Alexandria, Va. - For more than 50 years, HAI has recognized the outstanding achievements and exceptional merits of individuals and organizations through the Salute to Excellence Awards. The annual Salute to Excellence Awards dinner is the premier event of HELI-EXPO^®.

The nine award categories reflect the extensive breadth of missions, roles, and services performed by helicopters and those involved with their safe and effective operation. One such award is the Pilot of the Year Award. The Pilot of the Year Award is the oldest of HAI’s Salute to Excellence awards. The award recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year, or extraordinary professionalism over a period of time. Nominees must be active helicopter pilots.

Nominations for the 2013 Salute to Excellence Awards program, to be held on Wed., March 6 during HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, are being accepted now. Submit a nomination for the Salute to Excellence Pilot of the Year Award, or any of the nine categories today!

The deadline to submit nominations is Fri., Nov. 16, but HAI strongly encourages you to submit your nominations as soon as possible.

Read about last year's Pilot of the Year Award winner.

For more information on the Salute to Excellence Awards and the nominations process, conact HAI’s Communications and Public Relations Department at 703-683-4646.

Salute those who deserve to be recognized in 2013 for their contributions to the rotorcraft community - do not let service above and beyond the call of duty go unrecognized!