75 years. Our founders overcame the early challenges inherent in creating a new form of transportation, and in doing so they demonstrated the tremendous utility and versatility of the helicopter. But that wasn’t—and isn’t—enough to ensure a prosperous and growing industry. They also had to advance the helicopter’s design and expand its capabilities; work with governments to establish fair, performance-based regulations; standardize pilot training and maintenance; and improve the safety of flight. The association gave those early members a forum in which to do all those things and then spread the lessons outward to ensure the growth and strength of the industry. As we look forward to the next 75 years, there are many things about the future of our industry we can’t know. But one thing we know for certain is that the future of vertical aviation is in our hands. It’s our members who will design new powered-lift aircraft and devise novel uses for them. It’s our members who will reduce sound impacts while sustaining the utility and versatility of vertical aviation. It’s our members who will elevate a culture of safety. And it’s our members who will strengthen vertical aviation’s capability to be a vital asset for their communities. The HAI Board of Directors,
drawn from and elected by the membership, has developed a
strategic plan to guide the association in the first steps of its next 75 years. This strategic plan won’t just expand our membership but will also develop and enhance our members’ ability to grow and prosper, thereby strengthening our entire industry. A critical part of this plan is the association’s advocacy with international, national, and local governments and regulators on behalf of members to address their issues and concerns. The HAI Board also feels strongly that the member programs that are part of the plan’s implementation, including safety management system support, legal resources, small-business solutions, and education programs, will deliver greater value for our membership. And if our members see value in being a part of our association, then we will naturally attract more and more members, making our collective voice even stronger. Regardless of the position you hold in the industry—pilot,
aviation mechanic, engineer, crew member, technical professional, owner, inventor, or enthusiast—we want you to see value in your membership in the association. We want you to
SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE ROTOR 9
build a network of fellow vertical aviation professionals and use that network to lead and grow. That’s what many of the board members, including me, have been able to do over the years. We may have come to HAI HELI-EXPO®
the first time not knowing
As we look forward to the next 75 years, there are many things about the future of our industry
we can’t know. But one thing we know for certain is that the future of vertical aviation is in our hands.
what to expect, but then we experienced the power of a membership committed to our industry. Those experiences led us to become members, then volunteer, and then ultimately seek a leadership position to give back to the association—and its membership—that gave us so much. In many ways, that’s the story of our founders too. Particularly meaningful for me is the story of Elynor Rudnick, a founding member of the association and the first woman to serve in one of its leadership roles, first as secretary and then as president. Elynor’s list of aviation achievements is long, including opening her own private airfield in 1945 and founding one of the first helicopter operations, Kern Copters, in Bakersfield, California. Yet what really distinguished Elynor was her lifelong commitment to serve her industry and community. She saw value in being a member of the association and contributed her time and effort to enable it to grow. Over the next 75 years, we’ll need more leaders like Elynor, and that’s why I’m proud to serve on the board with so many other incredible
association members. Being a leader of a member-centric organization is about coming together to solve our toughest problems. It’s about listening to our members and advocating for their ideas on how to grow and strengthen our industry. It’s about taking care of our members first and giving them the resources they need to achieve their goals. I hope you’ll join me, the rest of the Board of Directors, and
the staff in celebrating this tremendous milestone for our organization. I hope also that you’ll take time to reflect on how your membership has aided you in your own journey in vertical aviation. And when you do, I hope that inspires you to help lead us to the next milestone. You and all our members are not only the reason we exist, you are also our most valuable asset. Thank you for all you do for our industry and your communities. And here’s to another 75 years!
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