Now in its third year, European Rotors 2023 is taking place in Madrid, Spain from 27-30 November. The show is produced by EASA and the European Helicopter Association in coordination with HAI and Spain's helicopter association ATAIRE.

"There is something for everyone at this show," says EHA chairman and technical director Christian Müller. "We have a robust schedule of training opportunities that are sure to satisfy attendees and exhibitors. We are also helping to match potential employees with companies seeking to fill vacancies with our career fair."

There will be a series of conference sessions where industry leaders and experts delve into the latest trends, innovations and challenges. Current highlights include procedures involving human factors in helicopter operations, the use of simulator training devices, automation in helicopters and training for crews using night vision goggles. There are also courses for aircraft maintenance personnel, and a full day series of refresher courses for auditors, compliance managers, safety managers, national aviation authority staff and compliance monitoring or quality assurance team members.

Each day also features different themes. "We begin by sharing the exciting work of our host country," says Müller. "Spanish Day, on 28 November, will include best practice presentations from some of Spain's most dynamic aviation companies."

There will also be a Swiss Innovation Day, Sustainability Day and HEMS Day.

European Rotors is partnering with Spain-based helicopter operator Pegasus Aviacion to offer firefighting training for helicopter pilots and incident command managers. This will include theoretical training in the show venue, combined with a practical phase in Seville, at the educational facility SEILAF.

There will also be a HEMS helicopter with daily hoist demos and a training helicopter for private pilots, plus a special rig to conduct demonstrations on sling load operations.

"No other show has offered such a rig," says Liemandt. "We know utility operators will appreciate this addition to the show floor."

“EASA's primary focus is safe flight throughout the European Union,” says David Solar, head of the general aviation and VTOL department. “This event allows us to work directly with the industry's manufacturers, suppliers, operators and individuals. We use this show to collaborate with everyone on developing the latest and smartest safety programmes.”