Start Preparing Now For 2008 In Houston!
The Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Heli-Expo
2007 wrapped up Saturday afternoon, after more than 500 exhibitors
showcased their products and services at the Orange County
Convention Center. Thirty-five helicopters were displayed
throughout the showroom floor, and exhibitors reported high levels
of activity at their booths, while vendors were able to interact
with thousands of consumers on the floor.
Representatives with HAI state committee meetings and
educational seminars were well attended, exceeding 500 registrants
participating in this year's Professional Education Series. Two
more education courses will take place March 4, including "Defining
Direct Operating Costs" and "Advanced Helicopter Operator
Management."
This year’s Heli-Expo Job Fair and Mentoring Program was
also a huge success with 35 employers and a record setting 900
participants. The Job Fair allowed jobseekers to meet with
potential employers and discuss opportunities in the international
helicopter community. The event was free, fully sponsored by
HAI’s Human Resources Committee.
If you missed the Job
Fair this year, HAI is also bringing its education program to a
number of convenient locations with its new "On the Road"
series. Better known as the Three Amigos, instructors Mike
Alvarado, Brandon Battles, and Steve Bassett will be spending a day
or two with HAI members. They will be teaching members how to
develop, implement, and manage an effective organizational safety
system, how to implement a crisis management plan, and how to
identify and manage direct operating costs.
The "Salute to Excellence" Awards Celebration was held in the
Grand Ballroom of the Rosen Centre Hotel on March 2. The HAI
Chairman, Board of Directors, HAI President, HAI members,
exhibitors, and industry family and friends honored this year's
2006 "Salute to Excellence" Award winners with a short video
recognizing their tremendous achievements and their contributions
to the industry and society.
The 2006 "Salute to Excellence" winners included, Aviation
Maintenance Technician Award, Ron Gilroy; Aviation Repair
Specialist Award, Richard Wolfgang; Igor I. Sikorsky Award for
Humanitarian Service, Crew of Helicopter ER-MHH (Alexey Ostapenko,
Oleg Pazynitch, Alexander Ivlev, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd,
and John Funnell); The Joe Mashman Safety Award, Scott Baxter;
Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award, Mel Schiller; Agusta
Community Service Award, New York City Police Department Aviation
Unit; Eurocopter Golden Hour Award, Crew of HH-65C CG6553
(Lieutenant Brian S. Waring, Lieutenant Patrick M. Lineberry, AET2
David S. Fanelli, AST1 John D. Isbell); Excellence in
Communications Award, Mike Reyno and Linda Reyno; Helicopter
Maintenance Award, Glen Cornett; MD Helicopters Law Enforcement
Award, Monica McIntyre; Lawrence D. Bell Memorial Award, Wanda Lee
Rogers; Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award, Kenneth Eichner, who
passed away in January; and Pilot of the Year Award, Dale L.
Weir.
HAI Chairman Ed Newton and HAI President Matt Zuccaro announced
the newly elected board members. Patrick Corr was elected to fill
the Regular Member-Commercial seat and Tony Burson and Bill Force
were elected to fill two Regular Member-Corporate- Private seats.
In addition, Chairman Newton passed the gavel to newly elected
Chairman Michael Suldo, who will officially begin his term in July.
Mr. and Mrs. Robin N. Daily of Colorado Springs, CO won the night's
grand prize -- a brand new Chrysler PT Cruiser.
HAI staff members will soon begin preparing for Heli-Expo 2008,
planned for February 24-26 in Houston, TX.