1 / 9

HAI Public Aircraft Forum

This article discusses the framework and oversight of public aircraft operations, using the example of the Carson Helicopters crash in 2008. It explores the governing regulations, authority structure, and recommendations for improving oversight.

arleen
Download Presentation

HAI Public Aircraft Forum

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. HAI Public Aircraft Forum Earl F. Weener Board Member Thursday, January 20, 2011

  2. National Transportation Safety Board • Framework - Independent Agency - Five Member Board • Function • Investigate and establish facts, circumstances, and cause/probable cause of transportation accidents • Promote transportation safety

  3. Crash During Takeoff of Carson Helicopters, Inc. , Firefighting Helicopter Under Contract to the U.S. Forest Service • Accident • Near Weaverville, CA - August 5, 2008 • Sikorsky S-61N helicopter • Owned by Carson Helicopters; under contract to U.S. Fire Service • Operation was considered a public aircraft operation • 9 fatalities, including the pilot in command, the safety crewmember and 7 firefighters • NTSB Accident Investigation Report • Approved December 7, 2010 • Probable Cause • Recommendations

  4. Carson Investigation • Accident Report highlights re: Public Use • Report details • Past history • Findings

  5. Public Aircraft Operations Governing framework OMB Circular A-126 ? FAA Statute FAA Regulations GSA Regulations ICAP Guidelines FAA Circular FAA Order

  6. Public Aircraft OperationsFAA Authority No Authority Limited AuthorityUnclear – bothAuthority (Statute) (Regulation) (Advisory Circular) (FSIMS) FARS – prescribe limited authority 14 CFR Part 133 – Rotorcraft External-Load operations Part 137 – Agricultural operations FAA AC – 00-1.1 – Suggests no authority; but, restates authority under FAR Parts 133 &137 FAA Order – 8900.1 – directs inspectors to conduct surveillance activities; monitor – suggests oversight authority FAA says no authority, by statute 49 US Code: §44701 §40102 §40125

  7. Public Aircraft OperationsGSA Authority Authority Authority StructureGuidelines (OMB Circular (Regulation) (ICAP) (Manuals) A-126) • Aviation Operations Manuals • Federal Agency Aircraft Operations Manual Guide • Federal Agency Aircraft General Maintenance Manual Guide GSA - responsible for agency aircraft management GSA – prescribe limited framework /standards for using Federal aircraft, addressing both operations and safety Interagency Policy Committee – Advises GSA on policy making

  8. Public Aircraft Operations • Recommendation A-10-150 – issued to FAA “Take appropriate actions to clarify Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authority over public aircraft, as well as identify and document where such oversight responsibilities reside in the absence of FAA authority.”

More Related