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Safety & Training
IHSF releases results of annual helicopter safety survey
April 15, 2020 By Helicopters Staff
Results from the International Helicopter Safety Foundation’s global survey show that nearly two-thirds of respondents are implementing key safety practices. (Image: IHSF) The International Helicopter Safety Foundation has compiled data from its fifth annual survey of civil helicopter operators located around the world. The survey, which received more than 1,900 responses from 112 different countries, is designed to gain a broader understanding of where crucial safety initiatives are being implemented. Participation in the survey, according to IHSF, increased by 49 per cent compared to a year ago.
The survey largely focused eight areas, that were predetermined by IHSF’s regional teams from around the world, to offer the best opportunities to prevent helicopter accidents. These areas, listed below, were chosen based on those regional IHSF teams analyzing more than 1,000 helicopter accidents:
• Structured programs to fully comply with manufacturer recommended
maintenance practices;
• A structured program for initial and recurrent training;
• The implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS);
• The implementation of manual Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS);
• Installation of wire-strike prevention systems;
• The implementation of Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) programs;
• The implementation of automated Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS); and
• Usage of night vison systems when warranted.
The 2019-20 IHSF survey looked at where these eight opportunities, or best practices, were followed within specific segments of the helicopter industry and within regions around the world. Overall use of these eight practices in 2019 was 65 per cent, according to survey results. This is an increase from 62 per cent in 2018 and 59 per cent in 2017.
IHSF also notes the sectors of helicopter air ambulance, offshore/oil operations, and law enforcement have most comprehensively implemented the eight recommended safety practices when compared to other industry sectors. The lowest implementation occurs in personal/private flying and in the TV/radio news gathering segment.
Below is a list, from highest to lowest, of how industry segments are adhering to the eight safety practices outlined by IHSF:
1) Air Ambulance
2) Offshore/Oil
3) Law Enforcement
4) Utilities/Construction
5) Firefighting
6) External Load
7) Instruction/Training
8) Air Taxi/Charter
9) Aerial Observation
10) Business Aviation
11) Air Tours/Sightseeing
12) Agricultural Application
13) TV/Radio News Gathering
14) Personal/Private
