The latest European safety requirements for helicopter operators is just one of the high profile topics that will come under the microscope at Helitech’s conference this year. Helitech 2011 takes place at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, near Cambridge, from 27 to 29 Sept. The Helitech Conference, which is new for 2011, will take place over the afternoon of 28 Sept. and on the final morning of the show – 29 Sept.

The conference will be chaired by helicopter specialist and journalist, Andrew Drwiega, who is internationally recognised for his independent insight and commentary on the rotary-wing scene.

A session on the environment will look at greener helicopter development for the future and give a perspective on current research and development plans. There will be particular focus on engine development, covering areas such as the use of new fuels, creating new efficiencies and lowering costs.

With energy security so prominent in news headlines, the conference will look at the development of wind farms and how the rotary-wing industry is looking to capitalise on this increasingly important utility area. This session will also consider recommended helicopter rescue techniques that have been developed for wind farm fields.

Security and surveillance technology as well as parapublic air support requirements will also be covered in the highly topical agenda. The conference will be held in the Airspace facility at Duxford and is being kindly sponsored by Bell Helicopter.

Helitech Exhibition Manager, Brandon Ward, said: “Our initial research into the kinds of topics to include in the conference was greeted with great enthusiasm across the industry. This is the first time we’ve staged our own conference during the Duxford event. Our aim is both to attract new visitors to Helitech and offer existing visitors and exhibitors the chance to hear about some of the latest developments in areas such as security technology and parapublic air support.”

This year marks 25 years of Helitech supporting and promoting the helicopter industry. The show enjoys the support of both the British Helicopter Association (BHA) and the European Helicopter Association (EHA).