The 2026 Transformative Vertical Flight meeting by the VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and features two key events: the Vertical Lift Aircraft Design and Aeromechanics Specialists’ Conference and the 13th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium. A preliminary agenda is available and registration is open.

Vertical Lift Aircraft Design and Aeromechanics Specialists' Conference

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter has been holding a biennial conference since 1974. This year, the focus will be on integrated technical disciplines, including aerodynamics, acoustics, dynamics, and flight dynamics, together with advanced aircraft design. Over 60 authors will present on a range of cutting-edge topics from Computational Aeromechanics, Downwash/Outwash Effects, to Advanced Vehicle Design.

Aeromechanics Technical Authors: Final papers due January 16, 2026. Download templates and author guide information below.

13th Annual Electric VTOL Symposium

The Vertical Flight Society has been at the forefront of advancing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology for more than a decade. Running in parallel with the Aeromechanics Conference, the eVTOL Symposium will feature invited presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by global experts shaping this rapidly evolving field. Attendees and speakers include designers, developers, innovators, and leaders seeking to collaborate and accelerate the eVTOL revolution. It also provides an outstanding networking platform for those new to the vertical flight community.

Program Highlights

The 13th Annual eVTOL Symposium will kick off with an Opening Plenary featuring:

• Welcome remarks from San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan
• VFS Executive Director Angelo Collins
• General Chair Maryam Khoshlahjeh, Sr. Manager, Propellers, Archer
• VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Leadership
• A talk by Dennis Sharp, Curator of Aviation, SFO Museum

Following the plenary, the Symposium will feature a wide range of technical sessions, presentations, and keynote discussions, including:

• Hybrid Propulsion insights from VerdeGo Aero, Safran, and additional industry leaders
• Launch of the VFS RRL Calculator, based on Honeywell's RRL Checklist — including presentations and Q&A from Dan Newman and attending Honeywell representatives
• Program updates from Lt. Col. Phillip "Donna" Smith, DARPA Program Manager for ANCILLARY and REMA, including an overview of the new DARPA Lift Challenge
• Presentations from leading researchers and innovators, including:
  • Dr Marilyn Smith, Director, Georgia Tech VL-RCOE
  • Dr. Zhaodan Kong, Associate Professor, UC Davis, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Johnny Doo, President of International Vehicle Research Inc. — AAM "Mission-for-Good"
  • Dr. Parimal Kopardekar (PK), Director, NASA, NARI
• eVTOL Test Pilot Panel featuring early flight impressions from pilots at Beta, Joby, and Archer
• A dedicated session on state-of-the-art battery and propulsion technologies
• Updates from SURVICE Engineering

>>>Learn more & Register