HAI WAS THERE to hold the first Professional Education Course at the association’s 1972 Annual Meeting, Convention and Industry Showcase, known since 1989 as HAI HELI-EXPO®. Twenty-three people attended the class. By 1997, 25 years later, the courses had expanded to 11 offerings. And this year, at HAI HELI-EXPO 2023, nearly 2,200 people attended 29 Professional Education Courses, more than 50 Rotor Safety Challenge sessions, and 34 Manufacturer Technical Briefings.
Underwater egress training, conducted by HAI member Survival Systems USA, was just 1 of more than 100 education sessions and courses offered at HAI HELI-EXPO 2023. (f-stop Photography)
HAI’s educational efforts over the years haven’t stopped at classes, however. In December 1989, the organization signed a proclamation with the FAA and the American Helicopter Society (now the Vertical Flight Society) to establish a “Public Awareness and Aviation Education Partnership for Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft.” The initiative was created to provide aviation literature, video, speakers, and other informational materials and programs to organizations, communities, schools, and universities, a practice HAI continues to this day.
This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of HAI, formed on Dec. 13, 1948.
Countdown to HAI’s 75th: 43 days!
