For low and slow aerial work operators, keeping up with the latest developments in safety training, technology, and best practices is crucial to success. The HAI Aerial Work Safety Conference (AWSC), Dec. 9–11, 2023, in Boise, Idaho, aims to help make that happen, offering attendees a big return for a modest, HAI members–only $50 registration fee that includes breakfast and lunch for all three days. Held at the Boise Centre West convention center in downtown Boise, the conference provides an in-depth look at key issues essential to aerial work operations as well as topics that touch on all aspects of vertical aviation. The event includes breakout sessions on firefighting, restricted category aircraft, and utility, patrol, and construction operations. Attendees can learn about risk-management and safety strategies, view vendor exhibits, hear updates from industry experts, and network with peers and operators in the rotorcraft community. “We think it’s important not only for our management staff, but for our people in different departments, to attend the conference and hear from the subject matter experts in the various fields of aviation safety, and safety in general,” says Duke Puharich, safety director for Siller Helicopters, a heavy-lift and aerial firefighting operator based in Yuba City, California. “When our people go to the AWSC, they come back with a larger understanding of all the different avenues of safety.” Register Early for the Best Price The HAI Aerial Work Safety Conference is $50 for HAI members and $150 for nonmembers who register by Monday, Oct. 30. After Oct. 30, the rates increase to $100 for HAI members and $200 for nonmembers. HAI Aerial Work Safety Conference Schedule Day 1, Dec. 9: HAI Working Group Meetings These working groups will meet to discuss safety, operational, and support issues, including aerial firefighting and natural resources, restricted and experimental category aircraft (RECA), and utilities, patrol, and construction (UPAC) operations. Day 2, Dec. 10: Exhibits and General Interest Sessions Safety and informational sessions will feature presentations relevant to the vertical aviation and aerial work communities from aviation industry experts, organizations, and companies, as well as the FAA. Day 3, Dec. 11: Exhibits and Agency Updates Representatives of the US Department of the Interior and the US Forest Service will provide important updates to operators.
