For nearly 8 years, RWSI has recognized the outstanding achievements and exceptional merits of individuals and organizations through the “Salute to Excellence” awards programme. The Awards were given away to the winners at the Inaugural Sessions of Heli Power India (HPI) International Seminar held biennially at Delhi. It is proposed to give away year 2012 “Salute to Excellence” at the Inaugural Session of HPI 2012 scheduled to be held at Air Force Auditorium Subroto Park, New Delhi-10 on 19 March 2012 for military and on 20 March 2012 for civil respectively.

RWSI presents six “Salute to Excellence” awards yearly, recognizing outstanding achievement in the civil helicopter industry. The winners will receive their awards at the “Salute to Excellence” awards celebration, to be held on 19-20 March 2012, during Heli Power India 2012, in New Delhi.

(i) Igor I Sikorsky award for pioneering work in the field of rotary wing aviation in India: The award is given to a helicopter professional (Military/ Civil) who has made major pioneering contribution to the growth of Indian Helicopter Industry.

(ii) RWSI award for outstanding achievements in the Civil Helicopter Industry: The award is given to a helicopter professional who has made outstanding contribution to the civil helicopter industry.

(iii) OSS Air - AgustaWestland Pilot Safety Award: The Pilot Safety Award honors pilots in civil who have achieved at least 10,000 consecutive helicopter flight hours free of accidents or violations as PIC. The award recognizes a pilot’s overall flight safety record, recognizing civilian flight hours. To qualify, the pilot must be an employee of a Helicopter Company who is Corporate Member of RWSI or Life Member of RWSI.

(iv) OSS Air - AgustaWestland Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Safety Award: The AME Safety Award honors helicopter maintenance engineers in India who have fifteen or more years of violation-free professional helicopter maintenance experience. To qualify, the applicant AME must be either an employee of a Helicopter Company who is Corporate Member of RWSI or Life Member of RWSI.

(v) RWSI Humanitarian Service Award: This Award honors Helicopter Sqadrons / Units of Armed Forces in India who have saved precious lives through their deed in life threatening situation with their outstanding professionalism & courage in the service of Indian population. The period of consideration will be two years preceding the Heli Power India International Seminar when this award is presented.

(VI) HAL Safety Award: This award honors Individual pilot / AME in achieving highest Safety Standards while operating HAL manufactured helicopter either in Civil or Military Aviation. To qualify for the award the nominee must be an employee of a helicopter company / helicopter unit/ squandron of any of the armed forces.

You may also download a 2012 Call for Nominations brochure and mail a completed Nomination Form to RWSI, M-143, Sector 25, NOIDA, UP PIN 201301 or fax it to 0120-4352040. Supporting documents including awards, letters of recommendation, and newspaper and magazine articles that relate to your nomination will aid consideration in the selection process. These items must be suitable for photocopying, and can either be mailed, faxed, or scanned and sent as an email attachment to rotorindia@gmail.com.

RWSI requires all nominees to acknowledge in writing that they are aware of their nomination and, if selected, that they would be willing to share biographical information and photos with RWSI, as well as accept the award in person at the Inagural Session during Heli Power India 2012, in New Delhi.If the recipient is unable to attend the banquet, they must designate a person to accept the award on their behalf.

All nominations for the 2012 awards must be received by December 31, 2011. For more information on the “Salute to Excellence” awards, contact Secy Admin RWSI at 01204352040 or 01202536730 email rotorindia@gmail.com.