Helicopter Association International (HAI) has renamed Helicopter Foundation International (HFI), its charitable arm, in a move that it says will more closely identify the non-profit’s role in supporting its missions. The tax-exempt organization will now be known as the HAI Foundation. It shares the same board of directors as parent HAI, with the goal of “preserving and promoting the rich heritage of vertical aviation while supporting the next generation of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians."
“For many years, not everyone realized that HFI is directly connected to HAI, its parent organization,” said James Viola, HAI’s newly-named president and CEO. “This name change ties the two organizations more closely together, but the foundation’s mission and goals have not changed.”
Of late, the foundation has focused its attention on the industry’s shortage of pilots and maintenance technicians, and commissioned the HFI-UND study, which was the first to document the labor shortage in the rotorcraft industry. To help solve that problem, the foundation has been active in workforce development, sponsoring industry forums and career roundtables. It also awards annual scholarships for student pilots and aviation maintenance technicians.
During Heli-Expo 2020 this week, the foundation will conduct its customary silent auction, which includes a variety of donated goods, services, and experiences ranging from training and communications equipment to helicopter tours and flight apparel.
The auction window closes at 4 p.m. on Thursday and bids can be placed until then online at BiddingforGood.com/HAI or at the silent auction booth in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center.