Articles for tag Rotor Pro Editor's Letter
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Sep
01
2025
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Posted by Admin
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The global helicopter air ambulance industry stands at a critical juncture, balancing life-saving innovation with complex challenges. As demand for rapid medical transport grows, particularly in remote and rural areas, the sector continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and increasing healthcare needs. However, it faces hurdles that require urgent attention.
Helicopter air ambulances are indispensable, providing swift access to emergency care where ground transport falls short. Advanced avionics, night vision systems, and medical equipment have enhanced operational efficiency and patient outcomes. The global market, valued at approximately $7 billion in 2024, is projected to grow steadily, fueled by aging populations and rising trauma cases. North America leads, with nearly 1,000 medical helicopters in operation, while Europe and Asia-Pacific are expanding rapidly due to healthcare infrastructure investments. On page 48 we highlight ANWB, an air ambulance service which has grown dramatically in the Netherlands.
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Tags:
Rotor Pro Editor's Letter
Categories:
Opinion-Editorial
Helicopter Sectors
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Apr
29
2024
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Posted by Admin
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Everywhere I turn, I see nothing but change. Rapid change. In fact, almost every feature in this issue has an underlying theme of change.
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Changes in the helicopter industry
Rotor Pro Editor's Letter
Categories:
Helicopter Sectors
Opinion-Editorial
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Feb
16
2024
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Posted by Admin
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For my entire 30-year working life, I have referred to my work as a pilot, helicopter operator, and media company owner as being in the “helicopter industry.” It’s pretty much all I have known.
However back in 2020, we saw a significant shift in the industry’s perspective of what the future might look like. It involved terms like “eVTOL,” “unmanned,” and “AAM” (advanced air mobility.) This shift came not only in the form of conversations, but rapidly morphed into actions by investors, regulators, and OEMs.
I remember asking several industry colleagues of stature if they thought this movement towards new platforms was real, or was it pie-in-the-sky futurecasting. The responses I got were 50/50.
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Tags:
HeliExpo 2024
Rotor Pro Editor's Letter
Categories:
Opinion-Editorial
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Nov
06
2023
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Posted by Admin
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I recall that when I was an emergency medical services pilot back in the 90s, I wrote many times that it was my belief that training was the key to reducing the high accident rate in EMS. Although I flew an S-76 with an autopilot and glass cockpit, technology was not as prevalent for light-single helicopters.
For the most part back then, we received our initial part 135 training, then our annual recurrent training (which was pretty light) only once per year. For most operators, training involved shooting an instrument approach and performing an unusual attitude recovery under a view limiting device (foggles) during VMC conditions. Given the lack of technology, as compared to today, it’s difficult to fault the operators. I always used to say that if the operators could not train themselves to be safer, they would eventually be regulated and “technologied” into safety.
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Tags:
Helicopter Technology
Helicopter Training
Rotor Pro Editor's Letter
Categories:
Regulatory
Training
Opinion-Editorial