Anaheim Is The Place To Be For Whirlybird Enthusiasts

We're just days away from the start of Heli-Expo 2009, the latest iteration of the world's largest helicopter gathering dedicated to the international helicopter community. This year's event will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA starting Sunday, February 22 through Tuesday, February 24.

Helicopter Association International, organizers of the three-day event, says this year's show promises to be another big one. Last year 17,373 aviation professionals and exhibiting companies were treated to the latest avionics, accessories, components, and other related products. This year, Heli-Expo will feature a record number 583 exhibitors, including 88 first-time exhibitors, and 73 helicopters are scheduled to be on the show floor.

Heli-Expo 2009 will open on Sunday with the Annual General Membership Meeting and Breakfast, where HAI President Matt Zuccaro and Chairman Patrick Corr will deliver their remarks. The opening ceremony begins promptly at 10:45 am.

Other scheduled HAI events include the Membership Reception; the Job Fair, with companies from around the world seeking to fill positions on the spot; and the annual "Salute to Excellence" Awards Banquet, which will be held on February 23 at 8:00 pm. In addition, Helicopter Foundation International will offer a number of educational courses on days before and after the show.

On-line registration is still open at the first FMI link below. (And if you can't be there, ANN will provide up-to-the-minute coverage of each days' events and breaking news!)

FMI: www.heli-expo.com/register, www.rotor.org