World Helicopter Day
Celebrating the aircrew, engineers, support staff, and communities that make vertical flight possible.
The People Behind Vertical Flight
Behind every helicopter mission is a team of extraordinary people — pilots and crew navigating to reach stranded hikers, paramedics delivering critical care in mid-air, engineers keeping airframes safe, and ground crews making it all possible. More than 500,000 professionals work in rotorcraft worldwide, and every one of them has a story.
World Helicopter Day brings these professionals together with the communities they serve. It's a chance for the public — especially young people — to meet helicopter operators face to face, climb into a cockpit, walk the hangar floor and discover careers they never knew existed. For industry veterans, it's a day to share pride in their journey with the next generation.
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.
Open days. Open minds.
Faces of World Helicopter Day
Every event creates stories. Here are a few from people who've been part of it.
"My daughter sat in the cockpit and told me she wants to be a rescue pilot. That one moment made the whole day."
"Open days remind me why I got into this industry. Seeing kids light up when the rotor starts turning — that never gets old."
"I had no idea the museum had such a large collection! Wonderful to learn some of the history from maintainers."
Get Involved
Whether you want to attend, organise, or promote — there's a place for you.
Find an Event
Meet the crews, explore the aircraft, and take part in events near you on 16 August 2026.
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Host an Event
Running a helicopter event? Register it here to appear on our global map and reach aviation enthusiasts in your area.
Submit your event →
Download Resources
Everything you need to bring World Helicopter Day to your community — event kits, logos, press templates, and social media graphics.
Get resources →
16 August 2026 — Where Will You Be?
Join thousands of aviation enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're attending your first helicopter open day or organising a display for your community, World Helicopter Day is for everyone. Use #worldhelicopterday to share the experience.