A new helicopter industry association is to be set-up in the wake of the death of well-known pilot Gary Ticehurst.
The Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) aims to promote and develop the burgeoning rotary industry in Australia, taking over the mantle from the defunct Helicopter Association of Australia (HAA).
In a statement released to the media, the AHIA under new convenor Rob Rich pointed out the death of Ticehurst as the catalyst for establishing the AHIA.
"When Australian ABC helicopter pilot Gary Ticehurst and his camera team were lost in a night helicopter accident near Lake Eyre, South Australia, in August 2011, many older pilots reflected on his past efforts (and those of others) in helping to develop the now defunct Helicopter Association of Australia (HAA) over the past 30 years," the statement said.
"Many felt his work, and the efforts other generations of presidents should not be lost when the HAA collapsed in 2008, after serving industry for a quarter of a century. But it has taken Gary’s death to jolt people into doing something positive for the industry once again."
Under the guidance of Rich, the AHIA aims to be registered by July, with an inaugural executive committee appointed soon after to update a draft constitution. The AHIA is planning for an official launch at the Australian International Air Show in Avalon next February/March.
The rotary industry in Australia has been growing at the express rate of 9% per year. At present, Australia has 1950 registered helicopters, a number which is expected to rise to 3000 within five years.