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Aviation Maintenance Technician Award |
 Milton K. Geltz Director of Maintenance Supervisor; Metro Aviation, Inc.; Shreveport, Louisiana
Geltz is Director of Maintenance for Metro Aviation, Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana. He holds an FAA Airframe and Power Plant License, Inspection Authorization and Designated Airworthiness Representative (Maintenance and Manufacturing) Original and Recurrent part 25, 27, 29 aircraft and parts, and a Designated Mechanic Examiner, FAA Aviation Safety Counselor, and is a recipient of the FAA Southwest regions Technician of the Year award. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aviation Management from Embry Riddle University.
Additionally, Geltz has completed course work in Aeronautical Maintenance, studied Piston and Jet Engine theory and maintenance, as well as live aircraft inspection, repair and modification. He has also completed course work at several factory schools.
In 1976, Geltz went to work for Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., as an A&P Mechanic. In 1977, he was hired as a line mechanic for Special Jet Services. He quickly advanced to Lead Mechanic. In 1978 he joined Offshore Helicopters, Inc. as the first A&P Mechanic, where he later was promoted to Director of Maintenance. In 1979 Geltz went to work for Horizon Helicopters, Inc. He then worked as a Helicopter Field Services and Engines Technician for Commercial Helicopters and Turbines.
Geltz was hired by Metro Aviation, Inc. in 1983 as Line Mechanic to work on Hughes 500 and 300 Model aircraft, among others. He quickly advanced to Director of Maintenance. Geltz helped Metro develop and implement their current Part 145 Repairs Station Manual and the current PMA Manual and he successfully obtained Supplemental Certificates for Rotary-Wing (Part 27 & 29) and one STC for a Beech C90 (CAR 3, Part 23) aircraft in 1987, and currently maintains a PMA for the STC’s. Geltz has been responsible for final assembly and company conformity inspections, process specifications for STC projects, supervising company Repair Station NDT Programs, and ensuring aircraft airworthiness after installation of STC products in preparation for FAA conformity inspections. Geltz’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to safety have earned him the respect of his peers and are qualities that make him worthy to receive the 2008 Aviation Maintenance Technician Award. |
Aviation Repair Specialist Award |
 Gary Royer, Avionics Shop Supervisor; Canadian Helicopters Limited; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Royer’s association with Canadian Helicopters Limited and its affiliates goes back more than 35 years. As the supervisor of Canadian Helicopters’ Avionics Department, he is responsible for the avionic needs of more than 130 aircraft. Royer is a hands-on kind of guy, working tirelessly to keep an active fleet of helicopters flying in some of the most demanding environments around the world. Under his steady guidance, Canadian Helicopters’ fleet enjoys a worldwide serviceability and safety record that is among the best in the industry.
Royer is equally at home fixing a headset as he is working with a group of Avionic Design Engineers on the layout of overhead CB panels. Those that know him say that he works on a problem until it is fixed and never says, “That’s good enough.” There is no place for that attitude in aircraft maintenance. It is either right or it does not leave “Gary’s Place.”
Royer is a clear example of a Professional Aircraft Avionic Repair Specialist. He has worked his way from an avionics apprenticeship to the position of Department Head. A walking resource center, he can recite wiring diagram specifics. As a knowledgeable Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), Royer understands that trust and cooperation between AMEs and design approval engineers is essential to ensure airworthiness, and produce an efficient, safe, and practical product.
Royer is one of the most experienced helicopter avionics technicians — having worked on small, medium, and heavy helicopters. Royer has spent his career ensuring his employer’s helicopters are well-maintained and suitably equipped for a wide range of operations that have included firefighting, forestry, heavy lift, mining exploration, seismic, wildlife studies, air ambulance, flight training, offshore drilling, pipeline patrol, and many others. Over his three-decade career he has kept complex avionics systems running. His knowledge and problem solving skills have earned him the respect of his peers and gratitude from the entire helicopter industry.
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Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service |
 The County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Air Operations Section. Pacoima, California
The Los Angeles County terrain can be as diverse as the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, the vast high desert of the Antelope Valley, the islands of Catalina and San Clemente, and the expansive coastline and scenic beaches that make up the greater Los Angeles area. During the fall and winter months, the department routinely battles the destructive wind-driven “Santa Ana” wildfires that push down from the high-desert area to the coastline. The unit has pioneered the use of helicopters in wildland firefighting and is still a leader today in the use of aircraft in urban areas. In 2006, the department battled 405 wildfires and dropped nearly two million gallons of water and retardant. In addition to their expertise in firefighting, the department has been a major player in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations since 1967. In 2006, they transported more than 1,222 patients, performed more than 30 hoist rescues, and flew just over 15,000 personnel.
August 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the Air Operations Section of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. From their humble beginnings with a single Bell 47 to the present day fleet of three Sikorsky S-70 Firehawks, six Bell 412s, and a Bell 206 JetRanger, the Air Operations Section has been serving the citizens of Los Angeles County with pride. During that time, the unit has flown well over 100,000 hours in support of operations in and around the Southern California area. With more than 4,600 personnel and 179 fire stations, the department is the largest county fire department in the United States, and its population base of 11 million makes Los Angeles County one of the most populated regions in the country.
To ensure safety, pilots work closely with firefighters and paramedic crews. Chief Anthony Marrone credits the staff for the section’s safety record. Marrone points out, “We have a great group of dedicated pilots, firefighters, paramedics, and mechanics, that is why we have one of the safest operations in North America.” We congratulate the dedicated men and women of the Air Operations Section as they continue to save lives, protect property, battle wildfires, and provide outstanding service for the next 50 years.
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The Joe Mashman Safety Award |
 Captain Paul Smith (1947-2007), Pilot, Helicopters Incorporated, on assignment with WABC-TV, Linden, New Jersey
Smith was a longtime member and former President of the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC) and served as its Safety Committee Chairman. Serving since 1989, he was the longest tenured serving member of HAI’s Safety Committee, and former Committee Chairman. Smith was very active in HAI safety programs throughout his aviation career. Smith was an institution on the New York helicopter scene for more than 25 years, during which time he served as Chief Pilot of Island and National Helicopters.
Smith died on October 7, 2007 in Manhattan, New York when an out of control taxicab ran up onto a crowded sidewalk, struck and killed him, while also seriously injuring his wife and other members of the Smith family as they were leaving a Midtown restaurant. Smith was 60. At the time of his death, he was the pilot for the WABC-TV News Copter 7, under contract with Helicopters Incorporated, where he also served as the company’s Safety Manager. Two years ago, Smith was part of a team that won an Emmy for their news coverage.
In his news chopper, Smith covered many major news stories including the crash of Cory Lidle’s plane on New York City’s Upper East Side, the Staten Island ferry accident, the Chopper 4 crash, and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. If there was a major story, Captain Smith was most likely in the cockpit of News Copter 7 flying overhead and gathering the pictures for Eyewitness News. On the day following Smith’s passing New York City’s news pilots and reporters expressed their shock and sadness, and, in his honor, no TV stations in New York City flew their helicopters that day.
Smith’s energy, commitment, and dedication to risk and hazard management was exemplary. He will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues across the industry, including HAI President Matt Zuccaro. Zuccaro expressed his condolences at the loss of his longtime friend; “It was my privilege and honor to have known Paul for all these years. His passion and dedication to safety within our industry will be truly missed.”
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Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award |
 Barry C. Lloyd, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and FAA Accident Prevention Counselor, Sacramento, California.
Lloyd began his helicopter career in the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight program. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was severely wounded when his helicopter was shot down during a reconnaissance mission. Lloyd was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, several purple hearts, and the Air Medal, with thirty oak leaf clusters for his bravery and many missions flown in combat. Upon his return to the states, Lloyd was promoted to Captain in the Army. Lloyd spent several months enduring a number of surgeries after his helicopter accident in Vietnam. During his recuperation, he returned to St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California and then graduated from the University of Southern California Aircraft Accident Investigation Course Series. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Lincoln Law School. Eventually Lloyd returned to his passion, flying. He began his commercial helicopter career in the forests and mountains of California. His many years of work in this area earned him the U.S. Forest Service certification for fire, rappel, mountain, snow ops, animal herding, bucket ops, long line ops, and heli-torch certification.
Lloyd’s outstanding achievements and his efforts earned him his CFI, CFII, and ATP ratings in both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. He also earned his A&P maintenance rating while acquiring his pilot ratings. His dedication to improving safety brought deserved recognition. The FAA awarded Lloyd with the title Aviation Safety Counselor and made him a Designated Flight Examiner. His work as accident investigator, teaching at seminars and attending other pilot education events throughout the U.S. keep him busy.
Lloyd’s teaching skills and knowledge of FARs and aviation law are valuable assets. His student pilots do “Fly Safer,” because of Lloyd. Those who have taken HAI’s Flight Instructor Refresher Course are witness to Lloyd’s skills and very special dedication to the helicopter industry. He is an inspiration to all who come in contact with him and is eminently qualified to receive the Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor award.
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AgustaWestland Community Service Award |
 Richard N. Dutson, Chief Helicopter Pilot, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, West Trenton, New Jersey
After serving as a U.S. Army UH-1 pilot in Vietnam and in the reserves, Dutson flew in the Gulf of Mexico, on EMS missions in eastern Pennsylvania, and later as a charter pilot throughout the New York City metro area. He began his corporate career with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company in 1986, becoming Chief Helicopter Pilot in 1988 and leading the department for 19 years, until his retirement in September 2007. He selected and developed company helipads in Connecticut and central New Jersey. Dutson worked with neighbors and trained pilots in Fly Neighborly techniques, while navigating to and from both facilities. He served as Director, Vice Chairman, and Chairman of the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), where he assumed leadership of its Fly Neighborly Committee. At ERHC, Dutson worked with current HAI President, Matt Zuccaro to create ERHC’s Heliport and Airspace Protection Program (HAPP). Dutson created ERHC’s “Fly 2000 in the Year 2000” campaign and was a “Fly Neighborly” advocate in the Council’s newsletter columns, while speaking to industry and concerned citizen groups. As Chairman of HAI’s Fly Neighborly Committee, Dutson has been a long-time proponent of advancing more friendly flying techniques and community relations and was again responsible for the phrase, “Fly 2000 in Year 2000,” as part of that committee’s industry outreach program.
Dutson took a central role in lowering helicopter IFR alternate minima to develop safer community flights. He is a long-standing member of HAI’s Flight Operations Committee, a past Chairman and current member of that committee’s Copter ILS Working Group, and an industry/corporate representative on the joint Industry/FAA Performance Based Navigation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PARC). Dutson also worked frequently and tirelessly with the FAA Noise Abatement/Environmental Department, developing helicopter routes and helped produce a pilot-education video and card. Dutson is known as “the go-to guy” for questions on rotorcraft operations. He has participated in panels and led his department to 11 straight Westchester County Airport (HPN) “Spirit of Noise Abatement” awards, from 1994 to 2004. Dutson has set the standard for the next generation by enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the ERHC. His years of dedicated service and contributions to improve rotorcraft noise abatement, heliport operations, and community relations have earned him the AgustaWestland Community Service Award.
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Eurocopter Golden Hour Award |
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 United States Coast Guard HH-65C Crew 6548 (Lieutenant Robert F. Fitzgerald, Lieutenant Derrick S. Greer, AMT2 Bryan Patrick, AST2 Dan Strange); San Francisco, California) On the night of August 5, 2007, Sector San Francisco notified Air Station San Francisco that the sailing vessel, Cherokee Rose was taking on water approximately 30 miles off Gualala, California. Fifteen-foot seas and 25-knot winds were slamming the sailing vessel. The ship’s crew had abandoned ship, was in a life raft, and was no longer in contact with anyone. The Operations Center sounded the Search and Rescue alarm notifying the alert duty crew, consisting of Aircraft Commander, Lieutenant Robert F. Fitzgerald III, First Officer, Lieutenant Derrick S. Greer, Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class (AMT2) Bryan Patrick (flight mechanic), and Aviation Survival Technician 2nd Class Dan Strange (rescue swimmer), who quickly reported to the Operations Center to begin flight planning. Unfamiliar with the vessel’s last known location, LT Fitzgerald plotted the coordinates. The two pilots agreed that the flight would be flown under Instrument Flight Rules.
After flying 120 miles through a thick fog layer at 200 feet, CGNR 6548 arrived at the ship’s last known location. The aircrew estimated a drift track based on the winds, scrapped the ordered search, and began tracking a faint emergency locator beacon that AMT2 Patrick heard. They flew in extremely low visibility for two miles, without any terrestrial lights or discernible horizon, in a direct line following the wind direction, until they spotted a faint strobe light nine miles outside of the original search area. The crew turned on the searchlight. LT Fitzgerald called out that he had survivors in sight.
LT Fitzgerald positioned the aircraft downwind of the survivors and deployed AST2 Strange into the dark, 50-degree water, surrounded by chaotic 15-foot white-capped seas. LT Greer manned the radios, reporting the location of the survivors to Sector San Francisco. AST2 Strange made sure no one was injured. He loaded two of the survivors into the rescue basket. AMT2 Patrick — battling gusty winds — skillfully positioned the hoist for a smooth recovery. About this time a 47-foot Coast Guard motor lifeboat arrived and was vectored by LT Greer to the two remaining survivors. The entire mission from alert to aircraft shutdown was 5 hours, 21 minutes. Four lives were saved and $250,000 worth of property recovered. Mission accomplished.
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Excellence in Communications Award |
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 Barry D. Desfor, Managing Director, HeliValue$, Inc., Wauconda, Illinois
Desfor is a 1963 graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications. His passion for words, along with knowledge of financing, leasing, and taxation have proven beneficial for both the helicopter and financial community. His 43 years of experience began as a U.S. Army Instructor Pilot, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. From 1970 to 1977, he served as a freelance commercial helicopter pilot. From 1977 to 1979, Desfor was Chief Pilot and Maintenance Supervisor for Air Associates, Inc. In 1979, the company published The Official Helicopter Blue Book, which is published and sold internationally by subscription and is approaching its 30th anniversary. The publication contains current retail prices, past trends, and equipment values for more than 100 helicopter models.
At Helicopter Financial Services, Inc. — a subsidiary company created by Air Associates, Inc. — Desfor helped develop inspection procedures and valuation methods. He has inspected helicopters in 42 states, as well as conducted evaluations in Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and many European countries. From 1984 to 1986, Desfor became General Manager and Chief Appraiser for the Blue Book, and expanded the company to include litigation support and expert witness services. In 1988, HeliValue$, Inc., was formed to provide all the inspection and appraisal services for The Official Helicopter Blue Book. In 1990, HeliValue$ bought the Blue Book, its related publications, and its remaining appraisal and inspection business and began publishing Helicopter Equipment Lists & Prices (HELP), a detailed component pricing book with standardized “Hourly Maintenance Costs” for each helicopter model. Desfor is Managing Director, and his wife, Sharon, is President.
Desfor has established the helicopter as a renewable asset that does not follow a normal depreciation spiral. This concept has proven important to the leasing and taxation of helicopters. He has served as Director of the Helicopter Foundation International (HFI), and has chaired the HAI Leasing and Finance Sub-committee in 2002. Desfor is a member of HAI, past member of the Board of Directors, a participant in the National Transportation Research Board’s Symposium on Intermodal Transportation, and a featured guest speaker at the National Aircraft Finance Association’s annual meeting. In addition, Desfor has been a contributing writer to ROTOR magazine and the Helicopter Annual for many years. His passion for words, along with knowledge of financing, leasing, and taxation have proven beneficial for both the helicopter and the financial community.
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Helicopter Maintenance Award |
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 Phillip G. DiFiore, President, Rotorcraft Support, Inc., Van Nuys, California
DiFiore began his career in 1979 as an A&P graduate from North Valley Occupational Center. His professional journey has taken him from helicopter technician to Owner, President, and Director of Maintenance for Rotorcraft Support, Inc., one of the finest helicopter maintenance organizations in the United States. This company serves operators from law enforcement, corporate, utility, and the entertainment industry. A hands-on administrator, DiFiore holds and actively maintains his A&P/Inspection Authorization Certification. He is a Designated Airworthiness Representative, and holds numerous FAA Certifications. At Rotorcraft Support, Inc., DiFiore manages and actively organizes all facility operations including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, evaluations, modifications, avionics shop, and component overhaul shop. His facility works on a number of aircraft models including Aerospatiale, Agusta, Bell, Eurocopter, MD, Robinson, Schweizer, and Sikorsky models.
Recently DiFiore purchased a successful 50-year-old helicopter service company, Redding Air Service. DiFiore believes in training and hires A&P students who are currently enrolled in local A&P schools. He has employed and trained more than 100 apprentice technicians and currently employs 60 technicians and administrative personnel. Because of his uncompromising standards on helicopter maintenance and service, hundreds of pilots have flown thousands of trouble-free flight hours. Eight years ago he produced and continues to support an FAA approved, IA Renewal Seminar.
Each October, DiFiore and Rotorcraft Support, Inc. host IA technicians who are educated by the best of the best from within the rotorcraft industry. DiFiore’s work is a reflection of his personal commitment to quality, integrity, and service. If you asked DiFiore what he is most proud of, he will tell you that it is the hundreds of pilots who have flown thousands of hours and returned home safe, without a reported maintenance-caused incident. His personal and professional accomplishments make him deserving of the 2008 Helicopter Maintenance Award.
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MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award |
 Daniel B. Schwarzbach, President, Airborne Law Enforcement Association and Commercial Pilot,Houston Police Department Helicopter Patrol Unit, Houston, Texas
Schwarzbach has been with the Houston Police Department for 27 years, the last 23 years assigned to the Helicopter Patrol Unit. A unit pilot for 20 years, he has also served as tactical flight officer and unit Budget Coordinator.
Schwarzbach joined the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) in 1986, and in 1998, was elected South Central Region Director. During his 10 years on the ALEA Board of Directors, he has also served as Secretary; Chairman of the Air Beat magazine and Executive Committees; and recently began his third two-year term as ALEA President. He is Editor-in-Chief of Air Beat Magazine, the Association’s bi-monthly journal, and the Editor of the ALEA’s monthly E-Newsletter. The ALEA is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to promote and advance the safe utilization of aircraft by law enforcement agencies. During Schwarzbach’s tenure, the Association began their “Safety First” Program, and mandated that ALEA actively participate in the 2005 and 2007 International Helicopter Safety Symposiums. He also had ALEA serve as a member of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). Schwarzbach re-invigorated the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, which has drafted industry standards for the operation and administration of law enforcement aviation units in the United States, and is currently developing an accreditation process based on those standards. It is believed that compliance with these standards will play a major role in the IHST’s stated goal of reducing helicopter accidents by 80 percent in 10 years.
Schwarzbach is also an active member of HAI’s Government Services Committee, the International Association of Chiefs of Police Aviation Committee, and the National Sheriffs Association Special Operations Committee. He is committed to the growth of law enforcement aviation and the enhancement of aviation safety for the safe and successful completion of each airborne law enforcement mission. His work continues to benefit the airborne law enforcement industry and, therefore, the entire helicopter community. For his contributions to the advancement of aviation in law enforcement, Officer Schwarzbach is awarded the 2008 MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award. |
Lawrence D. Bell Memorial Award |
 Steve and Nancy Sullivan,Founders, Aris Helicopters, Ltd., Saratoga, California
The Sullivans began their lifelong partnership after meeting at Montana State University. Their business partnership began in 1972 as co-founders of Aris Helicopters Ltd. Aris Helicopters conducted flight training, energy exploration, logging, power and pipeline patrol, firefighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and external load operations.
Both Steve and Nancy are long time HAI members who have served on numerous HAI Committees. Nancy currently serves on HAI’s Scholarship Selection Committee. Steve is a past Chairman of HAI and past Board member. He has served on the Heliport Development, Government Contracting, Human Resources, and Economics Committees. He has made numerous presentations to groups and organizations such as the National Transportation Research Board, FAA symposiums, Japanese Diet, Accident Prevention seminars, and Flight Instructor Refresher Courses. He has served as a member of the “Blue” team for the MD 900 helicopter, and the California Wire Strike Task Force. Steve holds membership in the International Society of Air Safety Investigators, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the American Helicopter Society. Steve has fixed-wing and rotary wing experience dating back to his military days where he earned an Air Medal with 38 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. Steve also received HAI’s Lifetime Membership Award, and has received HAI’s Safety Award for 5,000 accident-free civilian flight hours. Steve has 11,000+ flight hours as pilot in command, of which 10,500+ flight hours are pilot in command helicopters, 1,000+ helicopter flight hours in combat, 3,100+ hours as helicopter flight instructor, and 500 flight hours helicopter external loads.
The National Aeronautic Association awarded a “Certificate of Honor” to both Steve and Nancy for their work. They have also been very active in HAI’s Scholarship Program, contributing to and supporting both pilot and maintenance scholarship programs. Together their passion continues to set high standards and their hard work in and for this industry has earned them this year’s Lawrence D. Bell Award. |
Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award |
 Anthony Reece, Pilot/Owner, Hi Line Helicopters, Inc., Darrington, Washington
The Sullivans began their lifelong partnership after meeting at Montana State University. Their business partnership began in 1972 as co-founders of Aris Helicopters Ltd. Aris Helicopters conducted flight training, energy exploration, logging, power and pipeline patrol, firefighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and external load operations.
Both Steve and Nancy are long time HAI members who have served on numerous HAI Committees. Nancy currently serves on HAI’s Scholarship Selection Committee. Steve is a past Chairman of HAI and past Board member. He has served on the Heliport Development, Government Contracting, Human Resources, and Economics Committees. He has made numerous presentations to groups and organizations such as the National Transportation Research Board, FAA symposiums, Japanese Diet, Accident Prevention seminars, and Flight Instructor Refresher Courses. He has served as a member of the “Blue” team for the MD 900 helicopter, and the California Wire Strike Task Force. Steve holds membership in the International Society of Air Safety Investigators, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and the American Helicopter Society. Steve has fixed-wing and rotary wing experience dating back to his military days where he earned an Air Medal with 38 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. Steve also received HAI’s Lifetime Membership Award, and has received HAI’s Safety Award for 5,000 accident-free civilian flight hours. Steve has 11,000+ flight hours as pilot in command, of which 10,500+ flight hours are pilot in command helicopters, 1,000+ helicopter flight hours in combat, 3,100+ hours as helicopter flight instructor, and 500 flight hours helicopter external loads.
The National Aeronautic Association awarded a “Certificate of Honor” to both Steve and Nancy for their work. They have also been very active in HAI’s Scholarship Program, contributing to and supporting both pilot and maintenance scholarship programs. Together their passion continues to set high standards and their hard work in and for this industry has earned them this year’s Lawrence D. Bell Award.
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 Franz Levitskiy, Pilot/Instructor, UTair Aviation (Russia), Surgut, Russia
Levitskiy began his career in 1965 after graduating from Kremenchug Aviation School of Civil Aviation. Beginning as an M-4 co-pilot, he advanced to pilot instructor with Flight Instruction Team #2, Flight Directorate, UTair Aviation, JSc. UTair Aviation is a large, well-known, respected helicopter operation, accounting for 14 percent of the market share in Russia. The company primarily services oil and gas companies such as Surgutneftegaz, Gazprom, Roseneft, and Slavneft.
Levitskiy was involved in the development, testing, and installation of advanced navigation and landing aids on the Mi-8MTV and Mi-26T model helicopters. During his 40-year career, Levitskiy has logged 27,500 accident-free flight hours. He became an authorized flight instructor on the Mi-4, Mi-6, Mi-8, Mi-8MTV, and Mi-26T helicopter models. Levitskiy was involved with subsurface exploration and development of the largest Russian West-Siberian oil-producing complex and developed the first routes to Cambodia, Canada, India, and East Timor. He has flown peacekeeping support missions for the United Nations in Yugoslavia, Somalia, Sierra-Leone, East Timor, Congo, and Liberia.
Flying in the Arctic, Levitskiy’s missions included lifesaving operations — rescuing people from starvation and freezing cold. In 1999 he participated in a unique endurance flight, accompanied by scientists, geologists, crew, and television journalists to the North Pole. The helicopter left Hatanga Airport, refueled at Sredniy Island, and then flew to the North Pole where he landed at a chosen spot and shut down the engines. On the return flight, Levitskiy flew to a base on the Arctic Cape of Komsomol Island to refuel, and then returned via Sredniy Island and back to Hatanga.
Levitskiy has been awarded a medal for “Excellent Service” and a badge recognizing him as an “Aeroflot Expert.” In 2006, Levitskiy was awarded the title of “Honorary Member of the Fight Safety Partnership” at a ceremony of the nonprofit partnership, which took place in Moscow. His experience, leadership, and professionalism are just some of the qualities that have earned him the profound respect and admiration of his crewmen, subordinates, and the entire industry.
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