FAA Initiatives to Improve Helicopter Air Ambulance Safety
Targeted News Service |
Helicopter air ambulance operations are unique due to the urgent nature of the flight. The
On
Prior to the rule, the
There are currently 75 air ambulance companies that operate approximately 1,515 helicopters in
Since
The Role of the
Aviation safety decisions are separate from medical decisions. The decision to conduct a flight with a patient on board does not mean that flight safety can be compromised in any way. Once the medical need for air transportation is determined, it is up to the operator to make the air transportation decision based on pre-flight factors such as weather conditions, maintenance, and crew readiness. FAA Oversight
The
FAA Actions
In
On
Decision-making skills: On
Risk assessment programs: On
Air Medical Resource Management (AMRM): On
Special emphasis inspection program: On
New
International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST): Formed in 2005, the IHST promotes safety and works to reduce civil helicopter accidents worldwide. The government and industry group addresses factors affecting an unacceptable helicopter accident rate. The group's vision is an international civil helicopter community with zero accidents with a goal to reduce the international civil helicopter accident rate by 80 percent by 2016. IHST members establish partnerships with countries with significant helicopter operations and encourage overseas industries to perform accident analysis and develop safety interventions. Worldwide partners include government and industry participants from
Loss of Control (LOC) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): On
HBAT 06-01 & OpSpec A021: On
Guidance to Part 142 training centers: On
Public air ambulance operators: On
Weather: In
Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS): On
Aeronautical Information Manual: In
Operational Control Centers: On
Operations Specifications: On
Notice to FAA Inspectors: On
- Decision-making skills and risk assessment programs - 94 percent
- Response to
89 percent
- Integration of operation control center - 89 percent
- Installation of Flight Data Recorders and devices that can re-create a flight. - 11 percent
- TAWS equipage - 41 percent
- Use of radar altimeters - 89 percent
Surveillance of large HEMS operators: On
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs): While the
Technical Standard Order (TSO) C164 was published on
The
TNS 30VianaGem - 140221-4644067 30VianaGem
Copyright: | (c) 2014 Targeted News Service |
Wordcount: | 1955 |
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