European Rotors, the largest business-to-business rotorcraft event in Europe, is rapidly approaching. Now is the time to coordinate your schedule to take advantage of training and workforce development opportunities.
Now in its third year and supported by the largest companies in the industry, European Rotors 2023 is taking place in IFEMA Hall 9 in Madrid, Nov. 27 to 30, with exhibits open Nov. 28-23.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Helicopter Association (EHA) produce the show in coordination with Helicopter Association International (HAI) and Spain’s helicopter association, ATAIRE.
The European Rotors event offers a rich array of training and educational opportunities for rotorcraft professionals and enthusiasts, as outlined in the comprehensive program.
“There is something for everyone at this show,” said Christian Müller, chairman and technical director of EHA. “We have a robust schedule of training opportunities that are sure to satisfy attendees and exhibitors. We are also helping to match potential employees with companies seeking to fill vacancies with our career fair.”
Working to promote training and safety for all elements of the vertical flight industry, European Rotors will provide opportunities for participants at every career level of the industry, from students to executives. Training events are scheduled for specific sections of the show floor, including three stages and the Rotor Safety Zone. Courses will also take place in training rooms near the show floor.
First and foremost, European Rotors presents a series of enlightening conference sessions where industry leaders and experts will delve into the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the rotorcraft sector.
Show organizers are still working with industry experts to add courses to the rapidly expanding schedule. Current highlights of the training include procedures involving human factors in helicopter operations, the use of simulator training devices, automation in helicopters, and training for crews using night vision goggles.
There are also courses for aircraft maintenance personnel. One highlight is a full-day series of refresher courses for auditors, compliance managers, safety managers, division managers, national aviation authority staff, and compliance monitoring or quality assurance team members from any aviation organization.
“We encourage anyone attending the show, or even thinking about attending, to visit the event schedule regularly,” said Dr. Frank Liemandt, European Rotors show director. “We expect to add more classes leading up to the show.”
Each day of the show also features unique themes, allowing organizers to highlight specific industry elements in full or half-day programs. “We begin by sharing the exciting work of our host country,” added Müller. “Spanish Day, on 28 September, is a special, full-day conference block coordinated by ATAIRE and will include best-practice presentations from some of Spain’s most dynamic aviation companies.” This full-day program will occur on Stage 3.
Themed Events and Zones
These unique themed events will include Swiss Innovation Day (half-day program, Stage 2, Nov. 28), Sustainability Day (full-day program, Stage 3, Nov. 29), and HEMS Day (full-day program, Stage 2, Nov. 29). Each program will feature dedicated presentations selected to support and educate business professionals in these fields.
Training topics related to rotorcraft safety will occur in a special section on the show floor identified as the Rotor Safety Zone. European Rotors partners with Pegasus Aviacion to offer firefighting training for helicopter pilots and incident command managers in the next edition of the event.
The offering will include theoretical training in the show venue on Nov. 30, combined with a practical phase in Seville on Dec. 1. SEILAF integrates three simulators: full flight helicopter, command post and spotter aircraft.
The offering will include training, high speed train between Madrid and Seville and hosting in the famous southern city. Our exhibitor Pegasus is a global helicopter operator with more than 50 years of experience in firefighting, leader in southern Europe and America which runs SEILAF, a unique firefighting simulation facility, as part of its educational offering.
The Rotor Safety Zone will also include a HEMS helicopter with daily hoist demos and a training helicopter for private pilots. Added this year is a special rig to conduct demonstrations on sling load operations.
“No other show has offered such a rig,” said Liemandt. “We know utility operators will appreciate this addition to the show floor.”
EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium
The first day of the show, Monday Nov. 27, focuses solely on safety, with the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium as a stand-alone event. Admission to the symposium requires a separate ticket.
This symposium serves as the flagship of the European Rotors comprehensive conference program, featuring the latest rotorcraft and VTOL developments.
“The organizers paid attention to the feedback gathered from many Visitors who said they preferred it to be a stand-alone event held in conjunction with European Rotors,” said Müller.
“EASA’s primary focus is safe flight throughout the European Union,” said David Solar, head of the general aviation and VTOL Department at EASA.
“This event allows us to work directly with the industry’s manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and individuals. We use this show to collaborate with everyone on developing the latest and smartest safety programs.”
The symposium provides attendees with several networking opportunities, including two coffee breaks and a social event that evening. Organizers note that the facility for the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium has a limited number of seats, and they encourage interested attendees to purchase their tickets soon.
Look for Work or a New Employee
The lack of qualified candidates for pilot and maintenance positions is a global issue. Subsequently, European Rotors dedicates a day to helping employers find skilled applicants for open positions.
Vertical aviation companies with open employment positions are invited to participate in European Rotors Career Day on Thursday, Nov. 30. The day-long event will feature guided tours for regional schools and universities, and media campaigns are expected to draw even more experienced applicants.
Prospective employers have three options for participation. First, employers may rent a desk to promote their company and receive or review applications. Second, companies are invited to host a promotional event from the stage, where they can highlight their business and employment opportunities.
Finally, companies are invited to post content to the digital career section of the European Rotors website. Information on costs for each option and how to sign up are on the show’s Career Day webpage.
Tickets available now
To better meet the complex needs of European Rotors attendees, organizers offer various ticketing options, including special rates for businesses located in Spain. There are single-day passes either for attendees of the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium or those who wish to visit the show floor but have only a single day.
There are also multiple-day ticket plans for people wanting to attend both the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium and the European Rotors 2023 show floor or all three days that the exhibit floor is open.
The show floor already has about 200 confirmed exhibitors. However, while the show floor is filling quickly with some of the industry’s biggest companies, there is still time for companies to participate in this unique event.
Information about ticket options, exhibiting, and sponsorship opportunities at European Rotors 2023 is available on the show’s website.
