The Award is very prestigious, being the highest safety award presented by the Association of Air Medical Services. It is sponsored by Airbus Helicopters and recognises individuals who make significant contributions to the enhancement, development and promotion of aviation safety.

With more than 22 years of aviation industry management and operations experience, Benton is a worthy recipient of the award. He began a civilian career in HEMS, as a line pilot, after a 15-year career in the US Army as an armed reconnaissance Helicopter Instructor Pilot and member of the Directorate of Evaluation & Standardization.

He moved up the ranks from the role of Line Pilot, becoming Check Airman, Accident Investigator, Regional Aviation Director and Director of Aviation Compliance, before starting his own consultancy in 2015.

He has played an instrumental role in assisting clients with process improvement, operations and safety enhancements and implementation of the FAA’s Safety Management System Voluntary Program and Aviation Safety Action Program. One key achievement is advising the development of operational control management, tracking and hazard alerting systems for the aviation industry.

The Award was presented at the recent Air Medical Transport Conference by Airbus.