The creation of Airbus Helicopters’ H Pilot Club was long overdue, according to new co-president Ari Vatanen–a Fin who is best known as a former rally driver and later as a member of the European Parliament. He has also been a private helicopter pilot since 1983, now flying an EC120.
Launched at the Paris Air Show last June, the H Pilot Club has some 1,200 members–including close to 60 women. “You don't fly helicopters by accident,” Vatanen said, referring to the passion shared by the pilot community. The club is still in the making, and no formal calendar has been established. “Let’s listen to people. Let’s ask them what kind of gathering they want to have,” Vatanen said.
His goal for the H Pilot Club is to have its members feel they are part of Airbus Helicopters, being proud of it and feeling important to the airframer. Vatanen sees a potential role in safety for the H Pilot Club. “Some light helicopter simulators are underused,” he said. He admitted to hopes for acommercial benefit in the long term.
Asked whether a board may be elected one day, Vatanen said he does not know yet, but described himself as a “democracy activist.” The other co-president is chief test pilot Hervé Jammayrac.