Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is happy to announce the presentation of the Award for Engineering Excellence, donated by Heli-One, from the UK Royal Air Force to Sergeant Burns during the annual Station Awards Reception at RAF Benson. The award was won by Sgt Burns for his outstanding achievements in assuring the current and future delivery of Puma capability through his exceptional management of the Puma Fleet Plan.

The award was presented by Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Vice Marshal Colman on behalf of Heli-One. The RAF Benson Annual Station Awards Reception event is held to celebrate the talent and achievements of personnel across all ranks and specialisations.

The Award for Engineering Excellence is presented to the individual that has demonstrated the greatest impact to the organisation, due to their engineering input, and/or drive for individual development to enhance their engineering skills for the benefit of the Puma organisation. The unique trophy was an appropriately decommissioned and mounted axial compressor bearing the Heli-One logo, a fitting symbol of Sgt Burn’s work and dedication.

”We are delighted for Sgt Burns to receive this award for his outstanding achievements and delighted to support RAF Benson in recognising the achievements of all their personnel at the Station Awards Reception. Their work is critical in supporting the important missions of the Puma fleet in the UK and around the globe”, said Carolyn Forsyth, General Manager of Sales, Commercial & Customer Support.

The UK Ministry of Defense operates 24 Puma HC2s, serviced by a pool of 58 Safran Makila 1A1 engines. The fleet supports critical missions domestically and abroad and requires 100% engine availability. Heli-One supports the maintenance of these engines through an embedded support agreement which includes two personnel stationed at the base. RAF operations staff, including the fleet engineering team, work closely with the Heli-One staff on base and in Stavanger, Norway (where the major engine maintenance takes place). Heli-One has supported the RAF Benson base with pride since 2013 and has achieved 100% engine availability as required.