A joint effort by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), CASA and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) is encouraging helicopter pilots to conduct a precautionary landing rather than push on into abnormal situations.
Announced at the annual Rotortech convention at the Sunshine Coast this week, the "Don't Push it, Land it" campaign aims to reduce the chances of an accident happening.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood said making an early decision to land could be the difference between a safe outcome and an accident.
“Pilots should always take advantage of their helicopter’s unique ability to land almost anywhere when things aren’t quite right in flight,” Hood said.
“If you’re faced with deteriorating weather or if something just doesn’t feel right, don’t push it, make a precautionary landing. If you do decide to push on, it could be the beginning of an accident sequence.”
Understanding that landing at a helipad or airport may not always be viable, CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody said the regulator would support the decision to land anywhere rather than continue on.
“We have seen a number of fatal accidents where, had the pilot decided to land, then the accident may not have occurred,” Carmody said.
“CASA will not take any disciplinary action against a pilot if they need to make a precautionary landing, provided it is performed in good faith, as safely as possible, and it did not endanger anyone."
AHIA president Peter Crook said pressure and a fear of scrutiny were often the cause of a helicopter pilot electing to push on rather than make a precautionary landing, noting that help was always on the end of the radio.
“Speak up and make a ‘PAN’ call to air traffic control,” Crook said. “Air traffic controllers and other pilots are there to help and can provide you with information to help make informed decisions to land your helicopter.
“And, if you’re planning to make a precautionary landing and you have an emergency locator transmitter on board, activate it too. You can always turn it off when you’re safely on the ground. All you have to do is give the Australian Maritime Safety Authority a call to let them know that everything is OK.
"I guarantee it will be the best phone call they’ll get all day.”
Experienced helicopter pilot and businessman Dick Smith has contibuted funding to the "Don't Push it, Land it" campaign.