FAA to Host Virtual International Rotorcraft Safety Conference

Registration is now open for the Federal Aviation Administration’s first virtual International Rotorcraft Safety Conference, which will take place Oct. 27 through Oct 29 to explore ways to reduce the national and international helicopter accident rate.

Leaders from the FAA’s Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards Services will open the conference, followed by programs for the entire helicopter community. The first day will include presentations about coping with the aftermath of a helicopter accident, the consequences of failing to follow procedures, the impact of drones, and the benefits of safety management systems.

The next two days will focus on maintenance and operations. On Oct. 28, mechanics will receive programming designed by experts from Schweizer, Bell, Airbus, and Robinson helicopter companies.

On Oct. 29, programming for pilots will include topics regarding human factors, helicopter safety ratings, accident prevention and investigations.

The conference is directed at rotorcraft pilots, mechanics, operators, small company owners, government regulators and industry executives from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and many other locations. The event will offer Inspection Authorization and FAA AMT and WINGS credits.

For conference registration and further details, visit www.faahelisafety.org

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.