Operators raised issues around the complexity of working with tasking agencies who may not have a full understanding of the aviation risks of a flight.
What can large helicopters operators do
The patient risk vs the aviation risk will often be a consideration when reviewing and accepting a task. It is critical operators:
- have policies and procedures in place to assess the risk of the task
- understand what controls organisations need to minimise the risk as low as practical. This is whether it is within the risk tolerance of the organisation.
Some operators have 'Go/No go' criteria. Some operators have a third party who assesses whether the flight is accepted based on the risk evaluation. However, the pilot in command must satisfy the risks are appropriately considered and mitigated.
What we are doing and already delivered
CASR Part 133 and the Manual of Standard calls for organisations to have risk assessment and management procedures to be in place. Part 133 MOS also details risk considers and safe risk strategies for external load operations.
We encourage organisations to work collaboratively with the with their respective tasking agency. This can lead to better support for agencies in understanding the hazards and aviation risks relevant to your operations. This may include sharing relevant regulatory requirements and guidance or supporting material.
Where practicable, we will continue to include agencies in ongoing discussions about key issues during industry forums such as SSRPs.