Safety Initiatives Expected From Big Manufacturers

Look for at least two major helicopter manufacturers to unveil safety enhancements for their aircraft during the Heli-Expo trade show in Orlando, Fla. later this week. The FAA has told manufacturers and operators that it would like to see all helicopters offered with a number of safety upgrades. These include wire-strike protection kits, cockpit voice and video recorders, health and usage monitoring systems and terrain awareness warning systems. The FAA’s bid is part of international efforts to cut the helicopter accident rate 80 percent in 10 years. Informed sources say at least two big manufacturers will take the agency up on its challenge and offer packages to place those upgrades on their aircraft. Check in here for more developments on this and other news from Heli-Expo. For related news