Serving the Helicopter Community Jeff brings considerable experience and expertise to his new role as chair of the HAI Board of Directors. From 2006 to 2008, he chaired an FAA ad hoc committee providing rec- ommendations on redesigning the complex metropolitan New York City airspace. Following a fatal midair
collision over the Hudson River between an airplane and a helicopter in August 2009, he served on the New York Airspace Work- ing Group convened by the FAA to review oper- ating procedures in the area. Teir work contributed to the FAA’s establishment of a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) in November of that year. For Smith, the accident was personal. “Te helicopter pilot
Assembly, which typically includes a presidential visit, creating a citywide TFR (temporary flight restriction) lasting up to three weeks. He was able to negotiate an exemption with the US Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, and the FAA allowing helicopters to fly inside the TFR. Jeff has served on several
“There’s a myth in aviation that we’re paid as pilots and mechanics to get the mission done. I would say we’re actually paid to say no.”
FAA task forces dealing with airspace or access restrictions in the New York City metropolitan area. He was awarded the National Business Aviation Association’s Silk Scarf Award, given to individuals for special contributions
to the business aviation community, for his efforts. Of all the work he has done to improve flight safety, how-
was Jeremy Clarke, who flew for Liberty Helicopters. I had dinner with him two nights before. He was a happy Kiwi [New Zealander] and was engaged to be married.” Jeff’s experience with New York airspace proved valuable during the annual opening of the United Nations’ General
ever, Jeff cites the past 15 years on the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC) as his most rewarding in aviation. Te group is made up mostly of flight department managers and chief pilots from the New York City metro area who rely on the council for guidance on political and legislative issues. During his time with ERHC, Jeff served as chairman for
JUNE 2022 ROTOR 31
Jeff, chief pilot at R.O.P. Aviation, prepares for another flight.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
