VAI 2026 Salute to Excellence Awards Recognize Top Performers

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) is recognizing 10 individuals in the rotorcraft industry with its Salute to Excellence Awards for 2026. “This year’s honorees represent the discipline, judgment, and consistency that define top-tier operations,” said VAI president and CEO François Lassale.

FAA aviation safety coordinator Lee Roskop was chosen for the Harold Summers Legacy Award, sponsored by VAI. Roskop, formerly a helicopter pilot with the U.S. Air Force, now leads rotorcraft safety analytics at the FAA. He works with industry partners such as the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team and contributes significantly to the FAA Rotorcraft Accident Dashboard.

The 2026 Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award goes to the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah (Georgia) crew of CG-6561, recognizing them for their remarkable decision-making and coordination on a mission during a severe storm with heavy rain and lightning. Commanders McClain G. “Mac” Isom and Zachery Geyer took off in 40- to 50-knot winds, hoping to reach a distressed mariner. An emergency beach landing and multiple relocations were necessitated, guided by flight mechanic Glenn Bratlie and rescue swimmer Nicholas Barnes.

Brian Atkinson and Brian Dunn of Coldstream Helicopters are recognized with the Pilots of the Year Award for “decisive airmanship” while on a firefighting mission for Ontario, Canada’s Ministry of Natural Resources. When an electrical failure cut power and disabled cockpit communications, the crew manually released the bucket with 7,000 pounds of water and were able to regain control of the Airbus Helicopters Super Puma in less than 30 seconds.

Irina Sakgaev, applications manager at CHC Helicopter, takes the Safety Award for promoting safety education and awareness for rotorcraft operations at her company. Leader of the CHC Safety and Quality Summit since 2006, Sakgaev organizes 35 to 40 speakers and as many as 100 workshops for the annual forum.

Pete Gillies was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his skill in piloting rotorcraft, as well as innovation and instruction. He spent many years as a Western Helicopters pilot and ultimately chief pilot, and continues teaching at the age of 93.

The 2026 Communications Award goes to Bruce Webb and the Airbus Helicopters Aviation Education and Community Outreach Team, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, who redefined “how an OEM advances safety through communications,” VAI stated. Webb joined Airbus (then Eurocopter) in 1999 and served 16 years as chief pilot before becoming director of aviation education and community outreach. The team transitioned to digital media after the Covid-19 pandemic limited in-person training.

Tom Luca Schneider is the recipient of the W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. After creating “back-to-basics” videos explaining U.S. operations and procedures to pilots, he was recruited to develop and present helicopter pilot safety webinars for the FAA Safety Team.

The Humanitarian Service Award this year recognizes Operation Helo and its use of rotorcraft to provide post-disaster aid. More than 100 aircraft were part of the volunteer network that responded after Hurricane Helene in the southeastern U.S. in 2024. Another major deployment followed floods in Texas eight months ago.

Deputy Nicholas Romano with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has received the Law Enforcement Award based on his leadership in drone operations for promoting public safety. He has piloted drones for almost 10 years and trains others to operate remote-piloted systems.

The Maintenance Award has been presented to Matt Pagano, senior mechanic for the Riverside Police Department Air Support Unit in Riverside, California. Pagano joined the unit in 2003 and is now the sole mechanic for its two Airbus H125 helicopters. He is recognized for providing excellent rotorcraft maintenance amid demanding conditions, as well as prioritizing clear communications between pilots and mechanics to protect missions and crews.