OREANDA-NEWS. November 19, 2007. The Helicopter Association International (HAI) has named Russia's Honored Pilot and training pilot of UTair (UTair Aviation, JSC) Frants Levitsky the Pilot of the Year.

For nearly half a century, HAI’s awards have been recognizing outstanding achievement and contribution to the helicopter industry development in 13 categories. The best are picked from a shortlist by expert vote of members of the HAI Board of Directors, who are heads and employees of major helicopter companies globally.

The Pilot of the Year category was introduced in 1960, when it was first awarded to a Russian pilot.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in Houston, Texas (USA) during the world’s largest helicopter exhibition, the Heli-Expo-2008, on February 25, 2008.

Frants Levitsky has been employed with the company for over 40 years, and has flown nearly all Mil helicopters during his time with UTair. He has logged 28,000 flight hours, which makes him the world’s most experienced helicopter pilot. Frants Levtsky has taken part in UN peacekeeping mission in various countries, providing air support. In 1999, he participated in a unique flight to the North Pole aboard a Mi-26 helicopter.

For his commitment and faultlessness, Frants Levitsky has been awarded numerous accolades and titles.