HAI President and CEO James Viola to Address Congressional Subcommittee

Alexandria, VA. (July 13, 2022) – James Viola, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International (HAI), will testify before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Viola will appear as part of a panel of aviation experts addressing the State of General Aviation.

James Viola (high-resolution image available below)

The subcommittee hearing will begin at 10 am eastern time. Those interested in watching the hearing can view it on the subcommittee’s webpage or on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s YouTube Channel.

“As Congress prepares for the 2023 FAA Reauthorization, HAI thanks the subcommittee for holding this hearing to hear about the state of general aviation and our priorities for this important legislation says Viola. “I appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony today on behalf of the vertical flight industry.”

In his submitted written testimony to the subcommittee, Viola praised the role helicopters have in supporting the public good. “Every day, vertical flight serves the public good. Our members perform services including air medical, law enforcement, firefighting, heavy construction, utility patrol and maintenance, urban air mobility, and more. And our industry is expanding, bringing onto the flight deck exciting technology such as advanced air mobility (AAM) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.”

Viola also described HAI’s work with safety advocates worldwide to address continued safety improvements for the vertical flight industry. “Ensuring the safety of those who fly—whether pilots, crews, or passengers—is always HAI’s top priority,” says Viola. Viola additionally provided details on airspace issues, community compatibility, sustainability and environment, National Parks Overflights Advisory Group, workforce development, and 5G.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR REPORTERS:

Here is the full testimony HAI submitted to the Subcommittee on Aviation. The oral testimony Jim Viola will provide before the Subcommittee on Thursday is an abbreviated version of this document. HAI Testimony for TI Subcommittee Hearing July 13, 2022

High-Resolution Photo of James Viola: