The FAA and three leading helicopter groups are sponsoring the 2022 Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST) Global Conference from October 4 to 6 in Hurst, Texas, as an outgrowth of the FAA International Rotorcraft Safety Conferences first held in 2015. This year's theme for the https://conference.vast.aero/ is “The New Era of Vertical Lift—Collaboration in Safety Culture.” Sponsoring helicopter groups include VAST, Helicopter Association International, and U.S. Helicopter Safety Team.
According to organizers, the event will feature presentations and panels dealing with vertical lift safety issues and is open to in-person and virtual attendance for a nominal registration fee, discounted through August 8. Attendees can also qualify for FAA Inspection Authorization refresher course, AMT, and WINGS credits. While helicopter-focused programming will be emphasized, the conference will be expanded to include vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles.
The first day of the conference will include presentations for the entire helicopter and VTOL community. Day two will split the event into tracks focusing on specific safety elements for VTOL operations and maintenance, and day three will highlight global safety perspectives with presentations on safety, technology, vertiports, and other topics.
