The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) has reached a tentative agreement of cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to enhance the safety of helicopter operations in nine countries that make up the commonwealth.

With this accord, the IHST and CIS will establish closer cooperation in the field of helicopter safety, share best practices and engage in collaborative activities to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of helicopter operations around the world,” said Kim Smith, IHST co-chair and manager of the FAA Rotorcraft Directorate at the annual Russian Hour at Heli-Expo 2012 in Dallas.

“We welcome them and the expertise they will bring to support our mission to reduce the international civil helicopter accident rate,” said Smith.