JHSIT Addresses Helo SMS
The Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team (JHSIT), a voluntary organization whose members include OEMs, operators and agency officials, is preparing

The Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team (JHSIT), a voluntary organization whose members include OEMs, operators and agency officials, is preparing a tool kit aimed at helping operators with small fleetsā€“one to five helicoptersā€“ design safety implementation and management systems. These smaller operators account for the majority of all commercial rotorcraft accidents, according to Dave Downey, co-chairman of the International Helicopter Safety Team and regional manager of the FAAā€™s helicopter directorate. The kit will explain what a safety management system is, describe the benefits and provide a framework for establishing one in accordance with FAA and ICAO standards. The tool kits and recommendations are voluntary and are not a harbinger of new regulations, Downey said.