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Helicopter Institute Awarded United States Navy COPT-R Program Contract


Helicopter Institute, a leading provider of advanced rotorcraft training and aviation services, proudly announces it has been awarded a five-year contract under the United States Navy’s Contractor Operation and Pilot Training – Rotary (COPT-R) program. This award marks


BY THE NUMBERS 138,000,000


The per-aircraft price in USD of the most expensive helicopter ever manufactured. The award goes to the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, a heavy-lift military transport aircraft used by the U.S. Marine Corps.


42 Jan/Feb 2026


a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and reinforces its position as a trusted


training partner


for military and government aviation programs.


Under the COPT-R contract, Helicopter Institute will deliver comprehensive rotary-wing training solutions designed to enhance operational readiness,


“We are honored to support the United States Navy through this long-term partnership,” said Ashley Mikel, director of business development. “This award reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep expertise in rotorcraft training, and our


standardization, and safety across Navy aviation units.


2,600


The most documented pounds lifted by an unmanned rotary- wing


drone. The feat was


accomplished by the Kaman K-Max unmanned helicopter, designed primarily for heavy lifting in military and industrial applications.


857,392


The number of aircraft that landed or took off from Chicago O’Hare International Airport in 2025, crowning the Windy City with the busiest airport in the nation. O’Hare passed perennial leader Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by 50,000 takeoffs/landings.


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