Helicopter Association International’s mission is to advance the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce. That mission charges each of us to commit ourselves to promoting the highest level of safety and efficiency. This culture of professionalism is nurtured when we encourage and recognize outstanding achievement and contributions made by individuals and organizations. Each year the “Salute to Excellence” Awards program recognizes these outstanding achievements.

The Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award is one such award. This award salutes excellence in management and leadership. The award is granted to an individual who is recognized for long and significant service to the international helicopter community. Nominees need not be licensed pilots.

The simplest way to nominate for the Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award, or any other of the nine awards, is to complete an online Nomination Form on HAI’s Web site – go to www.rotor.com, click on “Events” then “Salute to Excellence.” You may also download 2011 Call for Nominations booklets and mail completed Nomination Forms to Helicopter Association International, 1635 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2818, or fax to 703-683-4745. Supporting documents such as awards, letters of recommendation, and newspaper and magazine articles etc that relate to your nomination will aid consideration in the selection process. These items must be suitable for photocopying and can either be mailed, faxed, or scanned and sent as an email attachment to rotor@rotor.com.

HAI requires all nominees to acknowledge in writing that they are aware of their nomination and, if selected, that they would be willing to share biographical information and photos with HAI, as well as accept the award in person at the “Salute to Excellence” dinner. If the recipient is unable to attend the dinner, they must designate a person to accept the award on their behalf. An Acknowledgement Form is available in the 2011 Call for Nominations booklet online and must be submitted with the nomination for consideration.

The deadline to nominate is fast approaching – all nominations for the 2011 awards must be received by Friday, December 3, 2010. For more information, contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646, or email rotor@rotor.com. For more information on HELI-EXPO 2011, please visit www.rotor.com.