- February 12, 2021, 2:19 PM
In the wake of the recently issued high-profile NTSB probable cause report on the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) issued a comprehensive list of programs it produces or supports as part of its “360-degree” approach to safety.
“Most accidents are caused not by aircraft issues, but by people making mistakes, not following procedures, making poor decisions. We can lower the industry accident rate significantly by addressing these human factors,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “HAI continues to promote a 360-degree approach to reducing accidents, one that addresses culture, processes and training, and the appropriate use of technology to reduce aviation risk. We have the tools to reduce accidents to zero let’s use them.”
Senate committee report criticizes FAA oversight of Novictor Helicopters
By Elan Head | December 22, 2020
Estimated reading time 12 minutes, 17 seconds.
A report released last week by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation highlights allegations of misconduct at the Honolulu Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Hawaii, finding that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) managers there improperly granted regulatory and policy deviations to local aerial tour company Novictor Helicopters.
A photo posted to the Novictor Helicopters Facebook page in August of this year shows a Robinson R44 on a tour flight in Hawaii. This tail number was involved in a nonfatal accident on Sept. 18, 2018. Although the accident is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest the helicopter experienced a mechanical issue in flight.