Air Methods chief pilot named USHST co-chair

Raj Helweg, chief pilot of Air Methods, has been named the new industry co-chairman of the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST).

The USHST was formed in 2013 as a regional partner within the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) to lead a government and industry co-operative effort to promote safety and work to reduce civil helicopter accidents and fatalities.

“Raj Helweg will be a wonderful addition as a leader for the US team,” said Jim Viola, USHST government co-chairman and manager of the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service — general aviation and commercial division. “His operational and safety expertise will help us to continue our success in reducing helicopter accidents and fatalities here in the US.”

Helweg oversees the training and compliance of approximately 1,300 pilots in his role as chief pilot for Air Methods. Previously, he served as a regional aviation director and regional aviation manager and flew Sikorsky S-76 and S-92 helicopters in the oil-and-gas industry.

“I would also like to thank Chris Eastlee, president of the Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), for his two years of service as USHST industry co-chairman,” said Viola. “With his direction and support, the team achieved excellent improvements in safety across the helicopter industry.”