News & Comment

EASA HUMS Research Developments

Posted by on 7:23 pm in Accidents & Incidents, Design & Certification, Helicopters, HUMS / VHM / UMS / IVHM, Maintenance / Continuing Airworthiness / CAMOs, Offshore, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy, Resilience, Safety Management

EASA HUMS / VHM Research Developments The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been funding some innovative research into Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) / Vibration Health Monitoring (VHM). EASA.2012.OP.13 VHM Recently, Cranfield University‘s Matt Greaves presented to the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) annual conference on one EASA research project (EASA.2012.OP.13 VHM).  His paper was entitled:  Towards the next generation of HUMS sensor. At the beginning of the research 12 accident investigation reports were selected from 413 candidate reports for study.  These covered a range of Sikorsky and Airbus Helicopters (nee Eurocopter) products of the 1960s onwards: SA330J 9M-SSC in 1980 (Main Gear Box [MGB] epicyclic failure) S-61N G-ASNL in 1983 (MGB failure) AS332L1 LN-OPG in 1997 (High Speed Shaft Failure) S-76A+ G-BJVX in 2001 (Main Rotor Blade [MRB] failure) S-61N G-BBHM in 2002 (Engine Oil Fire/Structural Failure) S-61N C-FHHD in 2002 (MGB failure after oil loss and fire) AS332L2 G-JSAR in 2003 (Accessory Gear Box [AGB] failure) AS332L G-PUMI in 2006 (Main Rotor Spindle crack) AS332L2 G-CHCF in 2007 (Freewheel Unit [FWU] failure) S-92A C-GZCH in 2009 (MGB failure after oil loss) AS332L2 G-REDL in 2009 (MGB epicyclic failure) EC225s G-REDW/G-CHCN in 2012 (MGB shaft failure) The investigations into the 2010 accidents to AS332L2 B-HRN in 2010 (a FWU failure) and AgustaWestland AW139 B-MHJ (a Tail Rotor Blade [TRB] failure) were on-going at the time and so were not included in the analysis. Fault tree analysis (FTA) was performed on each of the 12 selected case studies. The key failure modes identified : Small corrosion pits as triggers of cracks Small machining defects as triggers of cracks Sub-surface cracks Possible spalling of gears/ bearings Material defects/ manufacturing anomalies Galling of studs/ bolts Wear due to load variations/ movements Fracture/ rupture under overload Deformation under overload of bearing rollers/ raceways/ gear teeth/ shafts/ splines Internal residual hoop/ tension/ torsion/ compression/ buckling stresses Permanent distortion (creep) of casings Seizure of roller bearing Improper coating of hardmetal (carbide grains size, porosity, coating thickness, etc) Lamination of the hard metal coating Defective bonding between hard metal and coating The Cranfield University analysis showed that while these occurrences showed some similarities there were no consistent patterns.  Hence it was decided to concentrate on the most serious, the epicyclic failure on G-REDL. The project the looked to test alternative sensor technologies.  However the MGB epicyclic stage is a challenging location for mounting sensors because of: Rotation Oil Faraday cage Large rotating metallic components Temperature Vibration levels Difficulties transferring power Limited Space Risk of damage to gears A number of design constraints were imposed: No mechanical signal connection (e.g. slip rings) – wireless only Limited space (of the order of 1 cm at most) Useful operating temperature range -10˚C to +130˚C Sensor weight below 10g Tolerant of gearbox mineral oil Powered inside MGB without a battery Guaranteed attachment, or no risk from sensor if detached Having considered various options he trial focused on acoustic emission (AE) sensor technology. AE is misnamed technology because, as Greaves points out, it is ‘Neither acoustic nor emitted’.  AE was previously trialled but abandoned in UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) research in the 1990s.  However, Greaves explains that: AE measurement is the capture of high frequency (hundreds of kilohertz) surface stress waves that are produced in structures by applied forces. The potential of this technology has increased dramatically...

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US Vehicle Regulator in Firing Line

Posted by on 5:23 pm in Accidents & Incidents, Design & Certification, Regulation, Safety Culture, Safety Management

US Vehicle Regulator in Firing Line The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been criticized by politicians and safety advocates this week for its handling of critical safety defects with the air bags on millions of vehicles.  It is reported that: The faulty air bags can explode with too much force and spray shrapnel at occupants, a problem that has been linked to four deaths and numerous injuries. On Monday 20 October 2014, the agency issued recalls for 4.8 million vehicles with defective air bags initiators made by Japanese supplier Takata, who, since June have been investigating the effect of humidity on their product.  By the end of the week this recall was expanded to 7.8 million vehicles made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. However, there have been a long history of regional and nation recalls for similar problems. The longevity of this saga begs questions on the effectiveness of NHTSA, the sharing of safety data between manufacturers, their safety management systems and the culture of both industry and regulator. A dedicated vehicle recall site maintained by the NHTSA, Safercar.gov, has not been functioning at times during the week because of overwhelming demand.  However, those drivers who did get to access the site would have been confused.  After one announcement, the NHSTA webpage was accompanied by an incomplete list of vehicles but they mistakenly included 14 models equipped with other airbags. This year in the US, more than 50 million vehicles, one fifth of all vehicles on US roads, have been recalled for a variety of problems. Aerossurance has previously reported on safety lessons from the high profile recalls due to ignition switch failures on GM vehicles. The US House Energy and Commerce Committee will be looking further into the air bag initiators and the role of the NHSTA, an agency that has been without a head since January, in the coming week. UPDATE 19 November 2014: It is reported a former NTSB Board member, Mark Rosekind, is to be nominated to head the agency. UPDATE 21 February 2015:  NHTSA fines Takata for not cooperating in probe of exploding air bags UPDATE 9 April 2015: US Safety Agency May Reopen Jeep Fire Investigation UPDATE 9 April 2015: NHTSA chief plans auto CEO summit  At that 28 April 2015 event Rosekind also will unveil a two-year strategy with short-, medium- and long-term goals to improve the safety agency’s performance. UPDATE 10 April 2015: NHTSA plans summit to promote culture of auto safety UPDATE 21 October 2015: NHTSA is to hold a public meeting 22 October 2015 to help decide whether to take control of the record-setting recall covering 23.4 million Takata air bags in nearly 20 million vehicles built by 11 major automakers. UPDATE 29 August 2016: The New York Times discuss A Cheaper Airbag, and Takata’s Road to a Deadly Crisis, suggesting that Takata won business in the 1990s by under cutting the the competition with an allegedly inferior propellant.  In an unrelated development, a Takata delivery vehicle suffered a fatal explosion in Texas. For advice you can trust on on design assurance, safety investigation, SMS, safety culture & regulation, contact us at enquiries@aerossurance.com Follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @Aerossurance for our latest updates....

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HeliOffshore Launch

Posted by on 10:21 am in Helicopters, Human Factors / Performance, HUMS / VHM / UMS / IVHM, News, Offshore, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy, Resilience, Safety Culture, Safety Management

HeliOffshore Launch HeliOffshore, whose foundation we discussed in June, was launched today in London. HeliOffshore have issued the following press release: Oct. 21, 2014 – London – Five major helicopter operators today officially announced a new industry association – HeliOffshore – for  The new association was introduced at a launch event at its offices in London. Founded by five major helicopter operators, HeliOffshore will use cross-industry cooperation as a platform for enhancing the industry’s overall strong safety record sharing best practices, developing and applying advanced technology, and encouraging common global flight standards. Gretchen Haskins, who was selected as HeliOffshore’s chief executive last month, said the association is open to any group with a stake in offshore helicopter flight. She said that membership is expected to include customers of helicopter services, aircraft manufacturers, service providers, technology companies, staff and passenger organisations, and government and research institutions. Mrs. Haskins said: “HeliOffshore will work to achieve the highest levels of safety, in the air and on the ground. We want to deliver real safety benefits for the people who depend on the industry to get to and from their offshore workplaces, the crews who fly the helicopters and the teams who maintain them.” UK AviatiAvincison Minister Robert Goodwill joined representatives of HeliOffshore founding members – Avincis, Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, Era and PHI Inc. – and several dozen others at today’s announcement. Afterward, the association conducted its inaugural safety workshop. HeliOffshore grew out of a joint initiative by helicopter operators that started more than a year ago, to further enhance offshore flight safety in the North Sea, as well as from work by the European Helicopter Operators Committee. While its origins are regional, HeliOffshore’s objectives are global. “The industry will continue to compete vigorously on commercial issues, but safety is not a competitive factor,” said Mrs. Haskins. “The best way to continually improve safety standards is through cooperation.” HeliOffshore initially will focus on six priority areas, all of which were discussed in today’s workshop: Automation Pilot monitoring Stabilised approaches Accident survivability Application of health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) Information exchange Mrs. Haskins is an internationally recognized expert in human factors of safety, and has an extensive record of leadership in raising aviation safety performance by increasing partnership within the global aviation safety community. The former group director of the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority’s Safety Regulation Group and group director of safety at NATS, the main air-navigation service provider in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Haskins is a longtime champion of initiatives that improve frontline operational safety. She has also advised NATO (the North American Treaty Organisation) on human performance and critical safety systems. William E. Chiles, who recently retired as president and CEO of Bristow after distinguished service to the industry, is the first chairman of HeliOffshore’s board of directors, which includes James Drummond, Avincis; Bill Amelio, CHC; Chris Bradshaw, ERA, and Al Gonsoulin, PHI. UPDATE 22 October 2014: EnergyVoice coverage. UPDATE January 2015: HeliOffshore have issued two brief videos where Chairman, Bill Chiles, and CEO, Gretchen Haskins, talk about HeliOffshore and the opportunities ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MYBbAYVTJw&feature=player_embedded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzJWZ39CvA8&feature=player_embedded Aerossurance is an Aberdeen based aviation consultancy, with extensive experience of offshore helicopter operations.  Follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @Aerossurance for our latest...

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OGP Land Transport Safety Recommended Practice

Posted by on 10:17 am in Logistics, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy, Safety Management

OGP Issue Revised Land Transport Safety Recommended Practice OGP, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, has issued a revised recommended practice on land transportation safety.  There are improvements throughout, including additional guidance on distracted driving and journey management. New guidance notes are also issued that cover: Vehicle specification and upfitting Bus and coach safety Emergency Response Vehicles Mobile Construction Equipment Download the Recommended Practice here. UPDATE November 2014: OGP is now IOGP. Aerossurance is an Aberdeen based aviation consultancy.  For proven expertise on aviation safety & contracting for the oil and gas industry and first hand expertise with the IOGP Aviation Management Guidelines (Publication 390), contact: enquiries@aerossurance.com Follow us on LinkedIn for our latest...

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Insights from Bristow CEO at Helitech

Posted by on 6:50 pm in Helicopters, Logistics, Offshore, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy

Insights from Bristow CEO Jonathan Baliff at Helitech On 14t October 2014 at Helitech in Amsterdam, Jonathan Baliff, discussed an objective of reducing the range of types in the company fleet and an approach of increasing risk sharing with more availability focused contracts with the helicopter manufacturers: We will purchase our aircraft in larger numbers, so we will have fewer types, and we will buy aircraft where there is sharing of availability risk.  We will pay for this and there are hundreds of millions of dollars of profit for OEMs that execute this risk sharing through life of the asset.  OEMs realise that the real value is in selling razor blades rather than razors. This reflects both the problems in recent years with certain aircraft types being temporarily restricted from operations due to airworthiness problems and the logistic support challenges for other manufacturers as usage of their fleets has increased to cope.   However he also commented that the helicopter industry needs to have the equity to cope with any future rise in interest rates or toughening economic conditions. The reason we have $700 million in cash is both to reassure clients that we can survive in tough conditions and so we can take advantage of opportunities in the market. This is particularly relevant as oil prices fall an oil majors look to cut costs.  One wonders if this will put pressure on some of the smaller operators and result in more mergers and takeovers (NHV recently merged with Blueway) even though demand remains high.  In fact some smaller operators may suffer because demand is high and the larger, better financed operators have big, long term order books, restricting the remaining supply. In the last 5 years Bristow has increased its use of leased helicopters, at a time when the helicopter leasing industry has started to expand rapidly with a host of new players.  In turn the big players, such as GECAS, have taken an interest in the sector (GECAS have just announced the purchase of Milestone, having been hinting at interest in the sector before the Singapore Airshow at the start of the year).  At the same time as Baliff addressed Helitech, Bristow released a technical financial paper advocating a move from a focus on return on capital to a value added metric which better accounts for the use of leasing and encourages efficient operation with the equity reserve to weather financial storms. UPDATE: Baliff’s full presentation is now here, which started with comments on the Joint Operators Review and the formation of HeliOffshore, (whose foundation Aerossurance discussed in June).  Baliff also recently described to Rotor and Wing a way forward he described as the 4 Cs: Clients: the need to be even more focused on their strategic needs Culture: both in relation to the company’s Target Zero culture and its core values Continuity: specifically maintaining the continuity with his predecessor from July 2004 to July 2014, Bill Chiles and what Baliff terms Chiles’ Target Zero “legacy of safety” and also in terms of business continuity in the face of threats such as Ebola Communication: two-way communication internally and externally UPDATE 13 January 2015:  Bristow World published an interview with Baliff. UPDATE 22 January 2015:  In this article John Briscoe, Bristow’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, comments on the financial outlook:  Bristow Takes Long View of Oil Price Slide. Briscoe says: We are not deferring deliveries...

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Maintenance Check Flights: Safety Lessons

Posted by on 8:33 am in Accidents & Incidents, Business Aviation, FDM / Data Recorders, Fixed Wing, Human Factors / Performance, Maintenance / Continuing Airworthiness / CAMOs, Safety Management

Maintenance Check Flights: Safety Lessons We look at the safety lessons from three UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) reports into serious incidents during maintenance test flights (the most recent published this month). CL600 N664D ADG Check Flight March 2014 In March 2014 the US registered Bombardier CL600-2B16 required a post-maintenance check flight at Biggin Hill, UK.  The check involved deploying the aircraft’s air-driven generator (ADG) and therefore placing the aircraft in an emergency electrical configuration. During the flight, with two crew accompanied by an engineer as an observer, the required check was successfully completed.  However, the aircraft was not returned to the normal electrical configuration. As a result the flaps, ground spoilers, anti-skid and nosewheel steering remained disabled. Consequently, on landing, with difficulty the aircraft was stopped approximately 120m from end of the runway (the Landing Distance Available was 1,550m).  All four main tyres deflated, causing damage to the left hand wheel and brakes.  The AAIB note that the CVR were not promptly deactivated to preserve the recording. The AAIB report highlights a difference in understanding between the flight crew and engineering personnel: The commander observed that the roles of the pilots and the engineer had not been clearly established before takeoff, and the pilots assumed that the engineer would ‘talk through’ what he needed to see once airborne. The commander also observed that the crew should have referred to the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) for the situation rather than rely on the engineer to guide them. The commander later discovered that the engineer was not expecting to make decisions or inputs during the flight, so a misunderstanding had existed. The engineer described his role as primarily that of an observer, although with the intention of noting any defects or abnormalities that might arise during the flight test. The maintenance organisation internal investigation made several recommendations including: …the requirement for a full briefing to be given to flight crews undertaking a maintenance check flight, irrespective of whether or not the crew declared themselves to be familiar with the procedure. Falcon 2000 CS-DFE Brake Fault Finding November 2009 In November 2009, flight crew were requested by maintenance to carry out high speed taxi trials of a Portuguese registered Dassault Falcon 2000 as part of the troubleshooting process of a braking defect, also at Biggin Hill, UK. Seven accelerate/stop runs were conducted along the main runway, at gradually increasing reject speeds. At the start of the eighth run, the crew felt that a tyre had deflated and brought the aircraft to a stop. ATC radioed that there was a fire under the left wing and all six persons on board safely abandoned the aircraft via the airstair door.  The Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) extinguished the fire.  The fire was caused by damage to the brakes from the excessive temperature of the repeated runs, this released hydraulic fluid under pressure, which then ignited. AAIB note that: There were numerous systemic factors relating to the manner in which the operator conducted this test activity which contributed to the incident. Many of these, such as appropriate crew selection, the need for an approved test schedule and a detailed brief and debrief of the test activity with all involved personnel, are common to other recent incidents and accidents involving operators conducting maintenance or customer demonstration check flights. These issues have been highlighted and analysed in detail in the AAIB report...

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How To Develop Your Organisation’s Safety Culture

Posted by on 6:03 am in Business Aviation, Fixed Wing, Helicopters, Human Factors / Performance, Military / Defence, Mining / Resource Sector, Offshore, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy, Safety Culture, Safety Management

How To Develop Your Organisation’s Safety Culture Last week we highlighted how mindless management actions can destroy an organisation’s safety culture and we explained that building a strong, positive safety culture takes deliberate, concerted and continual effort. But what sort of effort? This week the annual European helicopter expo and conference, Helitech, is being held in Amsterdam.  Three years ago we presented on this very topic at the safety seminar at Helitech 2011 in Duxford, UK. Safety Culture – the Key to Safety Performance The term ‘safety culture’ was initially used in the report on the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident.  While there are many definitions of ‘culture’ and an associated concept of ‘climate’, a safety culture can be conveniently considered to be the product of an organisation’s collective, safety related: values, attitudes, perceptions, social norms and ultimately… patterns of behaviour We think that those patterns behaviours are the most important as they are observable and therefore the strongest manifestation to influence others. As such an organisation’s culture can not evolve simply by management edict but in response to a whole range of factors including: local conditions, past events, the character of leadership and the mood of the workforce Prof. James L. Heskett of Harvard Business School wrote in his 2011 book The Culture Cycle, that effective culture can account for 20-30% of the differential in corporate performance when compared with “culturally unremarkable” competitors. A safety culture reflects the organisation’s actual collective, shared commitment to safety.  It not simply what is said about safety but the commitment to safety that is demonstrated by normal behaviour, crucially when problems emerge or hazards are identified. Weaknesses in safety culture are increasingly being identified in accident investigation reports as a critical precursor to accidents.  This not because there is necessarily a widespread decline in organisational safety cultures, but because investigators are now looking more closely at organisations, how they function and how the shared culture is influencing individual and team behaviour.  One example is the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) report on the loss of a Space Shuttle in 2003. It has been written that: Safety Culture can have a direct impact on safe performance. If someone believes that safety is not really important, even temporarily, then workarounds, cutting corners, or making unsafe decisions or judgements will be the result, especially when there is a small perceived risk rather than an obvious danger. The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the occupational health and safety regulator, issue specific guidance on the consideration of safety culture during inspections. Safety Leadership – the Key to Safety Culture Leadership is a powerful influence on culture. The term ‘leadership’ is sometimes misused.  Sometimes as a trendy alternative for ‘senior management’ and occasionally in the Orwellian term ‘thought leadership’ (which was recently labelled “grossly indulgent” in the Forbes list of ‘most annoying business slang’). Leadership is not the same as managing resources and schedules.  Here we use leadership to represent an activity that involves: Being visible, Focusing on people, Building trust and ultimately… Influencing other people’s behaviour It is this deliberate, concerted and continual activity that can influence culture, though as we have showed previously, that can be unravelled far more rapidly by poor leadership. Excellent safety leaders realise that safety leadership is not an alternative to safety management but an essential complement.  They also have a vision for safety in their organisation.  It perhaps goes without saying that safety leaders therefore have a passion for safety. Safety Leaders...

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EHEST: New Publications on Technology & SMS

Posted by on 7:16 am in Accidents & Incidents, Design & Certification, Helicopters, Human Factors / Performance, Safety Management

European Helicopter Safety Team (EHEST) Issues New Publications on Technology & SMS EHEST have released two new publications, one on accident reducing technologies and the other on SMS for non-complex operators: The Potential of Technologies to Mitigate Helicopter Accident Factors – An EHEST Study EHEST created a Specialist Team Technology (ST Technology) to assess the potential of existing and emerging technologies to mitigate the top 20 helicopter safety issues identified from EHEST helicopter accident analyses. The team has created a technology matrix that includes 145 technologies, of which 93 have been rated to determine their Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and has published its results in a new report. EHEST report that: There are 15 ‘highly promising’ technologies (that jointly can potentially mitigate 11 of the top 20 safety issues), and 50 that are ‘moderately promising’. Five technologies are highly promising for three or more safety issues. The industry is highly recommended to channel their technological development in line with the results of the study. The regulatory side should find ways to improve safety by adopting the technologies. Researchers and universities are encouraged to concentrate their efforts on developing the lacking technologies and the technologies which have a low Technology Readiness Level. Safety Management Toolkit for Non-Complex Operators EHEST have released the second edition of their Safety Management Toolkit for Non-Complex Operators.  It consists of a Safety Management Manual (SMM), a Guidance Document and an Emergency Response Plan. This manual for non-complex helicopter operators is derived from the more comprehensive SMM for complex operators. Although reduced in complexity the non-complex SMM is still fully compliant to the EU and EASA requirements. EHEST Background Launched in November 2006, EHEST brings together helicopter manufacturers, operators, research organisations, regulators, accident investigators and a few military operators from across Europe. EHEST is the helicopter arm of the European Strategic Safety Initiative (ESSI), and also the European component of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). If you want to support the EHEST’s work and learn more about helicopter safety join the EHEST LinkedIn Group. Aerossurance has extensive safety, helicopter design, flight operations, airworthiness and safety analysis experience.  For aviation advice you can trust, contact us at: enquiries@aerossurance.com Follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @Aerossurance for our latest...

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Regulatory Reflections & Resisting the Seduction of the Risk Management Process

Posted by on 7:27 am in Accidents & Incidents, Military / Defence, Regulation, Safety Culture, Safety Management, Special Mission Aircraft

Regulatory Reflections & Resisting the Seduction of the Risk Management Process In 2014 the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Head of Regulation and Certification, Commodore Malcolm Toy presented reflections five years on from the Haddon-Cave Report, issued in October 2009, following the loss of Royal Air Force (RAF) Nimrod XV230, that resulted in a revolution in UK military aviation regulation and safety, including the formation of the MAA UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA). Reflections The seven reflections have resonance for other regulators and organisations managing risk: You cannot be world class unless you know what the world is up to. Regulatory (safety) decisions must be evidence based and proportionate to the Risk to Life. Learn from near misses. Scarcity [of personnel, time and capacity] is a challenge and cannot be overcome without a plan. Do not be seduced by the process of managing risk. Regulators (Safety Organizations) do not play to win, they play not to lose. Put those organizations that have Risk to Life exposure at the centre of managing that risk. The Process of Risk Management Perhaps the most interesting are the comments on avoiding the allure of the process of managing risk.  Toy warns that simply ‘measuring’ risk is not actually the same as actively managing risk.  Managing risk needs actions to be planned and executed but some times it may seem easier to ‘tinker with’ risk than actually engineer solutions. Commodore Toy’s full presentation can be found on the European Defence Agency website or here. The MAA’s vision and mission for  2016 to 2021 has been published. Haddon-Cave Nimrod Report Background Haddon-Cave himself presented at a UK CAA event in 2010 and to the Piper 25 conference (marking the 25th anniversary of Piper Alpha offshore disaster in the North Sea, in which 167 workers died).  His paper was entitled “Leadership and Culture, Principles and Professionalism, Simplicity and Safety – Lessons from the Nimrod Review”: Piper 25: Presentation Transcript UPDATE 2 September 2016: 10 Year Anniversary: Loss of RAF Nimrod MR2 XV230 UPDATE 19 September 2016: It’s worth listening to Todd Conklin’s podcast interview with Prof Ed Schein. UPDATE 22 September 2016: NTSB Board Member Robert L. Sumwalt presented Lessons from the Ashes: The Critical Role of Safety Leadership to an audience in Houston, TX.  Its worth noting the emphasis made of safety as a ‘value’ and of alignment across an organisation. UPDATE 1 September 2017:  See also: Audits Highlighted Risk Assessment Weaknesses Prior to Ro-Ro Fatality, which goes on to discuss two marine accidents while towing that also involved risk assement failures. For advice and support you can trust on air safety, risk management, safety leadership development and regulation (civil or military) contact us at enquiries@aerossurance.com Follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @Aerossurance for our latest...

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New Helicopter Cargo Loading System

Posted by on 9:18 pm in Design & Certification, Helicopters, Logistics, Offshore, Oil & Gas / IOGP / Energy

New Helicopter Cargo Loading System Dutch engineering company VRR is working with AgustaWestland to design a helicopter Cabin Cargo Container and Restraint System for the AW139 helicopter, anticipating it will be of interest in the offshore oil and gas industry for transport of spares and equipment.  Certainly with a large drillship costing $500k per day to charter and the largest production platforms producing more than $10mn per day, there can be times when key equipment really does need to be delivered by helicopter. The company explains: The solution will come in two parts: the AW139 Restraint System and the AW139 Cabin Cargo Container. The restraint system can easily be installed by just two people. The restraint system is designed to hold the cargo container which has two side doors (left and right) and a lid for convenient loading and unloading. The side doors will allow access to the container while it is still in the helicopter. The base will have fork pockets, so it can be handled by a forklift truck. …we’re constructing this container from fire resistant materials. We’re also equipping it with a smoke detector, a fire indicator light and a switch, plus a quick release connection to connect a fire extinguisher. Both the lid and the doors will be equipped with rubber seals to prevent leakages of chemicals used in fire suppression systems. The door locks will also have custom sealing provisions to prevent unauthorised access to the container.  http://vimeo.com/106564780 It is not yet clear what tie downs will be available inside the container to secure heavy loads such as valves and motors. Rotterdam based VRR, founded in 1946, specialises in designing and manufacturing air cargo equipment such as Unit Load Devices (ULDs). The company has previously designed a pallet system for the AW101. For advice on the design and certification of helicopter equipment and helicopter logistics, contact us at enquiries@aerossurance.com Follow us on LinkedIn for our latest...

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