13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Altitude Air Operations director Ananda “Andy” Thapa is the 2023 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award. The award, sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of rotorcraft to the communities in which they operate... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Capital Air founder and director Joäo “John” Vinagre is the 2023 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, sponsored by Bell, salutes excellence in management and leadership and is granted to an individual for long and significant service to the international rotorcraft community.... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce David Ellis, executive director of Haiti Air Ambulance, is the 2023 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award. The award recognizes the efforts of an individual, group, or organization that, through a particular activity or contributions over time, has advanced the use of helicopters or... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce GPMS International CEO and Chief Engineer Eric Bechhoefer is the 2023 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions in promoting rotorcraft safety and safety awareness. It will be presented on Mar. 6, 2023, at... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Alameda County (California) Sheriff’s Office (ASCO) criminalist Penny Ritter is the recipient of the 2023 Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. This award, sponsored by MD Helicopters, LLC, recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the promotion and advancement of rotorcraft in support of law... Read more
13-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Helicopter Institute senior flight instructor Karl Cotton is the recipient of the 2023 Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. This award, presented by Hill Air Corporation, recognizes superlative contributions by a helicopter flight instructor or a UAS flight instructor in upholding... Read more
12-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the late Vertical magazine photographer and writer Lawrence “Skip” Robinson is the recipient of the 2023 Salute to Excellence Award for Communications. The award recognizes an individual for creative distinction in disseminating information about the helicopter industry. It will be presented to a family member of... Read more
11-Jan-2023Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Rainbow Helicopters VP of Maintenance Mike Iven as the recipient of the 2023 Salute to Excellence Maintenance Award. This award, presented by Rolls-Royce, recognizes an individual for long-standing excellence in rotorcraft maintenance, maintenance instruction or supervision, or a single significant contribution to rotorcraft maintenance. It will be... Read more
3-Oct-2022Source: HAI
Send in your nominations by Saturday, Oct. 15, for this prestigious industry honor. Do you know someone in the rotorcraft, drone, or advanced air mobility community who’s outstanding in their profession? If so, HAI is hoping you’ll tell us their story and nominate them for our annual Salute to Excellence Awards program! We’ve extended the... Read more
23-Aug-2022Source: HAI
Do you know someone in the rotorcraft, drone, or advanced air mobility community who’s outstanding in their profession? If so, HAI is hoping you’ll tell us their story and nominate them for our annual Salute to Excellence Awards program! We’ve extended the deadline for nominations to Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Award descriptions and criteria, as well as additional information about... Read more
7-Jun-2022Source: HAI
Do you know a team or individual in the rotorcraft or drone community who are outstanding in their profession? Or perhaps they conducted an exceptional operation that made the news? Helicopter Association International (HAI) is hoping you’ll tell us their story! HAI is pleased to announce that it is now accepting nominations for its... Read more
18-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Dwayne Williams is the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Bell. This award honors excellence in management and leadership and is granted to an individual for long and significant service to the international helicopter community. It will be presented March 7 at... Read more
17-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce United States Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Travis Christy, an MH-60 aircraft commander, as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award. The award, presented by ROTOR Media, recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism... Read more
14-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Michigan State Police Aviation Unit Sgt. Matt Rogers is the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. This award, sponsored by MD Helicopters, recognizes an individual who has contributed to the promotion and advancement of helicopters in support of law enforcement activities. It will... Read more
14-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce MD Helicopters is the 2022 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award. The award, sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, honors the person or people who best demonstrate the value of helicopters to the communities in which they operate by providing aid to those... Read more
13-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team at Children’s Health of Dallas, Texas, is the 2022 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award. The award recognizes the efforts of an individual, group, or organization that, through a particular activity or contributions over time, has advanced the use... Read more
13-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion of helicopter safety and safety awareness. It will be presented Monday, March 7, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022... Read more
12-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Helicopter Life Editor Georgina Hunter-Jones as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Communications Award. The award, sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation, recognizes an individual for creative distinction in disseminating information about the helicopter industry. It will be presented March 7, 2022, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022 in Dallas,... Read more
12-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Scott Tinnesand as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. This award, presented by H. Ross Perot & Family, recognizes superlative contributions by a helicopter or UAS flight instructor in upholding high standards of professionalism. It will be... Read more
12-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Panther Helicopters mechanic Jeffrey Donnell as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence Maintenance Award. This award, presented by Rolls-Royce, recognizes an individual for long-standing excellence in rotorcraft maintenance, maintenance instruction or supervision, or a single significant contribution to rotorcraft maintenance. It will be presented Monday, March... Read more
11-Jan-2022Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce US Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technician Second Class Andrew Champagne as the first recipient of the Salute to Excellence Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award. This award recognizes aeronautical decision-making, crew resource management, and coordinated actions by flight crews that result in the decision to terminate... Read more
1-Oct-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International is extending the deadline to accept nominations for its annual Salute to Excellence Awards program. The deadline to submit full nomination packages is now Friday, October 15, 2021. These awards recognize superior achievement across the rotorcraft industry and are open to individuals, teams, or organizations who work with helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones or UAS). Nominations can be submitted at rotor.org/salute.... Read more
23-Sep-2021Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics/engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The HAI Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation, including unmanned aircraft systems (UASs, or drones). New This Year HAI is... Read more
29-Jul-2021Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics/engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The HAI Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation, including unmanned aircraft systems (UASs, or drones). New This Year HAI is... Read more
7-Jun-2021Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics/engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The HAI Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation, including unmanned aircraft systems (UASs, or drones). New This Year HAI is... Read more
15-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 pilot LCDR Robert McCabe is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Pilot of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism over a period of time. This award is sponsored... Read more
12-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Michael Hynes, a 65-year veteran of the aviation industry, is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, sponsored by Bell, salutes excellence in management and leadership and is granted to an individual for long and significant service to the international helicopter community. An... Read more
10-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce life-long maintenance professional David Fox is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Maintenance Excellence Award. The award, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, recognizes an individual for long-standing excellence in rotorcraft maintenance, maintenance instruction or supervision, or a single significant contribution to rotorcraft maintenance. David has been around aircraft since... Read more
9-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce the California National Guard 40th Combat Aviation Brigade CH-47 and UH-60 Blackhawk Crews are the 2021 recipients of the association’s Humanitarian Service Award. The award, sponsored by Sikorsky, honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of helicopters to the communities in which they operate... Read more
8-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce John Cooper, the safety and training officer for the Columbus Division of Police in Columbus, Ohio, is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Law Enforcement Award. The award, sponsored by MD Helicopters, recognizes an individual that has contributed to the promotion and advancement of helicopters in support... Read more
5-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce rotorcraft industry professional Neo Aik Sia, is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to the promotion of helicopter safety and safety awareness. Neo Aik Sia joined the Junior Flying Club in 1972 in... Read more
3-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Nobuyuki Kosuge, assistant chief flight instructor at Helistream in Costa Mesa, California, is the 2021 recipient of the association’s W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award, sponsored by Hill Air Corporation. The award superlative contributions by a helicopter flight instructor in upholding high standards of... Read more
2-Mar-2021Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Jeanette Eaton, vice president of commercial strategy and business development for global commercial and military systems at Sikorsky, is the 2021 recipient of the association’s Excellence in Communications Award. The award, sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation, recognizes an individual for creative distinction in disseminating information about the helicopter... Read more
30-Oct-2020Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) i s extending the deadline to submit nominations for the annual Salute to Excellence awards that recognize superior achievement across nine categories of the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry. Salute nomination packages must be submitted to HAI by Nov. 20, 2020, to be considered. The original deadline of October 30... Read more
26-Oct-2020Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics and engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The HAI Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation. As our industry evolves, HAI is excited to announce that... Read more
11-Aug-2020Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics and engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The HAI Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation. As our industry evolves, HAI is excited to announce that... Read more
13-Nov-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the Los Angeles County (California) Fire Department Air Operations LACOFD Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopter teams are the 2020 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Humanitarian Service Award. The award honors the person or persons who best demonstrate the value of helicopters to the communities in which... Read more
12-Nov-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Krisna Dewi, commercial manager of PT. Sayap Garuda Indah (Heli SGI and Air Bali) in Bali, Indonesia, is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Safety Award. The award, sponsored by BLR Aerospace, acknowledges outstanding contributions in the promotion of safety and safety awareness throughout the international... Read more
12-Nov-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Boise, Idaho, resident Gary Wiltrout is the 2020 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, presented by Bell, salutes excellence in management and leadership and is given to an individual for long and significant service to the international helicopter community. It will... Read more
11-Nov-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance Service is the 2020 recipient of the Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award. This award recognizes the efforts of an individual, group, or organization that, through a particular activity or contributions over time, has advanced the use of helicopters in... Read more
8-Nov-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that Bryn Elliott is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. The award, sponsored by MD Helicopters, recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the promotion and advancement of helicopters in support of law enforcement activities. Nominees were not limited... Read more
6-Aug-2019Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the highest standards of professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in vertical aviation. Go to rotor.org/salute and nominate an exceptional... Read more
24-Jun-2019Source: HAI
Nominations Now Open for HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the highest standards of professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in... Read more
4-Jun-2019Source: HAI
Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the highest standards of professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in vertical aviation. Go to rotor.org/salute and nominate an exceptional... Read more
11-Jan-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce today that Marty Wright, Chief Flight Instructor at the Bell Training Academy, is the 2019 recipient of the W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. This award, sponsored by H. Ross Perot and the Perot family, recognizes superlative contributions by a helicopter flight instructor in... Read more
11-Jan-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce today that Thomas “TJ” Hall, Airbase Lead Mechanic for Air Methods, is the 2019 winner of HAI’s Salute to Excellence Rolls-Royce Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award. With this award, HAI recognizes an individual for longstanding excellence in helicopter maintenance, maintenance instruction or supervision, or a single significant... Read more
11-Jan-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce today that Andreas Hermansky, a pilot for Temsco Helicopters in Alaska, is the 2019 recipient of the Pilot of the Year Award. This award, sponsored by Appareo, recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism over a period of... Read more
10-Jan-2019Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce today that Chris Sharpe, project manager of HeliSOS in Guatemala, is the 2019 winner of HAI’s Salute to Excellence BLR Aerospace Excellence in Safety Award. With this award, HAI acknowledges outstanding contributions in the promotion of safety and safety awareness throughout the international helicopter community. The award... Read more
11-Oct-2018Source: HAI
Due to an extremely active summer flying-season, HAI is extending the deadline for the 2019 Salute to Excellence Awards to October 19. There are many deserving people in our industry, but someone needs to take the time to honor them with a nomination. The nine categories of Salute awards cover the variety of work that... Read more
20-Sep-2018Source: HAI
Nominate for HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards – Deadline Extended to Oct. 15 Within vertical aviation are pilots, mechanics, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the highest standards of professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards recognize... Read more
