Excuse the Mess… A Farewell and a New Beginning for Vertiflite
By Angelo Collins
VFS Executive Director
From Vertiflite, September/October 2025
For more than 25 years, Mike Hirschberg has been a driving force behind Vertiflite magazine, first as a contributing author and advisor to the American Helicopter Society starting in 1997, then as part-time Managing Editor from 1999 to 2011, and ultimately as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher through July 2025. His careful attention to detail, deep technical knowledge and editorial vision helped shape Vertiflite into what it is today: the decisive voice of vertical flight technology.
Mike joined the Vertical Flight Society in 2011 as Executive Director after a distinguished career as a defense aerospace engineer and accomplished writer, including many publications with VFS, AIAA, RAeS and SAE. When he arrived at VFS, the world of vertical flight (and the AHS financial position) was in flux. The helicopter industry was mature, but Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and hybrid propulsion were on the horizon; uncertain and largely unproven. It was during these promising, chaotic years that Mike reshaped Vertiflite into what many consider the leading periodical for tracking the technology, policy and vision of this next-generation vertical flight revolution.
Mike's fingerprints are everywhere in the pages of this magazine. He not only elevated the technical credibility and editorial breadth of Vertiflite, but also insisted that it serve both as a platform for education and advocacy. He expanded coverage of rotorcraft developments across civil, military, and international markets, while shining a light on emerging companies, critical research efforts and shifting regulatory frameworks. To incorporate this breadth of coverage, Vertiflite moved from a quarterly to a bi-monthly publication.
He also gave voice to people and perspectives that often go unheard. From in-depth historical retrospectives to exclusive interviews with startup founders and defense officials, Mike fostered a publication that spoke to the entire vertical flight community, from industry veterans to students just entering the field. He bridged the past and future of flight, and he did it with integrity, curiosity, and unmatched stamina.
As is often the case with great leaders, Mike’s true legacy lies in what he built for others to carry forward. Mike hands off editorial leadership to Vertiflite’s new Editor-in-Chief, Tom Risen, a seasoned journalist and communicator with a background in aerospace, technology and policy. Tom previously wrote for AIAA’s Aerospace America, FlightGlobal, Atlantic Media, U.S. News & World Report and reported at daily newspapers. Tom brings a thoughtful eye for emerging trends and a deep respect for engineering and innovation. He joined the VFS staff in 2024 and has already proven himself as an insightful contributor and collaborator.
With Tom at the helm, Vertiflite will continue to evolve and adapt it to the needs of our members and the demands of the moment. You’ll notice a few changes in the issues ahead. We’re placing a renewed emphasis on highlighting the work of our VFS members, technical innovations, member milestones and the people who make vertical flight happen every day. We’ll also be increasing contributions from VFS staff and subject matter experts, leaning into technical clarity and member relevance. We will focus on member-driven content that better reflects the VFS community and reduce our dependence on paid external commentary. The magazine will retain its breadth, from tiltrotors to helicopters and eVTOL aircraft, from historical milestones to government policy, while committing to an editorial focus that keeps the VFS membership front and center.
None of this would be possible without the foundation Mike laid. His leadership, encyclopedic knowledge and relentless editorial discipline are what made Vertiflite into what it is today: a staple of VFS membership and a trusted voice in the aerospace community.
So please, excuse the mess while we adjust and settle in. We have big shoes to fill, but Vertiflite isn’t going anywhere. With your support, your feedback, and your stories, it will remain the voice of vertical flight by documenting progress, informing policy, inspiring innovation and by serving you: our members.
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Posted: 2025-08-25