Association pushes action on Section 627 in support of low-altitude IFR operations.
Alexandria, Virginia (Jun. 5, 2025) – Vertical Aviation International (VAI) yesterday provided testimony to the US House Subcommittee on Aviation during the hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation One Year Later.” The association called for the prompt implementation of rules to support low-altitude IFR operations for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft—both to enhance safety and to prepare for the integration of next-generation vertical flight aircraft.
Cade Clark, chief government affairs officer at VAI, emphasized the urgent need for full and timely implementation of Section 627 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act—which mandated modernization of low-altitude IFR routes using performance-based navigation—and urged the FAA to act without delay, while also prioritizing high-density airspace and integrating these efforts with broader air traffic control modernization initiatives.
“Implementing Section 627 is a critical step toward ensuring that rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft can operate safely, predictably, and efficiently in increasingly congested and complex airspace,” Clark stated in his testimony. “It also lays the foundation for integrating advanced technologies and aircraft into a modern, performance-based airspace system.”
Clark’s testimony also underscored the indispensable role of vertical flight aircraft in disaster response, firefighting, medical evacuations, and infrastructure resilience—highlighting that nearly 1,000 helicopters were contracted for federal wildfire response missions in 2024 alone.
VAI reaffirms its commitment to working closely with Congress, the FAA, and industry stakeholders to ensure Section 627 is implemented with the urgency, transparency, and technical precision necessary to meet expanding public service and commercial demands.
Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly Helicopter Association International (HAI), is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry, which encompasses all aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Throughout its 76 years of fueling industry growth through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for its members’ success, VAI has leveraged the power of vertical flight to strengthen communities worldwide. The association welcomes all facets of the vertical aviation industry, including manufacturers, operators, suppliers and vendors, pilots and maintenance technicians, and other aviation professionals. For more information about VAI, please visit: https://verticalavi.org.
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