World Helicopter Day
Celebrating rotorcraft and the people who fly, maintain, and support them.
Find an Event Near YouOn 16 Aug 2026 the helicopter industry will come together across the globe to celebrate these amazing machines.
Take part in this global celebration of one of the world’s greatest engineering inventions.
World Helicopter Day aims to raise awareness of the contributions that helicopters make to our society and celebrate the diverse range of people that design, fly and support them. The day is held on the 3rd Sunday of August each year. 2024 will be the tenth year of the event.
Throughout the world every day there are people relying on helicopters for rescues, disaster relief, transport, firefighting, medical transfers, powerline maintenance, tourism, agriculture and many more roles.
"If a man is in need of rescue, an airplane can come in and throw flowers on him, and that's just about all. But a direct lift aircraft could come in and save his life."
There are an estimated 56,200 helicopters worldwide and the industry employs more than 500,000 people.
Helicopter organisations and companies can support this international day through hosting their own open days. This a chance for members of the public to get up close and look over the helicopters while meeting the people that operate them.
For rotary wing aviators and support staff, World Helicopter Day is an opportunity for the helicopter fraternity to share in their common passion while preserving and promoting relationships, traditions and shared memories.
The website will maintain a register of worldwide events that local communities can access to see what is happening in their local area. Individual open day organisers are encouraged to submit their event details and company logos to be included via the main website http://worldhelicopterday.com
Open day organisers can download a range of promotional collateral from the website including press releases for local media, tweetables, flyers and online banners.
The hashtag #worldhelicopterday will be used to tie in activity across different social media platforms.
Events Worldwide
Helicopter open days, displays, and celebrations happening globally every August.
Browse events →Resources
Download event kits, logos, and promotional materials to run your own WHD event.
Get resources →Host an Event
Running a helicopter event on World Helicopter Day? Submit it to appear on our map.
Submit your event →The website will maintain a register of worldwide events that local communities can access to see what is happening in their local area. Individual open day organisers are encouraged to submit their event details and company logos to be included via the main website http://worldhelicopterday.com
Open day organisers can download a range of promotional collateral from the website including press releases for local media, tweetables, flyers and online banners.
The hashtag #worldhelicopterday will be used to tie in activity across different social media platforms.
If you have never experienced a flight in a helicopter then World Helicopter Day might just be the perfect time to give this a try.
16 August 2026
#worldhelicopterday — Where will you be?