HAI has selected veteran helicopter magazine editor and technical writer Mark Ogden for this year’s Excellence in Communications Award. For the past 20 years, Ogden has been editor of three helicopter-focused magazines for New Zealand-based Kia Kaha Media Group: HeliOps, covering civil helicopters; HeliOps Frontline, covering military helicopters; and Air Attack, covering aerial firefighting. The association recognized Ogden for confronting key issues affecting the global rotorcraft industry, as well as for his “highly respected, hard-hitting editorials” providing focused analysis.

In addition to his work at the magazines, Ogden has contributed to several safety documents and manuals, including Aircrewman and Winching Standards for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, The Australian Transport Safety Bureau Major Accident Investigation Manual, and Remuda Corp.’s operations manual for the Sling Tank underslung firefighting bucket. He has also made a mark in helicopter photography, HAI added.

Sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation (Booth 4804), the award will be presented during HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards luncheon on January 29.