The ECA Helicopter community welcomes EASA’s aim for a reduced fatal accident rate over the next 10 years, as mentioned in the EASA Rotorcraft Safety Roadmap. Our goal is to work together with the Agency and focus on achieving the same goals. We have hereby set up an ECA Helicopters Safety Roadmap, aimed for the upcoming years, and as a living document.

Our joint, final goal should be to eliminate accidents all-together.

Minimum performance requirements for rotorcraft, pilots as well as standardisation throughout the industry with a goal of achieving the same high safety requirements in all member states. Regulatory changes should reflect the new technology that is available on the market, and the increased performance of the aircrafts.

The minimum equipment carried by aircraft during flights should reflect the aim to increase safety and to reduce the accident rate. The use of new technology should be encouraged, and the old technology replaced. The minimum equipment carried by rotorcraft should give clear and accurate information to the pilots about all close-proximity airborne crafts, terrain and obstacles.

Human Factors and ergonomics should be considered during the design of rotorcraft, and during the training of pilots. A regular refresher on the limitations of the human performance could encourage pilots to be more aware of their capabilities while performing flight tasks and flight planning. Ergonomic designs based on up to date scientific data that enhance the situational awareness, comfort and safety of pilots, crew and passengers can contribute to increased safety.

Good and accurate management of a safe and planned flight path can increase the Situational Awareness of the pilot during all phases of flight. Training and equipment standards can contribute to increased safe operations. The avoidance of Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) and improvement of HTAWS allows a pilot to have an increased awareness and capability to manage a safe flight path.