HAI Welcomes Visitors To A New Heli-Center

By Maxine Scheer

The flight line at AirVenture has a handsome new feature as the rotorcraft segment of the aviation industry is well represented by a new, branded Heli-Center complete with a beautiful mezzanine that looks directly out on Runway 18/36 at Wittman Field. HAI estimates hundreds of attendees at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin visited the HAI Heli-Center on opening day of AirVenture 2011.

At a press conference held on Monday, July 25th, HAI President Matt Zuccaro welcomed the crowd and shared the vision for an expanded helicopter presence through the Heli-Center at AirVenture as well as at other major shows in the U.S. and internationally. Along with more than 50 aviation press from around the world, HAI Members enjoyed the best seats in the house for the afternoon air show.

Monday’s events also included a presentation at the HAI Forum Pavilion 05 where Ryan McCartney of Oregon’s Hillsboro Aviation gave a presentation on becoming a helicopter pilot, either for fun or as a career. On Tuesday, Zuccaro presented at the HAI Forum an overview of the helicopter industry, with a special focus on helicopter safety and the HAI's safety initiatives.

Engaging women in the helicopter industry is also a priority for the organization, as evidenced by a new DVD introduced at the HELI-EXPO on Women in the Helicopter Industry. In addition to supporting EAA, Zuccaro is reaching out with Women in Aviation (WAI). “We will be participating in the Women in Aviation Celebrity Breakfast on Thursday, and making these DVDs available to the events participants.” Zuccaro is encouraging women helicopter pilots to join the WomenVenture photo-op on Friday in ConocoPhillips Plaza at 1030 CDT.

The Heli-Center even includes a small section for children complete with children’s furniture, coloring books, toys and signage.

Presentations on the rotorcraft industry will be held throughout the week at the HAI Forum and HAI members can now enjoy the views and relax at the newest view along AirVenture’s illustrious flight line.

“Helicopters are an important component of the aviation industry and we definitely wanted people to know that we (rotorcraft) are here,” said Zuccaro.

FMI: www.rotor.com