Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Helicopter club Ernie the Eagle poses with recent Embry-Riddle graduates at the Helicopter International Heli-Expo 2006.

On a rainy Feb. 25, 14 students and three staff and faculty from Prescott descended on the Helicopter Association International's Heli-Expo 2006. What they experienced over the next three days put the spin on their rotors and a boost to hurry and get into an industry that unequivocally wants their talents.

Over 16,500 participants observed Embry-Riddle students walking the floor. Ernie the Eagle was also in attendance at the fair, showing his support.

220,000 square feet of exhibit space housed the very largest fire fighting helicopters, new Sikorsky's and Bells, with a working mockup of the BA 609 tiltrotor. Over 500 exhibitors displaying the latest rotorcraft technologies, aircraft, simulation, maintenance, and capabilities gave our students a view of their future.

Saturday afternoon included a Mentorship Program where our students were able to ask pointed questions to the industry experts. Jeff Vance, an Aerospace Studies Sophomore asked the perfect question about his (and his peers') future job potential after meeting minimum industry requirements. The answer he received not only shocked him, but rocked the boat of the University of North Dakota attendees in the room.

The question was answered by the LA County Air Bureau Chief, who has employed over 600 pilots. The gist of the answer was, "you're an Embry-Riddle student….you won't have a problem getting a job in this industry….ever"!

With that motivation, our students went forth and showed the blue and gold all over the convention and were identified everywhere they went. Just ask one of those that attended.

The helicopter industry knows we are now producing the best-qualified rotary wing aviators and are watching us with interest as we continue forward.

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