Andrew Richard Hara photographed our cover subject, Tim Hunter, signaling to a Paradise Helicopters Bell 407 on the Big Island of Hawaii. The landing zone, which is exclusive to the operator, sits on the north side of the Kohala mountain in a spot accessible only by helicopter. Hunter, who flies for Paradise Helicopters, experienced a life-changing event when the helicopter he was piloting in June 2022 suddenly lost its tail boom. Read his remarkable firsthand account of the accident and how he saved six lives, including his own. Download PDF View Digital Issue In the Spotlight: Capts. Steve Buhagiar and David Sidorski, Recipients of the 2024 HAI Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award (ROTOR) – Two pilots recall the remarkable teamwork that prevented a deadly accident. ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest 2024 (ROTOR) – Recognizing the winners of the 2024 ROTOR Magazine Photo Contest. Building the Vertical Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow (ROTOR) – Together, we must act to solve the shortage of pilots and maintenance technicians. Salute to Excellence: Honoring the Best in Vertical Aviation (ROTOR) – Meet the recipients of HAI’s 2024 Salute to Excellence Awards, honoring remarkable achievement in the vertical flight industry. Work Safe: Ground Investment (ROTOR) – Select maintenance equipment and tools that foster work safety and efficiency in the hangar. US States Begin New Legislative Year (ROTOR) – Bills introduced during these sessions could significantly influence the vertical aviation industry. Flight Schools Face Demand, Hurdles in International Market (ROTOR) – Fleeing flight instructors and loads of red tape challenge trainers’ efforts to help stanch the growing pilot shortage. Member Focus: Helicopter Specialties (ROTOR) – HAI member Helicopter Specialties is a helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul shop, as well as a completions and customization center. Accident Recovery: Not Like Riding a Bike (ROTOR) – Unlike bicycle riding, certain critical aviator skills require more frequent, consistent practice to retain. FlyOver: Los Angeles, California (ROTOR) – LA County Fire Department Pilot Paul Gottwig takes in a beautiful cityscape while flying over Los Angeles, California, in a Sikorsky S-70, Jul. 19, 2023. The Future Is Now (ROTOR) – Introducing Vertical Aviation International. 2023 Aerial Work Safety Conference Blends Education, Networking (ROTOR) – The 2023 VAI Aerial Work Safety Conference brought together more than 360 members of the vertical aviation industry’s aerial firefighting and utility sectors in Boise, Idaho. W.A. ‘Dub’ Blessing (ROTOR) – Renowned pilot, instructor inspired naming of Salute to Excellence Flight Instructor of the Year Award in his honor. Vertical Aviation International Is the New Identity of Helicopter Association International (ROTOR) – As of Feb. 27, 2024, the world’s leading association for the vertical aviation industry will be known by a new name. VAI CEO Keeps Learning at Robinson Safety Course (ROTOR) – This past January, James Viola, VAI’s president and CEO and a dual-rated pilot, attended the Robinson Pilot Safety Course for the R66 in Torrance, California. When My Tail Boom Left the Aircraft How character, training, and life experiences helped me save six lives. Fly Safe: Light ’Em Up (ROTOR) – Consider these factors when deciding whether to upgrade your aircraft lighting. A New Beginning (ROTOR) – A unified industry is critical to our future success. Get a Read on Weather Conditions (ROTOR) – Heed this practical advice during preflight planning. Roy M. Simmons (ROTOR) – Longtime Columbia Helicopters pilot and executive served as HAI chair in 2004. Flight Path: Jason Quinn (ROTOR) – Jason Quinn, US Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, shares his experiences from an exciting career in vertical aviation. VAI Adds New Regional Reps in Northeast and Western United States (ROTOR) – VAI has hired Josh Rousseau and Chuck Street as Northeastern US regional representative and Western US regional representative, respectively, to provide local support for VAI members in both areas.
