GAMA opens doors to rotor sector, Bell Helicopter joins

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has expanded its membership to include rotorcraft manufacturers and accepted Bell Helicopter as its first rotory member.

The decision was made following a vote by the GAMA’s Board of Directors, with President and CEO Pete Bunce saying the industry association is excited about working to represent a, “vital and growing sector of the industry”.

“GAMA has enjoyed a good working relationship with the rotorcraft community for years and already coordinates with the major helicopter manufacturers on issues of common interest such as certification processes, Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, and accident investigation,” Bunce said.

“Growing our membership to include rotorcraft manufacturers allows GAMA to better advocate for and promote the interests of the entire General Aviation industry throughout the world.”

“We welcome Bell as the first rotorcraft manufacturer to join GAMA and look forward to working with them on behalf of this great industry. We also look forward to partnering with the rotorcraft operating community, in particular the Helicopter Association International, on efforts to bolster safety and increase the economic reach of the industry.

“Rotorcraft are a vital component of General Aviation across the globe.”

 “HAI is pleased that GAMA has expanded its membership criteria to include rotorcraft,” Matt Zuccaro, President of Helicopter Association International (HAI), said. “This partnership between HAI and GAMA will be a great benefit to our collective membership and the international rotorcraft community as we continue to focus on safety and growth of the industry.”