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: June 2026

Features

Brian Jorgenson: Building on a Strong Foundation
New VAI chair brings “let’s go” energy to serving all of vertical aviation. By Christine Knauer

VERTICON 2026: Data-Driven Solutions for Real Change
VAI’s annual conference and trade show embraces an evolving industry. By Mark Huber

EAA, FAA Chiefs Talk About Vertical New World
VAI hosts aviation regulators Bedford and Guillermet at VERTICON 2026. By Mark Huber

Long Days, Short Notice
In Kenai, Alaska, REACH Air Medical Services stands ready to help. Story and photography by Mark Bennett

Departments

FROM THE BOARD: Charting the Path Forward
The VAI Board of Directors knows that change is hard! By Rick Kenin

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Evolution with Purpose
Our structured five-year plan will drive VAI’s relevance in shaping the industry. By François Lassale

ADVOCATING FOR YOU: A Model for Airspace Modernization
Baltimore Route 12 exemplifies how the FAA, VAI, and operators can unite to improve low-altitude airspace. By Theresa Marr and Katia Veraza

VAI BRIEFS

  • New Leadership, Operational Depth: 2026–27 VAI Board Reflects an Industry in Transition
  • VAI Career Fair Aims to Strengthen Workforce Pipeline
  • Navigating the New Spectrum Landscape

FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Safety Awards

Vertical Aviation Calendar

FLYOVER: Kansas City (Missouri) Police Department MD Helicopters MD 500E By Mark Bennett

ACCIDENT RECOVERY: Inexplicable Decision
Pilot’s choice to continue VFR flight into IIMC leads to loss of all on board. By David Jack Kenny

FLY SAFE: It’s OK to Stay
Sometimes the best decision a pilot can make is not to fly. By Jessica Meiris

MEMBER FOCUS: Colorado’s Lake County Airport (KLXV) Photo 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!