CASA Media Release - Tuesday, 4 January 2005
New flying time devices for helicopters proposed
Special new tamper-resistant devices to accurately record the flying time of single-engine helicopters could be introduced in Australia.
A proposal to mandate time-in-service recording devices is being examined following a number of fatal single-engine helicopter accidents in recent years.
In each accident inaccurate recording of flying hours was identified as one factor contributing to the crash.
An aviation industry consultative body and members of the helicopter mustering industry have called for the investigation of the feasibility and benefits of mandating time-in-service recorders for single-engine helicopters.
If the proposal was adopted a total of 650 single-engine helicopters would be required to fit the devices.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a discussion paper which looks at the time-in-service recording proposal, as well as a range of other options related to keeping accurate flying hours.
CASA is not making a formal recommendation to the aviation industry but is calling for widespread comment from people in the industry.
The discussion paper says there is evidence that some helicopter operators are not accurately recording flying hours and that existing time-in-service devices are not working properly or have been disconnected.
An accurate record of flying hours is vital to maintain the safety of helicopters where the manufacturer sets life-limits on certain components. For example, a main rotor blade may have to be replaced after 2000 hours time-in-service.
Tamper resistant flying time recording devices vary in levels of complexity and capabilities, with the more sophisticated capable of recording aircraft location and pilot identification.
Devices are estimated to cost up to $5000 to purchase and install – with a total cost to the industry of $3.25 million if the devices were mandated.
Members of the aviation industry are being urged to comment on the discussion paper (DP 0408CS) – Concept of fitting tamper-resistant time recording devices to helicopters – by 25 February 2005. Comment can be made online at: rrp.casa.gov.au/respond
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0440