UK and Norwegian authorities join with EASA for North Sea safety review

The CAA is undertaking a review of North Sea helicopter operations. It will be a joint review with the Norwegian CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and advised by a panel of independent experts. It will study current operations, previous incidents and accidents and offshore helicopter flying in other countries to make recommendations aimed at improving the safety of offshore flying.

Although there has been considerable effort by regulators, operators and the offshore industry to minimise the risk of North Sea helicopter operations there have been five accidents in the past four years, two of which tragically resulted in fatalities.

The review will be led by the CAA’s Head of Flight Operations, Captain Bob Jones who will work closely with Geir Hamre, Head of helicopter safety for the Norwegian CAA. They will be supported by a team of experts who will consult with a wide range of individuals and organisations involved in offshore flying. The final review will also be subject to scrutiny by independent specialists.

The review will pay particular attention to:

• Operators decision making and internal management
• The protection of passengers and crew
• Pilot training and performance
• Helicopter airworthiness

It will include a comparison study of UK operations with those in Norway.

The findings of the review are due to be published in early 2014.

With Thanks to HeliHub.com