An Airbus AS350 B3 operated by Air Center Helicopters and piloted by Albert Morehead lifts off from Dallas CBD Vertiport during HAI HELI-EXPO 2022. (Mark Bennett Photo) VAI, NBAA respond to FAA’s proposed vertiport design standards In response to the FAA’s release of an updated draft of Engineering Brief (EB) 105A for Vertiport Design, key industry associations Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have submitted joint comments advocating for more consolidated, safety-focused guidelines for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft facilities. The EB 105A draft outlines updated interim safety standards for vertiports and was open for public comment for 29 days. VAI and NBAA, representing a unified industry voice, called for collaboration between the FAA’s divisions and industry stakeholders to create practical and forward-looking standards. A primary concern raised by the associations is the consolidation of vertiport design standards with existing heliport guidelines. VAI and NBAA recommend integrating the vertiport guidelines with the current Heliport Advisory Circular rather than creating a separate class of infrastructure, warning that a fragmented process could delay implementation and overly burden state agencies. Additionally, the industry groups highlight the importance of ensuring that performance standards accommodate a wide range of VTOL aircraft, including those with traditional propulsion systems and those powered by electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen propulsion technologies. They also call for clarity and simplification in operational terms and designations. Importantly, there is a critical need for harmonization with other FAA divisions, especially in relation to vertiport standards development and aircraft certification processes.
