Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

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Chad Trautvetter

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is expanding its rotorcraft events to Asia-Pacific with the addition of the inaugural VAI Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference (SAASC). Scheduled for May 27 to 29 in Bali, Indonesia, the new regional show “represents a proactive step in delivering critical safety support to regions historically lacking easy access to VAI-hosted or -supported events,” which includes Verticon, European Rotors, and the Aerial Work Safety Conference.
“Southeast Asia is home to one of the fastest-growing vertical aviation markets, yet it faces persistent safety challenges: limited access to training, inconsistent regulatory oversight, and a lack of structure for knowledge sharing,” the rotorcraft association said. “SAASC directly addresses these gaps by offering a collaborative platform for operators, regulators, OEMs, insurers, and end users to come together and elevate the region’s safety posture.”
Modeled after VAI’s Air Tour Safety Conference held in Hawaii in 2024, the Asia gathering will serve as a hub for vertical aviation learning, sharing best practices, and showcasing innovation, according to the association. But it’s meant to augment, not replace, other local rotorcraft events, noted VAI president François Lassale. “We’re not here to compete with local organizations—we’re here to support them, bring structure, and create a trusted forum for industrywide collaboration.”
SAASC will feature keynote speakers, targeted training events, and an open forum for exchanging operational knowledge. Its overarching purpose is "advancing safety through shared understanding," VAI explained.
The association said the Southeast Asia show will serve as a model for future regional safety forums in underserved areas around the world. “As the vertical aviation community grows globally, so must its commitment to safety—and this event marks a decisive step in that direction,” VAI concluded.

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VAI expanding its events to Southeast Asia

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