After several years of uncertainty, the FAA moves towards a sustainable structure to support the helicopter industry

Dubai, UAE – October 12th, 2010: As part of this year’s Dubai Helishow, Mediac is pleased to announce the confirmation of a range of exhibitors within the air rescue, search and rescue and medical transport industry, try. Following unprecedented advances within the industry during 2010, key exhibitors will be participating in the show to highlight dramatic moves by the industry and regulatory bodies to tackle the increasing number of helicopter accidents and improve training for key operators within the region.

Aside from featuring the latest product offerings, specialised technologies and services from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers to Dubai, the 3-day event will address the newly set regulations aimed at implementing higher levels of safety hardware for medical helicopters and training for crews . This year’s show is set to include key international manufacturers and operators including the Abu Dhabi Police, Frasca, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Eurocopter, Lockheed Martin, Skytrac and Vertical Aviation.

While forecasts for the overall global aviation sector are moving towards positive growth (1), the last 18 months has seen a significant number of accidents involving air-ambulance flights causing major losses among patients and flight crews. With the surge in US accidents between 2008 and 2009 being attributed to human error and bad weather by the National Transportation Safety Board (2) industry experts have been keen to improve safety training within all sectors of the helicopter industry and will be looking to outline future plans at the show.

"The helicopter industry is experiencing solid growth on a global level as more countries continue to develop their aviation infrastructure. A safe, efficient and vibrant aviation system in the region is crucial to our nation’s economic health," said Mr. Abdulla Abulhoul, CEO, Mediac Communications & Exhibitions LLC.

"Implementing improved standards is key for the industry and we’re very pleased that the Dubai Helishow will include the leading players in the field to help boost safety and security for all passengers, flight crews, and medical professional on these flights."

Ivan Kristoff the founder of EIGER Rope Access Work Inc. will be holding his workshop during the Dubai Helishow 2010, which will present the study of the High rise Emergency and Aerial Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.), which played an important role in the development of safer standards for rope access work within high-rise construction and building sites in Ontario, Canada and he will also showcase how EIGER has helped drive the industry in creating a specialised urban high angle rescue unit.

Mr Kristoff noted the importance maintaining high safety standards within the industry and improving its overall structure, “Safety within the medical helicopter industry is paramount. Each aspect of the process requires significant investment in both infrastructure and staff training. At this year’s Helishow, we’ll be showcasing how we are looking to take our industry forward. Our workshops will be streamed online through a live video conference, which will give emergency services personnel a realistic view of prompt rescue on difficult to access, high elevation locations

Abu Dhabi Aviation will also be showcasing their advancements within the field as a leading operator of Emergency Medical Services utilising air ambulances within the region and the deployment of its simulation centre in Saudi Arabia.