During the SSRP workshop operators raised the inconsistency of single vs dual pilot operations, specifically with the AW139 aircraft and the risk this may introduce.
We also noted that other states require dual pilots in circumstances such as IFR or for medical transport.
Please note, AW139s make up 25% of the global offshore fleet and based on our aircraft register, 33.8% of the fleet in this sector.
What can large helicopters operators do
Operators need to consider the risks for:
- the type of operations they are conducting
- exposure to hazards
- whether an additional pilot is a control that would mitigate the risk to as low as reasonably practical.
Hazards may include:
- night operations
- usable cue environment
- pilot workload.
If an operator determines they need two pilots for certain operations, then they must assess the hazards this might introduce.
For example, training and proficiency requirements, performance margins due to increased weight and crew procedures.
Participants also considered workplace health and safety obligations. Particularly whether it was a reasonable expectation that complex aircraft (such as medical transport operations in an AW139) will have 2 pilots. They also considered whether this expectation is driven by either operators, clients or the regulator.
The ATSB issued a report the Suitability of the AgustaWestland AW139 for single pilot night vision goggle winching operations on September 2022.
The report addresses concerns raised from search and rescue operations, crewed with single pilots utilising night vision goggles (NVG).
What we are doing and already delivered
We recognise certification of the AW139 helicopter permits operations with a single pilot. We require all operators to consider the risks associated with the types of operations they are conducting.
Operators must consider such risks in accordance with CASR 119 SMS requirements. It should include the appropriateness of crew composition for intended operations.
We developed several resources to support the transition to the new Part 119 SMS requirements, including safety risk management. These include the:
- Section 6 – Safety risk management process of the AC 119-01. This can help organisations meet Part 119 of CASR requirements. It also provides examples of SMS processes suitable for organisations operating under them
- Safety Management System Resource kits structed on ICAO’s safety management principles of safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion. They also include human factors integration and have a booklet that assists operators scale their SMS for the size and complexity of their activities.
We also developed additional tools and training to provide further guidance on Human Factors and NTS. These include:
- Safety behaviours: human factors for pilots. This tool kit provides guidance on understanding human factors principles which can help you mitigate its adverse impact on aviation safety.