MPs launch inquiry into helicopter safety
6 November 2013
NEW INQUIRY – HELICOPTER SAFETY
Terms of reference and call for evidence
The Transport Committee is calling for evidence on the safety of helicopter flights to offshore installations.
The Chair of the Committee, Louise Ellman MP, has said:
“In August four oil workers were killed in a helicopter crash off the Shetland Isles. This was the fifth accident in four years, and the second of which that has tragically resulted in fatalities. The frequency of these accidents is a major cause for concern.
“Our inquiry will examine ways to minimise the risk to offshore workers. To this end we hope to hear from workers themselves, oil and gas firms, helicopter manufacturers, operators and pilots.
”We welcome the CAA’s investigation into helicopter safety that they are running with their Norwegian counterparts. We intend to hear evidence on their findings when they report and examine how their recommendations should be implemented.”
We would like to receive written submissions from anyone affected by these issues on the following questions:
- How safe are offshore helicopter flights?
- How does the UK’s safety record compare with that of other countries?
- What steps could be taken by industry to improve the safety of offshore flights?
- How could legislation and regulations relating to helicopter safety be improved?
- How effective are existing regulators, including the European Aviation Safety Agency, in ensuring that recommendations to improve safety are implemented?
We would be grateful to receive written submissions by Friday 20 December.
As part of a scheme to encourage paperless working and maximise efficiency, the Committee is using a new web portal for online submissions of written evidence. Written submissions for this inquiry should therefore be sent via the Transport Committee website - Please click the link here: Helicopter safety