Helicopter Safety

Risk influence modeling of recent developments in helicopter safety on the Norwegian continental shelf... 

The Helicopter Safety Study 3 (HSS-3) is a joint industry effort by the main oil companies operating on the NCS. Main objectives of the study are to assess the risk level associated with offshore helicopter transportation, propose indicators to monitor safety, and identify safely measures for further improvement. The study will address risk through two complementary approaches a risk approach using risk influence modeling, and a safety approach focusing on resilience engineering. The project was established... 

This section lists and describes briefly the identified main developments relevant for helicopter safety in the study period 1999-2008. The list results from a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies, accident/incident reports and statistics, as well as interviews with key participants in the industry (pilots, engineers, managers and ATC-personnel). Some preliminary evaluations have been done of the identified changes. The developments considered to have the most impact on the RIFs are described in section 2.1 and 2.2. The developments considered to be less significant with respect to safety are found in section 2.3. Each of the developments may impact one or more of the RIFs (for frequency and/or consequence) see Chapter 3. 

HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) is a system for technical condition surveillance (e.g. vibration monitoring) that has continuously improved during the study period. Analysis of HUMS-data may give early warnings of anomalies and deviation not easily detectable by other means. The use of HUMS is widely considered as an important improvement to helicopter safety. 

The Helicopter Safety Study 3 (HSS-3) has conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature and... 

The insight gained through the initial phase of the project has led to a number of modifications of the risk influence model inherited from the previous helicopter safety study (HSS-2). The major contribution is that we have harmonised the technological, human and organisational contribution to the risk picture. 

The Helicopter Safety Study 3 is sponsored by the Norwegian Oil Industry Association, with the following contributing industry partners BP, ConocoPhillips, Eni, Gaz de France, Marathon, Nexen, Shell, Statoil-Hydro and Total. We would like to thank all technical, operative and administrative personnel from helicopter operators, air navigation providers and authorities for their constructive comments and openness in the best interest to improve helicopter safety. We also thank the other members of the project team, Per Hokstad and Erik Jersin, for their significant contributions. 

Hokstad, R, Jersin, E., Hansen, G.K., Sneltvedt, J., Sten, T. 1999. Helicopter Safety Study 2. SINTEF Report no. STF38 A99423. 

Ingstad, O., Rosness, R., Sten, T., Ullebeig, X, Rausand, M. Lydersen, S. 1990. Helicopter Safety Study. Main Report SINTEF Report no. STF75 A90008. 

Applying the Normal Business Approach to a Safety Management System. Source Adapted from Safety Management System Toolkit. Developed by the Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team of the International Helicopter Safety Team (Safety Management System Toolkit, 2007). 

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