Latest news with #SUN'nFUNAerospaceExpo
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Robinson Helicopter Company Strengthens Operation Helo's National Disaster Relief Efforts With an R44 Helicopter and Flight Training Program
Operation Helo and Robinson Helicopter Company Enter Strategic Partnership TORRANCE, Calif., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, entered an agreement with Operation Helo, a leading humanitarian organization specializing in rapid-response helicopter missions, to enhance disaster relief efforts. Robinson Helicopter has underwritten a portion on an R44 to Operation Helo to support the organization's relief efforts and will provide increased flight safety training for their pilots. Leveraging Robinson's reliable and easy-to-maintain aircraft and in-house training resources to support the organization's critical humanitarian work, the two will improve humanitarian flight operations in the United States. Operation Helo was established in the wake of Hurricane Helene, uniting volunteer pilots and helicopter owners for relief missions. With the support of Robinson Helicopter, Operation Helo will launch a first-of-its-kind disaster response aviation training program. The purpose-built training program is designed to prepare pilots to operate effectively in the most challenging and unpredictable disaster environments following the immediate aftermath of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. While Robinson helicopters will be a key focus, the training will encompass a range of aircraft to ensure pilot versatility in diverse scenarios. 'The heroic work of Operation Helo in the wake of Hurricane Helene showcased the versatility of Robinson aircraft and the incredible role private aviation plays during relief efforts,' said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. 'At Robinson Helicopter, we understand the unique capabilities of helicopters to reach the most vulnerable in the aftermath of a disaster. The world needs more pilots and helicopters, and we support Operation Helo in their mission to leverage helicopters for good, safely and effectively.' Robinson Helicopter and Operation Helo will be exhibiting at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Florida from April 1-6, 2025. Learn more about Operation Helo at booth FF-006 and FF-007. Robinson Helicopter will be in Booth NE-13-NE15. 'This partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide swift and effective disaster relief,' said Matt McSwain, co-founder of Operation Helo. 'By integrating Robinson's state-of-the-art helicopters with our dedicated network of pilots and volunteers, we're poised to reach even more communities in need, ensuring that no one is left behind during times of crisis.' About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, impact-resistant windshields, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient manned and unmanned helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit About Operation Helo Operation Helo is a humanitarian organization dedicated to delivering rapid-response aid to communities affected by disasters. During Hurricane Helene, Operation Helo led one of the largest civilian-led disaster response efforts, successfully executing over 4,000 missions to deliver millions of pounds of life-saving supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Our teams rescued more than 450 people trapped by floodwaters and destruction, while also deploying 523 Starlink systems to restore communication in isolated regions. Utilizing a vast network of volunteer pilots, veterans, and first responders, Operation Helo continues to conduct critical missions, including evacuations, supply deliveries, and communication restorations, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience. Contacts: Robinson Helicopter CompanyRobyn E. Lee-Anne Aranda 310-539-0508 x294 Operation HeloJennipher Harrillmedia@ 704-472-4940 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakeland business, airport prepare for hundreds of thousands of visitors for SUN ‘n FUN
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — The SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, which kicked off Tuesday, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lakeland and contributes tens of millions of dollars to the local economy. 'It's something we look forward to every year,' said Manuel Meza, general manager at Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille in downtown Lakeland. Florida man buys $10 scratch-off ticket at convenience store, wins $2 million He said busy season in Lakeland starts around Christmastime. 'Then the [Detroit] Tigers come to town. That's always really busy with them being right down the street, and then it's followed up by SUN 'n FUN, which is typically our last big hoorah for our busy season,' Meza said. Early Tuesday, Meza was preparing for what he knows will be a unique, week-long crowd. 'Typically, restaurants start to die out after 9 but because of the air shows being during the day, you get a lot of stuff coming in later at night,' he said. 'There's always groups that are coming in every year. They tend to make it a habit of coming to the local restaurants on certain days of the week.' One hotel manager said it's like the Super Bowl for Lakeland. But as Amy Wiggins, the president and CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, pointed out, it's better since the host city never changes. 'We've already made the investment in our airport and have done for that a long time. We get it every year. So again, for 51 years, to say that we're having a Super Bowl here in Lakeland is pretty remarkable,' Wiggins said. SUN 'n FUN is Florida's largest convention and the second largest aerospace expo in the world. 'We are considered the world's busiest airport this week of SUN 'n FUN. We typically have an airplane landing about every minute. Sometimes that can go down to about every 30 seconds,' said Adam Lunn, assistant director at Lakeland Linder International Airport. He said this year they're planning had to involve Avelo, the commercial airline that began flying out of Lakeland in June 2024. 'As far as the aircraft themselves and moving them on the northside of the airport, it's business as usual. They'll be able to land and taxi over here to our terminal while all the SUN 'n FUN traffic continues to head down to the south side,' Lunn said. The FAA provided 63 air traffic controllers from all corners of the country to help coordinate the takeoffs and landings. Wiggins said she wants to remind residents to expect restaurants will be busier and traffic will be slower because of all the visitors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
