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Jan
23
2025
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Posted 26 days ago ago by Admin
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A Safety Spectacle Unfolded at the Rotorcraft Safety Zone
By Michel Masson, senior safety promotion business partner, EASA
In November, Amsterdam buzzed with excitement as EUROPEAN ROTORS 2024 brought together the brightest minds and top innovators in the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) industry. Co-owned by EASA and the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and powered by Vertical Aviation International (VAI), this premier European VTOL Show and Safety Conference was a thrilling event for rotorcraft professionals, enthusiasts, and industry pioneers alike.
At the core of the conference was the Rotorcraft Safety Zone—an unmissable hub of hands-on demonstrations, safety briefings, and direct interaction with the industry's foremost safety experts. Co-organized by EASA and the European Safety Promotion Network Rotorcraft (ESPN-R), the Safety Zone gave participants a front-row seat to essential safety practices in a dynamic, informal setting. Attendees didn’t just observe; they engaged, questioned, and experienced safety principles in action.
An Unforgettable Lineup of Demos and Briefings
In this year’s edition, following the successful events in Madrid (2023) and Cologne (2022), the Safety Zone offered groundbreaking additions. With the show’s director, Dr Frank Liemandt, leading the charge, EUROPEAN ROTORS 2024 featured equipment demos notably for offshore operations for the first time, amplifying the relevance and appeal of the event.
Attendees witnessed state-of-the-art equipment demos led by top experts. Alexander Weissenboeck from Airbus Helicopters and Julien Eymard from Leonardo Helicopters showcased essential life-saving devices, including life vests and helicopter flotation gear, crucial for high-risk operations. Kevin Reid from Survitec Group Ltd. demonstrated personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for hostile environments, such as immersion suits and emergency breathing systems (EBS). These weren’t just technical displays; they were demonstrations of the gear that often stands between safety and disaster.
The importance of pilot helmets was another focal point, with Christine Koch (CHS) explaining how to use them underwater, and presenting advanced helmet designs that enhance communication, vision, and protection against impacts and noise.
Charley Shimanski of the ICAR Air Rescue Commission, showcased ARS equipment and Matt Christensen (Vita Aerospace) presented Vita Inclanata Technologies. Robby Jansch (LHA) presented the Cabri helicopter with support from Leading Helicopter Academies, and Heather McManus (Viking) unveiled the characteristics of the Viking live-saving equipment.
Additional presentations from experts like Michael Lee (DART Aerospace), and Andreas Hennig (Heli-Flight JLR) delivered other captivating equipment briefings, while Jens Rosenow (Cleardrone) addressed the challenges and complexities of helicopters and drones sharing low-altitude airspace.
The helicopters used this year in the Safety Zone were a Bell U1HD in SAR configuration provided by CHS and a Cabri provided by LHA.
Thrills with Sling Load Operations
One of the most exhilarating sessions was the Sling Load Operations demo. Conducted by Michael Behrens, Daniel Simon, and Jakob Uske from Airbus Helicopters, along with Jonathan Hall from EASA. This year, the team or presenters was joined by Brendan Fitzpatrick from Signia Aerospace. This session delved into the risks and critical safety measures of sling-load operations. Live demonstrations, using actual aircraft equipment, revealed just how quickly things could go wrong—and, more importantly, how to prevent accidents through proper safety protocols.
Safety Briefings
The Safety Zone’s briefings offered attendees indispensable knowledge in an engaging format. Greg Brown (VAI) presented an overview of VAI’s safety programs, providing insights into the current direction of the industry. Mona Seeberger (HTM Helicopter Travel Munich) presented real-world safety techniques through EASA’s video series on helicopter off-airfield operations helping pilots and operators safely tackle challenges like landing on unprepared surfaces.
Adding to the depth of insights, Mathieu Vandenavenne (Safety for Flight) showcased EASA’s safety video on handling electronic devices in cockpits, while Stefano Burigana (Helifriulia) shared updates on the ESPN-R Safety Management Manual, which serves as a template for helicopter operators adhering to EASA’s regulations.
Attendees also benefited from Jonny Greenall (Balearic Helicopters) who covered strategies for navigating high winds and turbulence, Mike O’Donoghue (U.K. GASCo) who discussed how decision biases could affect flight safety, and Caroline Schiel (Fly High) who captivated the audience with her session titled “RPM = LIFE,” emphasizing the critical importance of rotor RPM management for safe helicopter operations.
Invited speaker Glenn Daley (NYPD Aviation Unit), retired, addressed how to manage distractions in aviation, especially smartphone-related distractions, a well-known substantial accident factor.
Michel Masson (EASA), provided an update on VAST and ESPN-R activities in the conference's Educational Program session. John Franklin (EASA), the other foreseen presenter, was excused.
A Resounding Success in Rotorcraft Safety
EUROPEAN ROTORS 2024’s Rotorcraft Safety Zone brought together professionals and enthusiasts for an immersive, hands-on experience. This year’s event wasn’t just a showcase; it was an invaluable learning experience where attendees walked away with practical knowledge and a renewed commitment to safety in rotorcraft operations. The Rotorcraft Safety Zone delivered excitement, education, and engagement—truly setting a new standard in the industry’s approach to safety.
Also, we give a huge thanks to Dr Frank Liemandt, show director, and Judith Bartkowski, training and conference manager, for making this year's Rotorcraft Safety Zone come true!
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