British Helicopter Association Eric Brown Award Winner 2020

British Helicopter Association Eric Brown Award Winner 2020

The British Helicopter Association (BHA) has great pleasure in announcing that Captain Rick Newson CAA has been selected as the Eric Brown Award winner 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 meant the CAA Helicopter Department was proactive in an extremely challenging and fast-moving situation by 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 agencies and was always available 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 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 opening promoting the helicopter industry as a job opportunity with the younger generation. Captain Steve Hogarth (ex-Bristow) and Dave Price (Babcock) for their lifetime of work within the helicopter sector. Lastly the BHA HACA team for their work in setting up the scheme to support the UK Government. Our congratulations to all the nominees and the Award winner.