OUTSIDETHEBELTWAY
WE RECENTLY ATTENDED THE National Conference of State Legislatures Capitol Forum in Phoenix, Arizona, an event that brings together numerous US state legislators to discuss policies and legislative concepts. It’s an ideal place for HAI staff to have in-depth conversations about the initiatives that states plan to explore in 2020. While we were in Phoenix, and on a trip to Dallas, we also met with HAI members (see photos). Whenever we meet with state legislators, manufacturers, operators, or chambers of commerce, a common topic we hear is the helicopter industry’s struggles to train and retain enough pilots and mechanics/engineers. Luckily, we have a bright spot to point to in workforce develop- ment: the Utah Rotor Pathway Program. This statewide initia- tive by government, industry, and educa-
tors has been showing some successes, such as opening a rotor- specific aviation education program—aptly named the Aviators—in the new Cedar Valley High School, in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Industry partners are setting up work-based learning opportunities for Cedar Valley students, and the Pathway Program is looking to bring aboard another high school partner in August of this year.
At the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Phoenix hangar, Cade visited with (left) Steven Blatus, assistant special agent in charge, and (right) Gary Hill, special agent in charge.
HAI believes the Utah program can be a template for similar ini-
tiatives in other states. Throughout our recent travels, we’ve found great enthusiasm for the concept, with numerous potential part- ners wanting to replicate the program and its successes. HAI is exploring these opportunities and looking for additional partners. If you’re interested in learning more about the Utah Rotor Pathway Program and setting up a similar initiative in your state, please contact us at
advocacy@rotor.org!
– Cade Clark and John Shea
David Dolenar (left), director of business development at MD Helicopters, gave John (right) and Cade a tour of MD’s assembly plant in Mesa, Arizona.
WINTER 2020 ROTOR 17
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