The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the proposal of a series of new, stricter flight rules and procedures for helicopter operators, including air ambulances, to help improve overall safety of helicopter flights nationwide. According to the FAA press release, if the new rules are approved, they would necessitate enhanced helicopter operator communications and training in addition to new on-board safety equipment.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt stated, “We can prevent accidents by preparing pilots and equipping helicopters for all of the unique flying conditions they encounter. These new rules are designed to protect passengers, patients, medical personnel, and pilots.” The proposed regulations contain provisions requiring operators to utilize the latest on-board technology and equipment to stay away from terrain and other obstacles while using improved procedures for flying helicopters in various weather conditions, when landing in secluded locations, and at night.
The FAA proposal covers various requirements for different types of helicopter operators, including those of air ambulances, commercial helicopters, Part 91 general aviation helicopters, and Part 135 helicopter and fixed wing on-demand aircrafts. In devising the stricter set of rules and procedures, the FAA hopes to lower the number of helicopter accidents. The deadliest year on record for helicopter accidents was 2008, in which six crashes killed 24 people. In addition, from 1994 to 2009, 135 helicopter air ambulance crashes killed 126 individuals and from 1994 to 2008, 75 commercial helicopter crashes (not including air ambulances) resulted in 88 deaths.
Helicopter crashes occur for a wide range of reasons, many of which stem from some form of negligence or oversight. Defective helicopter parts, pilot error, air traffic controller mistakes, and other causes, are responsible for many helicopter collisions, most which result in injuries and/or fatalities. As leaders in aviation disaster litigation, the helicopter accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have the resources and experience to help injured individuals and family members of wrongful death victims obtain full and just compensation from negligent parties. Contact our firm today for a free consultation of your case by calling 1-877-800-1700.
