Aerial Forum

New philosophy of helicopter application. Chairman of the Board, Helicopter Industry Association of RussiaMikhail Kazachkov

The success or failure of a helicopter project is almost always directly related to the personality of its creator. Thus, the appearance of Eurocopter, now one of the leaders in helicopters, became possible thanks to the felicitous tandem of Jean-Fracouis Bigay and Siegfried Sobotta, and Kamov's survival is a result of the extraordinary personality of Sergey Mikheyev. The latest famous successes of AgustaWestland are inseparable from Giuseppe Orsi, and the revival of MDHI is the achievement of Lynn Tilton. Sikorsky's genius was present at the origins of the entire helicopter industry, and probably Providence itself was guiding him in his moments of inspiration, and forcing him to pursue his goal unswervingly.

It is at such critical points in time that the importance of the leader's role is enhanced multifold. At such moments, the leader's persistence changes the direction of the industry’s development, and the ability "to see over the horizon" becomes a priority. Without doubt, Frank Robinson is such a visionary...