Insurance rates and tort reform topped the list of key issues at this year's Heli-Expo convention here, but operators and manufacturers were optimistic that 2003 will bring modest growth in utilization and sales of new aircraft. High insurance costs have pummeled helicopter operators during the past 18 months, although there are signs that these increases are starting to abate. A number of U.S. operators have been forced out of business, while others are struggling to contend with rates that are driving up their fixed costs.
展开▼
