Global Tiltrotor Leader and Helicopter Leader, Bell, joins other manufacturers to support HeliStorm™ 2025, a new event concept designed to leverage scale model radio-controlled helicopters to attract and develop the next generation of vertical lift pilots, mechanics and techs.
Denver, US 11 April 2025 — HeliStorm™ 2025 announces new sponsorship from Bell Textron, Inc. for a first-of-its-kind event to be held on the front grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio from May 30-31, 2025.
“HeliStorm™ directly supports our goal to attract the next generation of pilots, A&P’s, and techs. We believe the effort begins in schools,” said William Girard, Director of Engineering Talent for Bell. “HeliStorm™ will help us and other members of the vertical lift industry to engage and inspire these students.”
HeliStorm™ 2025 will introduce thousands of STEM, private and public school students to the aviation industry at an event centered around more than 140 scale model radio-controlled helicopters flying and competing on the front grounds of the Air Force Museum. The nonprofit producing the event aims to use the wonder and complexity of model helicopter flight as an accessible and affordable on-ramp to vertical aviation well before students are ready to join the workforce.
“Early recruiting in sports is commonplace and often begins before high school. The difference here is that recruiting younger students for careers in aviation leaves them with few enduring and readily accessible options to nurture their passion for the industry,” said Michael Kranitz, founder and CEO of HeliStorm, Inc. “Model helicopters give students a platform to develop problem-solving skills while learning about aerodynamics, propulsion, electronics, flight controls, fuel systems and more. This event illuminates a practical and achievable path into aviation and provides actual industry contacts for use when the time comes to enter the workforce or seek a technical education within the industry,” he added.
Bell has sponsored one of the two main flight areas at HeliStorm™ 2025. They will also hae staff on hand at the event to meet with students and educators. Attendance at the event is free. For more information, visit https://HeliStorm.org.
Contacts
Michael Kranitz, CEO
HeliStorm, Inc.
720-838-0700
HeliStorm.org
