Past HAI chairman and former PHI vice president and chief pilot Vernon E. Albert passed away on September 11 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.

“I was profoundly saddened to learn of Vern’s passing on Thursday,” said HAI President and CEO Matt Zuccaro. “It was my distinct pleasure to serve with him on HAI’s board of directors during the 1980s and 90s.”

Albert served as chairman of the HAI Board of Directors from July 1, 1988 until June 30, 1989. He had also served as the board’s treasurer and vice chairman. He served as a member of the board of directors for two three-year terms.

He was the 1994 recipient of the Lawrence D. Bell Memorial Award, recognizing excellence in management leadership.

Albert learned to fly at the US Army’s Ft. Rucker in Alabama and served as a combat helicopter in Vietnam during the mid-1960s. After the Army, he went to work for Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI), where he served as a line pilot, flight and ground instructor, assistant to the general manager, and assistant chief pilot and director of training, before being promoted to vice president and chief pilot, retiring in 1994 to start his own consulting business.

He also flew as an invited guest test pilot for the Allison Detroit Diesel Aviation Engine Division, establishing three helicopter speed records.

Albert is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Reatha; his two children Jeff and Andrea and their families, including grandchildren Jessica, Emily, Jordan, Blake, and Austin; sisters Isabel Meloni and Joyce Rodgers and their families; sisters-in-law Gloria Grogger and Rhetta Johnston and their families; and numerous nieces and nephews, an uncle, and several cousins.

The funeral service will be held in Lafayette, La., on Monday, Sept. 15, with family visitation on Sunday, Sept. 14.