Night-vision goggles endorsed by air group
Testifying before a crowded hearing in Washington, DC, on the oversight of helicopter medical services, the head of a leading air ambulance organization recently promised lawmakers that the dismal safety record of the industry can be improved.
Sandy Kinkade, president of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) in Alexandria, VA, offered an overview of the medevac helicopter industry and discussed the need for greater funding for airport and low-altitude infrastructure improvements, among other initiatives aimed at making patient air transport safer. The hearing was called by the U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee after a sudden surge in crashes. Nine crashes killed 35 people, including six patients, from December 2007 to October 2008, prompting the National Transportation Safety Board to hold a public hearing to address the problem.
Kinkade told the committee that the industry was determined to improve safety.
Chief among the association's safety proposals is that all medical night-flight operations be required to either utilize night vision goggles (NVGs) similar enhanced-vision systems, or be conducted strictly under instrument flight rules (IFR). AAMS recommended that Congress further this process along by appropriating funds for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand its capabilities surrounding the certification and approval of NVGs or similar enhanced-vision systems.
AAMS also supports improving the low-altitude aviation infrastructure by expanding the Airport Improvement Program to include private-use hospital helipads, regional airports, and other routinely utilized locations, and directing more FAA funding and research toward expanding the capacity of low-altitude, off-airport weather reporting. AAMS also is in favor of increasing the number of automated weather observation stations and utilizing other weather forecasting technologies.
In addition, AAMS has asked that funding and research be directed toward associated approach and departure procedures to facilitate a seamless transition from visual flight rules to IFR.
The AAMS testimony came on the heels of a report by the Flight Safety Foundation, a research group in Alexandria, VA. The analysis identifies eight "very high" risks within the industry and 18 "high" risks.
Testifying before a crowded hearing in Washington, DC, on the oversight of helicopter medical services, the head of a leading air ambulance organization recently promised lawmakers that the dismal safety record of the industry can be improved.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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