POWER UP Magazine

About the magazine

POWER UP magazine is an award-winning quarterly publication for VAI members that offers in-depth articles on the newest vertical aviation technology and industry best practices, with featured content that appeals to everyone. You’ll learn a lot about safety, what VAI is doing to help your business in the halls of government, and how some have made their mark on our industry.

Each edition of the magazine features world-class photography showcasing vertical aircraft, how they’re used, and the people who build, fly, maintain and support them.

Current Issue: December 2025

Features

Building a Different Drone by Justin Bachman
Ascent AeroSystems reenvisions how drones can benefit helicopter operators.

Part 108: Next Steps by Mark Huber
Now that public comments are closed, here’s what’s next for this era‑defining regulation.

An HEC Harness Standard That Works by Allison McKay
VAI staff, members champion a single standard for harnesses used in US human external cargo operations.

Ice Station Marquette by Mark Huber
How will a helicopter perform in icing conditions? This former Cold War B‑52 base is where you’ll find the answer.

Departments

FROM THE BOARD: Championing Safety for All by Rick Kenin
VAI advocates for inclusive safety review process of helicopter routes.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Leading from Day 1 by François Lassale
My first days as president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International.

ADVOCATING FOR YOU: 2025 in Review by Cade Clark, Theresa Marr, and Katia Veraza
Key industry events this year will shape what comes next.

VAI BRIEFS

  • ATSC 2025: Safety Isn’t Static
  • AMC Competition Returns to VERTICON
  • VAI at EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025

5 DOS AND DON’TS: Manage Fatigue Like a Pro by Chris Hill

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Benton, Founder, VyClimb Consulting

FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Foresight MX by GPMS

Vertical Aviation Calendar

FLYOVER: Chemair Helicopters Bell 206B-3, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin by Mark Bennett

ACCIDENT RECOVERY: Missed Signals by David Jack Kenny
Divided focus causes pilot to miss warning signs of vortex ring state.

FLY SAFE: The Ripple Effect by Jim Bates
The loss of one life affects hundreds more.

WORK SAFE: Long COVID by Zac Noble
Five years out, has our industry recovered?

LAST HOVER: Sergei Sikorsky
Longtime Sikorsky executive and link to aviation history played significant role in company’s growth.

MEMBER FOCUS: Mountain Air Helicopters by Mark Bennett

Extra! Extra!

POWER UP magazine is available to VAI members as a member benefit. Individual and company members receive a print copy in the mail. Employees of company members (or any VAI member) can read the current issue of POWER UP online, share articles, or download a PDF of the magazine.

Looking for an older edition? Archived issues of POWER UP are maintained as PDFs. Issues from June 2025 and earlier are available for anyone to download.

Not a VAI member?

Join the world’s leading vertical aviation organization today to receive POWER UP magazine and take advantage of a host of other member benefits!