Issue: resourcing

Similar to other aviation sectors, attracting and retaining operational crew to this sector is a challenge.

Operators noted that even within the sector there was competition in retaining flight crew between medical transport operations (MTO) and offshore oil and gas.

They also identified emerging UAV technology as introducing uncertainty and a deterrent for the sector.

What can large helicopters operators do

Strategies to ensure pathways of skilled individuals discussed included:

  • cadet schemes
  • reduced hour requirements (particularly in the offshore environment)
  • changes to training requirements and increased ability to utilise vocational education funding to facilitate this
  • as well as increased use of emerging technologies.

To help mitigate poor staff retention and high turnover, you should:

  • make sure you have effective training management system
  • make sure you are providing effective training
  • establish an onboarding process and ensure that it includes all training requirements
  • avoid key person dependencies. Make sure there is sufficient redundancy within the organisation to cover key roles
  • make sure those people holding key person positions within the organisation are the appropriate person for the job
  • offer clear career pathways and progression to staff.

What we are doing and already delivered

We introduced Part 119 of CASR which has requirements for the certification and management for air transport operators.

This includes the requirements for a scalable training and checking system. It also includes a scalable human factors and non-technical training (HF/NTS) for operational safety critical personnel. This ensures all operational safety critical staff have an acceptable level of competency before starting safety critical tasks.

Training and checking requirements

We have published new training and checking requirements in CASR Parts’ 119. This aims to help operational safety-critical staff remain proficient in the required competencies to support air operations.

There is guidance material available to support and help operators establish effective training and checking system as well as deliver non-technical skills training.

The Part 119 Acceptable Means of Compliance – Guidance Material details one way you can meet requirements for CASR Part 119. This includes details on training and checking systems as well as requirements for key staff.

Other resources include:

We also produced sample expositions and operations manuals for Part 133 operators. This includes training and checking system content which can be a basis for operator customisation.

We are a member of the Aviation Industry Reference Committee (AIRC). AIRC acts as the conduit between the aviation industry and the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (ASCI). ARIC is responsible for national training package qualifications for various disciplines across the industry. This includes:

  • flight operations (pilots – aeroplane, helicopter, commercial, military, remote and pilot in command).
Published date: 29 November 2023
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//larger-helicopter-sector-safety-risk-profile/issue-resourcing
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