Recommendation

The following response was received from the Civil Aviation
Safety Authority 6 February 2004:



On 21 November 2003, CASA advised the Bureau that in 2004, a
helicopter specific issue of FSA is planned for release. The safety
benefits to helicopter pilots and crew of wearing personal
protective equipment will be considered for publication as part of
that issue.

In relation to personal protective equipment for pilots, CASA
does not legally require pilots to wear helmets although most
pilots engaged in specialised helicopter aerial work activities do
wear helmets. In relation to floatation devices, CASA does require
Life Jackets to be worn when single engine helicopters are
operating greater than gliding distance from land. This is detailed
in Civil Aviation Order (CAO), 20.11, 5.1.1(a) and 5.1.7. However,
if the aircraft is operating within gliding distance there is no
legal requirement. Some operators that have crews engaged in
specialised helicopter activities supply their flight crews with
crew vests such as the Switlik IIV35C which act as a floatation
device and provides pockets for Emergency Locator Transmitters and
flares.

CASA is of the view that all pilots engaged in these types of
activities should be wearing helmets as there is sufficient
evidence from accidents where helmets have saved the lives or
reduced the severity of injuries to crews. In addition flight crew
vests such as the Switlik are also a significant safety enhancement
and should be encouraged. It is noted that ATSB are not
recommending that CASA amend legislation but rather should raise
awareness through safety promotion initiatives. CASA will draw this
recommendation to the attention of its safety promotion areas for
consideration and inclusion in future safety promotion actions.