Part of HAI’s mission is to address the problems and issues that affect its members—a vital function of any association. Much of this effort is conducted through HAI’s working groups.
Staffed and led by HAI members, the working groups meet several times a year to contribute their industry expertise toward topics such as safety or training. Others address issues in specific industry sectors, such as aerial firefighting or helicopter tours. The Board of Directors, at its discretion, may initiate the formation of additional working groups to address specific industry topics.
Working group proposals and activities are reviewed by the HAI Board of Directors, which then directs further action by the working groups and HAI staff. The wide range of topics covered by HAI’s 11 working groups can be seen below.
Application for HAI Working Groups
Please fill out the following form to be considered for membership in an HAI working group.
Aerial Firefighting and Natural Resources Working Group
The Aerial Firefighting & Natural Resources Working Group is established to identify and evaluate safety, operational and support issues, and to assist in the development of policies and best practices to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft engaged in aerial fighting and natural resources operations. The Working Group identifies and advises the HAI Board and membership on potential administrative, operational and safety concerns impacting aerial firefighting and natural resources rotorcraft operations.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
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Air Medical Services Working Group
The Air Medical Working Group is dedicated to enhancing safety within the medical transport industry by focusing on standardization and training
Aviation Insurance Working Group
The HAI Aviation Insurance Working Group was established in 2022 to identify and evaluate aviation industry insurance issues and assist in the development of recommendations, programs, and best practices to ease industry burdens and facilitate collaboration between operator and insurance industry stakeholders. The impacts to industry from recent insurance industry shifts have been substantial in many cases. As such, the HAI Aviation Insurance Working Group brings together members from across the industry and provides the setting for open discussion and sharing.
Flight Operations Working Group
The Flight Operations Working Group includes individuals with extensive operational expertise, aviation managers, avionics manufacturers, and individuals with background in managing and conducting flight testing activities. The working group actively participates in initiatives to improve VFR/IFR regulations, flight procedures, helicopter routes, charting, and the Aeronautical Information Manual. The working group has worked to develop a joint government and industry “teaming” process. This allows increased helicopter industry involvement in the prioritization, planning and execution of flight testing activities.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Fly Neighborly / Environmental Working Group
The Fly Neighborly / Environmental Working Group strives to increase pilot participation in, and public awareness of, HAI’s voluntary noise abatement program for helicopter operators. The working group coordinates Fly Neighborly activities with regional associations and other HAI working groups. The working group developed the Fly Neighborly Guide, “Fly Neighborly” video, and the Fly Neighborly Training Kit.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
Helicopter Tour Operators Working Group
The Helicopter Tour Operators Working Group’s top priorities are: 1) supporting multiple-user access to National Parks; 2) educating the public on the environmentally-friendly quality of air tours and the vital assistance they provide to disabled persons; 3) advancing air tour safety; and 4) promoting “Fly Neighborly” practices. The working Grgup also works closely with HAI Staff to address regulatory and legislative changes affecting the tour industry.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Restricted and Experimental Category Aircraft Working Group
The HAI Restricted and Experimental Category Aircraft Working Group is established to facilitate the safe integration and support of restricted and experimental category aircraft into the National Air Space (NAS). The working group works to identify and evaluate safety, operational and support issues, and to assist in the development of policies and best practices to enhance the safety and efficiency of restricted and experimental category aircraft operations.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Safety Working Group
The primary objective of the Safety Working Group is to improve hazard and risk identification, assessment and mitigation, with the result of eliminating accidents and fatalities in the helicopter industry. The working group seeks to advise and educate the helicopter industry on safety issues.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Technical and Maintenance Working Group
The Technical and Maintenance Working Group actively supports technical areas of the helicopter industry. The working group facilitates dealings with government agencies and serves as the Technical Task Force for reviewing relevant regulations and responding to proposed changes. The working group sponsors the Manufacturers’ Technical Briefings at HELI-EXPO® and continues to encourage use of the Maintenance Malfunction Information Report (MMIR).
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Training Working Group
The Training Working Groups goal is to enhance safety and quality in training. The working group makes recommendations on existing and proposed rules, regulations, policies, and initiatives that affect the helicopter training industry. In addition, the working group monitors technology advancements as they apply to flight training and the helicopter community.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Working Group
HAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Working Group is established to develop programs, policies and guidance to facilitate the safe integration of helicopters and unmanned aircraft into the National Air Space (NAS). Working closely with government agencies, the committee aims to develop best practices to enhance the safety and efficiency of manned and unmanned operations alike. The UAS Working Group also assists HAI operators, manufacturers and maintainers in their efforts to integrate unmanned systems into their operations, and to promote a pro-active foundation of cooperative communication between all sectors of manned and unmanned aviation in shared airspace.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list
UAS Working Group’s Recommended Industry Resources
Utilities, Patrol, and Construction Working Group
The Utilities, Patrol, and Construction Working Group promotes the safe use of helicopters in all applications within the utility industry, including patrol, inspection, and construction. One of the main goals of the working group is to develop and promote safe standards and guidelines for helicopter operations in the utility environment.
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
UPAC Safety Guide for Helicopter Operators
Vertical Flight Infrastructure Sub-Working Group
The Vertical Flight Infrastructure Sub-Working Group
HAI Members can logon to this web site and view working group related documents at the bottom of the member list.
HAI Working Group Guidelines and Procedures Manual
View Working Group
Workforce Development Working Group
Workforce Development Working Group
The Workforce Development Working Group is established to facilitate the creation and review of programs to aid in the development and expansion of the international vertical lift industry workforce, and to address the projected shortages of qualified pilots, engineers/maintenance technicians, and mission crew.
