The British Helicopter Association (BHA) has great pleasure in announcing that Captain Rick Newson CAA is the recipient of the Eric Brown Award for 2020. The Award is made annually by the BHA to an individual considered to have made the greatest and most significant contribution towards the helicopter industry in the past year.

Captain Rick Newson, the Flight Operations Manager (Helicopters) at the UK CAA, has supported the industry, along with his team of inspectors, during the pandemic so that the burden on industry has been minimised and flying operations can continue with the necessary precautions and safety measures. His leadership and foresight ensured that the CAA Helicopter Department remained proactive in an extremely challenging and fast-moving situation providing regular support forums, exemptions, and coordinated collaboration necessary to allow the industry to function safely. He championed the Helicopter Aid to Civil Authorities (HACA) scheme with Government Departments and was always available, day and night, to provide advice and guidance when it was needed. Throughout his time with the Authority, he has been a great supporter of the helicopter industry and dedicated his time to working with all stakeholders in raising helicopter safety standards.

This year saw a record number of nominees for the Award. Charlotte Pedersen (Luxaviation) and Gemma Walker (Helispeed) for championing women in aviation and actively promoting the helicopter industry as a demanding but rewarding career choice for the younger generation. Captain Steve Hogarth (ex-Bristow) and Dave Price (Babcock) were nominated for their lifetime of work within the helicopter sector. The final nomination went to the BHA HACA team for their work in setting up the scheme to support the UK Government. Our warmest congratulations to all the nominees and our Award winner, Captain Rick Newson.