CASA media release - Monday 28 July 2008
Sunshine Coast to buzz with top helicopter operators
The Sunshine Coast will be buzzing this week when a range of high-profile Queensland, Northern NSW, Australia-wide and international helicopter operators meet with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The meeting will help CASA develop important new guidelines to enhance the safety of helicopter operations, particularly those that carry passengers or operate in high risk situations.
CASA’s Peter Gibson says the meeting is being held in Caloundra in recognition of the fact that aviation on the Sunshine Coast is booming.
“CASA understands significant Australian aviation activity is not restricted to capital cities,” Mr Gibson says.
“The Sunshine Coast has a flourishing aviation community, a uniquely positioned local airport and an impressive aviation museum.
“The Sunshine Coast has also experienced considerable aviation industry growth and CASA is keen to talk to operators in this thriving aviation environment.
“Aviation representatives will be putting to use their combined knowledge and experience in a large variety of operations from offshore oil exploration support through to emergency service, search and rescue and general passenger operations to help CASA design future rules for helicopter operations in Australia.
“This includes proposed rules relating to operations over densely populated locations, the potential introduction of additional warning systems similar to those used in night and instrument aeroplane operations, engine failure risk mitigation strategies and how international rules can be safely adapted to our unique Australian environment.
“It is important that local operators have an opportunity to contribute to the development of guidelines that will help maintain and enhance the safety of their aviation activities.”
Attending the meeting will be CEOs, chief pilots and senior personnel from a range of helicopter operations including: Channel 7 Queensland; Queensland Television Channel 9; Curry-Kenny Aviation; Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service; NSW Police Air Wing; Queensland Surf Lifesaving Helicopter Operations; Northern Rivers Surf Life Saving Association Helicopter Rescue Service; Jayrow Helicopters; Bristows, Australia Helicopters and Lloyds CHC Helicopters.
The meeting will be held on 29 and 30 July at the Rydes Oasis Resort, Caloundra.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR8108