ORLANDO, Fla., 3 March 2015. Helicopter Association International (HAI) opened Heli-Expo 2015, the annual trade show and exposition dedicated to vertical aviation, in Orlando, Fla.
The HAI HELI-EXPO exhibit hall boasts more than 725 exhibitors in 1 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space presenting the latest civilian helicopter technologies, as well as nearly 60 aircraft on display. Exhibitors include innovations from simulator makers to engine manufacturers to companies that sell equipment for virtually every type of mission helicopters fly.
“The majority of the displays are real, flyable aircraft, not mock-ups,” says a spokesperson.
The event also is showcasing the latest technical updates at 30 manufacturer technical briefings offered by airframe and powerplant manufacturers.
Each year, HAI operates a temporary heliport at HAI Heli-Expo to accommodate the 40-plus helicopters flown into the show.
HAI officials expect roughly 20,000 attendees.
HAI Heli-Expo officially kicked off with a focus on safety at the HAI Safety Symposium. This year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led a session focusing on managing risk in public helicopter operations. Later, the Safety Directors Forum provides an opportunity to discuss emergency response and post-accident procedures with senior FAA and NTSB managers.
On Wednesday, 4 March 2015, HAI President and CEO Matt Zuccaro and officials from other general aviation associations will speak on critical issues common to the entire industry — and how they are working together to address them. An FAA town hall meeting is also taking place, enabling attendees to pose questions directly to FAA senior management.
HAI’s sister organization, Helicopter Foundation International, is hosting mentoring sessions for students interested in aviation careers. Led by some of the most renowned members of the helicopter industry, these sessions offer invaluable guidance on how to get started and then get ahead in the industry.
The HAI Helicopter Industry Career Fair is connecting job seekers with employers from all industry sectors.
For those already working in the industry, the HAI Rotor Safety Challenge offers 52 safety events. Free to all registered HAI HELI-EXPO attendees and exhibitors, the sessions cover subjects ranging from rotor blade preventive maintenance to the effects of social media on an organization’s safety culture. Attendees who take part in at least six events will receive a special certificate.
Helicopter Association International is a professional trade association representing some 3,500 members around the globe in more than 70 nations. HAI's members safely operate more than 5,000 helicopters approximately 2.5 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.
