The U.S. Helicopter Safety Team has completed its comprehensive analysis of the root causes of fatal accidents and has developed 22 measurable safety enhancements aimed at reducing fatalities.

The 22 safety enhancements can be grouped into four categories:

• Safety Management                Seven safety enhancements
• Competency                            Six safety enhancements
• IMC and Visibility                 Four safety enhancements  (announced on Sept. 6)
• Loss of Control                       Five safety enhancements  (announced on Sept. 11)

Within the topic of Safety Management, the USHST will be working to implement these four safety enhancements (plus three more still in development).  They encompass pre-flight actions, proactive initiatives, and beneficial technology.

• The Final Walk Around

Action:  Develop guidelines and recommended practices for helicopter preflight inspection, final walk around, and post flight inspection and promote the recommended practices to the training community and general pilot community.

• Pre-Flight Risk Assessment for Student Flights

Action:  Provide recommended practices to instructors for pre-flight risk assessment of student flights.

• Flight Data Monitoring

Action:  Promote the installation and use of data recording devices (e.g. HFDM, camera recording) for purposes of:  1) detection and monitoring of aircraft and engine limitations that were exceeded, 2) collecting and preserving more data relevant to accident investigation, 3) detecting and correcting procedural noncompliance.

• Full Authority Idle Protection Devices

Action:  Encourage the development and installation of Full Authority Idle Protection devices to prevent unintended loss of engine power.