Australia's helicopter industry showcase, Rotortech, is set to launch next week as one of the most well-supported general aviation events in the country.
Rotortech 2018, which runs from 24-26 May at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast, has been so well supported and sponsored that the organisers took the step of making delegate registration free, and announced earlier this month that they would refund money to delegates that had already paid
The participant list includes 86 companies, ranging from major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus, Bell and Robinson, sales and support companies like Heliflite and Hawker Pacific to equipment manufacturers, software companies and government departments.
Peter Crook, president of host organisation the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA), attributes the impending success to the energy in the rotary aviation industry and the work of his association.
"I think there’s a lot happening in the industry at the moment, so people see the need for an event where we can hear from the various players and discuss how things will impact us," he told Australian Flying. "I think the AHIA event is gaining support because people see that the association has been working on behalf of the industry."
The conference program includes presentations from Airservices, the ATSB, CASA, Airbus Helicopters, Sikorsky, Robinson and Bell among many sessions. Legendary US helicopter pilot Chuck Aaron, one of only three people in the world approved for helicopter aerobatics, is due to deliver the keynote address at the beginning of the conference.
Although hosted by AHIA, Rotortech is organised by the Australian Maritime Defence and Security Foundation, which is also responsible for the Australian International Airshow at Avalon.
More information is on the Rotortech website.