FAA Invites Comments on HEMS Rule Changes

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FAA Invites Comments on HEMS Rule Changes

04-Dec-2008

The FAA has revised its rules that govern the operation of helicopter

emergency medical services (HEMS), and has invited comment on the

changes. According to the FAA notice published on November 14, the

changes were made because the FAA determined that " safety in air

commerce and the public interest requires additional hazard mitigation

for HEMS operations. " Comments must be received by December 15.

The revisions specify that HEMS pilots must determine a minimum safe

cruise altitude during pre-flight planning by identifying and

documenting obstructions and terrain along the planned flight path.

HEMS pilots' pre-flight planning must also determine the minimum

ceiling and visibility required to conduct the flight. The revised

rules allow HEMS operations under IFR at landing areas without weather

reporting only if an approved weather reporting source is located

within 15 nautical miles of the landing area, or if an area forecast

is available.

The NTSB has also expressed concern about the safety of HEMS

opereations, and recently announced plans for a public hearing on the

issue to take place February 3-5, 2009 at its Washington headquarters.

The board said the hearing is aimed at educating the board on the

operational challenges of EMS services and helping members figure out

how to stem the rising tide of accidents. The proceedings will be

webcast live via the NTSB website.

" We have seen an alarming rise in the numbers of EMS accidents and the

Safety Board believes some of these accidents could have been

prevented if our [previous] recommendations were implemented, " said

member Sumwalt, who will chair the hearing. " This hearing will

be extremely important because it can provide an opportunity to learn

more about the industry so that possibly, we can make further

recommendations that can prevent these accidents and save lives. "

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