HAI President Matt Zuccaro, Chairman Tony Burson, Vice Chairman Gale Wilson, and Safety Programs Coordinator Jose Orozco represented HAI in the NBAA 2013 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 22-24.

With more than 25,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, NBAA proved an ideal venue for HAI to meet with members, affiliates, and an array of aviation partners from around the world to provide updates on latest HAI safety initiatives and to promote HAI HELI-EXPO 2014. Matt Zuccaro also took part in a General Aviation Leaders Panel with other aviation advocacy leaders to discuss the current state of the aviation market and a range of issues affecting the industry.

HAI’s Matt Zuccaro, Gale Wilson, and Tony Burson discuss the world of rotary-wing aviation with helicopter aerobatic pilot Chuck Aaron (far right).

NBAA 2013 featured a full roster of education and informational sessions held throughout the week, and speeches on business aviation trends delivered by members of Congress, the FAA, and numerous businesses leaders. Gene Cernan, the “last man on the moon,” was honored for his lifetime achievements, and actor Harrison Ford was recognized for his use of general aviation aircraft to help those in need.

Helicopters had a strong presence, with HAI members Sikorsky, American Eurocopter, and Robinson showcasing their rotorcraft among the nearly 100 aircraft on display at the Las Vegas Convention Center and static displays at the Henderson Executive Airport.

Next year’s convention is scheduled for Oct. 21-23 in Orlando, Florida.