A ruling that investigators should hand over the black box from a North Sea helicopter crash to Scotland’s top law officer is being challenged. See full story
Sundance Helicopters recently became the nation’s first helicopter tour operator and Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) member to implement the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and Maintenance Safety Action Program (MSAP). ASAP and MSAP are voluntary, self-reporting programs designed to identify and reduce safety concerns. “We are proud to participate… Read more »
The Australian Government has reappointed Mr Noel Hart as a Commissioner with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the two-year extension of Mr Hart’s term today, effective from 1 July 2015. “Mr Hart’s extensive maritime and resource industry operations experience, along with… Read more »
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has posted the second video designed to further enhance airport safety. Entitled “The 2015 Wildlife Hazard Management and Strike Reporting Update,” the video outlines the benefits of wildlife hazard strike reporting and how airport operators use the information to reduce wildlife strikes at airports. The video also discusses the FAA’s… Read more »
The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and its embarked helicopter detachment from the ‘Warlords’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM ) 51, were selected for the annual Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Ship-Helicopter Safety Award in May. This unique award honors the cruiser or destroyer and embarked detachment with the… Read more »
It’s something many people flying offshore have experienced – bumpy air, foggy skies, an unusual sound – all of which can conspire to get the passenger thinking “What am I doing here?” Bob Egan, an offshore worker for more than 20 years, had those thoughts even though he doesn’t fear flying on helicopters. But a… Read more »
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has called on US and European regulators to improve the safety of helicopter fuel systems. See Full Story
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters recently received Safety Management System (SMS) program status by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first air tour operator in the United States to reach this milestone. Blue Hawaiian began participating in the voluntary SMS program in 2009, adopting the systematic approach to managing safety risk. “Achieving SMS emphasizes our company’s… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R22 Beta (G-ECMC), rolled over during simulated tail rotor failure exercise at Goodwood Aerodrome, on 12 February 2015 Robinson R22 Beta (G-THLA), heavy landing following autorotation exercise, Romney Marsh, Kent, 13 February 2015
Safety experts, crew members, pilots, mechanics and leaders from air-medical programs throughout North America are invited to converge at the 5th Annual LifeFlight Eagle Safety Symposium in Kansas City, Mo., September17-18. The symposium, which is provided free of charge, features presentations by world-class safety experts, as well as an opportunity for representatives from air-medical organizations… Read more »
By a co-operative partnership with CASA, the AHIA and other industry members, CASA is moving forward with legislative changes to streamline regulatory provisions as a result of the post-implementation review of part 61. AHIA President Peter Crook see this as a positive step closer to the industry contributing at a high level to legislative content… Read more »
The FAA and general aviation (GA) groups are launching the Fly Safe national safety campaign to educate the GA community on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) accidents this flying season. FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker officially kicked-off the #FlySafe campaign on Saturday, June 6, at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Fly-In… Read more »
The Ninth EASA Rotorcraft Symposium will be held on 2-3 December at the Hilton Hotel in Cologne. If you are interested to be part of the European forum for the rotary wing community, please fill the online registration here. You will then receive a confirmation from EASA of your enrolment. Registration closes on 14 November 2015. Don’t… Read more »
Helicopter mechanic Jeffrey Lee Graham died on Friday morning while working on a Bell 47G helicopter at Hudson, Iowa. The press statement from Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office was brief but confirmed “a fatal workplace accident that occurred while maintenance was being done on a stationary helicopter”. The address of the location matches that of… Read more »
Air Methods recently announced it will sponsor the 2nd Annual Great American Safety Drive – MedEvac Foundation International’s major fundraising initiative for 2015 – commencing in June during National Safety Month. “Air Methods is proud to say that we have supported the MedEvac Foundation since its inception,” said Howard Ragsdale, senior vice president at Air Methods. “Safety… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R44 (G-CEDG), rolled over during a precautionary landing, near Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, on 25 February 2015 Robinson R44 II (G-HECK), collision with vehicle, Leeds Heliport, 5 December 2014
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will announce two new initiatives related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) tomorrow at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems 2015conference in Atlanta, GA. The FAA is moving ahead with safe integration of UAS into the busiest, most complex airspace in the world. Even as the agency proceeds with rulemaking for small… Read more »
Please join HAI and the FAA for a free helicopter safety conference on Tuesday, June 2, at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, Pa. The workshop will run from 8:00 a.m. – to 4:30 p.m. and will feature expert industry speakers from the FAA, HAI, AgustaWestland, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army. Topics to be covered… Read more »
he UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced at the Offshore Helicopter Safety Action Group (OHSAG) a new set of proposals aimed at improving the safety of helicopter operations to the 116 normally unattended offshore installations in the North Sea. The proposals build upon an independent report compiled by Cranfield University, commissioned by the CAA,… Read more »
On April 23, ARSA submitted comments to the FAA’s proposed rule regarding its control of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The association added its voice to the thousands who provided guidance to the agency in its pursuit of new regulations to oversee the use of the vehicles commonly referred to as “drones.” While its comments recognized the congressional imperative that the FAA… Read more »
AEI (Aircraft Engineers International) have written to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) to place on record our belief that the air travelling public in Europe is exposed to an increasing risk of injury. “Our concern derives from the inconsistent, and in some European countries, inadequate, application by the individual national aviation authorities of safety… Read more »
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… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness
If aircraft were measured from the ground up, helicopters would rank near the bottom. This isn’t a criticism; it’s just the nature of the beast. Helicopters spend a large portion of time flying close to the ground and, as a result, they are increasingly susceptible to wire strikes. Analysis conducted by the United States Helicopter… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky S-76C (G-WIWI), unintentional descent towards trees, Peasmarsh, East Sussex, 3 May 2012
Christopher Hart was confirmed last week as NTSB chairman, and he discussed his priorities for the safety agency at a Washington Aero Club luncheon last week. Chairman Hart wants to redesign the way the agency conducts investigations “from scratch.” He said the main focus of the redesign will have two parts, including incorporating “major IT… Read more »
Following the issue of Emergency ADs over the weekend on all Robinson R44s with C016-7 “Dash 7” blades, new documentation has been issued by Australia and New Zealand with less onerous requirements. These helicopters are no longer grounded, but require inspection of the blades by the pilot before each and every flight. In issuing DCA/R44/32,… Read more »
[electronic translation] In the incident with a NH90 on 19 June 2014 in Termez / Uzbekistan occurred in connection with the engine stagnation in triggering the fire extinguishing system of the engine to a short circuit in the overhead Control Panel. To this end, the company announced AIRBUS Helicopter the Ministry of Defense and the… Read more »
Australia and New Zealand have prohibited Robinson R44 helicopters from further flight if they are fitted with main rotor blades with reference C016-7. This follows the fatal accident of an R44 in New Zealand last week from the fleet of Over The Top Helicopters, which killed one of their instructors and his 18 year old… Read more »
You’ve planned to attend the HAI Safety Symposium (NTSB – Managing Risk in Public Helicopter Operations) from 8:00–10:00 in room S310 on Mon., March 2 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2015. Be sure to also add to your diary, and attend, the Safety Directors Forum (Your Helicopter Crashed – Now What?) right after, from 10:30–12:00 in room S230C. Presented by Clint Johnson,… Read more »
Icing was the probable cause of a Mercy Air Med helicopter crash near Ventura that killed three people on Jan. 2, 2013, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. See Full Story.
The investigation into the May 19, 2014, mishap that resulted in the death of a Marine MV-22 Osprey crew chief has determined that the Marine’s death was likely the result of an accidental fall from the aircraft. See Full Story.
Various Spanish websites including ABC, Efe and ELDiA are reporting that an EMS pilot based at Tenerife Sur airport (=Reina Sofia Airport) has failed a breath test. INAER, who have a zero tolerance approach to the taking of drugs or alcohol, called the Guardia Civil to conduct the breathalyser test, and the pilot reportedly showed positive… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky S-76C (G-WIWI), unintentional descent towards trees, Peasmarsh, East Sussex, 3 May 2012 (update of the report AAIB issued in December 2014)
Issued Feb 6th – U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leadership conducted a review board at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Feb. 6, 2015, to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures that were put in place after the January 2014 MH-53E mishap. After an initial assessment by NAVAIR’s Heavy Lift Helicopters Program (PMA-261), the in-service support… Read more »
People planning to attend the 2015 CHC Safety & Quality Summit now have the opportunity to receive additional training and certification by registering for pre- and post-summit training courses. The summit, hosted by CHC Helicopter, the operating company of CHC Group Ltd. (NYSE:HELI), brings together top aviation-safety professionals from around the globe to share best… Read more »
EagleMed critical care air medical transport company is co-sponsoring an aviation hazards seminar for general aviation pilots and aviation weather enthusiasts scheduled Jan. 23, 2015 in Wichita. Co-sponsors are the National Weather Service office in Wichita, and the Kansas Army National Guard. The seminar on Convective Weather Effects (thunderstorms and their hazards) will be held… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R22 Beta (G-MOGY), contacted ground during circuit practice and rolled over, near West Chevington, 30 October 2014 Robinson R22 Beta (G-OKEY), struck ground following inappropriate cyclic input by student pilot, at Elstree Aerodrome, 21 September… Read more »
A year ago, safety experts at the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) declared that 2014 would be a pivotal year as the helicopter community worked to stem a discouraging increase in fatal and non-fatal accidents. A renewed safety education and communication effort succeeded in reversing the trend as U.S. helicopter accidents totaled 130 during… Read more »
Faced one night with a trip over mountainous terrain in a medical transport helicopter with a faulty emergency locator transmitter, a pilot refused to fly the unsafe aircraft and was later terminated in retaliation for doing so. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration followed. As a result, Air Methods… Read more »
As the chief instructor for Hillsboro Aviation in Oregon and a member of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org), I am in a position to help shape (in a small way) the future of our helicopter industry. In a recent discussion with another helicopter safety professional, we concluded that there are no new ways to… Read more »
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2015. This is the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we trust many of our readers will take time to consider what that means to the world, perhaps through attending a church… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Sikorsky S-76C (G-WIWI), unintentional descent towards trees, Peasmarsh, East Sussex, 3 May 2012
The widow of an investment banker sued his employer StormHarbour Securities LLP for allowing him to board a helicopter that crashed into a Peruvian mountainside in 2012, killing 14 on board. See Full Story
Attending one of the world’s premier aviation-safety conference’s costs a little less for a limited time. Early bird registration for the 11th-annual CHC Safety and Quality Summit is open now until Dec. 31. During that period, enrolling in the March 23-25 conference costs C$1085 plus tax – a discount of C$100. The summit, which will… Read more »
Helicopter Association International (HAI), the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), and the St. Louis Rotor & Wing Association, hosted the Midwest Regional Helicopter Safety Seminar in St. Louis, Mo., on November 15. More than 50 professionals from a variety of helicopter operations attended the event. Bill Hopper, president and founder of HAI Affiliate Member, St. Louis… Read more »
The audit was performed with assistance from the Civil Aviation Authority Norway (CAA Norway). Objective The objective of this audit was to review and evaluate the company’s management of emergency preparedness and helicopter operation at Ekofisk 2/4-L. We requested a presentation of the processes that COPSAS has established to ensure that prerequisites, limitations and recommendations… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness
On November 11, 2014, Bristow’s West Africa Business Unit (WASBU) and BGI Aviation Technical Services (BATS) celebrated two consecutive years of Target Zero performance without a recordable injury or air accident. In October alone, Bristow operations in Nigeria achieved 1,000 hours of Target Zero performance. WASBU Director Akin Oni cited the role of Bristow’s Target… Read more »
Helicopter Association of Canada, Montreal, QC, November 8, 2014 –Blackcomb Aviation has been awarded the 2014 Airbus Helicopters Canada’s “Innovation in Safety” Award for their dedicated and collaborative approach to ensuring 25 years of safe operations. This award is presented to a nominee or organization whose business initiatives have demonstrated a great impact on the… Read more »
CHC Safety & Quality Summit 2015 Call for Papers Issued The call is out for papers that will characterize the 2015 edition of the world’s most influential helicopter-safety conference. Industry and safety professionals interested in presenting at the CHC Safety & Quality Summit may now submit abstracts for the event. The 11th-annual summit will be… Read more »
Calm down, get a grip. No, I am not advocating the use or distribution of drugs. The high I speak of involves altitude, height above the ground, the distance between the aircraft and the real estate below. Also known as your safety margin. I think we can all agree that, in general, flying lower than… Read more »
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced new notice to airmen (NOTAM) header formats for conflict zones and international crisis situations. New NOTAMs will be shown as an advisory, a prohibition, or a pointer NOTAM that direct the reader to a related special federal aviation regulation (SFAR). While this format will apply to all… Read more »
New Zealand based Composite Helicopters have unfortunately had an accident with their second flying prototype of their five-seat KC518 Aventourer helicopter. NZ Herald reports that co-founder Peter Maloney remained on site to see the helicopter put onto a trailer for the short journey back to their base at North Shore airfield, while co-pilot Norbert Idelon… Read more »
Mr Mark Skidmore AM has been appointed as the new Director of Aviation Safety at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The chairman of CASA’s Board Dr Allan Hawke AC announced the five year appointment today. Mr Skidmore has more than 30 years experience in both civilian and military aviation. “Mark Skidmore brings a wealth… Read more »
The Transport Select Committee published its report on offshore helicopter safety in July. Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive Malcolm Webb responded in a letter to the Committee report at the time. Today (October 27), the Government published its response to the Transport Select Committee Report alongside comments from Malcolm Webb’s letter. Oil & Gas… Read more »
The EASA Safety Conference 2014 on General Aviation (GA) was closed by EASA Executive Director, Patrick Ky. The two day conference had more than 350 attendants, representing 250 organisations from 30 countries. It was one of the biggest conferences on General Aviation to be conducted in Europe with more than 50 speakers related to GA… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters is working alongside operators of its EC225 and EC725 aircraft to implement the final step of its proven solution: the retrofit of the worldwide EC225/EC725 fleet with the redesigned bevel gear vertical shaft, which was certified in April of this year. Since the previous safety measures were put in place in July 2013,… Read more »
Many helicopter accidents involve pilots who allow themselves to be influenced by hazardous attitudes that cause them to take unnecessary chances. As a pilot, the less often you allow yourself to act upon a hazardous attitude, the safer your flying will become. It should be remembered that every pilot probably has had or will have… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Aircraft Accident Report 3/2014 – Agusta A109E (G-CRST), collided with a crane, St George Wharf, Vauxhall, London, 16 January 2013 Enstrom 280C (G-IDUP), Northampton/Sywell Aerodrome on 3 June 2014
A beacon of remembrance was lit at Quidi Vidi Lake yesterday as the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, officially dedicated the Offshore Helicopter Accident Memorial. The memorial pays tribute to the victims of Cougar 491 and the 1985 Universal Helicopter crashes. “After centuries of making our living from the sea, our province… Read more »
The successful crash test of a former Marine helicopter could help lead to safer civilian and military helicopters, according to NASA aeronautics researchers. The full-scale test sent the fuselage and its 15 dummy occupants crashing into the dirt at NASA Langley Research Center’s Landing and Impact Research facility in Hampton, Virginia, at about 30 miles an… Read more »
The continuing steps being taken to improve further the safety of offshore helicopter flights will be outlined to the oil and gas sector on Thursday (October 2). Seven months after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published its ‘CAP1145’ report containing a series of actions and recommendations for helicopter safety, Oil & Gas UK is… Read more »
There was no real reason for the family members of those named to wait before laying their flowers. So they didn’t. They had long ago waited enough — for news, for remains, for investigations and reports. See full story
ARGUS International, Inc. has entered into a Sponsorship Agreement with the Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC), also known has the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The Agreement recognizes ARGUS’s support of PSAAC as the official accreditation authority for the airborne law enforcement community and PSAAC recognizes ARGUS’ as an official sponsor of the PSAAC‘s… Read more »
Airbus HelicoptersInc. (AHI)is proud to announce that Protean LLC has been honored as the 2014 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award recipient for development of the LZControl.com database, a free flight safety service the companyprovides the air medical industry. Jennifer Hardcastle, Sales Manager – Air Medical Specialist for Airbus Helicopters Inc., presented Protean CEO John Cornett… Read more »
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report following an accident that occurred in Tyresö, south east of Stockholm, on 26 August 2013. The aircraft, a Swedish Robinson R44 Clipper II with the registration SE-JOE, was engaged in a water-sampling assignment in the Stockholm area. The crew consisted of one pilot… Read more »
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- AS355N (G-OLCP) Peterborough Conington Airport, Cambridgeshire, 21 March 2014 Robinson R22 (G-PACL) Liverpool Airport, 16 July 2014 Schweizer 300 (G-BWAV) Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, 21 May 2014 Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ) North Sea, 6 November 2013
A recent NTSB report shows a US civilian accident rate of only 3.94 accidents per 100,000 hours. (A very good result). By comparison, the ATSB Transport Safety Report of October 2013 states our rate is10.8 accidents per 100,000 hours. Put simply, the FAA operators have an accident rate that is 2.74 times less than our CASA rotorcraft industry. The AHIA… Read more »
The International Helicopter Safety Team (www.IHST.org), in cooperation with safety experts from throughout the civil helicopter industry, has released two new safety bulletins aimed at enhancing helicopter operations and reducing accidents. The IHST family of safety bulletins provides important information for helicopter pilots, operators, and instructors as they prepare for flight. The newest safety bulletin… Read more »
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) released the results today of the Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) investigation in to the crash of an MH-53E Sea Dragon off the coast of Virginia January 8, that resulted in the death of three Sailors. The MH-53E, assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) and based at… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Canada is looking to recognize outstanding achievement in the rotary wing industry with the 3rd Annual ‘Innovation in Safety Award’. Fort Erie, ON, September 12th, 2014 – The winner(s) of the ‘Innovation in Safety Award’ will be selected by a committee of industry professionals. The award ceremony will take place during the Helicopter… Read more »
A lawsuit filed Monday blames Sikorsky for a fatal crash in Georgia eight months ago, saying manufactures failed to install a tiny part that caused the tail rotor to malfunction and sent the aircraft spinning out of control.
Professional Resources In System Management, LLC (PRISM) is pleased to welcome the California Highway Patrol to the PRISM Safety Management System (SMS) program. The California Highway Patrol has signed a three-year contract with PRISM at the SMS Professional level. The PRISM Professional package includes access to its acclaimed Aviation Risk Management Online Resource (ARMOR). A… Read more »
