HAI Completes Recognition Program For Katrina Participants

Alexandria, VA., January 12, 2007- Helicopter Association International (HAI) has distributed more than 600 Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service certificates to companies, organizations, and individuals who took part in the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.

The Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service is sponsored by Sikorsky Aircraft as a tribute to its founder. This award represents the value of civil rotorcraft to society by saving lives, protecting property, and aiding those who need help.

Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast in August 2005, leaving massive destruction in its path. Its severity forced mandatory evacuation and left many people stranded. Helicopter operators, including many HAI members rushed in to volunteer their services, and in some cases placed their helicopters and other equipment at the disposal of the rescue and relief efforts. These helicopters rescued thousands of people from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. They landed on rooftops, parking garages, and large decks to transport victims, including hospital patients to safety.

Helicopters airlifted food, fuel, water, and other supplies, as well as law enforcement, firefighters, and relief workers throughout the Gulf Coast. They helped restore and repair damaged power lines after an estimated three million people were left without electricity. They also were involved in levee repair and news coverage to keep the world informed as events unfolded.

Nominations were submitted to HAI with information describing the nature of those who participated and any existing documentation to support the nominee. HAI formally honored some participants at HELI-EXPO 2006 held in Dallas, Texas. However, due to the high number of relief volunteers, HAI extended the deadline for certificates to December 31, 2006 to assure those who participated were recognized. The certificate awards have now been concluded. HAI congratulates all of the participants involved. Their contributions will long be remembered by a grateful nation.

HAI is the professional trade association for international helicopter industry. HAI’s 1,350-plus-member organizations and 1,150 individual members, in more than 73 nations, safely operate more than 4,500 helicopters approximately 2.3 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community.

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