HAI is pleased to announce that Martin J. Pociask, HAI’s Communications Director and Editor of ROTOR® magazine, has been named Vice President/Curator of the Helicopter Foundation International (HFI). HFI’s mission is to preserve the heritage of the helicopter — while building its future.

Marty has served as Communications Director and Editor of HAI for nearly 10 years. As Communications Director, he has been responsible for the association’s outreach to its members, industry professionals, and the media. He also oversaw the association’s public relations efforts, managed the annual “Salute to Excellence” Awards program, disseminated press releases, and managed the press room and press conferences at HELI-EXPO®

As Editor, Marty wrote hundreds of articles and grew ROTOR® magazine from 48 pages to 80 pages, greatly increasing the graphic and visual content of the publication.

Marty also served as Editor of RotorNews®, HAI’s electronic newsletter that goes out daily to more than 13,000 members, industry professionals, and the media. He also served as Editor of the Helicopter Annual and a number of other publications, while responding to member inquiries.

Marty takes on the new challenge of Vice President/Curator of HFI after nearly 40 years of association management experience, where he served in a number of capacities. In addition to previous experience as Communications Director/Editor, he has also served as Art & Production Director, Membership Development & Retention, Advertising, Fund Development & Marketing Director, Convention Director, and also established a separate for-profit subsidiary for a non-profit association. ROTOR® magazine was the fifth industry magazine that Marty has directed.

About HFI
Founded in 1983, HFI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and heritage of the helicopter and the industry’s service to mankind. HFI helps to educate future generations of helicopter professionals, and promotes the helicopter industry as an exciting and valuable career choice for young people, thus perpetuating vertical flight’s contributions to the world in which we live.

HFI has long recognized the need for qualified commercial helicopter pilots and helicopter maintenance technicians. Many experienced pilots and maintenance technicians are nearing retirement age. The current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have pulled experience personnel from our ranks at a time when the helicopter industry is enjoying growth due in part to the wider recognition of the versatility of the helicopter.

HFI also offers an array of scholarships to answer the current and projected need for qualified helicopter pilots and maintenance technicians, and to provide further training for safety managers and other professionals in the safety field:

• Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship
• Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship
• Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarship
• Michelle North Scholarship for Safety
• Baines Simmons Americas Effective Event Investigation.
• Baines Simmons Americas Safety Management Systems for Leaders
• Baines Simmons Americas Introduction to Safety Management Systems

To apply for a scholarship, go to www.rotor.com, and click on “Education,” then click on “Scholarships.” Applications must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2010. International applications must be postmarked no later than November 30, and received at HFI by December 10, 2010. Mail to: HFI Scholarships, 1635 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2818. If submitting your application electronically (preferred), email to: scholarships@rotor.com. Neatness, completeness, and accuracy do count. Additional pages requested must be supplied. Be sure to carefully read the requirements for each scholarship before applying.

As Vice President/Curator of HFI, Marty will oversee a number of other projects, including collecting and archiving historical documents, photos, and other resource material for its Virtual Library, and researching and interviewing pioneers of the industry. Marty will develop educational materials for students and will also manage the Mentoring Programs and the Annual Golf Tournament at HELI-EXPO®.

If interested in supporting the scholarship program, please contact Marty at 703-683-4646. For more information on the HFI Golf Tournament, contact Art Ashton at 360-901-2350 (golf@rotor.com).

HAI congratulates Marty on his new role, and urges everyone to support HFI.