Scenic Airlines' Chad Dixon Elected Chairman

 The United States Air Tour Association (USATA) has named Chad Dixon, president of Scenic Airlines, as chairman of the Board of Trustees. Scenic Airlines, a Las Vegas-based air tour company serving the Grand Canyon, was an original founding member of USATA. "This is an extremely challenging time for the commercial air tour industry and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as chairman of our association," said Dixon who assumed the presidency of Scenic Airlines in 2001. Scenic Airlines, established in 1967, is the largest fixed-wing air tour company offering air tours of the Grand Canyon.

Brenda Halvorson, president of Papillon Helicopters in Grand Canyon Arizona, was named vice chairman; Lash Larew, executive vice president of Era Aviation in Alaska was named secretary; and, Dave Chevalier, president of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters in Hawaii was named treasurer.

Other newly appointed members of the USATA Board are:

• John Sullivan (Sundance Helicopters)
• Alan Stephen (Grand Canyon Airlines)
• John Dillon (Grand Canyon Airlines)
• Greg Rochna (Maverick Helicopters)
• Ross Scott (Sunshine Helicopters)

  

USATA President Steve Bassett said he was extremely pleased with the makeup of the board and the selection of Dixon as chairman. "Our plate is pretty full with issues sure to shape the look of air touring across the nation in the years to come" he said. "Our association needs strong, dedicated and committed leadership and the composition of this Board and the selection of these Board officers gives USATA what we need to move forward with continued success."

Bassett, who has served as the association's president since 1996, said addressing the proposed national air tour safety rule, the environmental conflict resolution process at the Grand Canyon, the proposed relocation of helicopter operators in Las Vegas, the Lake Mead exemption for Grand Canyon air tours, and the implementation of air tour management plans nationwide represent the core of USATA's current advocacy initiatives.

FMI: www.scenic.com