Aviation News & Press Releases
Thursday, September 24, 2009
NTSB Safety Recommendations A-09-87 through -96
The National Transportation Safety Board therefore recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration:
Develop criteria for scenario-based helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) pilot training that includes inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and hazards unique to HEMS operations, and determine how frequently this training is required to ensure proficiency. (A-09-87)
Once the actions recommended in Safety Recommendation A-09-87 are completed, require helicopter emergency medical services pilots to undergo periodic FAA-approved scenario-based simulator training, including training that makes use of simulators or flight training devices. (A-09-88)
Require helicopter emergency medical services operators to implement a safety management system program that includes sound risk management practices. (A-09-89)
Require helicopter emergency medical services operators to install flight data recording devices and establish a structured flight data monitoring program that reviews all available data sources to identify deviations from established norms and procedures and other potential safety issues. (A-09-90)
Require helicopter emergency medical services operators to report activity on at least an annual basis to include total hours flown, revenue flight hours flown, revenue miles flown, patient transports completed, and number of departures. (A-09-91)
Permit the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) Aviation Digital Data Service Weather Tool to be used by HEMS operators as an official weather product. (A-09-92)
Conduct a systematic evaluation and issue a report on the requirements necessary for a viable low-altitude airspace infrastructure that can accommodate safe helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations. The evaluation should consider improved collection and dissemination of weather data, the role of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, approaches to helipad and designated landing zones, and integration into the National Airspace System.
Include in the evaluation process HEMS operators, related industry associations, and hospitals, among others. (A-09-93)
Once the evaluation and report as recommended in Safety Recommendation A-09-93 are completed, initiate action to develop this infrastructure. (A-09-94)
Require helicopter emergency medical services operators to install night vision imaging systems and require pilots to be trained in their use during night operations. (A-09-95)
Require helicopters that are used in emergency medical services transportation to be equipped with autopilots and that the pilots be trained to use the autopilot if a second pilot is not available. (A-09-96)