual Members: Includes pilots, mechanics/engineers, and other industry professionals, giving individuals a voice in the association. Restructured Board of Directors VAI’s BoD will expand from 9 to 11 members to better represent all industry segments: • Nine operator representatives: Three seats each for small, medium-sized, and large operators, based on fleet size. • Two government services representatives: Reserved for those from government, military, and public-service sectors. “These updates ensure that VAI remains a responsive and influential organization,” adds Schlaefli. The new governance model aims to enhance advocacy, communications, education, and networking within the vertical aviation community. Board elections under the revised bylaws will be announced at VAI’s Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast on Mar. 11, 2025, at VERTICON, which will be held Mar. 10–13 (exhibits open Mar. 11–13) in Dallas, Texas.
