5-Sep-2014Source: ARGUS
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
4-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com maintains detailed records of helicopter safety issues, and we observe that the report of an accident to an MD500D this week in California is the fifth accident for Red Bluff-based PJ Helicopters in just over three years. The links to the accident pages in HeliHub are listed, along with links to the relevant NTSB... Read more
18-Aug-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ), loss of control after departure, North Sea, 6 November 2013... Read more
14-Aug-2014Source: PHi
PHI, Inc. announced today that the company has achieved the highest level (Level 4) of the Federal Aviation Administration’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) pilot program. SMS is rapidly becoming a worldwide standard throughout the aviation industry and is recognized by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Civil... Read more
13-Aug-2014Source: Morington Sanford Aviation
Richard Morington-Sanford visited CASA at oen fo their aviation training centres at Brisbane International Airport in Australia in the period 4th to 8th August 2014. Richard conducted theoretical and practical type training on the Robinson R22 and R44 for 19 of CASA’s maitenance field inspectors responsible for the continuing airworthiness maintenance standards throughout Australia. www.morningtonsanfordaviation.com... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: The Australian
Many of the claims made by the association were wide of the mark and do not reflect the close consultation CASA has been undertaking with the broader helicopter community, including association representatives. See full story... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: WSET
The crew of Carilion Clinic Life-Guard says there is concern in the air medical service community regarding the use of unmanned aircraft, commonly called drones, over accident scenes. “See Full Story“... Read more
5-Aug-2014Source: HAI
I notice that when talking about safety, we tend to focus on field personnel — pilots, mechanics, and dispatchers. This makes sense, as they are on the front lines of safety. But let’s discuss other critical safety stakeholders: owner-operator’s and their management, along with the end user, or customer. These groups play a big part... Read more
5-Aug-2014Source: Daily Mail
The Indian Air Force has grounded its fleet of around 40 Dhruv helicopters in view of the recent crash in which seven of its personnel were killed. See full story... Read more
4-Aug-2014Source: AHIA
Australian Helicopter Industry Association president Peter Crook has written to Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to request Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 61 not be implemented on September 1, only 20 working days from now. CASR Part 61 (Flight Crew Licensing) became law on February 14 last year with a start date of December 4 that year and a four-year transition period ending on December... Read more
1-Aug-2014Source: OPITO
With 2.3 million passengers travelling to work on offshore installations by helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico every year, OPITO is making sure every worker has the necessary training to get to work and return home safely every trip. The oil and gas industry’s training standards body has set new and higher standards for Tropical... Read more
30-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Sadly there was a bad accident with an Indian Air Force Dhruv in the state of Uttar Pradesh last Friday, and we recorded that in our Safety data section here. The “black box” – Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – are now being analysed in an attempt to find out what... Read more
29-Jul-2014Source: SmartPilot
Canada’s single source web portal for all things related to flying safely recently celebrated the first anniversary of its launch. By all accounts it is proving that the need and interst for a simple, one stop site for general aviation is very real. SmartPilot.ca continues to grow and refine itself with more new, purpose developed... Read more
18-Jul-2014Source: TSB Canada
In the release of its investigation report (A13C0073) today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada cited the loss of situational awareness and loss of control as the likely causes of a fatal helicopter crash at Gull Lake, Manitoba, in July of 2013. At 4 pm Central Daylight Time, on 1 July 2013, the Bell 206B helicopter, operated... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: Survitec
The world’s first Category A Emergency Breathing System (EBS), developed by the Survitec Group, has gained approval and certification by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This is the first major response to the government inquiry and report into helicopter safety, which followed a fatal crash in the waters... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: USHST
The best way to describe civil helicopter safety in the United States today is “So far, so good.” Total accidents are down 17 percent during the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period last year. In addition, according to the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org), the number of fatal accidents has... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Two key statements sum up the current situation of the investigation of the crash of Army Air Corps Lynx Mk.9A ZF540 on 26th April 2014 20 km south of Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, killing all 3 crew members and the 2 passengers onboard:- The CVR [cockpit voice recorder] offers evidence of controlled flight and no acknowledgement... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: CBC
The only night-certified helipad in the Lappe area, north of Thunder Bay is no longer safe for helicopters to use after dark. See full story... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: Cincinnati.com
Leonard Pflanz, 56, was arrested early Sunday and accused of driving to Mercy West Hospital, yelling at the University of Cincinnati Health Air Care pilot and threatening to shoot at it the next time it flew low over his property, authorities said. See full story Image: AirCare EC145 based at Cincinnati... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Eurocopter EC155B1 (OY-HJJ), loss of control after departure, North Sea, 6 November 2013 Bell 206B (G-BPWI), engine failure leading to forced landing, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, 4 October 2013 Hughes 369D (G-CCUO), loss of control and ground... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: EagleMed
EagleMed LLC has entered Level 3 of the Federal Aviation Administration’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS), reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to safety. The critical care air medical transport company initiated its participation in the government-designed safety program several years ago. In adopting SMS as a higher standard for safety in the air medical transportation... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: CAA
Any loss of life in aviation accidents is always tragic and the safety of those who rely on offshore helicopter flights is therefore our absolute priority. In February we announced over 70 actions and recommendations to improve safety, primarily aimed at preventing accidents but also to improve survivability following an incident. These were widely welcomed... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: ACSF
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce the selection of Jon Beatty, president & CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, Joshua Hebert, founder of Magellan Jets, Levi Stockton, president of Advanced Air & Jet Center, Los Angeles and Dave Davenport, senior vice president of FlightSafety International to the ACSF Board of Governors. Jon... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: NY Times
Two men were arrested after a small drone flying near the George Washington Bridge came within 800 feet of a police helicopter, officials said on Tuesday. See full story File photo... Read more
9-Jul-2014Source: HeliHub.com
THe US Air Force has released its official report on the fatal crash of one of its Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters on 7th January 2014 on the coast of Norfolk, UK. The very thorough document notes that the Accident Investigation Board President found “by clear and convincing evidence that multiple bird strikes caused the... Read more
7-Jul-2014Source: TSB
In its investigation report (A13W0009) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that a Robinson R44 helicopter broke up in flight over Fox Creek, Alberta on 27 January 2013 due to inappropriate control inputs that caused the main rotor blade to make contact with the fuselage. The Gemini Helicopters Robinson R44 was... Read more
4-Jul-2014Source: NZ CAA
Robinson Helicopters have accepted the CAA’s invitation to give a safety awareness briefing on the R44 and R66. The one-day safety briefing and product update will be presented by Tim Tucker, chief flying instructor for Robinson. There will be an opportunity on the day after for a dual flight with Tim in the R66 or... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: HAI
HAI is developing the Education Program for HAI HELI-EXPO 2015 and seeks proposals for Professional Education courses and Rotor Safety Challenge sessions from qualified persons or vendors. Be part of continuing excellence in your industry—submit your proposal today! Professional Education Courses To provide a high-quality program for helicopter professionals, HAI strives to enhance, expand,and adjust these fee-based... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: NBAA
Because unique weather conditions are associated with summer, now is a good time for a reminder about a new online FAA safety resource that provides tips for pilots dealing with the season’s thunderstorm activity. Launched by the agency in May 2014 with the support of aviation groups, including NBAA, the Got Weather? initiative offers information... Read more
1-Jul-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
With Asia poised to be the fastest growing helicopter market in the coming years, key industry players from the ASEAN Helicopter Safety Team (AHEST) held the inaugural steering committee meeting this month to initiate actions to improve safety in civil helicopter operations in this region. AHEST was founded in late 2013 to expand the mandate... Read more
30-Jun-2014Source: HAI
The Helicopter Association International and its president, Matt Zuccaro, welcome the news that President Obama has nominated NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart to fill the chairman’s position in the wake of Deborah Hersman’s departure. “As a commercial-rated pilot, Chris Hart understands aviation and its importance to the nation,” said Zuccaro. “He is also the NTSB’s... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: USHST
The phrase, “Let’s be careful out there,” takes on added meaning during the month of July as it tops all other months for fatal helicopter accidents. A decade’s worth of data compiled by the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) shows that an average of three to four fatal civil helicopter accidents in the United... Read more
19-Jun-2014Source: AOPA
A USA Today story, “Unfit for flight,” published June 18 “gets the general aviation safety record wrong, it ignores efforts by the industry to make general aviation safer, and it violates basic tenets of fairness and accuracy when it comes to good journalism,” AOPA said in response to the article. The three-part report paints GA aircraft as death traps,... Read more
18-Jun-2014Source: BBC
BBC has been given the first chance to try out a new safety device that could save lives in the future. See full story... Read more
17-Jun-2014Source: EagleMed
EagleMed LLC has enlisted Baldwin Safety & Compliance as an additional resource for the critical care air medical transport company’s safety management system needs. Baldwin Safety & Compliance, headquartered in South Carolina, is a recognized leader in customized safety management and business solutions. “We are pleased to have the added services of a leader in... Read more
16-Jun-2014Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pleased to offer a NEW course in NTSB Helicopter Accident Investigations on August 18-22, 2014, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia. The course will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the procedures, methods used and the skills required with all aspects of helicopter accident investigation by the... Read more
13-Jun-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
Today, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) issued its final determination following its investigation into the causes linked to two controlled ditchings that occurred in the North Sea on May 10, 2012 and October 22, 2012 aboard EC225 helicopters. Airbus Helicopters affirms the conclusions drawn in the report concerning the causes of the two controlled... Read more
12-Jun-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Robinson R44 II (G-ODAZ), near RAF Wittering, Peterborough, 26 March 2014... Read more
11-Jun-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The formal report on the accidents to a Bond and a CHC EC225 in 2012 has now been released by the AAIB. A further seven new Safety Recommendations have been made, including five related to the liferafts and one related to the fatigue performance of components manufactured from high strength low alloy steel. These are listed below... Read more
3-Jun-2014Source: EASA
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today announced new proposals for flight recorders and underwater locating devices which aim at facilitating the recovery of an aircraft and of its flight recorders in the unfortunate eventuality of an accident. The new EASA requirements include the extension of the transmission time of underwater locating devices (ULD) fitted... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: CTV
Nova Scotia’s energy minister says he’s satisfied with federal legislation aimed at improving safety in the offshore energy sector even though it doesn’t call for an independent safety agency, a measure he pushed for while in Opposition. See full story... Read more
2-Jun-2014Source: BBC
The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it has no plans to duplicate the 32 safety improvements planned for Scottish offshore helicopters. See full story... Read more
1-Jun-2014Source: CBC
All 17 charges relate to an incident that occurred on May 31, 2013, when four Ornge employees — two pilots and two paramedics — were killed after the Sikorsky S-76A helicopter they were travelling in crashed See full story See also HeliHub.com page for this accident... Read more
29-May-2014Source: TSB
In its investigation report (A12P0008) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that the ingestion of soft ice into the engine led to a complete loss of power and the crash after takeoff of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) helicopter near Cultus Lake, British Columbia. The pilot was fatally injured. On... Read more
28-May-2014Source: IHST
– Without shifting its focus away from the elimination of all civil helicopter accidents, the International Helicopter Safety Team (www.IHST.org) is asking its worldwide partners to establish an additional focus regarding the steps that can be taken to prevent fatalities in helicopter accidents. As a result, future IHST analysis will include the types of accidents... Read more
22-May-2014Source: Marion County Sheriff
For the second year in a row, Marion County Florida’s Sherriff’s Office Aviation Unit hosted a safety training session for Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Fighting, and Electronic News Gathering aviation units from around the state of Florida. More than 70 attendees from 23 different organizations attended the event. The safety session focused on the United... Read more
19-May-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) is hosting a U.S. Customer Safety Symposium dedicated to highlighting top safety issues in the industry and allowing customers to share their ideas and solutions. The two-day conference begins today at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. AHI leadership, customers and industry experts will discuss helicopter safety, including safety... Read more
16-May-2014Source: KVIA ABC-7
El Paso Police are still looking for burglars who vandalized a JetRanger and a jet fuel tanker in the Franklin Mountains in northeast El Paso on Wednesday. See full story... Read more
16-May-2014Source: HAI
HAI is developing the Education Program for HAI HELI-EXPO 2015 and seeks proposals for Professional Education courses and Rotor Safety Challenge sessions from qualified persons or vendors. Be part of continuing excellence in your industry—submit your proposal today! Professional Education Courses To provide a high-quality program for helicopter professionals, HAI strives to enhance, expand, and... Read more
13-May-2014Source: FAA
FREE, day-long safety seminar for all helicopter pilots! May 17, 8:00 am, Air Methods Corporation (AMC) Training Center, Aurora, Colo. Attention Helicopter Pilots! Join in for the very latest information on the safety issues facing the rotorcraft industry, presented by a panel of experts from industry, Helicopter Association International (HAI), FAASTeam, and Denver FSDO. Discuss... Read more
13-May-2014Source: IHST
As part of its ongoing accident analysis, the United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org) has categorized U.S. civil helicopter data by U.S. state for the period of 2008 through 2013. It continues to see the West and the South as ground zero for the majority of accidents. Fatal accidents, for the most part, also follow... Read more
11-May-2014Source: CBC
The two survivors of a helicopter crash near Carcross, Yukon, two years ago are suing operator Horizon Helicopters. see full story See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 10-Jul-12 C-GHZN Robinson R44 Carcross, Canada (1F)... Read more
11-May-2014Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Special Bulletin S3/2014: Agusta AW139 (G-LBAL), near Gillingham Hall, Norfolk, 13 March 2014... Read more
11-May-2014
The country of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, recently began a rapid expansion of its economy and infrastructure, due to a relaxation of sanctions that have been in place for some time. As offshore oil exploration, tourism, and other traditional helicopter markets expand, the Myanmar Ministry of Transportation is faced with the task of developing... Read more
9-May-2014Source: Irish Times
A helicopter pilot has been fined €20,000 for flying dangerously low over thousands of people attending the busiest day of Ballinasloe Horse Fair three years ago. See full story. The content of that story include reference to the same pilot crashing the helicopter later the same day, which pins it down to the following incident... Read more
8-May-2014Source: HAI
Multiple Safety Briefings for all helicopter pilots, and a free lunch! Attention all helicopter pilots! Don’t miss this event featuring the latest information on the safety issues facing the rotorcraft industry. Presented by top industry experts in their field, discussions inlcude accident trends, Next-Gen for helicopters, medical qualifications, and more! May 15, 9:00 am, 1940... Read more
8-May-2014Source: CASA
This NPRM is issued by CASA with a view to ensuring that Australian aviation safety requirements are current and appropriately address safety risks. CASA’s policies require that the aviation safety regulations must: be necessary to address known or likely safety risks provide for the most efficient allocation of Industry and CASA resources be clear and... Read more
8-May-2014Source: Oil & Gas UK
In response to the annoucement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today, Oil & Gas UK chief executive, Malcolm Webb, said: “The CAA consultation with industry has been highly constructive, prompting and accelerating the introduction of breakthrough lifesaving equipment over a year ahead of CAA proposed action A10 (CAP1145) – a real milestone for safety... Read more
8-May-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced changes to two of its requirements aimed at improving offshore helicopter safety. It follows discussions with the oil and gas industry, helicopter operators and representatives of the offshore workforce and pilots. In February the CAA announced a series of measures to improve the safety of offshore operations.... Read more
6-May-2014Source: HAI
To recognize helicopter operators who go the distance for safety — day in and day out — HAI presents the HAI Operator Safety Award to its member-operators who were accident free* throughout the previous calendar year. HAI presents one engraved commemorative plaque and year-date medallion at no cost to first-time recipients who qualify. Previous recipients... Read more
6-May-2014Source: CPS
The Center for Patient Safety (CPS) has landed its first national contract from Air Evac Lifeteam, a subsidiary of Air Medical Group Holdings, announced Becky Miller, executive director, CPS. Air Evac Lifeteam, an air ambulance company, currently has 115 bases in 15 states. The three-year participation agreement was executed on April 1, 2014. “By participating... Read more
2-May-2014Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and general aviation groups will launch an eight-month national safety campaign titled, “Got Weather? #GotWx,” to help general aviation (GA) pilots prepare for potential weather challenges they may encounter during the 2014 flying season. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and GA leaders will kick-off the Got Weather?... Read more
1-May-2014Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a series of template risk models, highlighting a number of specific safety scenarios, which airline and airport operators, air navigation service providers, maintenance organisations, ground service providers and regulators can use as part of their own safety management systems (SMS). The models will allow organisations to assess... Read more
30-Apr-2014Source: IHST
The helicopter pilot was on his final instrument approach for completing the requirements in the Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards and weather conditions were perfect. At Decision Height, the examiner called out “runway in sight.” The aircraft was slightly right of course and less than a dot above glideslope. Not perfect, but well within the... Read more
27-Apr-2014Source: UNM Hospital
The University of New Mexico Hospital Board of Trustees on Friday recognized staffers and emergency response personnel, including two UNMH security officers who rushed to the aid of a medical crew shortly after their helicopter crashed on the hospital’s roof earlier this month. [See HeliHub.com page for this accident] Surveillance video released by UNMH shows the... Read more
27-Apr-2014Source: NBAA
New weather forecasting technologies and probabilistic weather information, which can help operators determine the risk of flying into thousands of airports worldwide, will be the topic of an upcoming free NBAA webinar. “Managing Weather Risk” takes place at 1 p.m. (EDT), on April 29, and NBAA Members can register for the session right up until... Read more
25-Apr-2014
HAI Director of Safety Outreach Stan Rose and an international cast of rotor-wing professionals will host the first-ever helicopter safety seminar in Yangon, Myanmar, April 28. The seminar will bring together helicopter professionals, customers, executives, and key stakeholders from across Myanmar and Southeast Asia to discuss safety standards and best practices. Read more about the... Read more
24-Apr-2014Source: Vector
Vector Aerospace UK (Vector – www.vectoraerospace.com/), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has selected Atkins Global as a collaborative partner in producing a Safety Management System (SMS) which will enhance the support of its operating processes. “We are looking to optimise and widen our current practices to ensure that we have... Read more
23-Apr-2014Source: Airbus
The redesigned vertical bevel gear shaft for Airbus Helicopters’ EC225 has been certified, enabling its production and installation on all rotorcraft of this type in operation globally, as well as those being produced. Certification was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is to be followed by validation from other international airworthiness authorities.... Read more
23-Apr-2014Source: USHST
The United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org), has gathered U.S. civil helicopter accident data for the 10-year period of 2004 to 2013 in order to determine year-to-year and month-to-month trends. As expected, when warmer weather arrives during the spring and summer months, helicopter operations and missions increase and the number of accidents rise. For the... Read more
22-Apr-2014Source: FAA
In response to industry feedback and so that the FAA can develop detailed guidance materials, the FAA is extending the compliance deadline for the helicopter safety rule by one year to April 22, 2015. This will provide the industry with necessary FAA materials and adequate time to adapt their manuals and provide training to pilots.... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: FAA
As many of you are aware, the 2014 Safety Management System Focus Group meeting planned for Dallas/Fort Worth, TX April 29, 30 and May 1, 2014 has been canceled. We want to thank all the industry and FAA personnel who demonstrated interest and volunteered to participate in the event. We are planning a 2015 SMS... Read more
21-Apr-2014Source: Cobham
Cobham Life Support will be introducing its new maritime safety system, Survivor+ at OTC 2014, May 5-8 in Houston, Texas. The Survivor+ Personal Overboard Survival System, a new class of ‘wearable’ PFD (Personal Flotation Device), uniquely incorporates both a SOLAS approved inflatable life jacket and a personal life raft into a single system worn as... Read more
15-Apr-2014Source: FSF
The Flight Safety Foundation announced today that Jon Beatty, former President and CEO of International Aero Engines, has been named as its new President and CEO. Mr. Beatty comes to the Foundation after a distinguished career as an aviation executive. Along with his recent experience with International Aero Engines, he spent time in several executive... Read more
11-Apr-2014Source: Baum Hedlund
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has denied a forum non conveniens motion filed by Robinson Helicopter Company, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell to have a fatal helicopter crash case (the very first R66 crash) removed from her courtroom in Los Angeles to be litigated in Colombia, where the crash occurred. In her March 28 ruling, the Honorable Michelle R.... Read more