Nick,
When the FAA shows up...they go through paperwork...they check forms...they check to see if the rules and regulations are being complied with. They do not look to see if the rules are adequate...appropriate....or effective. They look to see if the minimum standards are met....whether the flight took place in accordance with the opspecs and FAR's.....
They do not look to see if the FAA requirements contributed to the accident or if changes are needed in the rules or regulations. If that is so...the NTSB would have a lot less to say about the FAA and its lack of prevention of accidents.
The reason we all sweat a visit from the FAA is there are so many ways of getting caught shorthanded....even if you are dedicated to compliance. It is the paperwork they thrive on. It is the real world things that are killing people.
In this latest crash in Maryland....do you think the FAA is going to criticize themselves for the low level route restrictions? The NTSB might but the FAA darn sure isn't.
The FAA will say something along the lines of "Pilot Error...failed to maintain terrain clearance." As usual...they will be correct...but not necessarily right.
If the FAA is so safety conscious....why is it...my recollection of the old crisis in the EMS industry....the bulk of the changes were intitiated by the industry and not the FAA. If you read the equipment standards for night flight....you can get by with a very marginal amount of equipment. Now put yourself out there in marginal conditions....with no instrument proficency in unfamilar territory...and you have a recipe for disaster. The FAA under part 91 says nothing about having surface lights for control of the aircraft....part 135 does...but we all know that rule is ignored constantly. The FAA knows it....why do they do nothing? They will come in after a crash and some more dead folks and then take an operator to task.....when was the last time they suspended an air carrier's certificate? Ever?
You recall the FAA decision to allow the liferafts to be removed from 727's on the New York...Miami run....due to statisically insignificant probability of a three engine aircraft ever ditching in such a short offshore flight? What was it...three weeks later....a FE flamed out all three engines on one on that very route. The crew got the engines restarted.....but then the FAA changed its mind.
Similar mindset here....just like offshore...allowing Jetrangers for example to run around the Gulf of Mexico over sea states that are beyond the capability of the emergency floats. Is that wise? Do the operators care?
We too often smile at safety....and ignore the realities.
A few things on my wish list...
At least a basic three axis autopilot on every machine with HSI, Standby attitude indicator, and radalt. GPS slaved to the HSI.
GPS coordinates listed for all obstructions in a handy format....and updated.
No single pilot IFR.
Training sufficient to maintain actual....not legal instrument currency...and proficiency not just legal currency.
SX-16 Nitesuns or equivalent on all night aircraft. IR filter if crew has NVG's.
Moveable landing lights on all night aircraft. Lots of them!
Scene lights on all night aircraft.
Sliding doors that can be opened on all aircraft.....to allow the med crew in back to really be able to see wires on approach.
More use of preplanned LZ's at night.
More use of preplanned routes designed to avoid known obstacles. It is a miracle hour....use a minute or two to ehance safety.
Notification of weather turndowns to all EMS units in the area.
Requesters should be required to notify operators when they have been turned down for weather.
No single engine aircraft at night.
More Awos...Asos's at critical points....moutain passess...for example.
NVG's for all night flights.
Organized counseling to defeat the "Hero" image that creeps into EMS crews.....it is a transport mission...not a life saving mission.
Better rest accomodation for crews....particularly for night crews.
I am on record now as to what I think would help...your turn.
What do you think can be done to enhance safety for EMS flights?