16 August 2026

World Helicopter Day

Celebrating the aircrew, engineers, support staff, and communities that make vertical flight possible.

A child with helicopter face paint smiling at a World Helicopter Day event in Canada
Visitors gathered at the World Helicopter Day event in Hong Kong
Independent Helicopters, USA World Helicopter Open Day
Children colouring in helicopter drawings at a World Helicopter Day event

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.

Igor Sikorsky

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.

Sarah M., event attendee
"My daughter sat in the cockpit and told me she wants to be a rescue pilot. That one moment made the whole day."
Sarah M.
Parent & event attendee, Brisbane 2018
James K., EMS pilot
"Open days remind me why I got into this industry. Seeing kids light up when the rotor starts turning — that never gets old."
James K.
EMS pilot, 18 years in rotorcraft
Tom & Priya L., event visitors
"I had no idea the museum had such a large collection! Wonderful to learn some of the history from maintainers."
Tom & Priya L.
First-time visitors, London 2023

Get Involved

Whether you want to attend, organise, or promote — there's a place for you.

Visitors looking at helicopters on display at a World Helicopter Day open day

Find an Event

Meet the crews, explore the aircraft, and take part in events near you on 16 August 2026.

Browse events →
A speaker addressing the crowd at a World Helicopter Day event in Hong Kong

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 →
A child holding a World Helicopter Day drawing at an 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 →
56,200+
Helicopters Serving Communities
500,000+
People in Industry
12th
Annual Celebration
Global
From UK to Australia

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.