James Wisecup, chairman of the Helicopter Association International for a term spanning from mid-2018 to mid-2019, died on July 30 following a battle with cancer. He was 71.
Wisecup, who amassed 16,000 hours as a dual-rated pilot and was recognized with the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in late June for 50 years of safe flight, retired as assistant chief pilot for Air Methods in 2019. He also had just completed requirements for a bachelor’s degree in aviation science from Southern Utah University, according to HAI.
“Jim was a highly respected member of the rotorcraft community, and we will miss his knowledge and leadership,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “He was an advocate for safe flying, training, and mentorship, and he was always willing to share his experience and passion for flying.”
Born June 17, 1949, in Racine, Wisconsin, Wisecup grew up in Houston, flying there for the first time in 1966. Wisecup attended the University of Houston but left after a year to become a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army.
He served as a member of the Comancheros in the 101st Airborne Division from 1969 to 1970 and was “shot down” three times. HAI noted that Wisecup remarked he had three engine failures caused by foreign object damage—the first caused by a mortar round, the second by an artillery shell, and the third by a rocket-propelled grenade. For his combat service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Air Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters. He remained involved in Vietnam veteran groups after his service.
Discharged in 1971, Wisecup obtained fixed-wing ratings, but began his commercial flying career as a line pilot in 1974 for Offshore Helicopters in Texas, and later became chief pilot for Bristow Helicopters' U.S. operations. His career then led him into the helicopter air ambulance sector in 1987, first with Rocky Mountain Helicopters. He joined Air Methods in 2002.
“Jim was a true leader at Air Methods who positively impacted nearly every aviator that came through Air Methods in the last two decades,” said Raj Helweg, chief pilot at Air Methods. “He was a foundational part of how we train our pilots today. When I first came to Air Methods, he mentored me, as well as so many others, on how to become an aviation operations manager. We truly lost a great aviator, a wonderful educator, and a tremendous person and friend.”
Wisecup also was actively involved with HAI, serving on its Air Medical, Flight Operations, and Heliport Committees, and ultimately as chairman. He had remained on the board until June 30, 2020.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their five children and six grandchildren.
