This marks the 4th consecutive year that UHI has held its SSS at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus. Universal Helicopters is closing in on its 11th year of accident-free operations. With nearly 25,000 flight training hours flown in 2013, with seven locations in five states, 41 helicopters and approaching 28,000 flight training hours in 2014, UHI credits its annual Safety Seminar as one of 12 reasons why they are enjoying an unprecedented safety record. Dr. Gordon Jiroux stated, “Our annual three-day Safety Seminars demonstrate to everyone at UHI, that to enjoy this type of safety record, the number one priority must be an overall commitment to safety, no matter what the cost or inconvenience. We are committed to this level of safety through preparation and risk management.” Jiroux went on to say, “I want to congratulate and acknowledge that everyone at Universal Helicopters is equally responsible for our success regarding safety. This includes everyone from our wash crews, mechanics, instructors and directors of operations.”
Invited guest comments ranged from, “I was blown away” to “In my 30+ years in the aviation, I do not know of any other company that dedicates this much time and effort with regards to a Safety Stand down.”
Invited guest where, Dr. Frank Ayers, ERAU Chancellor from the Prescott Campus, who made the opening statements, NTSB’s Jim Silliman (senior ASI) who presented two of the three days, and two FAA representatives, Dave Odekirk (POI-Utah FSDO) and Scott Tyrrell (continued operational safety specialist/accident investigation-helicopter specialist), representatives from Robinson Helicopter Company and aviation leaders at colleges and universities from Texas, Kansas and Arizona.
In a closing statement, Anthony Lyons, vice president of Dodge City Community College, compared UHI’s president and CEO to other great leaders that had an impact on his life and career. He went on to say that Jiroux’s companies safety record stems from Jiroux being one of the most intuitive teachers and leaders he has ever met.
