Starspeed md Dr. Simon Mitchell has been awarded a top accolade for his contribution to improving safety standards within the helicopter industry. The British Helicopter Association's Eric Brown award is given to the individual considered to have made the greatest and most significant contribution to the British helicopter industry during the past year. Mitchell was selected to receive the honour at the BHA's annual dinner at the Institute of Directors in November.

He says: “Eric Brown is one of the most remarkable pilots; the things he has experienced throughout his life, his achievements and contribution to this country are humbling – not to mention his record of having completed 2,407 flight deck landings, one of the most difficult things a pilot can do.

“I am unbelievably proud to have been presented with this award.”

Mitchell, who became md of Starspeed Limited in Fairoaks, UK, earlier this year, also holds the title of Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University's safety and accident investigation centre. The centre is at the forefront of developing safety management systems within the aviation industry.

Starspeed is one of the largest helicopter management, charter and training companies in Europe. It presently operates 15 aircraft and is one of the oldest privately owned firms within the onshore market. As well as running advanced pilot training, it is in the process of developing specialist courses that focus upon safety within increasingly automated cockpits, and training in deck landing on super yachts.