HAI Safety Programs Help Reduce Operational Risks
by Mark Huber – Feb 12 2021 AINonline
In the wake of the recently issued high-profile NTSB probable cause report on the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) issued a comprehensive list of programs it produces or supports as part of its “360-degree” approach to safety.
“Most accidents are caused not by aircraft issues, but by people making mistakes, not following procedures, making poor decisions. We can lower the industry accident rate significantly by addressing these human factors,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “HAI continues to promote a 360-degree approach to reducing accidents, one that addresses culture, processes and training, and the appropriate use of technology to reduce aviation risk. We have the tools to reduce accidents to zero—let’s use them.”
HAI safety programs and tools include HAI Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS), Land & Live, and HAI Aviation Reporting Program (HARP). It has also teamed with the FAA on Maintenance Malfunction Information Report (MMIR) and Rotorcraft Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (R-ASIS) programs.
HAI-APS helps operators improve their safety culture, as well as identify the hazards and mitigate the risks inherent in their helicopter mission profiles. Participating operators are required to implement a safety management system (SMS), as well as adopt practices recommended for their specific mission.
Land & Live encourages the use of precautionary landings by helicopter pilots when flight conditions begin to deteriorate for any reason. This program educates pilots about their ability and responsibility to ensure flight safety and provides techniques for making a safe off-site landing. Operators learn how they can support their pilots in good aeronautical decision-making and can proactively pledge to support their decision to “land and live.”
HARP, meanwhile, is a free aviation safety reporting portal that promptly directs users to the most appropriate reporting source for accidents, drone events, near–midair collisions, laser events, wildlife strikes, or other aviation hazards. The portal is used to generate data for agencies and organizations that oversee aviation safety.
It’s great that you talked about the importance of inspecting and maintaining a helicopter. In my opinion, every type of vehicle needs to get checked regularly. In that way, you could prevent potential accidents and risks, especially when it comes to air transportation. I appreciate your information on safety programs for air operations.