The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) updated its training initiatives by creating a more targeted list of safety topics to focus its efforts more effectively. This new list includes pilot training, safety, risk-management and maintenance practices.

The IHST believes that using cockpit recording devices to track crewmembers' actions is a critical element in its training focus to reduce accidents because the data gathered can provide immediate feedback to training organizations, operators and crews. The data will also support a more complete accident analysis process.

Operators told IHST that there still is a great need to enhance autorotation training at both the primary and advanced levels. Simulator programs are expected to improve not only autorotation skills, but also practice in dynamic rollovers, emergency procedures training, ground resonance, quick-stop maneuvers, targeting approach procedures and practice with pinnacle approaches, as well as approaches to unimproved landing areas and elevated platforms.

The IHST also wants to establish programs that evaluate pilot proficiency on topics such as aircraft performance, weight and flight-manual limitations, systems failures, impending weather concerns, effects of density altitude, wind and surface conditions. The team is encouraging the use of a personal risk management program such as the IMSAFE checklist, as well as creating a formal safety management system (SMS) and a robust maintenance quality-assurance program.