Two Organizations Announce Agreement During Heli-Expo

The EAA and the Helicopter Association International (HAI) have renewed an agreement that assures the return of the popular Heli-Center on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh flightline in 2012 and includes other support for this year’s 60th annual EAA fly-in gathering, which will take place July 23-29.

(L-R) Rod Hightower, Matt Zuccaro

EAA President/CEO Rod Hightower and HAI President Matt Zuccaro signed the agreement Tuesday during HAI’s annual convention in Dallas, Texas. HAI will again bring its two-story Heli-Center, which showcases innovations in rotorcraft, to Oshkosh. It will also sponsor one of AirVenture’s Forums Plaza buildings within the area where tens of thousands of AirVenture visitors learn more about all facets of aviation during more than 500 forums, seminars and workshops.

“When it debuted in 2011, HAI’s Heli-Center instantly became a prime destination on the AirVenture grounds,” Hightower said. “HAI’s presence at AirVenture widened the representation of the rotorcraft community at Oshkosh and allowed our guests to discover more about this important segment of general aviation.”

The Heli-Center was a hub of activity during EAA AirVenture 2011 and prompted HAI to plan for even more extensive programming and exhibits this year. “If you’re involved in aviation, you have to be at Oshkosh,” Zuccaro said. “HAI received such a warm welcome and overwhelming positive feedback in our inaugural effort in 2011 that it motivated us to make things even better in 2012. We're proud to be part of AirVenture, which is truly The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

Along with the return of the Heli-Center, HAI’s participation in AirVenture’s Forums Plaza will include seminars specific devoted to rotorcraft safety and operations.

FMI: www.rotor.com, www.eaa.org