Helicopter - The EC225 accident in Norway one year ago today - Ground the type in Europe

I have read the one year Intermediate report from the Norwegian AIBN. It seems to me to be clear that EASA may have been misled by Airbus Helicopters. Ref. paras 2.5.7 and 2.5.8 in the report. EASA have seemingly been under some sort of pressure from AH to lift the grounding. They should read the report and reverse their decision to lift the grounding of the type. Put them on ground ASAP.

Up to this point, EASA has elected to downplay the role, capacity- and expertise of the Norwegian AIBN. They should have known better.

Head of Rotorcraft, Massimo Mazzoletti, referred the reporter to EASA`s Public Affairs Department. This clearly indicates that legal issues and the possibility of loss of face are in play. And that in the most prestigious and important aviation safety organisation in Europe.

Furthermore, it will be detrimental to flight safety in Norway if the new HOFO rules for offshore helicopter operations are to be implemeted here. These rules are generally based on UK CAA`s own, a country far inferiour to ours in helicopter flight safety, according to SINTEF statistics.