Helicopter firm answers safety concerns

Move to calm passengers in wake of disaster

Published: 14/04/2009

AN ABERDEEN-BASED helicopter company has moved to ease passengers’ safety concerns.

Bristow issued a Frequently Asked Questions guide to offshore workers in the wake of the helicopter flight 85N tragedy.

It stated: “Bristow is very sympathetic to our passengers’ concerns and sensitivities at this time and will provide as much information as we can.

“Please do be assured that Bristow takes your safety and that of our crews extremely seriously and that ensuring the safe conduct of our flights is always our primary concern.”

The Q&A sheet covers a number of issues, including the history of incidents around the world featuring the Super Puma AS332 L2 type of helicopter which was involved in the April 1 crash.

One question referred to the helicopter crash in Canada last month, asking if additional safety precautions were being taken as a result. The response confirmed modifications were made on Bristow’s helicopter fleet following advice from the manufacturer.

A query about why Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) have been removed from lifejackets was also included.

The response said the PLBs’ removal followed advice from the CAA amid concerns the beacons could interfere with signals from long-range aircraft beacons.

At the bottom of the guide, the Aberdeen-based helicopter firm stated: “Our experience suggests that safety is best served by supporting the professional men and women of the national investigative agencies charged with determining root causes and, once identified, working with them to develop the best plan for eliminating risk of recurrence.”

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