Sea World Helicopters' procedure did not require ground crew to monitor the airspace up to the time of the helicopter departing the helipad. As the presence of hazards behind the helicopter could change significantly within a short space of time, helicopters routinely departed without current hazard information from ground crew.
As a risk control, the continued presence of an observer who is in direct communication with the pilot will reduce risk associated with this safety issue.
Sea World Helicopters introduced the role of ‘pad boss’, and its procedures now state that:
The role of Pad Boss is to supervise movement on the helipad and as a priority communicate with each operating helicopter before they depart.
The pad boss must not perform normal loading duties when multiple helicopters are operating.
“Pad Boss", must be located at the Park Pad whenever it is in operation and will –
a) Visually check the Broadwater area from South to North for any aircraft traffic – bird life, boats in the immediate vicinity and any other obvious hazards such as para gliders.
b) Pad Boss will then advise the pilot of any hazards including the location of other company and non-company aircraft visible in the Broadwater.
The Pad Boss must ensure that prior to advising a pilot that they can depart at their discretion they have –
a) Carefully scanned the area North and South of the Broadwater for any aircraft traffic.
b) Carefully checked the water level of the Broadwater of any hazards such as boats, paragliders etc.
c) Carefully consider the position of any other company aircraft operating. (If unsure call other aircraft and request their position.
Only then advise the pilot that they can depart at their discretion.
