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HAI names Salute to Excellence recipients

The Helicopter Association International introduced its Salute to Excellence recipients, who will be celebrated on January 29 during a luncheon at the HAI HELI-EXPO in Anaheim, California.

Jason Glynn, a pilot for Era Helicopters in Houma, Louisiana, is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Pilot of the Year Award. 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.

“Jason has left an indelible mark on our industry, embodying exemplary leadership, fostering positive change and continued innovation,” said Jamie Comar, chief pilot and director of training at Era, in nominating Glynn for Pilot of the Year. “He’s been the go-to guy for employees and passengers alike … the lifeblood of Era and the company’s drive for aviation safety and excellence. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of working around this man remembers his name, his work ethic, and his selfless ambition.”

Krisna Dewi, commercial manager of PT Sayap Garuda Indah (Heli SGI and Air Bali) in Bali, Indonesia.

Corey Brekke, maintenance manager in Afghanistan for Columbia Helicopters.

Bryn Elliott receives the Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award.

Dwayne Williams, a retired chief pilot for both Bell and MD Helicopters.

Corey Brekke, maintenance manager in Afghanistan for Columbia Helicopters, is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award. The award recognizes an individual for long-standing excellence in the performance of helicopter maintenance, maintenance instruction or supervision, or a single significant and distinct contribution to helicopter maintenance.

Krisna Dewi, commercial manager of PT Sayap Garuda Indah (Heli SGI and Air Bali) in Bali, Indonesia, is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Safety Award. The award acknowledges outstanding contributions in the promotion of safety and safety awareness throughout the international helicopter community.

Dwayne Williams, a retired chief pilot for both Bell and MD Helicopters, is the 2020 recipient of the association’s W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. The award recognizes superlative contributions by a helicopter flight instructor in upholding high standards of excellence.

Bryn Elliott is the 2020 recipient of the association’s Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the promotion and advancement of helicopters in support of law enforcement activities. Nominees were not limited to pilots or law enforcement personnel.

Mark Ogden, editor of HeliOps magazine, is the 2020 winner of the association’s Salute to Excellence Lightspeed Aviation Excellence in Communications Award. The award recognizes the individual or organization achieving the most creative and distinct dissemination of information about the helicopter industry.