The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) has launched a study on the feasibility of flight data monitoring on helicopter air ambulance operations (HAAO). Involved on this team are companies from all segments of the HAAO industry, including Aerobytes, Air Methods, Appareo Systems, L-3 Communications. The objective is to determine if enough data can be collected from helicopters in order to determine trends and ultimately, make operations safer. "We are optimistic that organized data collection from flights will lead to safer operations," commented FSF President and CEO William R. Voss. "We've seen that in commercial and corporate aviation with data collection being an integral part of safety management. We are all well aware of the safety challenges facing helicopter air ambulance operations and are determined to be a part in finding a solution." The HAAO team first formed in the spring at the request of the FSF. The Foundation had received a grant to do some work in this area. The research will be used to assist the International Helicopter Safety Team and will be offered to the entire air ambulance community in an effort to improve the overall safety of the segment. The concepts developed will assist the separate operators in implementing safety management systems.