Alexandria, VA., December 14, 2009 – The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is proud to announce its “Salute to Excellence” award winners for 2010. The “Salute to Excellence” Awards program, now in its 49th year, recognizes outstanding achievement performed by individuals or companies in the international helicopter community. Winners will be recognized during the HAI “Salute to Excellence” banquet and awards ceremony to be held on Monday, February 22, 2010, at HELI-EXPO 2010 in Houston, Texas.
The Winners Are:
Rolls-Royce Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award: Robert Peterson; Consultant, Columbia Helicopters, Inc., Aurora, Oregon
Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award: Crew of CGNR 6033; U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida
AgustaWestland Safety Award: Terry Palmer; Manager of Rotorcraft Programs, Flight Safety International, Dallas, Texas
W. A. (Dub) Blessing Certified Flight Instructor of the Year Award: Tom Read; Check Airman and Flight Instructor, Omniflight Helicopters, Addison, Texas
Eurocopter Golden Hour Award: Crew of CGNR 6573; U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska
Excellence in Communications Award: Ken Swartz; North American Editor, Helicopter International and HELiDATA News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award: John C. Agor; President, Associated Aircraft Group, Inc., Wappingers Falls, New York
Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award: Tim Wahlberg; Chairman of the Board, Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. McMinnville, Oregon
MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award: New Zealand Police Air Support Unit; Auckland, New Zealand
Pilot of the Year Award: Earl S. Palmer; Chief Pilot, Hillcrest Aircraft Company, Lewiston, Idaho
For information about the 2010 “Salute to Excellence” Awards banquet and ceremony, visit www.rotor.com/salute or contact HAI’s Communications Department by telephone: 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: [email protected] more information on HELI-EXPO 2010, visit www.rotor.com.