Aircraft Accident Report AAR 2/2023 - Sikorsky S-92A, G-MCGY
Safety Recommendation: 2023-028
Safety Recommendation Text
2023-028: It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority includes the appropriate downwash guidance relevant to hospital helicopter landing sites in one published document.
CAA latest update
The CAA accepts this recommendation and will be publishing (Q1 2024) consolidated downwash guidance within Version 2 of CAP1264 - Standards for Helicopter Landing Sites at Hospitals.
Workstreams:
- The benefit of consolidation of downwash guidance had been identified before the publication of the Derriford Report; the appropriate Policy Specialist has worked closely with Flight Operations to update CAP1264 to Version 2.
- In conjunction with Recommendation 2023-29 (below), work on Version 3 of CAP1264 has now started, with the aim of expanding it further to adequately cover both the Design and Operational aspects of HHLS. This is estimated to be ready for publication Q4 of 2024
Next update due
October 2024
Safety Recommendation: 2023-029
Safety Recommendation Text
2023-029: It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority, in conjunction with the Onshore Safety Leadership Group and the relevant NHS organisations in the UK, develop and promulgate enhanced risk management guidance for hospital helicopter landing sites, and provide information on the range and use of potential mitigations for the protection of uninvolved persons from helicopter downwash.
CAA latest update
The CAA accepts this recommendation and has initiated the following workstreams.
Workstreams:
- The OnSLG HHLS Sub Committee met post publication of the Derriford Report and the Chair presented an Action Plan reporting to all of the AAIB’s Recommendations. The OnSLG will continue to work closely with the CAA and NHS in order to ensure close cooperation across all workstreams.
- The stated tasks in Recommendation 2023-29 are ‘to develop and promulgate enhanced risk management’ and ‘provide information on the range and use of potential mitigations’. Both will be achieved by a number of coordinated workstreams, including:
- a.) Version 3 of CAP1264 to include specific and detailed chapters on:
- Downwash
- Risk Assessments
- Heliport Operations Manual (HOM - see below)
- ACANS (see below)
- Case studies and examples.
- Templates for Standardisation
- b.) The development of a Heliport Operations Manual. This will mirror the system used for a regulatory AOC Operations Manual suite as follows:
- a.) Version 3 of CAP1264 to include specific and detailed chapters on:
Section Titles |
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General |
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Part A |
1. Administration and Control of Manual |
2. Organisation and Responsibilities |
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3. Operational Control and Supervision |
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4. Safety Management |
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5. Compliance Monitoring |
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6. Qualification Requirements |
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7. Dangerous Goods |
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8. Security |
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9. Handling and Notification of Accidents / Incidents |
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Site Specific Procedures |
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Part B |
1. Normal Procedures |
2. Emergency Procedures |
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3. Minimum Equipment List |
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4. Helicopter Operating Procedures |
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Change Management |
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Part C |
1. Heliport Change Notification |
2. Heliport Safeguarding Procedures |
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3. Operator / Airdesk Contact Details |
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Training |
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Part D |
1. Awareness Course Applicability |
2. Management Course Applicability |
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3. Training Records |
- c.) The CAAi led ‘Responsible Person HHLS Awareness Training Courses’ are now being offered to all NHS Trusts and the initial uptake has been very positive, with courses fully booked into 2024.
- d.) ACANs is currently used by all Blue Light Operators as an EFB mapping and information tool. Discussions with Airbox (developer of ACANS) indicate that a number of cross usage (Hospital and Operators) developmental safety features would be possible. These include:
- HHLS Warnings
- HHLS Incident Reporting
- HHLS ‘Traffic Light’ system
- Possible Webcam integration
Next update due
October 2024
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