NTSB calling for helo flight data recorders
 

3 year old document?

Released 5/19/2020.

In summary: they recommend (not mandate) that most new turbine-powered helicopters (including R66) get audio/visual recorders as standard equipment, and that they become available for installation on existing turbine helicopters. Pistons are exempt.

Under the principle of separation of powers in aviation, accident investigation agencies such as the NTSB cannot mandate any prevention measure. Their safety recommendations have to be accepted and mandated by the regulation authorities, such as the FAA. Otherwise, in principle, the NTSB could be called one day to investigate their own regulations.

Why not pistons? You are just as likely to smack an R44 into a hillside as an R66, for example, so why have evidence of one and not the other?

Thanks, missed that.

Should be mandatory for all commercial ops, regardless of engine number and type.

They have been saying this for years. The report specifically mentions the 2005 Copterline 103 accident (although not by name), and the usefulness of the CVFDR in the investigation - the lack of FDR data is discussed at length in the NSB report into the ERA S76 CFIT in 2004: http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online...s/AAR06-02.pdf (specific reference to 103 on page 57)

Originally, the mentioned S-76 accident aircraft required an FDR. The operator petitioned the FAA and was granted an exemption from FAR 135.152, to permit the company to operate the accident helicopter without an FDR. Then the FAA exempted older aircraft from the requirement by FAR amendment.