Water Birds
(HSAC) that is an industry model for
propagating safety.
Born of tragic circumstances in the 70s,
(a crane/helicopter collision aboard a heli-deck with multiple fatalities), HSAC has
matured into a world-class leader in open
dialogue and unprecedented cooperation
on safety related issues. The motto of the
organization is “Safety Though Cooperation.” They meet three to four times annually in two-day work sessions, but are in
continuous contact throughout the year,
working to resolve issues of major concern.
The knowledge and insight garnered during their sessions are put to use through
communications with the entire Gulf
Coast helicopter community, plus the oil
producers and drillers. A key publication
they use is the HSAC Recommended Procedures (RPs).
There are currently 21 RPs covering
all of the hazards referred to in this article,
plus additional hazards.
The amount of concentrated radio traffic in the Gulf has got to be the heaviest in
the U.S., if not the world. HSAC also pub-lishes a pilot information and frequency
card. Ten pages, very small print. They
make it into an accordion fold so it will fit
in the pilot’s shirt pocket. You could not
operate offshore without this information.
The group has alliances with many government agencies such as fish and game, customs, FAA, military, mineral management
and U.S. Coast Guard, all of whom attend
the meetings. HSAC works closely with
the Helicopter Association Intl (HAI). The
single most important thing that results
from HSAC activity is the implementation
of their well-thought-out safety practices
into the training manuals of the offshore
helicopter operators.
flown by aircraft type, i.e., single engine,
multi-engine, light, heavy and medium.
Accident categories cover power loss, tail
rotor, tie down procedures, loss of control,
loose cargo, CFITW, fuel management,
fuel quality, obstacle strikes, weather,
passenger control, and heli-deck design
and size issues. (See chart on page 36.)
Compilation allows the safety managers of the various companies to focus in
on problem areas and develop training
scenarios that address those problems. The
Train with the best: S-300CBi™
Lowest cost of ownership.
Preferred by instructors and pilots.
Designed for the flight training mission.
Simply stated, it’s the best training helicopter.
Statistics
Through the years, HSAC has developed and shared a comprehensive accident reporting and recording program
referred to as an Operations and Safety
Review. It is a compilation of statistics
based on the types of accidents and the
types of helicopters involved. Operational
inputs cover passengers per day and per
year, average flight duration, total hours
