2006 Award Winners
 
Aviation Maintenance Technician Award
Ron Gilroy, Maintenance Supervisor, Columbia Helicopters, Inc.
Portland, Oregon.
As a Maintenance Supervisor for Columbia Helicopters, Ron Gilroy has spent most of the past two decades maintaining large helicopters in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. This location operates half a world away from the main base, requiring Columbia to send their best personnel. Gilroy is recognized for his exceptional organizational skills, which are crucial, considering it can take two weeks for a spare part to be shipped from the U.S.
Gilroy began his career at Columbia as one of twelve mechanics maintaining up to four BV-107 aircraft in Papua New Guinea, which often logged more than 1,000 hours each month. The component changes and troubleshooting challenges he faced made him proficient in a variety of aviation specificities.
In 1993, he was assigned to take on the more complex BV-234 Chinook, which included complex electrical systems, four hydraulic systems, and two independent, coupled autopilot systems. Tropical conditions create a difficult operating environment for helicopters; however, Gilroy keeps the aircraft under his care in excellent condition, with an availability rate being as high as 97 percent.
Gilroy is now Chief Engineer for Columbia Helicopters PNG, and has trained a number of mechanics who have worked there. His supervising responsibilities routinely keep him working fourteen-hour-plus workdays. Gilroy holds many jobs, from engine man, to structures mechanic, to vibration analyst, to manager, and he manages them all with his high energy intact. His proficiency, reliability, and strong work ethic continue to astound the rotorcraft industry.
Aviation Repair Specialist Award
Richard Wolfgang, Avionics Shop Supervisor, Columbia Helicopters, Inc., Portland, Oregon.
Richard Wolfgang began his career as a maintenance technician for the United States Marine Corps, where he worked primarily on the CH-46 Sea Knight. Wolfgang joined Columbia Helicopters in 1981 as an electrician in the Avionics Electric Shop. He is better known among his colleagues as “Cheech.”
Wolfgang earned his repairman, airframe and power plant certificates, and also became an authorized inspector within Columbia’s repair station. In 1988, Wolfgang became the Lead Mechanic and in 1995 Assistant Shop Chief. In 2002, he was appointed Avionics Electric Shop Supervisor, assuming responsibility for avionics installations and avionics electrical accessory repair. He is also responsible for associated fleet support for Columbia’s large number of helicopters.
Wolfgang traveled to Sudan to assist in the company’s famine relief effort. One week before the trip he was faced with the challenge of installing Very Low Frequency (VLF) navigation systems and High Frequency (HF) communication systems into three aircraft. He has made countless trips into the field to resolve electrical problems. Large avionics installations and helicopter support took him across the U.S., Canada, and Panama. Wolfgang also spent a year working as a field electrician in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Wolfgang has been extensively involved in guiding almost every electrical/avionics installation or upgrade of the BV107 and B234 helicopter. He has kept complex avionics and electrical systems running in the most rigorous and remote locations. His problem-solving skills, sharp memory, and well-rounded personality are attributes that have helped Wolfgang and Columbia to achieve the highest level of excellence. Those qualities continue to advance the international helicopter industry.
Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service
Crew of Helicopter ER-MHH, (Alexey Ostapenko, Oleg Pazynitch, Alexander Ivlev, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd, and John Funnell), Heli Harvest Ltd., Howick, Auckland, New Zealand.
On March 17, 2006, six wildlife rangers from the Department of Conservation were trapped after a volcanic eruption on Raoul Island, located in northern New Zealand. An earthquake accompanied the blast. Without hesitating, the Crew of Helicopter ER-MHH went straight into rescue mode.
After installing long-range tanks to their ER-MHH helicopter, the crew set out for a five hour flight, 1,000 kilometers across the South Pacific Ocean. They were piloting a Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter, a large twin-engine Russian manufactured helicopter.
When the crew arrived, they conducted an aerial surveillance within the active crater area, located the trapped rangers, secured a pickup spot, and hoisted the five survivors to safety. The crew then flew the survivors back to New Zealand that same night.
The Heli Harvest crew showed tremendous bravery and a calm demeanor during an extremely stressful situation. This assignment was far from their day job, which consists of harvesting 11,000-pound logs, firefighting, and construction work in New Zealand and throughout the Australasian region. The five crewmembers include, pilots, Alexey Ostapenko and John Funnell, flight engineer, Oleg Pazynitch, engineer, Alexander Ivlev, and crewman, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd. Their quick response saved five lives. This extraordinary team worked together as one. Congratulations to the crew for a job well done.
The Joe Mashman Safety Award
Scott C. Baxter, Flight Instructor/ Bell Flight Training Academy, Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth, Texas
Scott Baxter’s firm belief in the enhancement of night safety has positioned him as a leading proponent for the proliferation of Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
Upon entering civilian aviation, Baxter took the initiative to understand the operational differences between military flight operations and the civilian sector. He worked on the content of a Night Vision Goggle course for over a period of three years, most of which took place during personal time. Baxter had to persuade the industry, including his co-workers at Bell Helicopter to share in his vision of a helicopter industry that would be safer through the use of Night Vision Goggles. His dream has been realized. Today aviators around the world, including many police officers and EMS agency personnel are putting this added safety measure to first-class use. In addition, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Baxter played an instrumental role in his support of the victims and rescuers through the use of NVG’s.
As an instructor at Bell Helicopter Training Academy, he has developed and introduced the first Part 141 approved NVG training course, a Part 141 approved NVG refresher course, and an IP course. His contribution of safety helped to promote the use and value of non-military NVG trained pilots. Baxter continues to work to educate decision-makers, and to train the end-users. Baxter’s teaching technique, common sense, and commitment to safety are qualities that have contributed to saving lives and opening up operational capacities that were previously restricted to daytime applications.
Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award
Mel Schiller is a Flight Instructor for Canadian Helicopters Limited. His experience and expertise has made him one of the most requested instructors at the Canadian Helicopters School of Advanced Flight Training. Since 1977, Schiller has accumulated over 16,000 hours of flight experience, with close to 15,000 hours in the Bell JetRanger. In the last 20 years he has logged more than 7,500 hours of instructor time.
For more than 50 years, Canadian Helicopters School of Advanced Flight Training has provided excellent service. Schiller’s technical expertise as an instructor is among the highest in the industry. He has mastered mountain flying techniques, external load long-line training, night flying, and annual recurrent training. His thorough approach has helped many students to sharpen their skill levels and to develop a better understanding of helicopter flight.
Schiller has worked with pilots from all over the world including Switzerland, Holland, Venezuela, and the Pakistan Air Force. He is someone who can relate to students from diverse backgrounds. Schiller has provided the foundation for the company’s training courses. His knowledge about the JetRanger, theory of flight, instructional techniques, terrain airflow, and mountain training prepare students well. Schiller’s commitment to his students and safety qualify him for the Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award.

Agusta Community Service Award
The New York City Police Department Aviation Unit, the nation’s first police aerial support unit, has provided airborne support and rescue, protecting life and property in the City of New York since its start with airplanes in 1929.
On January 2, 2006, a four-seat single-engine airplane crash-landed in the Hudson River. The two occupants were in the water for 10-15 minutes when the NYPD Aviation Unit arrived. The first crash victim was scooped up by a rescue basket and the NYPD crew chiefs began to administer first aid while flying him to the hospital. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) assisted in hoisting the second victim into their aircraft.
Six months later, on July 5, 2006, the NYPD Aviation Unit responded to another call about a female floating in the Harlem River. They arrived on scene, but the victim was too exhausted to grab a floatation device. A crewmember grabbed the woman and another crewmember maneuvered the helicopter towards shore. Five feet from the shoreline the crewmember jumped into the water, and swam with the woman to safety. The New York Daily News named these men “heroes of the month.”
This year, the Aviation Unit logged 4,000 flight hours, completed over 9,900 assignments, which included 593 Air Sea Rescues. They conduct life saving operations at great personal risks on a regular basis. Who can forget their heroic response to the 9-11-attack on the World trade Center? Their professionalism, devotion to duty, and community service through the use of helicopters is an inspiration to all and makes them deserving of the Agusta Community Service Award.
Eurocopter Golden Hour Award

Crew of HH-65C CG6553 (Lieutenant Brian S. Waring, Lieutenant Patrick M. Lineberry, AET2 David S. Fanelli, AST1 John D. Isbell), United States Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Savannah, Georgia
On January 18, 2006 the Crew HH-65C CG6553 of the United States Coast Guard Air Station Savannah flew through severe thunderstorms, over an ocean with 25-foot seas in response to a distress call from the crew of the tug Valour. The boat was being battered by 70-knot winds and was taking on large amounts of water.
The pilots positioned the aircraft to prepare their rescue swimmer for the high surf and winds, which were causing severe difficulties. After several attempts the swimmer reached the boat and assisted the crew while they were being hoisted into the helicopter. Suffering from hypothermia, the rescued men were taken to the nearest hospital.
The Coast Guard crew consisted of Lieutenant Patrick M. Lineberry of Virginia who previously served as a Deck Watch Officer onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin and later attended Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his “wings.” Aviation Survival Technician First Class John D. Isbell of Kansas who served more than a year aboard the Coast Guard buoy tender Basswood in Guam. His career took him to Hawaii, and later to Helicopter Rescue Swimmer School in San Diego, California. Isbell completed a tour in Polar Operations, where he accomplished a trip to Antarctica and the Arctic before coming to Savannah in 2004. Aviation Electrical Technician Second Class David S. Fanelli of New York who previously attended boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey and was stationed in Atlantic City, while pursuing a degree in avionics. Lastly, Lieutenant Brian S. Waring of Atlanta. Waring graduated from the University of Georgia and was active in the Army for seven years before coming to Savannah. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff personally called to congratulate the pilots and crew after hearing about their heroic rescue. The helicopter crew’s quick action during the rescue was the difference between life and death. This crew’s teamwork and dedication to duty is an inspiration to the rotorcraft industry, and is worthy of the Eurocopter Golden Hour Award.
MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award
Monica McIntyre, Law Enforcement Pilot (retired), SkyKnight Program, City of Lakewood, California/Sheriff’s Department, Huntington Beach, California
Recently retired, Monica McIntyre was the nation’s first female law enforcement helicopter pilot. She served the City of Lakewood, California as a Sky Knight pilot for the Sheriff’s Department for 25 years. The Sky Knight Program was the world’s first regularly scheduled day/night helicopter law enforcement patrol program. McIntyre also flew two years for Hughes Aircraft as a corporate 222-helicopter pilot and two years for Island Express Helicopters.
A high school Aeronautical Science class, and at 19, a demonstration airplane ride were the catalysts that prompted McIntyre to sign up for flying lessons. By 1975 she was a certified flight instructor at Long Beach Airport in California.
In addition, McIntyre has received numerous awards for her achievements. She was twice honored by the City of Lakewood. She was presented with a scroll from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for exceptional service to more than 280,000 residents and for her 24 years of dedication. As a Whirly-Girl, she was honored in a special Whirly-Girl picture exhibit. The exhibit was first displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space museum in Washington, D.C., and later at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
McIntyre logged more than 15,800 rotorcraft hours during her career. She assisted in everything, from monitoring car chases to helping deputies rescue a drowning child. Her skill and dedication have earned her the respect of her peers, a grateful community, and the entire helicopter industry.
Excellence in Communications Award

Mike Reyno and Linda Reyno, Editor and Publisher, Vertical magazine, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
As Publisher and Editor, Linda and Mike Reyno launched Vertical magazine from their home office in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, four years ago. Now Vertical magazine covers almost every sector of the rotorcraft industry; from flying along the East Coast of Canada, to heli-logging in Northern California, to seismic operations in Alberta, to fighting fires in Northern Ontario.
Working as a photojournalist in the Canadian fixed-and rotary-wing markets throughout the 1990s, Mike Reyno recognized the need for a trade magazine dedicated to the commercial North American helicopter industry. Mike left his job as Editor of two aviation publications, and his wife, Linda, left her job as a manager in the technical industry. Despite being parents of newly born twin daughters and two-year-old son, they debuted Vertical magazine in November 2002.
The Reynos hired professional journalists for in-depth reporting. They operate with five full-time staff members and ten freelance writers, who are located across the U.S. and Canada. The Reynos credit these individuals for their success.

Vertical magazine continues to bring attention to specific issues affecting North American pilots, maintenance personnel, aircraft owners and operators, manufacturers, and suppliers. Mike’s crisp aviation photography and Linda’s sales and marketing expertise keep the operation running smoothly. Together this duo’s passion continues to set high standards. Their hard work and dedication has earned Vertical magazine wide recognition and respect throughout the aviation industry. Congratulations to Linda and Mike upon their receipt of HAI’s Excellence in Communications Award.
Helicopter Maintenance Award

Glen Cornett, Director of Maintenance, PHI, Inc., Lafayette, Louisiana
Cornett graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics and received his FAA A&P license in 1964. He has been a big part of PHI, Inc. As the Director of Maintenance, he oversees the maintenance program for PHI’s worldwide operation and is responsible for the company’s Lafayette repair facility, including component and engine overhaul, quality assurance, engineering, and airframe rebuild.
His first assignment out of school was maintaining a fleet of three Hughes 269 helicopters set up for agriculture spraying. Cornett then went on to work for PHI, Inc., formally known as Petroleum Helicopters Inc. where he has served for 42 years and counting. Cornett began his work for the company as a line mechanic, and then moved to maintenance management. Cornett enjoyed two tours in Columbia, South America, working with Bell 204s, performing pipeline construction and heli-rig movements. He has worked in conjunction with NASA at their Wallops Island, Virginia facility in the late 1960’s, which included early testing of the LTV tilt-wing aircraft and the British Harrier. He has provided maintenance support of a Bell 204 for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. Cornett has been involved in developing a maintenance program for the PT6 engine that allowed PHI, in conjunction with Pratt & Whitney Canada to extend its basic TBO to 7,250 hours without an interim hot-end inspection.
Cornett has worked on fleet programs (Bell, Sikorsky, and Eurocopter) and has served on customer advisory committees and maintenance review steering groups. Cornett mentors and serves as a positive role model to hundreds of other helicopter maintenance professionals. These students can take pride that they have learned from the best. Congratulations Glen Cornett.
Lawrence D. Bell Memorial Award
Wanda L. Rogers, President, Rogers Helicopters, Inc., Clovis, California
Wanda Lee Rogers is the first female to receive this award. She has owned and operated Rogers Helicopters, Inc. since 1962. The business began as a small heliport in Clovis, California with only one helicopter, and now operates 34 aircraft. After tremendous growth, the business relocated to Fresno Air Terminal and now has a larger facility in Apple Valley, California.
Rogers’ interest in helicopters began when she met her future husband, Harry, a pilot and mechanic, while in high school. She, along with her husband worked for various helicopter companies for 12 years. This brought opportunity for many partnerships, forming Rogers Helicopters, Inc, TGR Helicopter, Heavy Lift Helicopters, Inc., Sco-Matt, Inc., Cougar Aviation, and Whirlwide, Inc. Rogers provides helicopters for a number of operations including “SKYLIFE,” which provides 24/7 medical helicopter service to Fresno County. She also contracts helicopters for firefighting, power line patrol, filming for movies, herding livestock and wildlife, search and rescue missions, and assisting law enforcement.
Rogers is no stranger to HAI. She has served on HAI’s Government Contracting Committee. She has also served on the HAI Board of Directors as Vice President, Treasurer, and Chairman.
Rogers is actively involved in her community and throughout the aviation industry. She has been recognized as an honorary Whirly-Girl, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in helicopter aviation. She has served as the President of the Commercial Helicopters Operators Council, as well as a member of the Radcliff College-Amelia Earhart Committee. Closer to home, Rogers is a founding member of the Foundation for Clovis Schools and currently serves on the San Joaquin College of Law Board of Directors. Rogers continues to serve as a first-class role model with her leadership, hard work, and dedication to advancing the rotorcraft industry.
Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award
Kenneth C. Eichner, Pilot (1918-2007), TEMSCO Helicopters, Ketchikan, Alaska
Ken Eichner was the founder of TEMSCO Helicopters (Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, Cargo Operations). He was an Alaskan aviation pioneer pilot who spent his career navigating through the high altitude and mountainous terrain of Southeast Alaska. Eichner received his Commercial Airplane Pilot Certificate in 1960, followed by a Rotorcraft rating in 1962.
Eichner helped form the Ketchikan Volunteer Search and Rescue Squad (KVRS). He went on to found TEMSCO Helicopters with one PA-12 floatplane and one Hiller UH-12C. Previously, Eichner had run a bus company. When he decided to launch TEMSCO his wife and son thought they would keep the company running while dad “fooled around with helicopters.” Quickly, helicopters and rescuing others became the family’s number one priority.
Eichner himself made many rescues. During his first rotor wing rescue, Eichner landed in the White River Valley to save a local minister. Another rescue involved a stranded hunter. Eichner and a colleague flew in treacherous winter weather, set up camp for two days in a cave, and flew the hunter to safety once visibility improved. Still another involved an airline crash in Ketchikan, which prompted Eichner to put TEMSCO’s entire inventory in the air to help. He personally rescued the flight’s pilot.
His personal invention, dubbed the ‘people netter’ continues saving lives everyday. Regrettably, Ken passed away on January 27 due to complications from surgery. He had been notified of this award and was looking forward to receiving this honor at HELI-EXPO prior to his passing. Since Eichner’s retirement in the early 1990s, TEMSCO continues his vision of service and dedication to the community. Eichner’s grandson is now Chief Pilot and carries on the work his grandfather started.
Eichner’s bravery, commitment, and the personal sacrifices he made during his career in the rugged terrain of Alaska earned him the Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award and the appreciation of his fellow Alaskans and a grateful helicopter community.
Pilot of the Year Award
Dale L. Weir, Pilot, Columbia Helicopters, Inc. Portland, Oregon
To date, Dale Weir has flown over 23,000 hours in helicopters and participated in many industry firsts, including timber harvesting, roof top construction, power line replacement by helicopter, the famous hover barge tow in Alaska, and a demonstration of the Suspended Maneuvering System designed by McDonnel Douglas for the rescue of persons from high-rise buildings.
Weir began his career scrubbing planes at a local airport. He was drafted by the Army and chose helicopters over infantry. Weir placed in the top percentile of his flight school class and was offered the opportunity to fly CH-47 Chinooks. Although severe injuries resulting from an aircraft mechanical failure threatened to end his flying career, Wier went on to join Columbia Helicopters Inc. (CHI). For 33 years and counting, Weir continues to fly for CHI and provides the professionalism, skill, and innovation that CHI is known for.
CHI expanded its FAA Part 135 program to include the Boeing 234 Chinook, and Weir’s leadership skills and experience were among the reasons he was selected to help develop the program. Weir was one of the first to participate in the proof of concept of the Chinook for use by CHI. His experience, leadership, and professionalism are just some of the qualities the rotorcraft industry has benefited from. His superior piloting skills have earned him the Pilot of the Year Award.