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 »
Two individuals will be chosen for the position of director to represent the commercial helicopter operator segment. HAI is pleased to announce the slate of candidates for this year’s election to the HAI Board of Directors. Of the six candidates, two will be chosen for the position of director to represent the commercial helicopter operator segment for a… Read more »
HAI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) has traditionally been a big part of the education program at HAI HELI-EXPO. With the 2021 show having been canceled, this year we’re bringing FIRC training to you—virtually. This two-day, 16-hour, helicopter-specific online course will cover the latest updates in regulations and helicopter flight instruction techniques from leading industry professionals. This course… Read more »
Robinson’s Cockpit Video Camera introduced at Heli Expo 2020 is now optional on R22/R44 helicopters and standard on R66 helicopters ordered after 15 January 2021. Securely mounted in the ceiling for minimal vibration and optimal field of view, the 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) video camera records video, intercom audio, radio communications, and… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) began over 70 years ago as a group to promote and advocate for the helicopter industry. While HAI maintains that role today, the association also makes significant and robust contributions to safety programs for the industry. HAI’s vision is an industry with zero accidents, and in pursuit of that goal, its… Read more »
The staff of Helicopter Association International (HAI) followed the findings and recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) related to the Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash near Calabasas, California. HAI extends its deepest sympathies to those who lost a loved one in this accident and is committed to the goal of zero fatal accidents… Read more »
The SH09 third prototype (P3) recently took off, at Mollis, Switzerland, following a major modification. This was part of the planned product development roadmap, towards the final Type Certificate configuration, as presented by Kopter during the 2020 HAI exhibition. This modification programme was successfully implemented thanks to the joint efforts of the Kopter and Leonardo teams. It… Read more »
The U.S. Senate voted 86-13 to confirm Peter Buttigieg’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Transportation. Helicopter Association International (HAI) congratulates Secretary Buttigieg and looks forward to his leadership and guidance as he takes over this new role. “HAI believes that Peter Buttigieg’s experience in military intelligence, as a Rhodes Scholar, and as the… Read more »
In a move seen as inevitable by everyone else in the industry, HAI finally realises they have to cancel Heli-Expo 2021. Here’s their statement:- Responding to an increasing number of voices from across the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry, Helicopter Association International (HAI) has made the difficult decision to cancel HAI HELI-EXPO 2021. HAI… Read more »
The following statement from HAI follows the story Heli-Expo 2021 will (at best) be a US-only event which we ran on Monday 11th January Helicopter Association International (HAI) remains committed to supporting the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry by holding an in-person HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 in New Orleans March 22–25, with exhibits open March 23–25…. Read more »
Amid the pandemic, HAI has a most difficult task ahead – how (or whether) to run Heli-Expo 2021, scheduled for March 22-25 in New Orleans. With ten weeks to go, there is no way of predicting what the situation will be regarding travel, quarantine, lockdown etc, and the event is reliant on international visitors from… Read more »
HAI is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest. Now in its ninth year, the contest encourages photographers from around the world to submit their images of helicopters and drones in a variety of categories that represent the rotorcraft industry. And this year’s top entries truly reflect the industry’s international… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) welcomes passage of a $900 billion pandemic aid package that would provide relief to the aviation industry. Legislators attached the financial assistance agreement to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, a $1.4 trillion omnibus package which passed in both chambers on Monday evening. The relief package includes $325 billion… Read more »
HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 is just four months away, and the HAI staff is deep into preparations to ensure attendees and exhibitors have a safe, healthy, and successful show. The world’s largest helicopter-oriented event, HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 will be held March 22–25 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The exhibit hall will… Read more »
HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 is just four months away, and I’d like to update you on our preparations for the show, including the health and safety precautions. Nearly every person I speak with is looking forward to our show next year. We’re all tired of virtual events and zoom meetings, and there is pent-up demand for our industry to meet… Read more »
There’s still time to sign up for the annual Aerial Firefighting Conference sponsored by Helicopter Association International (HAI). This year’s event is virtual—and free!—making it easy for aerial firefighters around the world to attend. The conference will take place Nov. 17–18, with sessions beginning at 4:00 pm eastern (UTC-5). Each day, HAI will present four… Read more »
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 »
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 »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael J. Hertzendorf (US Army, Ret.) as vice president of operations. Hertzendorf will oversee HAI’s work for its members in flight operations, maintenance and technology, safety, and education. He will also work closely with HAI’s Government Affairs Department to ensure HAI members across the… Read more »
HAI HELI-EXPO 2021 in New Orleans is still about seven months away, but that doesn’t mean that preparations for the world’s largest civil helicopter show and exhibition are lagging. The first stage of the show floor lottery closed in July, and over 300 companies — including most of the major OEMs — have already booked… Read more »
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 »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) sincerely regrets the passing of industry stalwart and past chairman of the Board of Directors James O. Wisecup. Service information is pending and will be provided when available. Wisecup, a highly experienced 16,000-hour dual-rated pilot, had recently retired from his post as assistant chief pilot of helicopter air ambulance (HAA) operator… Read more »
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 »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to introduce HAI’s COVID Clean Program, a project designed to help HAI members share their efforts to protect their customers and employees from infectious diseases. HAI assists participating companies by providing them promotional tools and support through social media and other digital channels. The COVID Clean Program provides a… Read more »
We’re nearly halfway through the year, and frankly, 2020 has been a bumpy ride. COVID-19 changed nearly every routine we had, both at work and at home. Businesses around the world went dark, and millions signed up for unemployment. Some sectors of our industry, such as aerial tours and flight training, have been hard-hit by… Read more »
Four Pennsylvania College of Technology students were recently awarded aviation scholarships: two from the Helicopter Foundation International/Helicopter Association International and two from Women in Aviation International. All four are enrolled in the four-year aviation maintenance technology major, based at Penn College’s Lumley Aviation Center in Montoursville. Ethan M. Miller, of Montoursville, and Hamin Kim, of… Read more »
Like many others in the rotorcraft industry, staff members from Helicopter Association International (HAI) viewed the May 19, 2020, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) board hearing on the cause of a January 2019 crash of a helicopter air ambulance (HAA) flight in Ohio. HAI appreciates the extraordinary efforts made by the investigative team in determining… Read more »
Robert M. Volmer has joined HAI as the vice president of Marketing Communications. In this role, Rob will oversee branding, messaging, research, technology, and media for the association. “When I joined HAI. I told the Board of Directors that I wanted to over-communicate to our members about what their association was doing to serve them…. Read more »
William H. “Bill” Wells Jr., president and owner of Cascade Helicopters in Cashmere, Washington, died on Apr. 15, 2020, at the age of 86. Bill was born on Feb. 25, 1934, in Seattle, Washington. He joined the military in 1953 as an Alaska Communications System specialist in the US Army Signal Corps. In 1958, he… Read more »
Elling B. Halvorson, founder and chairman of the board of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters in Boulder City, Nevada, died Apr. 16, 2020, at the age of 88. With the opening of his helicopter tour company in 1965, he is credited with creating the site-specific helicopter tourism sector. Elling was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on… Read more »
The Utah State Legislature recently approved a Strategic Workforce Initiative (SWI) grant to Southern Utah University to support the growth of the Utah Rotor Pathway Program, a government-industry-education partnership preparing Utah students for high-growth occupations while serving regional industry workforce needs. The grant totals $386,000 per year for three years, for a total of $1,158,000…. Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) can now provide updates to a March 29, 2020, HAI press release about airmen medical certificates and an FAA announcement regarding waivers for Part 135 operators that was issued on March 25, 2020. HAI’s press release yesterday cautioned against FAA-certificated flight personnel allowing their medical certificates to expire based on information… Read more »
If you are a pilot or aircrewmen whose medical certificate will expire between March 31 and June 30, 2020, the FAA has announced that it is waiving enforcement actions against you if you are unable to obtain a new certificate in a timely manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Helicopter Association International (HAI) still… Read more »
On Wednesday evening, March 25, the US Senate unanimously approved a $2 trillion emergency relief bill providing stimulus funds to a US economy reeling from the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, March 27, the House is expected to pass the bill, which includes specific measures aimed at general aviation businesses. The bill… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) has joined a coalition of five other general aviation associations in seeking from the US government financial relief for general aviation businesses. The request stems from the unstable global economic situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a March 17 letter to majority and minority leaders of the US Senate and… Read more »
Wireless intercom innovator and manufacturer, Axnes has announced the recent delivery of a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Cal Fire S-70i Firehawk® helicopter equipped with the latest generation PNG wireless intercom system. Integrated by Firehawk® completion specialist, United Rotorcraft, the S-70i airframes are configured with internal audio integration and two MP50 handsets that… Read more »
Wireless intercom technology innovator, Axnes has announced the integration of the PNG wireless intercom system for multi-mission provider, Travis County STAR Flight. Based in Austin, Texas, STAR Flight has recently taken delivery of three AW169 airframes as part of a fleet modernization program to support their air medical transport, hoist, and fire suppression operations. Designed… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Matthew S. Zuccaro, the immediate past president and CEO of the association. Plans for services are still being determined and will be shared as soon as they are available. “Matt was one of a kind in our industry,” says current HAI President and… Read more »
Helinetwork International, the specialist in the sale of new and overhauled parts for civil and military helicopters, has announced a strategic partnership with Tech-Tool Plastics, one of the leaders in the helicopter window manufacturing industry during HAI Heli-Expo 2020. Tech-Tool Plastics, Inc. has been a major player in the industry for over 45 years. After… Read more »
In partnership with Rolls-Royce, Cadorath has completed the design, approval and first deliveries of repairs and overhauls to the M250 Series IV Outer Combustion Case (OCC). Overhauls include repairs to the fuel boss and replacement of the existing wire mesh patches with new reinforced dual wire mesh patches. On October 28, 2018 a Rolls-Royce released… Read more »
Located within the trade show floor of Heli-Expo 2020, Meridian Helicopters will display a Bell 206L4 owned by Southern Utah University. The aircraft can be viewed at static display booth #15. The Meridian Helicopters completion of the aircraft consisted of many freshly overhauled components and engine. A complete Garmin avionics package was installed with compliance… Read more »
Aerometals, an aerospace design, engineering and manufacturing specialty leader for over 35 years will be showcasing the latest application of their new generation Engine Inlet Barrier Filter (EIBF) during the upcoming HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California. The company will display an S-70i Firehawk® operated by City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Air Operations Department with an… Read more »
Wireless intercom technology leader, Axnes unveiled its latest addition to their product line yesterday during the HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim. During the unveiling, Axnes presented the new PNG Mobile Base Station that is selfcontained, completely autonomous and portable – all features which many customers have requested. Derived from the PNG BST50 base station, there will… Read more »
This IFR Helicopter was purchased NEW in 1977 by Dr. Forrest Bird. Dr. Bird was noted for his work with oxygen systems in the aviation and medical fields. He was an avid aviation supporter his entire life and maintained an aviation museum with dozens of aircraft on display until his death the age of 94…. Read more »
SKYTRAC announced it will expand upon their partnership with GigSky to offer global cellular data coverage in over 200 countries to deliver mission-critical mobile data to the aviation enterprise. Originally ratified in September 2019, the partnership enables global 4G/LTE cellular network access for use with SKYTRAC’s Dynamic Air Link 200 (DAL-200) wireless communications and data… Read more »
AT Systems, LLC is proud to be invited to demonstrate new training technology at HeliExpo. AT Systems has patented a device that trains pilots for degraded visual environment during normal training flights. The device can be seen at the Safety Town Hall and in several exhibits. This totally unique device is the latest technology in… Read more »
Web Manuals, the world leader in aviation document digitization, is celebrating the signing of Air Center Helicopters at this year’s HAI-HELI. Texas-based Air Center Helicopters operates its fleet of Airbus and Bell helicopters under FAA Part 91, Part 135, Part 133. Part 137 and Part 145 certificates, meaning a high number of regulatory documents are… Read more »
Metro Aviation today announced the delivery of the first American-made EC145e, which was completed for Duke Life Flight of Duke Health based in Durham, North Carolina. This is the first of two EC145e aircraft with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability that Metro is completing for the program. “From beginning to end, the aircraft completion process… Read more »
OMNI Táxi Aéreo has selected SKYTRAC to provide both Real-Time Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) and Satellite Push-to-Talk (PTT) solutions on nine AW139s currently engaged in services contracts with PETROBRAS, the largest multinational Brazilian producer of oil and gas, to become the country’s first AW139s equipped with the industry-leading technology. “SKYTRAC has an excellent… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI) has drawn the curtains on HAI HELI-EXPO 2020 in Anaheim, and this year’s show was packed with business deals, new technology, and safety and professional training. The four-day event brought together thousands of attendees from around the globe, focusing their attention on every aspect of the rotorcraft industry. Spread across the… Read more »
Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) members elected four members to the HAI Board of Directors on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2020. Three individuals are joining the board for the first time, while another is being reelected to his post. The elected directors, whose three-year terms will begin on July 1, 2020, are: Randal… Read more »
Wireless intercom technology innovator Axnes has announced the integration of the PNG wireless intercom system for multi-mission provider Travis County STAR Flight. Based in Austin, Texas, STAR Flight has recently taken delivery of three AW169 airframes as part of a fleet modernization program to support their air medical transport, hoist, and fire suppression operations. Designed to improve crew… Read more »
Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, has announced at Heli Expo, a new production line of the legacy Air Crane® helicopter introducing the S-64F+ to the market. Erickson’s recent aircraft orders and deliveries have signaled a demand for the S-64 as a firefighting platform of the future. We will… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters concluded Heli-Expo 2020 with 38 orders, as well as 20 retrofits for the new five-bladed H145. German air rescue and ambulance provider DRF Luftrettung placed an order for 15 H145s, making them the largest operator of the H145. Show highlights included the increased power of the H125 that will enable operators to lift… Read more »
Metro Aviation today released a rare inside look at its completion process. With nearly 40 years of completion experience, customers have continuously praised the quality of work and unmatched customer service. See and Experience the Completion Process Metro spent the year documenting the completion of an Airmedic EC145e, which will be on display at HELI-EXPO… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has announced a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) available on the latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. H135 helicopters with the new alternate gross weight benefit from a 120kg (265 lb) increased take-off weight and useful load. This increase can also be used to extend the range by up to 75… Read more »
JSfirm.com (Booth 2604) announced their newest Job Distribution Partner at HELI-EXPO, the National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA, Booth 6416). Through this partnership, all aviation job opportunities that are posted on JSfirm.com are now searchable directly on NEMSPA’s new website. “Our job distribution partnerships promote aviation job opportunities through industry-leading associations. As the only association… Read more »
Sweden’s air ambulance service – Svensk Luftambulans – has ordered three new H145 helicopters in a deal announced at the Heli Expo 2020 exhibition. The operator will also have its existing three earlier model H145s retrofitted to the same standard as the new aircraft including an innovative five-bladed rotor, increasing the useful load of the… Read more »
Heli-One, a leading provider of helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has opened a new engine test stand at their Stavanger, Norway location. This test stand features state-of-the-art technology that reduces testing times through automation and upgraded equipment. The stand supports the facility’s engine shop servicing the Safran Makila 1A engine variant. Designed in… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced Halo Flight has signed a purchase agreement for a Bell 407GXi with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) kit to add to its existing Bell aircraft fleet. “We are excited to announce that HALO-Flight added the first Bell 407GXi HEMS operator with IFR flight capabilities to its fleet. This… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters added 250 helicopters to HCare Smart and Infinite contracts in 2019, increasing to 2,250 the number of aircraft now covered by a global HCare material management contract. This means 19% of Airbus Helicopters’ worldwide fleet is now covered by HCare. New aircraft added at Heli-Expo 2020, all with HCare Smart, were from Papillon (21 H130s)… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters is helping Hungary’s largest civilian operator become a digital organisation capable of capturing, storing and then analysing the rich amounts of data generated from its day-to-day helicopter operations. The operator, Hungarian Air Ambulance Nonprofit Ltd, has signed a three-year contract to deploy Airbus Helicopters’ Connected Services for its new fleet of nine second-hand… Read more »
Metro Aviation has ordered an additional 12 new EC145e helicopters from Airbus, announced today at the Heli Expo trade show in Anaheim, California. This deal brings Metro Aviation’s total number of EC145e helicopters ordered to 43. Metro Aviation operates air medical helicopters and airplanes for healthcare providers and is a global leader for multi-mission helicopter… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today a signed a purchase agreement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in Tallahassee, Fla., for a public safety-configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. “Leon County has an advanced aviation unit that is responsible for a broad range of critical missions including aerial searching for lost… Read more »
In just over one year, Airbus Helicopters has nearly doubled the number of helicopters now sharing flight and maintenance data with the company. This progress advances Airbus’ creation of a connected helicopters ecosystem in which data from disparate sources is shared and analysed, helping operators make sense of their data for business value. “Collection of… Read more »
Leonardo announced the purchase of an AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS) by Suzuyo & Co of Japan. The AW139 FFS will be manufactured by Leonardo in collaboration with CAE and installed at Suzuyo & Co facilities located in Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport and will be operated by its subsidiary Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation… Read more »
Kopter Group AG (Kopter) receives additional orders in the Southeast Asian region from the leading operator in the Philippines, INAEC Aviation Corporation (INAEC). The SH09 helicopters are to be dedicated to urban air mobility operations with Ascent Flights Global Pte Ltd (Ascent). Kopter has signed an order for the purchase of one SH09 and one… Read more »
Papillon Airways is announcing its deployment of Web Manuals, the world leader in aviation document digitization solutions, to support the revamp of its company manuals, improving compliance and safety across its helicopter fleet. In addition to overhauling Papillon’s documentation, enabling them to have easy access to all manuals on one platform, Web Manuals allows for… Read more »
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a 10-year contract with Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) to support Portuguese RTM322-powered EH101 Merlin fleet. Over 38 engines will now be covered by Safran’s Global Support Package (GSP). This new agreement satisfies the Portuguese Air Force requirement for optimum availability during their domestic and international military operations. Lieutenant… Read more »
Air medical program managers from around the country currently operating an EC145e have announced their support for this one-of-a-kind aircraft. HELI-EXPO 2020 attendees can see the airframe up-close at Metro Aviation’s booth (#3624). The aircraft is available in both VFR and IFR configurations, allowing it to meet the requirements of any mission. West Michigan Air… Read more »
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a Support-By-Hour (SBH®) contract with Transportes Aéreos Pegaso, covering the Mexican operator’s H145, EC145 and BK117. This contract formalizes a five-year Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement supporting a total of over 30 Arriel 1 and 2 engines. Commented Enrique Zepeda Navarro, Transportes Aéreos Pegaso CEO: “With this contract, we… Read more »
Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, announced the purchase and leaseback of three Leonardo AW139s with French helicopter services provider, Héli-Union. The acquisition of these aircraft expands Milestone’s fleet of owned and debt financed fleet of AW139 helicopters to more than 80. The company made the… Read more »
Metro Aviation announced it’s moving closer to receiving Transport Canada certification for the Airbus EC145e’s IFR package. With support from Metro Aviation, Genesys AeroSystems and S-TEC established an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the aircraft in February 2019 and Canadian approval is expected this year. The certification comes ahead of an anticipated EC145e delivery… Read more »
– Leonardo is celebrating at HAI’s Heli-Expo 2020 the longstanding partnerships and outstanding achievements of some of its official distributors who have contributed to the growing success and presence of its helicopters worldwide. Among them, Sloane Helicopters, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and Rotortrade have supported the introduction or the growth of several models in key regions… Read more »
Two years after launching the Health Monitoring service that enables customers to track their engines’ health indicator, Safran Helicopter has broaden its service offer. The service now has brand new features such as daily health indicators, in addition to the monthly recommendations; full automation of the engine performance trend follow up; and a newly user-friendly… Read more »
