Administrative Risk Management for Helicopter Operators

Abstract

This article is intended to provide an easy reference to the operating pitfalls, the human frailties, and the risks associated with managing flight operations. Helicopter air-ambulance operators are used to illustrate specific problems and provide extreme examples. The analysis identifies the inherent risks based on the latest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident data (NTSB, 1988) and describes techniques that can be used to balance the demands of running a business with the need for maintaining safety. Finally, the article concludes by highlighting the key concerns that should be carefully considered from a risk-management viewpoint.