FAA-sjefen om helikoptersikkerhet - Rotor&Wing

FAA Chief to Highlight Helo Safety

James T. McKenna

FAA Admin. Michael Huerta is slated to be talking helicopter safety and regulations Oct. 25 when he opens the agency's 2016 International Rotorcraft Safety Conference.

Photo courtesy of the FAA

Huerta is scheduled to be the keynote speaker of the three-day event in the Hurst Conference Center near Fort Worth, Texas. The FAA Rotorcraft Directorate, which organized the event, expects more than 400 people to attend.

Directorate Manager Lance Gant is to open the event, and the agency co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, Jim Viola, will set the stage for the administrator by reviewing recent accident statistics and safety initiatives. Viola, manager of the FAA Flight Standards Service’s General Aviation and Commercial Division, co-chairs the safety team with Air Methods Chief Pilot Raj Helweg.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Helicopter Safety; Pieces of the Puzzle.” The FAA said the conference is for the entire helicopter industry — pilots, mechanics, manufacturers, modifiers, engineers, and students. It will feature exhibits, discussion forums and presentations focused on helicopter safety. There is no cost to attend.  

In addition to the knowledge shared in the presentations, attendees can qualify for credits under the FAA’s WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program, Aviation Maintenance Technician and Inspection Authorization programs.