Helicopter tour operators are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), which was launched in 1996 with the goals of increasing safety and improving public perception of the industry. “What we did 20 years ago was revolutionary, and the fact that it continues today–bigger and stronger than [in] its first days–is testament to the value of the programs,” said TOPS founding member Elling Halvorson, who owns Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. “We were a group of fierce competitors who recognized an accident in our industry hurt us all.”

Currently, 12 of the largest helicopter tour operators participate in TOPS with the support of manufacturers, insurance providers and other industry organizations. The participants share safety information, abide by the TOPS and collaborate on potential industry safety improvements. “Nowhere else in the helicopter industry do you see such collaboration among operators,” said TOPS chairman Craig Jennison, who manages NorthStar Trekking in Juneau, Alaska.

The Program of Safety involves operating practices and procedures, training and experience requirements and equipment specifications.

The concept for TOPS began in 1993 when a group of operators met informally to discuss issues involving accidents and public perceptions. This culminated in a draft of the prospective Program of Safety in 1995 and in January 1996 TOPS was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization.

TOPS is celebrating the anniversary with a new website and logo and a special champagne toast at 2 p.m. March 1 at Booth 10631.