No one has to tell you that the aviation world is getting
clobbered... by the economy, awful press and some truly poor
lawmaking. In a world where it seems we have no end of hazards to
be wary of, the last thing we needed was a few more. but, then
again, we simply persevere.
Most prominent among the aero-survivors at this early point in
the eco-debacle, is the helo industry... which seems to be staying
fairly healthy despite the miasma that surrounds us. That was
particularly evident at the recently concluded HAI Heli-Expo, which
ANN attended in Anaheim, California.
Heli-Expo 2009 came to a close in Anaheim on Tuesday, February
24th, with all indicators pointing to a record breaking show,
according to the folks at HAI. While a total of 17,373 participates
attended the show over all three days last year, Heli-Expo had
attracted 17,321 by only the second day this year - with final
attendee figures tallying a most positive 17,995.
Five-hundred and eighty-five exhibitors showcased their products
and services. Sixty-five helicopters were displayed on the showroom
floor. Exhibitor space covered 259,400 net square feet and featured
avionics, accessories, components, and related products, all under
one roof!
Exhibitors reported high activity at their booths, and vendors
were able to interact with thousands of attendees on the floor. HAI
committee meetings and educational seminars were well attended, and
this year’s Heli-Expo Job Fair was also a success, with 35
employers and more than 550 jobseekers participating. The Heli-Expo
job fair allowed jobseekers to meet with employers and discuss
opportunities in the international helicopter community.
Following voting for the HAI Board of Directors, the newly
elected winners are David Chevalier, CEO of Blue Hawaiian
Helicopters; Mark Gibson, Vice President of Timberland Logging; and
Torbjorn ("TC") Corell, Chief Pilot of Southern California Edison.
The new members of the executive committee of the Board of
Directors are Mark Gibson, Chairman; David Chevalier, Vice
Chairman; Art Ashton, Treasurer; and Gale Wilson, Assistant
Treasurer.
The “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet was held
Monday night in the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott. The
highlight of the banquet was a video paying tribute to award
winners, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the
international helicopter community.
Heli-Expo 2010 will take place in Houston, Texas February 21-23,
2010. Mark your calendars!