The 2010 Rolls-Royce Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award was given to Robert Peterson, a consultant with Columbia Helicopters of Aurora, Ore., at last month’s Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo event. According to HAI, over a span of 46 years Peterson has become a “renowned authority on aircraft hydraulic systems and, thanks to an exceptional memory, Peterson can recall nearly everything he has ever learned about the hydraulics on any aircraft he has worked on.”

Peterson, referred to as “chief troubleshooter,” is known for “his interest in making a hydraulic system work at optimum efficiency and his willingness to share his knowledge,” and for these reasons “he embodies the spirit of the Rolls-Royce Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award.” Peterson received the award on February 22 at an awards banquet at Heli-Expo 2010 in Houston.