I along with some of the AMT staff just returned from Houston, TX, where we attended the 2010 Heli-Expo. It was my first time attending this premier helicopter industry event. As I write this blog the Helicopter Association International or HAI is reporting that the total number of exhibitors this year was 596, up from 585 last year and the total attendance is expected to be within 1 to 3 percent of last year’s record of more than 17,000 attendees.
Safety and innovation were two themes that I picked up on as being significant. HAI announced its initiatives and desire for a helicopter safety accreditation program for small helicopter operators. Additionally there were presentations made to inform helicopter operators on the benefits of implementing a safety management system or SMS program that can identify and correct potential problems that could contribute to incidents and accidents.
Many announcements were made regarding new technology and innovation. This came from large and small companies such as Eurocopter unveiling new technologies designed to reduce helicopters’ environmental footprint and lower noise inside and outside of the helicopter, and one that I saw as interesting was Erickson Air-Crane’s vacuum lift technology for the S-64 Aircrane. Then there was smaller companies such as Van Horn Aviation which introduced new tail-rotor blades for certain Bell models. This company stated they reduce noise levels along with reduced pedal forces and higher life limits. There were numerous other very interesting innovations, equipment, designs, and announcements made – too many to mention here. More information can be found by visiting the HAI and HELI-EXPO websites.
There appeared to be a general feeling of optimism among the attendees and the exhibitors. I wasn’t alone in sensing this feeling. Many people including parts and equipment suppliers, maintenance organizations, and OEMs expressed certain optimism. It was encouraging that so many people within the helicopter and related industry feel that, at least for this segment of the aviation industry, we may (cross your fingers) be at the point of beginning the slow climb back from the economic challenges of the last couple years. Statements from HeliValues regarding the used helicopter market suggested the values of used helicopters may be nearing the bottom, and as far as used helicopters are concerned, the market may be close to returning to 2005 levels. No one was dancing in the hallways mind you, but there appeared to be a positive, albeit cautious outlook within the helicopter segment of the aviation industry. Granted we are speaking about one segment of the aviation industry. And all of this is on a global scale which makes it difficult for everyone to feel any up-ticks and for these up-ticks to translate into making the individual aircraft maintenance technician’s outlook on employment and life any better. I understand we are still in a very difficult environment.
Thanks for reading,
Ron