Andreas Hermansky is recognized as the 2019 Appareo Pilot of the Year, an award presented annually by Helicopter Association International (HAI) as part of their Salute to Excellence program. This award recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism over time.
Hermansky was recognized for his work with the Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering staff, mobilizing the park’s helicopter to fly mountaineering rangers to an accident site with an elevation of 11,000 feet. Hermansky flew several reconnaissance flights to the area because of deteriorating weather conditions. The nominator noted that the series of short-haul flights highlights Hermansky’s exceptional flying ability and his ability to work in concert with the ranger team to accomplish critical missions. Read more about his heroic efforts in Vertical Magazine.
The Appareo Pilot of the Year award will be presented to Andreas at HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia this March.