Vertical Flight Society SoCal Chapter

Vertical Aviation International and Vertical Flight Society were pleased to host "Advancing Rotorcraft Firefighting: Operational Lessons and Innovation Summit" a couple of weeks ago at Robinson Helicopter Company. #VFS and #VAI worked to bring together operational and technical communities, to discuss the devastating recent #LA fires, challenges, and innovation. Attendees were treated to a great #pilot Q&A, presentations outlining technology development and #STEM, and even a fly-in thanks to Coulson Aviation. It was a pleasure organizing this event with Chuck Street. Thank you to the community for supporting. We plan to continue to conversation so watch this space Vertical Flight Society SoCal Chapter. 🚁 #LAStrong #Firefighting #Helicopter #Innovation #VFS #VAI

Last week, a few of our board members at VFS@UCSD attended its first H-2 Symposium on April 2-3, 2025 in Long Beach, CA, hosted by the Vertical Flight Society! Ashton Lao, Vince Bantad, and Brandon V. had a great time volunteering with Vertical Flight Society at UCI and learning about new and upcoming technologies within hydrogen aviation and meeting many of the leaders in the industry. A huge thank you to Mike Hirschberg, Valerie Sheehan, Warren Liebmann, and Mike Jones, Ph.D for the support in our attendance of the event, volunteer coordination, and hosting an amazing event!

#Joinus tomorrow at Robinson Helicopter Company for the Vertical Flight Society and Vertical Aviation International jointly hosted event. This promises to be a great exchange between #operators and #innovators. Final tickets will be available at the door, lunch provided. Final info 👇 https://lnkd.in/gNXEcAca #LAStrong #Firefighting #verticalflight

Congratulations to United Therapeutics Corporation (Unither Bioelectronics) for their world first piloted #hydrogen #VTOL flight in Bromont, Quebec on March 27! A Robinson Helicopter Company #R44 #helicopter was modified with hydrogen #fuelcell propulsion. This milestone H2eVTOL first flight of an e-R44 was revealed today at the Vertical Flight Society’s 4th annual #H2Aero Symposium in Long Beach, CA. Story at VFS #eVTOL News: https://lnkd.in/gcqtMN4Y

✈️ We're proud to participate in the Fourth Annual H2-Aero Symposium, hosted by the Vertical Flight Society in Long Beach, CA. As a Platinum sponsor, we’re excited to help shape the future of zero-emission aviation alongside other industry pioneers. This year’s symposium features key voices leading the charge in hydrogen-powered flight, including: 🔹 Val Miftakhov, CEO, ZeroAvia 🔹 Dr. Martine Rothblatt, CEO, United Therapeutics Corporation 🔹 Dr. Linda Brussaard, H2 Technologies Expert, EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) We’re proud to contribute to the global dialogue on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion and the path toward sustainable vertical lift systems. Events like H2-Aero are critical for aligning strategies, sharing innovation, and accelerating progress. 📍 The event kicks off tomorrow, April 2nd, in Long Beach, CA. 📅 Full program: https://lnkd.in/ehmQbCxm 🔗 Learn more about the event: https://lnkd.in/eJ8ZGK5M #HydrogenAviation #ZeroEmissionFlight #AdvancedAirMobility #VerticalLift #FuelCells #PiaseckiAircraft #AerospaceInnovation #H2Aero #SustainableFlight

Session two of the Vertical Flight Society #H2Aero Symposium kicks off with Dr. Catalin Fotache, Chief Scientist & Technical Advisor for Propulsion Systems, FAA AIR-20, discussing the recently published Hydrogen-Fueled Aircraft Safety and Certification Roadmap, highlighting the hazards and research the Federal Aviation Administration is interested in.    https://lnkd.in/gJsnNRd4   #H2flight #hydrogen #H2 #hydrogen #fuelcell #aviation #AAM 

Update: VFS/VAI Event: Advancing Rotorcraft #Firefighting: Operational Lessons & Innovation - April 5th 🚁 Final speakers and event program announced 🚁 Hear from; David Smith President and CEO Robinson Helicopter Company Michael Sagely Senior Pilot Los Angeles County Fire Department Dan Child - Chief Pilot #LAFD Cody Hamann - Rescue Pilot - Orange County Fire Authority Roger Douglass - Pilot - Coulson Aviation Warren Curry - VP of Sales - Skyryse Angelo Collins - Executive Director of Vertical Flight Society Chuck Street - Western Region Representative Vertical Aviation International In addition to insightful discussions, attendees will be able to see the Sikorsky S-61 operated by Coulson Aviation, #helicopters of Robinson Helicopter Company and #drones from Ascent AeroSystems. If you couldn't sign up yet, we're extending pre-registration tickets with early rate until Wednesday, 2nd April (first come first served). A limited number of tickets may also be available on the day (capacity permitting). Register 👇 https://lnkd.in/gNXEcAca Lunch and refreshments provided, all proceeds to support #firefighting Looking forward to seeing you there! #LAFD #LAStrong #helicopter #rotorcraft #firefighting #technology #torrance #robinsonhelicoptercompany #vertical #flight #losangeles City of Los Angeles City of Long Beach California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) City of Pasadena

⏰ 4 days left to register: Advancing Rotorcraft Firefighting Summit! Join us at Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, CA on April 5th for an in-depth look at the future of #aerial #firefighting and #wildfire response. Event Details: • 10 AM: Check-in & Networking  • 10:30 AM: Welcome Address  • 11 AM: Session 1 – Operational Challenges & Pilot Q&A  • 12 PM: Lunch & Networking  • 1 PM: Session 2 – Technology Development  • 2 PM: Event Close In Session 1, you’ll hear insights from industry leaders including Michael Sagely, Senior Pilot at Los Angeles County Fire Department, Daniel Child, Chief Pilot at Los Angeles Fire Department, Cody Hamann, Rescue Pilot at Orange County Fire Authority, and Roger Douglass, Helicopter Pilot at Coulson Aviation. The session will be moderated by Chuck Street, Western Representative at Vertical Aviation International. 🔗 Register by April 2nd to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gZdSxrds We can’t wait to see you there! #VTOL #SoCal #LAstrong #SupportFirefighting