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Christopher Martino (USCG, Ret.) has joined Helicopter Association International (HAI) as the association\u2019s new vice president of operations. He will oversee HAI\u2019s flight operations, technical services, safety, and regulatory efforts. He will also work closely with HAI\u2019s education department to ensure operators\u2019 professional development needs are being met.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur operations department is vitally important to HAI\u2019s mission, which is to support and promote the helicopter industry,\u201d said HAI President and CEO Matt Zuccaro. \u201cThe Operations Department works on the day-to-day issues that face commercial and general aviation operators as well as manufacturers to ensure a safe, efficient, and economically viable operating environment.\u201d
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\nMartino recently retired as the chief of the United States Guard Aviation Forces, capping a distinguished 30-year career with the Coast Guard. He has more than 4,000 flight hours as a rotary-wing pilot. As chief of aviation forces, he oversaw the service\u2019s program of more than 4,100 personnel at 28 units, operating 200 aircraft flying more than 100,000 flight hours per year. Martino has also served as the Commanding Officer and Group Commander for Coast Guard units responsible for search and rescue missions along 250 miles of northern California coastline, as well as Executive Officer of the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am excited for this opportunity that allows me to support and promote the helicopter industry. Across the globe, our members provide remarkable services to their customers each and every day. I look forward to helping them achieve their goals through the services and programs offered by HAI.\u201d<\/p>\n