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superlative contributions by a helicopter or UAS flight instructor in upholding high standards of professionalism. It will be presented Monday, March 7, at HAI Heli-Expo 2022 in Dallas.
Flight instructor and experimental test pilot Scott Tinnesand got to where he is today thanks to mentors who supported him along his journey. A pilot with 33 accident-free years of flying experience, he is dedicated to giving back whenever possible.
Tinnesand remembers wanting to be a pilot, but questioning the feasibility of achieving his dream. When he discovered the U.S. Army ROTC program at the University of North Dakota (UND), the dream became possible. He enrolled at UND with the ROTC program, earning his private, commercial, and instrument helicopter ratings. Upon graduation, he attended Army flight school to become an AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache pilot.
After eight years of service, ending with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, he entered the civilian world as an instructor pilot and test pilot for the gyroplane manufacturer Groen Brothers Aviation. Tinnesand thrived at Groen, gaining gyroplane commercial and instructor ratings. He was mentored by coworker and fellow pilot Terry Brandt. Not only did Tinnesand have the opportunity at Groen to teach customers to fly, but he was also able to mentor them in their careers.
After leaving Groen, Tinnesand took a helicopter EMS position that grew into an opportunity to earn his helicopter CFI and to mentor, train, and support his fellow company pilots. Then, in 2011, he landed what has been his dream job.
Today, Tinnesand is a lead flight instructor and experimental test pilot for The Boeing Co.’s Vertical Lift division. He trains domestic and international pilots, and conducts experimental test flights in the AH-64E Apache, A/MH-6M, and AH-6 Little Bird.
Other 2022 HAI Salute to Excellence Award Winners include: •
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Scott Tinnesand Receives HAI’s Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award
Helicopter Association International (HAI) recently announced Scott Tinnesand is the recipient of the Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. This award, presented by H. Ross Perot and family, recognizes
Lifetime Achievement: Dwayne Williams, Aero Dynamix Humanitarian Service: MD Helicopters
Airborne Law Enforcement: Sergeant Matt Rogers, Michigan State Police
• Safety: United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod • Golden Hour: Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team, Children’s Health, Dallas
• •
Maintenance: Jeffrey Donnell, Panther Helicopters Communications: Georgina Hunter-Jones, Helicopter Life
• Matthew S Zuccaro Land & Live: Andrew Champagne, avionics electrical technician second class, U.S. Coast Guard
Pilot of the Year: Lieutenant Commander Travis Christy, United States Coast Guard
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