The Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), in cooperation with helicopter manufacturers Airbus Helicopters and Bell Helicopter, announces its commitment to the installation of Crash Resistant Fuel Systems (CRFS) in all new aircraft and equipping current aircraft with CRFS as those products become available. Our members are proud to partner with Bell Helicopter and Airbus on this important safety commitment.

We are excited to be working with our manufacturing partners to enhance safety and survivability in the event of an accident. Working to get CRFS systems that meet Part 27 requirements with the OEM’s is key for future installations.“ said Fred Buttrell, Chairman of the AMOA.

Many of AMOA’s current safety commitments, such as the use of NVG’s on all aircraft,the installation of Flight Data Monitoring Systems, and the increased use of flight training simulators address accident prevention; our commitment to equip with CRFS is the first commitment to address crash survivability.

“Bell Helicopter has been an industry leader on providing Crash-Resistant Fuel Systems for commercial aircraft, producing the first rotorcraft CRFS more than 35 years ago. In fact, all aircraft currently in production are equipped with crash resistant fuel systems,” said Matt Hasik, executive vice president of Commercial Business. “We are committed to working with AMOA and the rotorcraft industry; CRFS is a life-saving technology that should be implemented more widely”

“Safety is a top priority of Airbus Helicopters, and we are pleased the AMOA members have taken this position,” said Chris Emerson, President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. “Airbus Helicopters has a long record of implementing safety innovations, including the Vision 1000 cockpit image and data recorder and energy attenuating seats. At Airbus Helicopters Inc. we look forward to working with the air medical transport industry to implement CRFS and other efforts to continue enhancing the safe operation of our helicopters.”

These solutions, combined with AMOA’s commitment to the technology, will help enhance crash survivability and add to the overall safety of air medical transport.