Risk Management for Air Ambulance Helicopter Operators

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Risk Management for Air Ambulance Helicopter Operators

R. J. Adams / J. L. Thompson

This manual is intended to provide an easy reference for dealing with the operating pitfalls, the human frailties, and the risks in managing an air ambulance operation. It is not designed to give the operator step-by-step instructions. Rather, the manual describes techniques and tools that can be used to balance the demands of running a business with the need for maintaining safety. It provides pilot selection and training guidelines, as well as a review of a risk assessment technique that have proven successful for Part 135 operators. In addition, the manual recommends a workable format for establishing standard operating procedures to reduce risks. Finally, it highlights the key concerns that should be carefully considered from a risk management viewpoint. This operators manual is one of an integrated set of five Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) manuals developed by the Federal Aviation Administration in a concerted effort to reduce the number of human factor related helicopter accidents. It can be used as one element of a comprehensive program for improving safety, reducing risk, and, hopefully, the high cost of helicopter hull and liability insurance. Keywords: Human factors; Human performance; Aviation safety; Aviation training; Air ambulance; Judgement; Decision making; Helicopter pilot; Helicopter operator. (sdw)