American Helicopter Museum Celebrates World Helicopter Day

World Helicopter Day is about raising awareness of the helicopter’s extensive contributions to society, such as rescues, disaster relief, firefighting, medical transports, agriculture and more. It also honors the diverse range of people that design, fly and support them. 

 

West Chester’s American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC), 1220 American Boulevard, joins international museums and organizations on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for World Helicopter Day. The exciting event, which occurs globally on Sunday, offers a variety of unique activities.

 

Highlights include the MedEvac Foundation International’s hosting of their Great American Safety Drive, a cross-country event promoting medical and safety transport programs, and Penn Medicine Chester County’s Certified Chest Pain Center teaching early signs of heart attack and Hands-Only CPR. MidAtlantic MedEvac, MedTrans, Agusta Westland, Whirly-Girls International, West Chester YMCA and Goshen Fire Company provide interesting displays and hands-on demonstrations as well.

 

Educational programs from Chris Martino, Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Vice President of Operations, Nick Lappos, Sikorsky’s Senior Technical Fellow, Advanced Technology, Denis Pratt, HAI Director of Safety, and Stan Rose, HAI Director of Safety Outreach, continue throughout the day. Food vendors, rides, games, a misting station and helicopter rides add to the festivities.

 

Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for seniors, students and children. Helicopter rides cost $50.00 for adults and $40.00 for children 12 and under on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 2 p.m.

 

Contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or see the website at www.americanhelicopter.museum for more information.

 

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located in the land of industry innovators in the Philadelphia region, is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertaplanes.