Last month, EBAN took the unprecedented step of filming events at Helitech 2003 in order that its readers who were not in attendance, could see for themselves just what type of show it was.

After gaining experience in this field with sister magazines Fleet Operator and Global Business Jet, the filming went very smoothly and a DVD is currently being put together for all of our helicopter-operating readers.

Of particular interest to operators will be interviews conducted by respected helicopter journalist Andy Healey, with Lord Glenarthur – both president of the International Federation of Helicopter Associations and chairman of the British Helicopter Advisory Board – and with Helicopter Association Intern-ational president Roy Resavage.

Both had comments to make about the ever-increasing use of civilian aircraft in military operations, because of their relative cheapness, and the effect this is having on our industry.

Also included in the filming are key interviews with the likes of Oxley Group, Sagem, Sikorsky

and Enstrom.

All of our readers who have helicopters in their fleet are entitled to receive, free of charge, a custom-packaged DVD of the event. However, you must fill out and return the carrier sheet enclosed with this month’s EBAN, to ensure delivery.

As the media industry becomes more diverse, with the advent of technologies such as the internet, email and DVDs, we believe it is important that we are at the forefront of these advancements.

Following our successful coverage of Helitech, our next outing with the cameras will be at EBACE 2004.

Dignitaries will be contacted and interviews arranged, in order that our coverage fulfils every need of our operator readers.

We are also developing an innovative new website – but more of that later.

Lastly, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that our FBO Survey for 2004 will fast be upon us, and it is now time to cast your votes for your most favourite facilities.

The survey is a very important way of monitoring the standards of Europe’s FBOs and while some will be encouraged that their services are attracting the votes of many a discerning visitor, others will find that there’s plenty more they can do to achieve the operating heights of their fellow handlers.

Not only is our survey vital in that it tells FBOs what they are doing right, it is also an excellent barometer of where they may be going wrong and how they might put it straight.

So don’t delay. Fill out the lower half of the carrier sheet enclosed with his issue, and fax it back to us at the number given. The more votes we receive, the more accurate the survey will be.

This is your chance, Europe’s regular business aircraft operator, to show the continent’s handlers exactly what you think of them. Votes will be accepted right up until January 9, 2004, and the results published in our FBO Survey issue in February of next year.

Richard Evans, EBAN editor, richard.evans@ebanmagazine.com