AAMS Honors Randy Mains
Scappoose, OR(October 16, 2013)-For his dedication to aviation safety over a career spanning more than 45 years, Randy Mains, Chief CRM/AMRM Instructor at Oregon Aero, has been honored by the Association of Air Medical Services with the 2013 Jim Charlson Aviation Safety Award. The annual award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the overall enhancement, development, or promotion of safety within the air medical transport community.
"I am absolutely thrilled at the news," remarked Randy Mains, “Although I knew people were listening during my keynote speeches on HEMS safety, receiving this award makes me feel that they have actually heard my message as well.” Randy Mains is a certified CRM/AMRM instructor and a combat veteran with more than 13,000 flight hours.
Mains’ distinguished helicopter career began as a combat pilot with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He later became a senior flight instructor for Bell International in Iran. In 1979, Mains and six other pilots began promoting the concept of using helicopters to save lives during medical emergencies in the United States. In the ensuing years, he helped establish the UCSD Medical Center’s Life Flight program, set up a country-wide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) program in the Sultanate of Oman, and worked as a flight instructor and flight examiner for Abu Dhabi Aviation, where he also wrote the company SOP for a new HEMS contract.
Mains became a certified CRM/AMRM instructor and joined Oregon Aero in early 2013. The company’s training program, led by Mains, aims to reduce the HEMS accident rate by teaching every member of an operation — pilots, co-pilots, flight nurses, ground crews, and mechanics — to work together as a team. And also what actions or inactions have on the safe outcome of every flight.
"We couldn’t be happier that AAMS has honored Randy Mains with this incredible award," said Tony Erickson, Chief Operating Officer for Oregon Aero. "He is an absolute pioneer in aviation safety who’s really made a difference in the industry. Not only are we proud that he’s won this award, but we’re also glad he’s part of the Oregon Aero team."
Mains is a regular columnist for Rotocraft Pro magazine and has written three HEMS-related books. His books share not only his experiences in the industry but also solutions for preventing HEMS accidents. Mains is also an impassioned speaker on the subject of HEMS safety who has spoken for professional organizations such as AAMS, the Helicopter Association of Canada and HEMS in Australia.
Learn more about Randy Mains' CRM/AMRM training here www.oregonaero.com/crm