Vertical Aviation International (VAI), formerly known as Helicopter Association International, has appointed Amber Harrison as its director of regulatory affairs. In this pivotal role, Harrison will help oversee VAI's regulatory portfolio, ensuring that members' priorities are effectively addressed through coordination and collaboration with the full scope of international regulatory and standards authorities.

Harrison will also help manage VAI's Industry Advisory Council Program (formerly VAI Working Groups), which fosters direct engagement among the association's members, staff and board of directors on key issues including safety, air medical, insurance, air tours and numerous others.

“Ms Harrison brings with her a unique blend of skills based on real-world experiences that will be of great value to our members and the VAI team,” says Chris Martino, senior director of operations at VAI. “The fact that she has her rotorcraft license and experience in the unmanned aircraft systems space gives her an informed perspective as she works with regulators and standards organisations on issues important to our members.”

Harrison has held a private rotorcraft licence since 2018 and received her commercial certification in 2020. She joins VAI from Zipline, a logistics and drone delivery company.

“As a commercially rated and active rotorcraft pilot who has spent a significant portion of my career in the UAS realm, joining VAI is an incredible opportunity for me, as it enables me to marry my passions to contribute to a unified and informed industry voice,” she says.

Harrison's extensive legal background includes positions at CIRCOR Aerospace, where she managed a global contracts team, and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation America, where she established a comprehensive export compliance programme. She is recognised for her significant contributions to the legal field and remains active in various professional and performance-related capacities.