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Canadian Helicopters Ltd.’s Gary Royer Wins HAI 2008 Aviation Repair Specialist Award

Gary Royer, Avionics Shop Supervisor, Canadian Helicopters Ltd. "It is either right or it does not leave 'Gary's Place'."

Dec. 10, 2007, Alexandria, VA – HAI is proud to announce this year’s Aviation Repair Specialist Award recipient, 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 — ranging from the R22 to the IFR S6l. 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 decades 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.

All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2008’s annual “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet on February 25, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Houston Texas.  For more information about the 2008 “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet, contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: rotor@rotor.com .  For more information on HELI-EXPO 2008, visit www.heliexpo.com .

HAI is the professional trade association serving the international helicopter community. HAI’s 1,600-plus-member organizations and 1,100 individual members, in more than 74 nations, safely operate more than 5,000 helicopters approximately 2.3 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community.