NHA was founded in 1971 and is incorporated in California as a 501(c)6 nonprofit professional organization to promote the development and use of naval vertical lift aircraft in the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard; provide a forum whereby persons in these organizations involved with vertical lift aircraft can interact with each other at meetings and conventions; to provide recognition to those persons who have made significant contributions to those purposes. In pursuing these objectives NHA keeps members informed of new developments and accomplishments in vertical lift aircraft.