Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Chairman Elling Halvorson garners prestigious honor

Mr. Elling Halvorson, Chairman, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Inc., Grand Canyon, Arizona, is the recipient of Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) 2004 Lawrence D. Bell Award. This award will be presented February 7, 2005, at HELI-EXPO in Anaheim (CA), during HAI’s 44th annual “Salute to Excellence” awards ceremony.

Halvorson, founder and chairman of Papillon Airways, began his business career in 1957 as owner of Elling Halvorson, Inc., a general contracting firm. His first major project was constructing a two-mile tramway system on a 10,400 ft. high mountain peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in order to link a transcontinental microwave system from New York to Los Angeles.

It was at this time that he purchased his first helicopter. Later he pioneered the unconventional use of a helicopter in the construction of a water pipeline across the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Visitor requests for helicopter rides led to rotorcraft sightseeing, which launched Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters.

An innovative entrepreneur, Halvorson has invested in and founded a multitude of highly successful companies, including:

• Grand Canyon Airlines
• Grand Canyon Squire Motor Inn
• Canyon Airport Shuttle Services
• Hydro-Resources, Inc., a well and water distribution company
• Rainier Heli-Lift, Inc., a logging and heavy lift company operating in North and South America
• IMAX Theatre and film Ventures at Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls
• Monarch Enterprises, Inc., an aircraft equipment leasing company operating in North and South America
• Halvorson Boshaw Properties; a 3,000-member Washington State camping club
• Halvorson Osborne Construction Company
• North Benson Plaza, one of several retail shopping centers

Halvorson’s fleet consists of 60 helicopters; forty operate from his state-of-the art heliport at the Grand Canyon. He is also the guiding force behind the development of the Whisper Jet.

During his 37-year association with HAI, he has served as Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, Vice Chairman, and twice Chairman, and has chaired and served on numerous HAI committees, including: Executive, Finance, Legislative Advisory, Acoustics, and the Helicopter Tour Operators Committee.

He has supported many aviation associations including: National Business Aircraft Association; American Helicopter Society; Travel Industry Association; Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS); and United States Air Tour Association (USATA Board of Directors). An energetic advocate for the industry, he has very actively pursued pro-aviation regulations and legislation in many political forums.

FMI: www.rotor.com