FAA Flight Prohibition in the Use of Supplemental Helicopter Harnesses

Source: Safety Notice SN-2018/003, CAA UK

FOCA SAND-2018-001

Description

Following a fatal helicopter accident near New York City, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have issued an Emergency Order of Prohibition to all operators and pilots of flights for compensation or hire with the doors open or removed in the United States of America or using aircraft registered in the United States of America for doors off flights. The Emergency Order prohibits the use of supplemental passenger restraint systems that cannot be released quickly in an emergency in doors off flight operations. It also prohibits passenger-carrying doors off flight operations unless the passengers are at all times properly secured using FAA-approved restraints.

Recommendation

As a result of this prohibition, helicopter operators and owners are recommended to review their current procedures for flights involving the opening or removal of doors and ensure they are operating in accordance with the annex of Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (EASA Air Operations) relevant to the nature of their operation.

Further Details

For further details refer to the relevant section of EASA Air Operations related to “Seats, seat safety belts, restraint systems and child restraint devices”, referenced below.

Part CAT.IDE.H.205
Part SPO.IDE.H.160
Part NCC.IDE.H.180
Part NCO.IDE.H.140

Further Information

Links

FAA - Federal Register / Doors-off and Open-door flight prohibition

FAA - Emergency Order

CAA UK Safety Notice SN-2018/003

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