HAI’s Government Affairs team on a new US Senate bill to safeguard veterans’ access to emergency transportation, HAI’s appointment to the Texas Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Advisory Committee, and an update on member concerns in Southern California.
Congressional Update
Senate Bill Would Protect Veterans’ Access to Emergency Transportation
Summary of Facts
In February, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved a proposed rule change regarding special-mode transportation service rates, which is set to take effect in February 2024, resulting in rates significantly lower than the actual costs of these services. This reduction in payments will significantly affect the availability of air ambulance transport services to veterans and dramatically reduce veterans’ access to emergency medical services throughout the United States.
In response to the VA’s proposed rule change, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), and 19 other lawmakers introduced S.2757, The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act. The bill would protect veterans’ access to emergency ground and air services by requiring the VA to perform a thorough study of the impact of any change to reimbursement rates prior to modifying the current rates.
HAI Position and Actions
HAI has endorsed S.2757 and is working with a large coalition of stakeholders, including emergency medical leaders, veteran organizations, and air ambulance operators, to advance the legislation.
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State and Local Updates
Texas Appoints HAI to AAM Advisory Committee
Summary of Facts
The Texas Transportation Commission has appointed HAI to the newly established AAM Advisory Committee. The committee’s primary objective is to evaluate existing state laws and recommend any necessary changes to support the integration of AAM technology in Texas.
The committee comprises various stakeholders, including representatives from state and local law enforcement, the AAM industry, transportation experts, commercial airports, local governments, the public, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft operators. HAI will serve as a representative of the VTOL industry.
The AAM Advisory Committee was created through Senate Bill 2144 in Texas’s 88th Legislature earlier this year. HAI’s appointment to the committee is valid until January 2025, coinciding with the committee’s sunset and the submission of a report to the legislature in November 2024. The inaugural committee meeting is scheduled for December.
HAI Position and Actions
HAI is honored to serve on this committee and eagerly anticipates collaborating with other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of AAM technology in Texas.
News from HAI’s Western US Regional Representative
Word from the Street
By Chuck Street, HAI Western US Regional Representative
In October, I met with various Southern California helicopter operators, including English Air Service, Coastal Helicopters, Blue Sky Helicopters, and Rogue Aviation. My aim was to understand these companies’ challenges and concerns, which encompass high insurance costs, a shortage of qualified pilots and experienced maintenance technicians, and occasional difficulties in dealing with state and federal agencies.
Helicopter flight school operators are hopeful for the availability of more loan programs for student pilots and are struggling with the Green Card (or Permanent Resident Card) process for international pilots working in the United States.
At HAI, we’re actively engaging with major insurance underwriters to reduce insurance costs for all helicopter operators. We’re also developing workforce development programs to benefit the vertical aviation industry.
Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Let’s keep the rotors turning!
