The New Zealand CAA is exploring the need for changes in the regulation of the Robinson helicopter fleet. This is in response to a number of accidents involving Robinson helicopters in the last few years.

As part of the response to these accidents, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (“TAIC”) and the CAA have reviewed the American Federal Aviation Administration’s approach to regulation of the Robinson fleet and the New Zealand position.   As a result of the CAA’s work in this area, it has come to the conclusion that changes need to be made to the way in which Robinson safety awareness training is conducted, and which pilots should undergo that training. In addition, some aspects of the training are regarded as needing change. The purpose of this document is to set out the issues identified and to explain the measures the CAA is proposing to adopt to address those issues.

See Robinson Helicopter Fleet Consultation Document – issued 23rd April 2015 and the time window for comments closes in one month on 22 May 2015

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com