On 16 February 2023, HeliOffshore released Version 3.0 of its Recommended Practices for Flightpath Management, developed in close collaboration with, and intended for, offshore helicopter operators.

The aim of the report is to enhance ongoing safety efforts and standardisation across the industry, providing operators with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare flightpath management guidelines that effectively address the challenges posed by offshore operations.

Flight Path Management (‘FPM’) refers to all aspects of aircraft movement. This report builds upon the previous version’s analysis of the critical area of approach guidance by adding specific focus on the important topic of safe, standardised Departure Guidance.

The report reviews seven key elements fundamental to conduct a safe departure, stabilised approach, and go-around in the offshore environment, and provides recommendations for implementing standardised and documented practices for each of them.

Jim Evans, Operations Director, HeliOffshore, commented: “This report is an important step in our shared goal of ensuring no lives are lost in offshore aviation. The new and improved recommendations expand on our existing guidance, including industry best practice relating to departures, and can act as a go-to resource for operators globally.

“I would like to give particular thanks to the working group who offered their time and expertise to deliver these new and improved recommended practices.

“Our focus is now on working closely with our members and the wider industry to support their effective implementation. There is much work to be done, but together, we can ensure all offshore workers are able to fly home safely, every day.”

The report is available on the HeliOffshore website here.

This report is intended to be read in conjunction with the IOGP 690 Offshore Helicopter Recommended Practices report.

HeliOffshore has developed an Implementation Toolkit for operators to support the effective implementation of this report’s recommendations. The toolkit has been developed to support a thorough gap analysis of existing operations manuals and policies.

Member company representatives can access the toolkit through their HeliOffshore Space accounts.