More Than Meets The Eye - ROTOR BLADES - SEPTEMBER 2022 - ROTOR Media
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SEPTEMBER 2022 THE MAGAZINE OF HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
ROTOR BLADES
More Than
Meets The Eye
R66
TURBINE
TOWN & COUNTRY
• Glass Avionics & Autopilot* • Extended Range with Aux Fuel Tank* • Baggage Compartment
www.robinsonheli.com
*Optional equipment. © Robinson Helicopter Company. R66 and Robinson are registered trademarks of Robinson Helicopter Company
September 2022
Vol. 35 No. 2
PUBLISHER
James A. Viola
EDITOR
Gina Kvitkovich
DEPUT Y EDITOR
Christine A. DeJoy
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ADVERTISING
sales@rotor.org
352-388-7031
26 © 2022 Helicopter Association International.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VALARD CONSTRUCTION PHOTO
ROTOR (ISSN) 0897-831X is published
quarterly by Helicopter Association Inter-
FEATURES national, 1920 Ballenger Ave., 4th Flr.,
Alexandria, VA 22314‑2898.
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without prior written permission from HAI.
By Dan Sweet
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editor at: ROTOR Editor, 1920 Ballenger
34 Tackling the High Cost of Aviation Insurance Ave., 4th Flr., Alexandria, VA 22314-2898
703-683-4646 | letters@rotor.org.
Why does your insurance cost so much, and what can you do about it?
Trademarks: ROTOR®, HAI HELI-EXPO®,
By Christine Knauer
and ROTOR Daily® are registered trademarks
of Helicopter Association International.
40 Piasecki and the Hydrogen-Powered Disclaimers: All statements of fact and
expressions of opinion by contributing
Helicopter authors are attributable to those authors
alone and may not reflect the views of
A well-known name in rotorcraft innovation prepares to do it again. HAI. Moreover, HAI cannot guarantee the
By David Hughes completeness or accuracy of information
provided by contributing authors, and HAI
will not accept liability for any injuries or
46 Makin’ the Blade damages caused to the reader that may
result from the reader’s acting upon or
What goes into making a rotor blade? A lot more than you might think. otherwise relying upon the content con-
tained in this publication. Readers are
A photo essay by Mark Bennett strongly advised to follow all laws and
regulations, to rely on their professional
knowledge and experience, and to confirm
any information presented in this publica-
tion before acting on the basis of such
SEPTEMBER 2022 THE MAGAZINE OF HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
content.
ON THE COVER: An MD Helicopters MD 530F operated by the Tennessee The publisher has not tested any of the
Valley Authority sports high-visibility markings on its five main rotor blades, products advertised in this publication,
products of original equipment manufacturer Helicopter Technology Co. of nor has it verified any of the statements
made in any of the advertisements.
Los Angeles, California, USA. Mark Bennett made this photo on a flight out of
the aircraft manufacturer’s headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. Postmaster: Please send all address
ROTOR BLADES changes and correspondence to:
More Than
Meets The Eye
ROTOR®
1920 Ballenger Ave., 4th Flr.
Alexandria, VA 22314-2898
703-683-4646 | letters@rotor.org
www.rotor.org
2 ROTOR September 2022
You’re Doing
Great Things
We’re here to help you keep your rotors turning.
Join HAI
Visit rotor.org/benefits to see
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HAI
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
Jeffery Smith
R.O.P. Aviation
Teterboro, New Jersey, USA
General Aviation
DEPARTMENTS/COLUMNS VICE CHAIRMAN
B. Adam Hammond
Tennessee Valley Authority
8 From the Board 60 Future Faces Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Bridging the Identity Gap Blake Olson, Recipient, Government Service
By Jeff Smith HAI Maintenance Technician TREASURER
Certificate Scholarship Nicole Battjes
Rainbow Helicopters
10 President’s Message By Jaasmin Foote Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Filling Our Workforce Pipeline Commercial Aviation
By James A. Viola 62 Accident Recovery ASSISTANT TREASURER
Hurried Departure Mark A. Schlaefli
Dakota Rotors LLC
12 Advocating for You By David Jack Kenny Custer, South Dakota, USA
Some Wins for Our Industry Commercial Aviation
By Cade Clark, John Shea, 66 Fly Safe PRESIDENT AND
and Emma Taylor Caution: Helicopter Wake Turbulence CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
James A. Viola
By Ned Parks Helicopter Association International
15 ROTORWash Alexandria, Virginia, USA
X HAI Briefs 68 Work Safe CHIEF OF STAFF
X HAI on Social Fuel for Thought AND CORPORATE SECRETARY
X HAI Out and About
By Zac Noble Roxanne R. Fox
Helicopter Association International
X In the Spotlight: Robert Feerst,
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
President, Utilities / Aviation 70 Last Hover DIRECTORS
Specialists X Lorenz “Lorry” Land Brian Jorgenson
X Rotorcraft Events X Thomas “Tom” Poberezny Timberline Helicopters
Sandpoint, Idaho, USA
Commercial Aviation
24 FlyOver 71 Index of Advertisers
Rick Kenin
Ryan Evasick, Daniel Glendinning, Boston MedFlight
and a Bell 412EP 72 Last Look Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Commercial Aviation
Croman Corp. SH-3H
58 Flight Path By Mark Bennett Randal R. Rowles
Loreto Moraga Helicopter Institute Inc.
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Commercial Aviation
Stacy Sheard
Executive Jet Management/Fanatics
CORRECTION: In the June 2022 issue of ROTOR, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
we failed to identify everyone in the photo at left. Commercial Aviation
The caption should have read as follows: While in
Robert Miller Stallings
France attending L’Hélico 2022 in May, Jeff Smith
Titan Aviation Fuels
(with hat) and Jim Viola (in black shirt) met with New Bern, North Carolina, USA
(from left) EASA’s David Solar, EHA’s Christian General Aviation
Müller and Thierry Couderc, and Thierry Basset,
LEGAL ADVISOR
president of the French Helicopter Group (GFH).
H. Bryan Brewer III
ROTOR regrets the error.
Crowell & Moring LLP
Washington, D.C., USA
SPECIAL ADVISOR–
WHERE’S MY ROTOR? EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
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Subscribe or Renew at Update My Mailing Address Praxis Aerospace Concepts
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Your two-year subscription update your mailing address, OR send
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Francois Lassale
Heli SGI
Denpasar Selatan, Bali, Indonesia
4 ROTOR September 2022
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CONTRIBUTORS
QUESTIONS • REPRINTS • FEEDBACK • SEND TO LET TERS@ROTOR.ORG OR CALL 703-683-4646
Mark Bennett David Hughes Ned Parks
Mark Bennett worked for David Hughes has been writing Ned Parks, founder of Aegis 360
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter/ about aviation for 40 years. As a Consulting, provides training and
Boeing for a decade, then in 1999 US Air Force Reserve pilot, he flew facilitation in team building,
cofounded an aerospace-only the C-5 and C-141, and he has leadership development, and
marketing agency. With logged 20 years writing and editing aviation strategy. Before beginning
30-plus years of photography and design at Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. his company in 2000, Ned was an air ambulance
experience serving the aerospace and defense He then joined the FAA to write about NextGen helicopter pilot and manager for Keystone
industries, he founded AeroMark Images to and today is a freelance writer. Helicopter and a division manager for Mid-Ohio
shoot and write for both industry and media. Aviation. A 10-year military veteran, Ned served
David Jack Kenny as a helicopter pilot and instructor pilot in the US
Jen Boyer David Jack Kenny is a fixed-wing Army before beginning his civilian career. Ned
Jen Boyer is the principal of her ATP with commercial privileges for currently holds AGI, ATP, CFI-H, CFII ASEL, and
own firm, Flying Penguin helicopter. He also holds degrees IGI certifications.
Communications. She has a in statistics. From 2008 through
bachelor’s degree in journalism and 2017, he worked for AOPA’s Air John Shea
holds commercial, instrument, Safety Institute, where he authored eight John Shea joined HAI as director
flight instructor, and instrument instructor ratings editions of its Joseph T. Nall Report and nearly of government affairs in 2019. He
in helicopters and a private rating in airplanes. 500 articles. He’d rather be flying. came to HAI from the National
She has worked as a professional journalist and Association of State Aviation
marketing communicator in the aviation industry Christine Knauer Officials (NASAO), where he was
since the early 1990s. For more than 25 years, Christine interim president in 2018 and lead government
Knauer has written for major affairs representative since 2017. Previously, as a
Cade Clark aircraft OEMs, MROs, and avionics legislative staffer, John advised multiple
HAI’s VP of government affairs, manufacturers as well as aviation members of Congress on transportation policy.
Cade Clark has directed trade organizations and
association advocacy programs for publications. She specializes in editorial and Dan Sweet
more than 20 years. Growing up, marketing content that shares the stories of Dan Sweet joined HAI as director
Cade worked at an FBO where he aviation’s people and machines. Christine holds a of communications and public
learned to fly, washed planes, got in the master’s degree in aviation safety. relations in 2017. He previously
mechanics’ way, idolized the old-timers and their served in the US Navy as a
stories, and deepened his love for all things Gina Kvitkovich photojournalist. After leaving the
general aviation. Gina Kvitkovich joined HAI as Navy, he worked for Oregon-based Columbia
director of p ublications and media Helicopters, performing public relations,
Jaasmin Foote in 2011 after decades of honing her communications, and trade show management
Jaasmin Foote joined HAI as the skills in writing, editing, and work for more than 22 years.
association’s social media manager publishing. As editor of ROTOR,
in March 2020, just a week before she is responsible for every error in the Emma Taylor
the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. magazine that you’re reading—and for some of Emma Taylor joined HAI as a policy
She holds a bachelor’s degree in the good stuff, as well. analyst in 2020. She graduated
English and is currently pursuing her master’s in cum laude from Villanova
marketing. Jaasmin is responsible for all the cool Zac Noble University in December 2019 with
posts on HAI’s social media platforms. Follow Zac Noble, HAI director of flight a major in political science. She left
us, drop by, and say hi! operations and maintenance, has the association in August of this year to pursue a
over 37 years of experience as a law degree.
pilot and mechanic. He spent 11
years flying in the air medical
sector before coming to HAI and is a veteran of
the US Army, where he flew helicopters and
multiengine airplanes. Zac is a dual-rated ATP, a
dual-rated CFII, and an A&P mechanic with IA
privileges.
WRITE FOR ROTOR
Got something to say to the international helicopter industry? We’re listening.
Email story ideas, manuscripts, or questions to letters@rotor.org. Visit rotor.org/write
for more information.
6 ROTOR September 2022
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FROM THE BOARD
By Jeff Smith
Bridging the Identity Gap
Are we really that different?
L
EONARDO DA VINCI DESIGNED THE FIRST HELICOPTER CONCEPT, the aerial screw.
The first practical helicopter flew in 1939, with Igor Sikorsky at the helm. Today, we have
glass cockpits, composite airframes and rotor blades, as well as more efficient, cleaner-
burning turbine engines. We’ve expanded the capabilities of our aircraft in nearly every way,
including remotely piloted and autonomous flights.
Evolution in vertical lift has been going on for a long time. And now, thanks to advances in
computer programming, materials science, and other disciplines, the world of vertical lift is once
again expanding. The Vertical Flight Society lists more than 600 designs for electric vertical
takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in development by nearly 350 companies around the world.
It’s a given that not all of these will make it to certification, but I have a hard time believing that
none of them will. Advanced air mobility (AAM) is on its way.
The substantial differences between the conventional aircraft of today and the ones of
tomorrow embolden some to claim that AAM is an entirely new industry. Their machines will be
quieter, cleaner, they promise. The idea that AAM will replace helicopters, however, is nothing
more than a marketing scheme, useful until Day 1 after certification—which is when the
Jeff Smith is the chief pilot for similarities between AAM and helicopters will become apparent.
R.O.P. Aviation in Teterboro, We will need pilots and mechanics to fly and fix these eVTOL machines, drawing from an
New Jersey, and the 2022–23 already tight labor pool for skilled aviation workers. Pilots will need training on these new aircraft,
chair of the HAI Board of
Directors. A former US Army
requiring simulators to be built and certificated. Standards for maintenance on electric vehicles
aviator, he is a dual-rated pilot must be developed. You can’t run an aviation business without insurance, so those folks will have
with more than 11,500 flight to get involved. Airspace will have to be developed in an already saturated system, especially
hours. Jeff is an active industry
around urban areas. Safety, especially when your business model involves carrying paying
volunteer and advocate who
has worked on noise, safety, passengers, must be paramount. In short, AAM operators will face the same issues and be
and airspace issues in the New looking for the same answers as helicopter operators.
York City area as a member of There are no new missions. The helicopter industry has been doing urban air mobility for well
the Eastern Region Helicopter
Council. over half a century; we just call it “on demand.” Many of our global members are already using
AAM in their operations, so we can see the practical results of AAM integration. The economics
are clear: for the right mission, eVTOL aircraft are the right choice.
Yes, change is coming, but it will happen over the course of years. AAM can’t immediately
meet the performance margins that current technology provides. Did you know that when
there’s a wildfire, the first thing to be shut down is the power grid? It’s a good thing Black Hawks
and Chinooks are powered by a different fuel as they carry thousands of gallons of water to save
LISTEN TO
homes and communities. Just as some missions will fit the profile for AAM aircraft, some won’t.
the Founder
For all to survive and prosper, we must collaborate with each other on lessons learned since
of India’s ePlane
Sikorsky’s first flight in 1939. HAI has started making the adjustments that will help our
Discuss the Company’s
members keep their rotors turning—whether that’s on their VTOL or eVTOL aircraft. The HAI
e200 VTOL Flying Taxi
Board of Directors has appointed Jonathan Daniels, CEO of Praxis Aerospace Concepts
International, our special advisor for emerging technology to advise on issues related to our
industry’s expansion. We’re assessing our strategy to keep HAI relevant and focused on helping
all our members succeed. We’re evolving, just as you are, but our mission remains the same.
8 ROTOR September 2022REGISTRATION OPENS OCT. 25 Georgia World Congress Center | Atlanta March 6–9 | Exhibits Open March 7–9 heliexpo.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By James A. Viola
Filling Our Workforce Pipeline
Our woeful numbers insist that we change tactics.
W
E ARE AT AN UNPRECEDENTED POINT in the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL)
industry: the shortage of pilots and maintenance personnel, forecast for years, is
finally here. I am hearing reports from the field of operators not being able to vie
for new contracts or support current ones because they lack the staff to support the work.
How did we get here, and more importantly, what are we going to do about it?
As to how we got here, well, at the most fundamental level, we have failed to recruit and
retain talent in sufficient numbers. Examining the reasons why may provide us with some
strategies for addressing the problem.
Conduct an informal survey of your colleagues. Why did most of them end up in VTOL
aviation? For me, my childhood dream was to fly. Being able to live that dream has given me a
meaningful career and a great deal of satisfaction. Many in our industry were also “bitten by the
aviation bug” a long time ago, likely before they graduated high school. We cannot imagine doing
anything else.
That bug continues to bite a certain number of young people, infecting them with the desire
to do what it takes to be around helicopters all day. But those numbers are simply not enough to
James A. Viola is HAI’s fill our pipeline. We cannot wait for our future pilots and maintenance technicians to seek us out;
president and CEO. After a we have to go find them and make a convincing argument about why they should join us.
career as a US Army aviator, Our industry is not alone in being challenged to find qualified workers. In the United States,
he joined the FAA, where he
served as director of the Office
the unemployment rate is 3.5%, matching the lowest rate in 50 years and creating a competition
of General Aviation Safety for talent.
Assurance before joining HAI. So what is our value proposition? For many pilots, it is that they should take out sizable loans,
A dual-rated pilot, Jim holds
only to work for relatively low wages until they reach the 1,500 hours that enable them to be
ATP ratings in both airplanes
and helicopters and is a CFII. insurable, and therefore employable, in many sectors. Many pilots now in the industry made
Jim can be contacted at those sacrifices. While they built their hours, they delivered pizza as a side gig so they could
president@rotor.org. support their families. Some may even feel that the next generation should struggle as they did.
But is that a winning workforce-development strategy?
Even within aviation, the VTOL industry has trouble competing with the airlines. Those large
corporations with deep pockets have developed entire recruiting programs for pilots and
maintenance technicians, complete with career progression ladders and signing bonuses. For
military aviators, they provide customized training plans that offer ex-military personnel what
they are accustomed to hearing: “Just sign up and show up. We will take care of the rest.”
We must also look at the issue of retention. Yes, we need to raise awareness among young
people about the great opportunities we offer. But we should also take a hard look at why some
experienced personnel leave VTOL aviation. As someone told me, “It is not just about who walks
in the front door; we also have to look at who is walking out the back one.”
This problem is larger than any one operator or manufacturer, which is why we need to
address it as an industry. The HAI Board of Directors has created the HAI Workforce
Development Working Group to examine the issue and create strategies to ensure a sustainable
VTOL workforce. If you are interested in moving our industry forward on this issue that is critical
to our future, please contact me at president@rotor.org.
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Exhibit space still available
For more information, call: +49 1511 5229886ADVOCATING FOR YOU
By Cade Clark, John Shea, and Emma Taylor
Some Wins for Our Industry
HAI initiatives on sustainable fuel, workforce development, and noise
move forward.
T
HE PRE-AUGUST RECESS RUSH, A US Act of 2022. While the $737 billion package of climate,
c ongressional tradition, was especially eventful health care, and tax measures is a scaled-back version of
this year. In the United States, we’re getting the $2 trillion reconciliation legislation the House origi-
close to the November midterms, the elections that nally sent to the Senate late last year, key HAI-endorsed
occur between the four-year cycle of presidential con- sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax provisions made the
tests, so politicians were eager to return home for the final cut.
traditional monthlong August recess and tout their legis- The SAF blenders tax credits, valued at $1.25–$1.75
lative accomplishments. per gallon depending on percentage of life-cycle green-
house gas emissions compared with fossil-based jet
Sustainable Fuel Tax Credits Available fuel, will be in place for 2023–2024. Beginning in 2025,
Democrats in Congress delivered President Biden’s sig- the legislation creates three years of a Clean Fuel
nature legislative achievement, the Inflation Reduction Production Tax Credit with an enhanced value for SAF of
up to $1.75 per gallon.
These tax credits will be important tools for increas-
ing the availability of SAF and encouraging its use. HAI,
along with other general aviation associations and coali-
tions, has long advocated for these measures as a criti-
cal component in our industry’s effort to reduce CO2
emissions. These credits will help spur increased SAF
production, thereby making the alternative fuel more
available while reducing its cost to end users.
Federal Funding Still Up in the Air
Federal funding expires on Sep. 30. Neither chamber
was able to complete the appropriation process before
leaving the District of Columbia for August recess, which
left lawmakers with a massive undertaking when they
went back in session in early September, after the Labor
Day holiday.
The House managed to pass 6 of the 12 appropria-
tions bills but were unable to bring any of the remaining
ones to the floor before leaving for recess. The Senate’s
12 appropriations bills were introduced just before
HAI President and recess, but no plans to hold committee markups were
CEO James Viola ever provided.
prepares to testify
before the US House As has been common in recent budget cycles, con-
Subcommittee on tinuing resolutions that provide temporary, short-term
Aviation at the Jul. 13
hearing “The State of
funding are likely to keep the government funded while
General Aviation.” party leaders work to resolve disagreements on the
12 ROTOR September 2022numbers. Given that neither party can afford a govern-
ment shutdown right before the midterms, there is opti-
HAI, ERHC Debut Washington, D.C.,
mism an agreement can be reached before the deadline. Noise Initiative
With Election Day looming on Nov. 8, lawmakers During the Jul. 13 hearing on general aviation, Del. Eleanor
won’t stay in Washington for long before heading back Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) asked HAI President and CEO James
out on the campaign trail. The House is scheduled to Viola what steps the FAA and helicopter operators should take
have its last day in session on Sep. 30, while the Senate to reduce helicopter noise. Norton explained that as a co-chair
is tentatively set to be in session for two weeks in of the congressional Quiet Skies Caucus, she was “particularly
October, though that could change. concerned with the effects of helicopter noise on the lives of
With both the Senate and House majorities on the my constituents here in the District of Columbia.” She went on
line in the midterm elections, the passage of the to say that helicopter noise is a major concern throughout the
Inflation Reduction Act is an exceptionally well-timed leg- Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
islative success for Democrats in tough races. The con- Viola expressed HAI’s commitment to work with Norton
ventional wisdom is that Democrats still face an uphill and her constituents on the issue. He briefed her and other
battle in retaining control, but recent events such as the committee members about HAI’s Fly Neighborly program,
Supreme Court rulings on guns and abortion are thought which focuses on implementing noise mitigation techniques
to have energized the Democratic base and drastically and helping local operators communicate more effectively with
shifted the landscape. their communities.
He also cited the initiative launched in June by HAI and the
FAA Reauthorization Coming in 2023 Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), in cooperation with
Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure the FAA, to collect aircraft noise complaints from D.C.-area res-
Committee are already preparing for the next FAA reau- idents through an online form, a mobile app, or a noise com-
thorization bill; the 2018 legislation will expire in October plaint hotline. After a 60-day trial, the system may be adopted
2023. To better understand the needs and priorities of permanently.
the general aviation sector, the House Subcommittee on Data from the complaint system will be shared with the
Aviation held a hearing, titled “The State of General public and reviewed by industry and government stakeholders
Aviation,” on Jul. 13. The hearing provided an excellent to determine where and how improvements can be made.
opportunity for HAI to present the committee with the Similar approaches to helicopter noise complaints have been
priorities of our membership and to introduce legislative used effectively in other regions to identify specific pain points
topics to be included in next year’s reauthorization bill. and appropriately tailored solutions.
HAI President and CEO James Viola testified and HAI supports community compatibility and data-driven
addressed several issues critical for the vertical lift indus- efforts to measure and mitigate noise complaints. Operators
try, such as the safe integration of new aviation technol- are encouraged to visit rotor.org/fly-neighborly and take a pro-
ogy into the airspace, sustainability, workforce active approach to fostering acceptance of helicopters within
development, and much-needed efficiencies within the their local communities.
FAA. (View his entire testimony at https://bit.ly/
August2022VFR.) He also described a program recently Learn more: rotor.org/fly-neighborly
launched by HAI and partners to address noise com-
plaints in the Washington, D.C., area. (See “HAI, ERHC
Debut Washington, D.C., Noise Initiative,” at right.)
Looking ahead to the final months of this congressio-
nal session, the HAI Government Affairs team will con-
tinue laying the groundwork for the FAA bill, working
with Congress to ensure that our priorities are reflected
in the final language.
September 2022 ROTOR 13ADVOCATING FOR YOU
continued
Building on Success first-in-the-nation model for education and
During the August recess, your legislator
HAI Members training programs that prepare high school
was most likely back in their state or dis- HAI is here for you! Contact students for science, technology, engineer-
trict, seeking your support in the upcoming ing, and math careers in rotary-wing avia-
advocacy@rotor.org with
election. That’s why the annual August tion. Students can participate in technical
your legislative challenges.
recess provides an excellent opportunity classes and hands-on learning at the
for HAI members to interact with their secondary-school level while earning col-
elected officials and explain what issues Owens led the discussion on how fed- lege credits and learning skills specific to
are important to our industry and how their eral resources for URPP and similar high rotary-wing aviation careers.
assistance will support small businesses school and post-secondary programs could URPP industry partners work with high
and create jobs for their constituents. help close the skills gap and meet the labor schools, flight schools, and universities to
To that end, HAI members involved with demands of the aviation industry. offer benefits such as mentoring, intern-
the Utah Rotor Pathway Program (URPP) Employers and educators provided feed- ships, and job interviews. The Utah pro-
contacted their elected representative, back on the ability to expand the program gram has expanded to 32 schools in the
Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah-04), to high- and how it can be replicated across the state and has been awarded a perpetual
light the labor shortage in aviation. They country. Cade Clark, HAI VP of government Strategic Workforce Investment grant by
explained how the URPP exemplifies how affairs, informed the roundtable of HAI’s the state legislature.
industry and government can work ongoing discussions with stakeholders in
together to solve a complex problem. other states that are eager to set up path- Farewell to One of the Team
At the end of August, HAI staff and HAI way programs using the URPP model. Finally, in a bittersweet farewell, the HAI
members were invited to participate in the Clark explained that establishing funding is Government Affairs team said goodbye
Aviation Workforce Development Round the biggest barrier to getting the buy-in recently to one of our own. Emma Taylor, a
table in Salt Lake City, Utah, hosted by necessary to launch such programs. policy analyst and outstanding team mem-
Owens. Government and industry leaders Through the URPP, students are ber of almost two years, headed off to law
discussed opportunities to build on the suc- exposed to a pathway to technical careers, school in mid-August. Emma, we wish you
cess of the URPP, an HAI initiative that has while the state benefits by building a skilled the very best and know that you’ll achieve
just received its second national award. workforce. The program serves as a your dreams.
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14 ROTOR September 2022ROTORWA H
I N D U S T R Y D ATA , T O P I C S , A D V I C E , H A P P E N I N G S , I S S U E S , A N D N E W S T O K E E P T H E R O T O R S T U R N I N G
HAI BRIEFS
HAI Creates Workforce Development Working Group
IN RESPONSE TO THE VERTICAL LIFT willing to lend their diverse skills, expertise,
educational outreach, Mil2Civ transitions,
industry’s growing pilot and maintenance and insight to the cause. “We’re seeking
job fairs, and marketing. The group will also
technician shortage, HAI has launched the anyone who has had strong success
collaborate with industry organizations to
HAI Workforce Development recruiting people to their com-
Working Group (WDWG). The pany or to the industry to join
newest of HAI’s many working “If you’ve ever considered giving back to this diverse working group,”
and sub-working groups the industry, this is a great opportunity says Greg Brown, HAI director
addressing issues important to of education and training ser-
our members, the WDWG is
to share your knowledge and expertise.” vices and staff liaison to the
tasked with creating and —Greg Brown, HAI Director of Education and WDWG. “We welcome heads
reviewing programs to support Training Services of companies, human
a long-term pipeline of skilled resources staff, directors of
workers for the industry. maintenance, chief pilots, and
Formed under the direction of the HAI cultivate partnerships that boost recruiting anyone else with experience in attracting
Board of Directors, the new working group and retain talent within the industry. and hiring talent. If you’ve ever considered
will help expand the international VTOL The Workforce Development Working giving back to the industry, this is a great
industry workforce by developing a com- Group is now accepting applications from opportunity to share your knowledge and
prehensive recruitment plan that addresses HAI members around the world who are expertise.” ➤
11,140 572 12
ON
SOCIAL
10 5
/HelicopterAssoc
Reel Insights
Instagram and /HelicopterAssoc
Facebook Plays 11,534
/heliexpo @HELIEXPO #haiexpo23
Instagram and /HeliAssoc @HeliAssoc
Facebook Likes 595
/company/helicopter
AN OLD FRIEND: At this year’s EAA AirVenture show, we asked our followers to guess which aircraft HAI -association-international
President and CEO James Viola had flown in the past. The post received over 11,000 views and almost 600
engagements, with many correctly guessing that Viola had piloted the MH-47 Chinook, such as the one pictured /HelicopterAssoc #haiexpo23
with him above.
September 2022 ROTOR 15ROTORWA H
➤ HAI is also seeking at least
one applicant who is affiliated
with a school to join the working
group, whether it be a middle
school, high school, university, or
aviation trade school.
The Workforce Development
Working Group is one of 13 work-
ing groups and subgroups that
advise HAI leadership on key sec-
tors of the VTOL industry. Each
HAI working group is led by a
chair, vice chair, and secretary
who are elected from the work-
ing group’s members. A member
of the HAI Board of Directors and
EUROPEAN ROTORS returns this year to Cologne, Germany, site of the inaugural, 2021 show. More than 160 exhibitors will be
an HAI staff liaison also partici- participating, including Bell, whose 505 (foreground) and 429 models are pictured above in the exhibit hall at last year’s event.
pate in each group. HAI working
groups typically meet virtually at Day 1, Oct. 4, will include an overview Germany, following its debut in the same
least quarterly and in person at least once a of VAST, a panel discussion on global VTOL host city last year. Exhibitor registration for
year, at HAI HELI-EXPO®. safety improvements, a first-person the event had, by early September, already
If you’re interested in learning more account of surviving a catastrophic crash, outpaced that of 2021, with more than 160
about or joining the Workforce US and European helicopter accident sta- companies and organizations registered as
Development Working Group, contact Greg tistics and trends, and more. of press time.
Brown at gregory.brown@rotor.org. Day 2, Oct. 5, will be divided into three EUROPEAN ROTORS, jointly organized
sessions, one each addressing operations, by the European Helicopter Association
HAI BRIEFS maintenance, and VTOL technology. (EHA) and the European Union Aviation
Day 3, Oct. 6, will focus on safety man- Safety Agency (EASA), enables operators,
VAST to Host 1st agement systems (SMSs) for small opera- regulators, and other industry professionals
Annual Global tors, as well as heliports, regional vertical to exhibit their services and products, dis-
Conference flight challenges and successes, and more. cuss safety issues, explore business oppor-
THE VERTICAL AVIATION SAFETY TEAM The VAST 2022 Global Conference can tunities, and consider the VTOL industry’s
(VAST) will host the VAST 2022 Global be attended in person or virtually. The cost future.
Conference Oct. 4–6, 2022, in Hurst, Texas. for in-person participation is $120 per per- The exhibition floor will feature a static
The goal of the event’s organizers, VAST, son and includes breakfast and lunch each display of helicopters, a drone pavilion, a
the FAA, HAI, and the US Helicopter Safety day. Virtual attendance is $50. Group regis- dedicated exhibit space for small and
Team, is to elevate and inspire a thriving tration discounts are available. For more emerging companies in the rotorcraft mar-
safety culture throughout the VTOL indus- information, including speaker and session ket, and the Rotor Safety Zone, jointly orga-
try. Through informative lectures, panel dis- details, and to register, visit conference. nized by EASA and Heli-Flight and providing
cussions, Q&A sessions, and ample vast.aero. lessons from various flight instructors.
networking breaks, the conference will Dedicated to all aspects of VTOL opera-
focus on safety and expanding participants’ HAI BRIEFS tions, the show includes participants from
safety skills and tools. various industry sectors, including air
The event will bring together experts
EUROPEAN ROTORS ambulance, firefighting, public safety, off-
from around the world to share best prac- Returns for 2022 shore operations, logging, corporate trans-
tices, lessons learned, safety and accident THE EUROPEAN ROTORS VTOL Show port, eVTOL aircraft, UASs, and more.
data, and proven risk-reduction strategies and Safety Conference is returning this EUROPEAN ROTORS will also offer
for VTOL aircraft operators and maintainers. year, Nov. 8–10, 2022, in Cologne, courses. Additionally, the event now
16 ROTOR September 2022incorporates the successful EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL agency updates from the US Department of the Interior,
Symposium. In its 15th iteration this year, the sympo- the FAA, and the US Forest Service. The afternoon will
sium is the primary platform for the European helicopter also offer courses in which attendees can earn FAA
industry to jointly discuss current and future challenges WINGS credit.
with EASA representatives. Registration for the HAI Aerial Work Safety
A Columbia
Back this year at EUROPEAN ROTORS 2022 is the Conference is $50 for HAI members and $150 for non-
Helicopters CH-47D
365 Digital Event Platform, a portal that allows attendees members registering by Oct. 3. After Oct. 3, the rates lifts away from a fire
to interact with in-person and virtual exhibitors and other increase to $100 for members and $200 for nonmem- retardant batch
plant, preparing to
aspects of the trade show. Additionally, attendees enjoy bers. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and break
deploy the
year-round online access to exhibitor information and refreshments both days of the conference. long-term retardant
other important industry communications. To register, see a list of hotels with special rates, and on the Dixie Fire
outside of Chester,
HAI is a service provider to EUROPEAN ROTORS review the full conference agenda, visit rotor.org/ California, on
2022, helping to produce the show. Through this aerialworksafetyconf. Aug. 5, 2021.
arrangement, HAI provides marketing, scheduling, and
logistics support for EUROPEAN ROTORS.
To learn more about the show, visit europeanrotors.
eu/en.
HAI BRIEFS
HAI Firefighting Event Now the
Aerial Work Safety Conference
IN RECOGNITION OF THE MANY operations entailed in
aerial work, HAI has renamed its Aerial Firefighting
Safety Conference the HAI Aerial Work Safety
Conference, which will be held Nov. 16–17, 2022, in
Boise, Idaho. The event’s focus changes as well. All the
firefighting sessions remain, but this year, the program
will expand to include utility and restricted-category air-
craft operations, too.
“Last year’s firefighting safety conference was very
well attended and represented the largest of its kind to
date,” says Zac Noble, HAI’s director of flight operations
and maintenance. “But because so much of the event’s
safety information is valuable to far more than just fire-
fighting operations, we saw an opportunity to make this
important conference better by combining our Utilities,
Patrol, and Construction Working Group’s safety event
and the firefighting safety conference.”
The conference will take place at Boise Centre West,
Boise’s large and modern convention center, conve-
niently located downtown within walking distance of
hotels and restaurants.
Day 1, Nov. 16, of the conference will feature safety
and informational sessions as well as breakout sessions
HAI/MICHAEL PIPER
for the utilities, restricted-category aircraft, and aerial
firefighting sectors.
Day 2, Nov. 17, will include safety sessions, including
September 2022 ROTOR 17HAIOUTANDABOUT
A2
A1
A3
A5
A4
ALL PHOTOS BY HAI STAFF EXCEPT FOR A3: HAI/F-STOP PHOTOGRAPHY
A1: Jim Viola, HAI president and CEO, and Cade Clark, HAI VP of
government affairs, visited HAI member Jack Harter Helicopters (JHH)
in Lihue, Hawaii, in January. From left: Casey Riemer, JHH special
projects manager; Jim; Jason Darr, JHH general manager and director
of operations; Cade; and Chris “Kalena” Kim, JHH pilot. A2: Chris Hill, HAI
senior director of safety, gets ready to talk shop with Flight Suit Friday podcasters
Kenny Ingram (left) and Sam Hafensteiner (not shown). A3: Zac Noble (left), HAI director of
flight operations and maintenance, and landing zone coordinator at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022 in Dallas,
takes a break from his duties to help HAI Social Media Manager Jaasmin Foote (in yellow jacket) welcome
Owen Watkins of SureFlight to the show. A4: Members of the HAI Board of Directors prepare to celebrate at the
Flight Safety Foundation Networking and Awards Dinner in June in Washington, D.C. From left, Jeff Smith, Nicole Battjes,
Rick Kenin, Stacy Sheard, and Robert Miller Stallings. A5: Cade Clark (left) and John Shea, HAI director of government affairs, visit
with Carolyn Hicks Mayle, VP of government affairs for Air Methods Corp. in August in Denver.B1 B2
B3
B5
B4
B1: HAI Board of Director members Stacy Sheard (left) and Nicole Battjes bookend HAI President and CEO
Jim Viola at the March 2022 Women in Aviation International Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. B2: From
left: Miguel Marin, chief of operational safety at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);
Mauricio Ramirez Koppel, Colombian representative to ICAO; and Jim Viola enjoy the annual celebration
of flight that is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. B3: Greg Brown (center), HAI director of education and training
services, and Jim Viola (second from right) met some rotorheads from Spain at EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh, including, from left, Hernan [no last name provided], Marc Delgado, and Carmen Martinez.
B4: Jim Viola connects with Danny Kato, 505 sales manager at Bell Flight, in April at Sun ’n Fun in
Lakeland, Florida. B5: Cade Clark, HAI VP of government affairs, and other stakeholders participated
in an August roundtable on aviation workforce development sponsored by Utah Rep. Burgess Owens
in Salt Lake City. From left: Robbie Paul, Southern Utah University (SUU); Rich Cannon, SUU; Crystal
Maguire, Aviation Technician Education Council; Lorri Hansen, Utah Helicopter; Courtland Hansen
ALL PHOTOS BY HAI STAFF
(behind Lorri), SUU; Nicholas Johnson (next to Lorri), Intermountain Healthcare; Rep. Owens (next
to Nicholas); Jared Esselman (in front), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Division of
Aeronautics; Courtney Johnson (in white blazer), Cedar Valley High School; Mandy Nelson (behind
Courtney), Bristow Group; Rachelle Ackley (in black shirt), Utah System of Higher Education; Cade (behind
Rachelle); Scott Romney (in front next to Rachelle), UDOT Division of Aeronautics; Mike Mower (behind Scott),
SUU; Chris Cox, SUU; and Sandy Hemmert, Granite School District.INTHESPOTLIGHT
By Jen Boyer
Robert Feerst, President,
Utilities / Aviation Specialists
Wire-strike avoidance expert sees much to like
in today’s helicopter safety culture.
R
OBERT “BOB” FEERST and his ROTOR: You started courses in from that experience was the thought of
company, Utilities / Aviation flying-in-the-wire environment at starting a consulting firm to help power
Specialists, are synonymous in the request of former HAI President companies increase their safety. I realized
the helicopter industry for courses about Frank Jensen. How did that happen? there wasn’t any meaningful training in fly-
safe flying around wires and obstructions. Feerst: I’ve been a member of HAI since ing for a power company. All we knew was
A former lineman and utility helicopter 1982 and was the manager of the flight what we had learned in the military, which
pilot, Feerst developed his first course for department for a fairly large power com- was basically “watch out for power lines.”
flying around wires for the utility sector in pany in the Midwest at the time. We oper- I developed a training course on how to
the 1980s and later expanded it to cover ated nine helicopters and three airplanes fly in the wire-and-obstruction environment
the full helicopter industry. His courses and because we patrolled not only for our that covered numerous factors, such as vis-
refreshers have been credited with saving power company, but also for four other ibility science, reading line hardware, and
countless lives over the years. power companies in the area. understanding how lighting, shadows, and
ROTOR sat down with Feerst to learn What got me started in supporting other background changes affect wire visibility. I
more about how he became involved in companies’ safety was when another utility knew what it was like to be looking at a
wire-strike avoidance, the changes he’s company just to the south of ours had a wire one moment, look away for just a sec-
seen in the industry’s safety record during fatal accident. They came to me to ask if I ond, then look back and find the wire had
the past 40 years, and how he’s contrib- could investigate and tell them what went completely “disappeared.”
uted to helicopter safety through not only wrong and how they could do better. I put the training course together in the
training but auditing, consulting, and more. One of the things I came away with mid to late ’80s to train the employees in
the power companies I worked with. At
about the same time, I became one of the
founders of HAI’s Utility, Patrol, and
Construction Committee [now the Utilities,
Patrol, and Construction Working Group].
Fast forward about a year and a half. The air
ambulance business was really booming,
and at that time, about half of air ambu-
lance accidents were caused by wire
strikes of some sort.
The FAA went to Frank Jensen and said
HAI should do something about the wire-
strike problem or the agency would do
something itself. Frank came to me and
asked how we could get meaningful train-
ing in wire strikes that would stop these
accidents.
I shared my training course with Frank
and offered to broaden it to address opera-
ISTOCK/BENDC
tions outside the utility sector. Wire strikes
were prevalent across the whole
20 ROTOR September 2022LEARN
More about General Safety Guidelines
for Operating Aircraft Near Wires
industry—they weren’t only occurring Environment” (FIWOE) course. How has helicopter safety changed
among utility and air ambulance operators, The online FIWOE course went live in during your career?
but also law enforcement, general aviation, May 2021. Since then, thousands have I’ve seen tremendous leaps in safety over
agricultural, and personal operators. We taken it with the same material as in the the past 40 years. In the early ’80s, safety
debuted the course at HAI HELI-EXPO in-person course. We bet the company on was a kind of necessary evil; a safety offi-
1989. the online course and invested heavily to cer was someone who couldn’t do any-
We had over 100 people from all over make it truly high quality. That’s paid off in thing else in the company. That’s not true
the industry at that first course. We still safety. We hear testimonials from people today. Now, it’s a science that’s embraced.
offer the course today, specifically for utility who took the online course saying it, too, Safety officers are some of the most
companies because we do a lot more work saved their lives. The course is also becom- highly qualified people in these companies.
around wires in the utility sector than in ing popular in Europe. More people are get- They’re very well educated, very well
other sectors. We also have courses for ting the information and increasing their respected, and very disciplined.
other operations, including air ambulance, safety in the wire environment.
military, and law enforcement, all of which How have you seen safety culture,
fly in the wire environment at night. You have a unique philosophy about in particular, change?
auditing. Tell us about that. What I’m really impressed with is some of
Have you seen safety around wires Back when I was a flight department man- the younger people coming up. They’re
change since you began this work? ager, I spent a lot of money having really on fire; they really want to learn—in
Absolutely. Wire-strike accidents have so-called professional auditors audit our some cases, much more than the older
declined substantially. I get testimonials company. They came in and were looking generation. When it comes to safety and
from people all over the world that say the for trouble—something to nail you on. wanting to do it right, and assimilating as
course saved their lives. While it’s important for auditors to find much information as they possibly can, I
We had an email not long ago from a things wrong with the company, it’s equally see a much-improved attitude than when
pilot who was flying between two barns. important to find good things. We started my generation was in the pilot seat.
He said he remembered us teaching him our own audit business in the mid-1980s Also, the top leaders used to set the
that when you see a building out in the with that mentality. First, all our auditors company attitude. While that level is still
open like that, ask yourself the all-important have spent their careers in the industry. very important, when it comes to safety, I
situational-awareness question, “How does Second, we always send two auditors on don’t see that as much today. A lot of the
it get its power?” He asked himself that, an audit because it’s important that two factors driving an organization’s safety cul-
and as a safety precaution, he realized he people confirm they’re seeing the same ture come from the bottom, not the top.
needed to fly above the buildings, not thing. Third, we match the auditors and We still have individuals out there who
between them, because he didn’t know if their experience with the operator. For are contributing to accidents, sure. We’re
there was wire there or not. example, we don’t send people with expe- starting to see wire-strike accidents start to
While he was in the process of ascend- rience in the Gulf of Mexico to audit power come up again. But not anything like it was.
ing, he flew right over two wires that he companies. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact
couldn’t see when he was lower because We also developed a philosophy that that we need to increase awareness, and a
they weren’t visible. He ended the email to the company we’re auditing is a good com- growing safety culture plays into that.
us by saying, “Thank you, Utilities / Aviation pany and our job is to help them be the CASA [Civil Aviation Safety Authority] in
Specialists, for saving my life yesterday.” best they can be by finding things they can Australia was talking about making the
By popular demand, we created an improve upon. wire-strike course mandatory to get one’s
online refresher course to make it easier We’ve seen some terrible companies license. Turns out, they didn’t have to
for people to remain current. Then the pan- and we’ve seen some good ones. When because Australian companies started
demic hit. We started getting demands we get audit jobs now, 99% of the time making it mandatory on their own. Most of
from everybody pleading with us for a full people are happy to see us. The exceptions the power companies in the US and
one-day online course. So, we decided to are the operations that have something to Canada require this training too.
create one, completely restructuring the hide. But we truly believe the vast majority This growing safety culture and desire
online refresher course and reformatting it of people in this industry want to do it right to do what’s right is really helping increase
to a full “Flying in the Wire and Obstruction and safely, and we’re there to help. safety in the industry.
September 2022 ROTOR 21ROTORWA H
ROTORCRAFTEVENTS
2022 OCT. 24–26
Elevate 2022 2023
(formerly the Air Medical
SEP. 20–22 Transport Conference) FEB. 23–25
6th Workshop on AAM Association of Air Medical Services WAI 2023
Infrastructure Tampa, Florida, USA Women in Aviation International
Vertical Flight Society Learn more at aams.org Long Beach, California, USA
Dayton, Ohio, USA Visit HAI at Booth #734 Learn more at vtol.org
Learn more at vtol.org
OCT. 26–28 MAR. 6–9
SEP. 24 Airtec 2022 (EXHIBITS OPEN MAR. 7–9)
8th Annual International Vertical Flight Society HAI HELI-EXPO 2023
Girls in Aviation Day Munich, Germany
Women in Aviation International Learn more at vtol.org
Celebratory events worldwide
Learn more at wai.org NOV. 2–4
HAC 2022 Helicopter Association International
OCT. 4–6 Helicopter Association of Canada Atlanta, Georgia, USA
VAST 2022 Global Calgary, Alberta, Canada Learn more at heliexpo.com
Conference Learn more at h-a-c.ca
APR. 26–28
NOV. 8–10 AAAA Summit
EUROPEAN ROTORS Army Aviation Association
Vertical Aviation Safety Team, of America
FAA, HAI, and the US Helicopter Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Safety Team Learn more at quad-a.org
Hurst, Texas, USA
Learn more at conference.vast European Helicopter Association,
JUN. 19–25
.aero European Union Safety Agency,
Paris Air Show
and HAI
Salon International de
Cologne, Germany
OCT. 11–13 l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace
Learn more at europeanrotors.eu
2022 CHC Safety (SIAE)
& Quality Summit Paris, France
NOV. 12
CHC Helicopter Learn more at siae.fr
American Heroes Air Show
Irving, Texas, USA
Los Angeles, California, USA
Learn more at web.cvent.com
Learn more at heroes-airshow.com
OCT. 18–20 NOV. 16–17
2022 NBAA Business HAI Aerial Work Safety
Aviation Convention Conference
& Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)
National Business Aviation
Association
Orlando, Florida, USA HAI
Learn more at nbaa.org Boise, Idaho, USA
Visit HAI at Booth #3626 Learn more at rotor.org/
aerialworksafetyconf
22 ROTOR September 2022March 6–9 | Atlanta | Exhibits Open March 7–9
Don’t miss this show!
Plan your 2023 exhibit now!
Application for space now open
Connect with: Check out rates and spaces at
14,000+ ATTENDEES heliexpo.com/exhibit
600+ EXHIBITORS
80+ COUNTRIES
REPRESENTED
Learn More: sales@rotor.org | 352-388-7031Fly Ov e r
WASHINGTON, D.C. | JUL. 1, 2022
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PARK POLICE | BELL 412EP
PILOT: OFFICER RYAN EVASICK
RESCUE TECHNICIAN: OFFICER DANIEL GLENDINNING
NOT SHOWN: RESCUE TECHNICIAN SERGEANT JAMES LASKA
NOT SHOWN: RESCUE TECHNICIAN OFFICER JOHN DEMYANOVICH
PHOTO BY MARK BENNETTPower
to the People
Helicopters are
essential in the
effort to provide
electricity to remote
communities.
By Dan SweetT
HE DAYS START EARLY and can end late on a single load, or pick. There might be multiple picks from
the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project, or one staging area for other projects, such as setting heating,
Watay Project, an effort to supply reliable ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units or ski-lift
electric power to 17 remote communities in towers. Utility helicopters are also used to set communication
SEE Canada. These localities extend across a 500- structures in remote areas, support petroleum exploration
the Impact mile arc located north of the town of Red Lake and stretching operations in roadless areas in South America and the South
the Watay east over the remote forests and lakes of west-central Ontario. Pacific, and provide transportation and logistical support in
Project Many communities, especially the northernmost, lack utility the Arctic and Antarctic.
Will Have on corridors and all-season road access, instead relying fully on On a power-line tower project, rotorcraft might be used
First Nations power from diesel generators. During the winter, diesel can for planning, mapping, and surveying. The unique ability of
Communities only be trucked in on ice roads or flown
in at twice the expense.
Many utility or construction projects
cross stark, sparsely populated areas,
but working in roadless areas means
ground-based equipment may be limited
to highways and staging areas. While
the arc of the Watay Project is 500 miles
long, the entire project requires the
installation of more than 4,800 steel
towers onto right-of-ways stretching
A Columbia
Helicopters about 1,100 miles. Installation of sub-
Model 234 stations and distribution lines round
Chinook (left)
delivers a out the project.
16,000-lb. Mitch Brown is the director of heli-
steel-lattice
tower to a site in
copter operations for Valard Construction,
Alberta, Canada. a Canadian utility contractor based in
Pilots on utility
Calgary, Alberta, and the primary con-
projects (right)
often fly from tractor for the Watay Project. “We have
the left seat, 5 of our own helicopters working on
allowing them to
maintain direct this project, and we’ve had subcontractors
visual providing up to 20 other helicopters at
operational
control of the the same time. We’ve had at least 3
load while aircraft work through the winter as well,”
piloting the
he says, describing the project’s scope.
OPPOSITE: COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS/DAN SWEET; RIGHT: VALARD CONSTRUCTION PHOTO
helicopter.
Houston-based Quanta Services is
a parent company to some of the top
names in the helicopter utility industry, including Valard vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to land in con-
Construction; PJ Helicopters of Red Bluff, California; Winco fined areas allows them to carry workers and hand tools to
Powerline Services of Aurora, Oregon; Haverfield Aviation clear a landing site. Then, heavier helicopters can deliver the
of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Luma Utilities in Puerto equipment and supplies needed to prepare tower sites. When
Rico. “We offer a full range of helicopter services to the utility concrete is necessary to establish bases for certain towers,
community,” says Spencer Duke, VP of aviation services for helicopters carry buckets of concrete to the ground crews
Quanta. to direct into the ground or forms.
Utility helicopter companies can sometimes conduct
Working to Scale smaller projects from parking lots or staging sites near roads.
Utility and construction work with helicopters varies dra- Pilots and maintenance crews might stay in commercially
matically by project. In some cases, such as installing a available accommodations. Larger projects often require
communication tower, the job involves one helicopter setting significantly more planning to provide food and housing for
September 2022 ROTOR 27You can also read
