Author Archives: admin

“The Current State of Powered-Lift Training and the Implications for Advanced Air Mobility” at Leonardo Helicopters

Posted on by

VFS Philadelphia Chapter had a very special dinner meeting at Leonardo Helicopters in Northeast Philadelphia on April 19, 2023 that included a presentation by Kevin Semler, Leonardo Instructor Pilot, and included tours of the Leonardo Helicopters facility. The presentation discussed the implications of the new Powered-Lift category and how it effects operator training, especially in relation to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The tours included Leonardo’s production and flight lines, including AW119s, TH-73As, AW139s, and static displays of the AW609 and MH139. No photos were allowed inside the facility, so be sure not to miss out next time!

  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Stefano Coratella and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Stefano Coratella and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use

AIAA Hosted a Guest Speaker

Posted on by

AIAA GPS welcomed Jim Cavera, Senior Engineer with Blue Origin, as he presented: “Future Propulsion: Nuclear Fission, Fusion, and Beyond”. In his talk, the theoretical underpinnings of nuclear propulsion, the historical experiments, and the prospects for the future were discussed.

When: April 12th, 6 PM EST

Where: Zoom, Register HERE

US Naval Academy Midshipmen “AURORA – Vertical Lift Student Design Project” and “Investigation of Helicopter Performance in Confined Areas”

Posted on by

VFS Philly had the opportunity to hear from US Naval Academy midshipmen as they presented two of their capstone projects. The presentations were about AURORA, Arctic Unmanned Rapid Oil Response Aircraft, a design, build, and fly project to help track oil spills in Alaska, and Investigation of Helicopter Performance in Confined Areas, a further analysis of recent flight test activity completed at Pax River Test Pilot School to analyze the impact of confined spaces on operational safety.

The midshipmen traveled to Piasecki Aircraft and Boeing earlier in the day to tour the facilities and hear more about the history of vertical flight in Philadelphia.

The dinner also had a special guest, Angelo Collins, Vertical Flight Society’s new CEO, to replace Mike Hirschberg officially in May at the Forum.

A big thank you to Piasecki Aircraft for sponsoring the dinner meeting, as well!

  • Boeing Wind Tunnel. Photo Courtesy of Daniel Jaep and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use
  • Photo Courtesy of Joseph Gillman and provided free for non-commercial use

Thoughts from the VFS Executive Director

Posted on by

On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, VFS Philly had the incredible opportunity to hear from the Executive Director of the Vertical Flight Society, Mike Hirschberg!

  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright John Romanski and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Aida Walsh and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Aida Walsh and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Aida Walsh and are shared here for free for non-commercial use

Aurora Technology Demonstrators and Boeing Modernization of Legacy Technologies

Posted on by

The most recent dinner meeting was presented by Matt Hutchison on Tuesday October 18, 2022 at the Towne Hall in Media, PA. The meeting had a large audience with employees from all over the Philadelphia region, including Boeing, Piasecki Aircraft, Leonardo, DFI, and many others.

  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use
  • Photos are copyright Joseph Gillman and are shared here for free for non-commercial use