For more than 40 years, the Helicopter Heroism Award has recognized some of the most dramatic displays of courage and heroism involving the use of a helicopter. Judged by a panel of individuals from various segments of the helicopter industry, this year’s award ceremony will honor the heroism exhibited throughout the various rotorcraft communities with multiple Above and Beyond the Call Awards to be presented to deserving helicopter crews and individuals from each of the following operational sectors: 

• Public Service Operations
• Military Operations
• Private/Corporate/Commercial Operations 

The luncheon ceremony will culminate with the awarding of the 2008 Annual Helicopter Heroism Award, to the most deserving recipients, regardless of geographic location or operational discipline.

Eligibility

Acts of heroism must have taken place between January 1 and December 31, 2008.

The competition is international in scope and open to anyone, civilian or military. There are no restrictions as to age, sex, nationality, or occupation of the nominees, or to the type of helicopter involved. Posthumous candidates are also eligible.

Deadline

August 1, 2009, is the deadline for nominations. 

Judging

The winner(s) will be selected by a panel of prestigious individuals in the helicopter industry. One of the judging votes for winning will be the popular vote from the helicopter community. To vote, click here.

Award

The winner(s) will be announced at the Helicopter Heroism Award Luncheon during the Search & Rescue Summit 2009. The award feature story and announcement will be in the October issue of Rotor & Wing.

Nominations

Any individual, group or organization may submit nominations, which must be accompanied by authenticating material about the act of heroism involved, such as letters, films, press accounts, citations, and other records or documents. Materials that can be emailed should be sent to estephens@accessintel.com. Materials that cannot be emailed should be sent along with a printed copy of your website submission to :

Ernie Stephens - Helicopter Heroism
Rotor & Wing
Access Intelligence4 Choke Cherry Rd, 2nd Floor
Rockville, MD 20850

For questions about uploading video or pictures to our website, please send an email to jheinold@accessintel.com for detailed instructions.