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Santa Flies in on a Helicopter: 2017 Edition

Once again, a Guidance Aviation pilot was happy to oblige when Santa Claus needed a ride.

This year, Chief Pilot Instructor Zach Hardwick heeded the call to escort Santa over to Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI!).

Check out a 360°, panoramic video of the event. If you’re on mobile, try moving your device to see the whole picture. On desktop, you can drag with your mouse.


This is the fifth year that Guidance has been able to work with YEI! to deliver Santa Claus to their Ruger Airpark location.

Guidance Aviation President Bret Painter and YEI!’s Executive Director Brad Newman discussed the event with Sandy Moss on AZTV’s Sandy & Friends. Check out the interview below.


Newman later added:

“This is good example of corporate social responsibility done right. Guidance Aviation has always been great at fostering connections with the Prescott community.”

Since 1974, YEI! has been providing job training, employment, volunteer placements, and support services for developmentally disabled adult residents within the Yavapai County. It’s been our pleasure to work with YEI over the last several years, and especially when delivering Santa Claus to an eager crowd of exceptional people.

Visit YEI!’s website at yeiworks.com to learn more about an organization that’s been changing lives for more than thirty years.

And of course, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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