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| Mr. Chris Erickson (HAI chairman of the board) and Matthew S. Zuccaro (HAI CEO/president) opening the HAI International Media Reception. |
By Marino Boric, EAA European Correspondent
For the second year in a row, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) has a big, front-row presence at the biggest general aviation fly-in in the world. Drawn by a Robinson R22 parked in the middle of the HAI HELI-CENTER, a steady stream of first-day visitors passed through the two-story facility, located just off the flightline at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012.
The second-story observation deck is open to HAI members and offers a great location to watch the afternoon air shows, or to just sit, relax, and take a break from wandering through all the exhibits.
In addition to the R22 helicopter on display inside the HELI-CENTER, Enstrom Helicopter has a 280FX turbine-powered model, outfitted for the law enforcement mission, located in a static area outside of the HELI-CENTER.
Although AirVenture visitors are almost exclusively from the fixed-wing community, many visiting the HELI-CENTER have expressed keen interest in learning to fly helicopters. To help explain what's involved in getting a rotorcraft rating, two of the largest helicopter flight schools-Hillsboro Aviation and Bristow Academy, both HAI members-have flight instructors and exhibits inside the HELI-CENTER, answering visitors' questions. Also joining HAI inside the HELI-CENTER are the newly reconstituted Midwest Helicopter Association and Airwolf Industries, a provider of numerous helicopter-related maintenance items.
The HELI-CENTER, located in spots 427-434, is open all week, including for the Night Air Show on Saturday.
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