How Can We Improve Aviation Safety?

How We Can Improve Aviation Safety (ppt) Improving Helicopter Safety

There is an excellent paper on helicopter operation safety written by Bill Moody, a long-time Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS). Bill shares some of his thoughts based on his experiences over the past several years. We have also added a powerpoint presentation that, if used together, can be a good training tool for firefighters and aviation resources as well.

The issue behind his presentation is best summed up with a statement from Bill's conclusion:

"The significant reduction of the heavy airtanker fleet in 2004 resulted in much heavier dependencies on helicopters for tactical missions, particularly Type 1 helicopters. OMB and some Fire and Aviation Managers have expressed great concern for the high costs associated with aviation resources, particularly helicopter operations. The prospects for continued heavy dependence on helicopters will continue for quite some time until the heavy airtanker fleet is reestablished. How we manage and use the helicopter fleet will dictate how safe and cost effective our helicopter operations are. I believe that by seriously addressing the observations and recommendations expressed in this paper, we will."

As we look into the future for safer and more efficient ways of doing business, we need to look at the entire firefighting operation, both on the ground and in the air.