We’re all disappointed that we won’t get to ogle shiny helicopters and meet with friends and business associates at HAI HELI‑EXPO 2021. But while our in-person show in New Orleans was canceled this year, HAI is making sure you can still take advantage of educational opportunities that are normally presented at Expo. One highly attended event every year is the Manufacturer Technical Briefings (MTBs), where airframe and engine manufacturers provide updates on their products. Besides providing information needed for safe and efficient operations, these briefings meet FAA requirements for renewal of inspection authorization (IA) certificates as well as for aviation maintenance technician (AMT) credits. Sponsored by Concepts NREC, Concorde Aircraft Batteries, and DART Aerospace, the 2021 MTBs were held virtually Mar. 22–25, beginning at 12:00 pm eastern time (UTC‑4) each day. Also popular every year at HAI HELI‑EXPO® is HAI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). This year, HAI and the Helicopter Institute brought the training, traditionally a big part of the education program at the show, directly to participants—as the only FAA-approved virtual FIRC in the nation. The helicopter-only course was held online Mar. 21–22, 2021, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm eastern time (UTC‑4). It covered the latest updates in regulations and helicopter flight instruction techniques from leading industry professionals. The class was designed for flight instructors who: Wish to renew their instructor certificates under CFR Part 61 or Wish to maintain their qualifications as chief instructors or assistant chief instructors for pilot schools certificated under CFR Part 141. Other participants who took the course to broaden their aviation knowledge will receive a certificate of completion. Finally, watch for Rotor Safety Challenge sessions appearing as part of the HAI@Work webinar series in the months ahead. These popular, free safety education sessions will be provided throughout the rest of the year, scattered among other interesting HAI@Work topics. The webinars are held live every Thursday afternoon at 4:00 pm eastern time (UTC‑4). Visit rotor.org to register and to catch any webinars you may have missed. The HAI staff is already planning for a robust lineup of industry meetings, education sessions, and networking events at HAI HELI‑EXPO 2022, scheduled for Mar. 7–10 in Dallas, with exhibits open Mar. 8–10. You’ll get your chance to see those shiny helicopters and to join the vertical aviation industry for educational and networking opportunities. Hi, I'm ROTOR Staff
