Industry pioneer Carl Milko is the 2017 recipient of the Twirly Birds Les Morris award. As the founder of Summit Helicopters, Milko's career in the industry began as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1965.
After Vietnam, Milko earned a master’s degree in forestry and worked for Evergreen Helicopters. He teamed with four other industry peers to found Summit Helicopters in 1982. Under his leadership, the company now has more than 70 employees and 15 aircraft. Milko was also recognized for his actions as a Bell Jet Ranger pilot, when he rescued stranded citizens during a flood in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1985.
Each year, the Twirly Birds present the Les Morris award as a recognition of lifetime achievement. Recipients are individuals who have significantly contributed to the helicopter industry. Sergei Sikorsky presented Milko with the award during the annual Twirly Birds meeting on March 7 at the Hilton Anatole’s Wedgwood Room in Dallas.