PHPA International Member Captain Jay Slagel Named HAI's Helicopter Pilot of the Year
DALLAS, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association International (PHPA), a council of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), is proud to announce its pilot member, Captain Jay Slagel has been awarded the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Pilot of the Year award. The award was given at HAI's Heli-Expo 2012, held February 12-14 in Dallas Texas.
Captain Slagel of OPEIU Local 107 was recognized for his role in safely landing an S-92 helicopter with 18 people aboard after a tail-roto failure – an extremely difficult maneuver. Captain Slagel is quick to point out he didn't do it alone, giving credit to his co-pilot and fellow Local 107 member, Captain Chuck Melton.
"Helicopter pilots face some of the most dangerous situations known in aviation, and as Captains Slagel and Melton proved, they are among the most skilled and professional in the industry," said PHPA President Steven Rush. "PHPA is extremely proud of Captains Slagel and Melton, and all of our pilots, for the tremendous job they do every day ensuring the safety of their passengers, crew and the general public."
OPEIU represents approximately 3,000 helicopter pilots throughout the United States and Canada.
ABOUT PHPA INTERNATIONAL
The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association International (PHPA) is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to improving air safety and protecting the interests of commercial helicopter pilots. PHPA promotes industry professionalism, education and training, and encourages professional helicopter pilots, the military and civilians of all flying disciplines to join together to represent and enforce the high standards, ideals and goals of the profession.
ABOUT OPEIU
The Office and Professional Employees International Union represents more than 125,000 members in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. OPEIU represents employees and independent contractors in banking and credit unions, insurance, higher education, shipping, hospitals, medical clinics, utilities, transportation, hotels, administrative offices, minor league umpiring, and more.
Professional organizations and Guilds affiliated with OPEIU are a diverse group that includes physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, appraisers, podiatrists, clinical social workers, hypnotists, teachers, insurance agents and helicopter pilots.
SOURCE Office and Professional Employees International Union, AFL-CIO (OPEIU)
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