Air tour operators from across the United States gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sep. 23 for the first day of the 2024 Vertical Aviation International (VAI) Air Tour Safety Conference (ATSC) to discuss strategies for enhancing safety in the sector.

VAI Chair Mark Schlaefli, owner and operator of Dakota Rotors, opened the two-day conference with a strong message about the importance of maintaining an unwavering focus on safety.

“In this room today are professionals dedicated to constant improvement—operators who innovate, seek best practices, and place safety at the heart of their operations,” Schlaefli said. “While we have made great progress, our work will never be finished—nor should it be. A continuous commitment to safety is a value we all embrace.”

The ATSC provides attendees with opportunities to share best practices and explore solutions for improving safety across their operations. Sessions cover topics such as promoting a safety culture, implementing innovations and technologies, and integrating a safety management system (SMS) into one’s operations.

Following Schlaefli’s remarks, FAA Western-Pacific Regional Administrator Raquel Girvin emphasized the requirement for companies conducting air tours, air ambulance operations, charters, and commuter flights to implement an SMS by May 2027.

Later in the day, experts in SMS implementation, an FAA safety investigator, and Bryan Burns, president and CEO of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, reiterated that safety programs and equipment are just tools: their effectiveness depends on the commitment and vigilance of the operators using them. Mark Brady, a commercial pilot and aviation safety expert, addressed the issue of distractions, such as cell phone use in the cockpit, and the dangers of complacency. He stressed that pilots must be clearheaded and focused when flying.

On Day 2, Sep. 24, attendees will hear from the FAA on proven passenger safety techniques and from other experts about effective safety training and tools. The conference will conclude with a critical discussion on the authority of air tour pilots to make go-no-go decisions prior to takeoff, highlighting their responsibility to prioritize safety in all situations.