Press Release

Issued by AMDA Foundation Ltd.

December 6, 2019

The Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) has released its extensive conference programme to be held at RotorTech 2020. The three day programme is an immersive overview of the helicopter and unmanned flight industries in Australia and this year carries the theme: Be There - Make a Difference.

The AHIA Conference will be one of many free-to-attend conference sessions available to all RotorTech 2020 attendees. AHIA president, Ray Cronin said the conference theme invites delegates to engage on the most important issues facing industry today.

“The strength of the AHIA conference programme is in the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the topics that will be covered over the three days of the event,” he said. “RotorTech 2020 will see a gathering of the helicopter and unmanned communities under one roof, this is the place to have these conversations.”

Mr Cronin said the programme will also incorporate two firsts for RotorTech, a testament to the growth and importance of the event.

“The AHIA is pleased and proud to welcome Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Michael McCormack to present the opening keynote address on Day 1,” he said. “And for the first time, the AHIA board has determined, in order to ensure the participation of as many AHIA members, prospective members and invited observers as possible, to convene the AGM at the conclusion of the RotorTech conference programme,” he said.

By popular demand, the programme will again incorporate four Manufacturers Technical Workshops, hosted by Airbus Group, Bell, Boeing and Robinson Helicopter Company. Hugely popular at Rotortech 2018, these technical workshops provide an information sharing platform into major manufacturers' product lines for owners, operators and potential customers.

Other AHIA Conference highlights include:

- The Future Rotary-Winged Regulatory Landscape – Mr Shane Carmody, CEO, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)

- Heli-Mustering – Beefing up the Rotary-Winged Business – Mr John Armstrong, Chief Pilot, Heli-Muster

- Onesky, Rotary & Fixed Wing, RPAs and Drones – Future ATM Challenges? – Mr Jason Harfield, CEO, Airservices Australia

- MRO Challenges – The Way Forward? – Mr Ken Cannane, CEO, AMROBA

The Australian Association for Unmanned Systems (AAUS) will also be presenting a two day conference programme on Wednesday 17 June and Thursday 18 June. Further details on sessions covering RPAS, UAV's and unmanned flight systems with commercial, government and industry applications will be released in the new year.