First Australian Robinson Helicopter Safety Course for 2021
Held at Wacol, Brisbane, Qld. 20-21 February 2021
Industry Helping Industry
Due to the rising accident rates within the Australian Robinson Helicopter fleet, three Brisbane based companies teamed up to run the first of an updated series of the Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses, which now include human factors associated with wire avoidance techniques during low-level aerial work operations.
Insurers are again warning helicopter owners of potential problems with obtaining insurance due to the alleged increase in the number of accidents. This includes insurance of the helicopter (hull insurance) and personal insurance for the pilot (post-accident trauma and death).
This is a major threat to the Robinson fleet which make up more than half of the CASA Helicopter Register. During 2019 industry commentators called for the reintroduction the RSC which in the past proved be a solution when a similar situation arose several decades ago.
As a result, late in 2020, three Brisbane based companies teamed up to launch the first Robinson Helicopter Safety Course late February of 2021.
The three companies were:
GeoSim Technologies Pty Ltd. Provider of the venue and training facilities. The new classroom was withing the Vulcan Firefighting Simulation Centre being setup by Charles du Plessis, Managing Director. Charles took the inaugural class on a tour of the training centre now undergoing the final stages of construction.
V2 Helicopters. Offered to be host the first 2021 course designed as a pre-muster and tourist industry safety course. Host was Roger Mohr, CEO and Head of Operations. He was assisted by Len Parrett and Shane Woods. Attendees appreciated the time spent with V2 staff; many industry related questions were asked by all. V2 was able to later provide check flights if required by an employer, contractor or insurance provider.
Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd. Course designer and facilitator, Rob Rich, CEO. Previously has conducted more than 105 courses, graduating 3,500 attendees. The RSC will include accident-avoidance techniques, technical updates and tips from experienced tourist pilots and instructors. This ensures attendees heading out to their 2021 jobs are refreshed, current and aviation business wise.
Rob Rich said the general aviation industry global insurance premiums have been steadily increasing. Insurance providers claim this is due to the increasing accident rates. In particular, of major concern to insurers is the cost of claims becoming inflated by “extra legal costs and tougher compensation settlements.”
Unfortunately, it appears we are following the US legal system where “huge payouts” are forcing premiums to be increased to cover future contingencies.
The updated Australian Robinson Helicopter Safety Courses will now include modules on low level wire avoidance and associated single pilot CRM human factors. This is becoming a requirement for some insurance companies. Many cattle mustering clients have made this upgraded training compulsory for pilots operating helicopters on their mustering contracts.
The students were well looked after by Charles and Helen du Plessis, who provided a catering service in their brand-new board room. The Vulcan Firefighting Simulation Centre is still under construction and hopefully will be operational later in 2021. Minor delays have been caused by suppliers encountering COVID-19 restrictions from time to time.