Australian Helicopter Industry Association | Non-profit organisation

Australian Helicopter Industry Association

Phone: +61 457 848 104

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20.01.2022 Dear Member, The AHIA supports strongly a level playing field for operators attempting to engage with government with respect to aerial fire-fighting and emergency response. All governments, federal and state, should be model procurers. This is the stated policy of governments of all persuasions.... It is your Association’s view that this standard is frequently not met. The AHIA will soon be meeting with senior federal government advisers to discuss current aerial fire-fighting procurement practices, and the implementation of the most strategic ideas from the recent Royal Commission into Natural Disasters. The meetings will also discuss the important role of NAFC. Supporting this role is vital to the efficient allocation of both local and national helicopter aerial fire-fighting resources. Following these meetings, in partnership with the AAAA, a meeting is being organized between the federal Minister for Emergency Services and the Presidents/CEOs of the AHIA and the AAAA. It is vital that the federal government understands the essential role undertaken by the Australian aerial fire-fighting industry. It is timely that this point is discussed and emphasized with the federal minister responsible. Any relevant outcomes from these meetings will be passed on to members. Your ideas or comments prior to the meeting can be sent to our CEO, Paul Tyrrell, at [email protected] Regards Ray Cronin President AHIA

17.01.2022 Helicopter Industry Six months ago, I succeeded Peter Crook as President, continuing the focus on promotion, economic welfare and health of our Industry, fairness in members treatment and importantly, safety in all areas....Continue reading

16.01.2022 As many of you will be aware, over the last 12 months the AHIA and an expert panel has been investigating significant problems with piston engine helicopters. The report has now been completed. This important report has been sent to all financial members including a detailed explanatory letter from our President, Ray Cronin.... If you have not received the report, please pay your membership fee and the report will be forwarded to you personally asap. The AHIA reputation across government and the aviation industry remains strong but we definitely need more members. The Association is your national voice and with significant membership growth the credibility of that voice is much enhanced. The fees are more than reasonable so please encourage everyone in the industry to join. Also, you can see the latest Rotortech 2020 updates on the dedicated website. It is likely to be the best rotary specific event ever staged in the southern hemisphere. You won’t want to miss it. Regards, Paul Tyrrell CEO AHIA

14.01.2022 DON’T PUSH IT LAND IT This vital safety program is inspired by the Helicopter Association International (HAI) campaign, Land and Live launched in the USA in 2014. Prior to this, previous HAI President and CEO, Matt Zuccaro’s favourite message was Land The Damn Helicopter ... It is timely Helicopter Pilots are reminded of their responsibility of conducting their flights in a safe manner to protect themselves, their passengers and the community. If they become aware of any potential adverse issue, they should consider a landing. There are many instances when a landing should be considered, rather than Pushing It. Some could be, but not limited to, Mechanical.....Abnormal instrument readings, strange noises, unusual vibrations, Caution/Warning lights. They could mean something. Fuel......Unsure if sufficient fuel is available to complete the flight. Better to land and call for a drum and pump...I know this is the best alternative. Weather.....Lowering cloud base, reduced visibility due to rain, dust, smoke. I have kept sheep and cattle company in the past. Daylight.....Insufficient daylight remaining to complete the flight. Most helicopters are wide enough to accommodate a six-footer. Passenger distress....There may be a situation when a passenger needs to be on the ground sooner rather than later. Helicopter Pilots are fortunate...in an adverse situation a helicopter can land almost anywhere. If you do consider a landing, advise ATC and activate your ELT. On landing, turn off your ELT and call the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on 02 62306899 or JRCC on 1800814931. In the past Pilots have been reluctant to make a precautionary landing away from a designated landing area or aerodrome for fear they may have disciplinary action taken against them. At Rotortech 2018, CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, Shane Carmody, stated 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 would like to acknowledge the support of ATSB, CASA and aviation safety proponent, Dick Smith who donated funds to AHIA to launch the Don’t Push It-Land It campaign. FLY SAFELY .... DON'T PUSH IT - LAND IT!

14.01.2022 * * * * * ROTORTECH 2020 * * * * * 16-18 JUNE 2020 BRISBANE SHOW GROUNDS

14.01.2022 Dear Member On behalf of the Board of the AHIA I welcome Rodd Craig to the new Member Services role. Rodd’s extensive industry and marketing experience will enable the AHIA to better service members, and attract new members to our Association. The AHIA is always seeking to improve the member experience within our limited but hopefully growing resources, and I have no doubt that Rodd will enhance this goal.... Rodd can be contacted at [email protected] You will also be able to meet Rodd in person at Rotortech. Regards Ray

13.01.2022 Dear Member As always, your association hopes that you and all your family are staying safe and well during these difficult Covid times. Thank you sincerely to those members who have paid their AHIA annual subs. ... A gentle reminder to those who have not paid yet, could you do so as soon as possible. Your volunteer Board and your Executive need your support to allow your Association to continue to argue effectively for the interests of the world’s second largest civil helicopter fleet. The Part 138 TWG has been reactivated and its industry members are working hard to deliver on the changes suggested through the recent industry feedback. Most of the substantial changes have been accepted by CASA. The rules for the multi-engine class rating are close to being finalised. CASA has received detailed advice from senior industry leaders. The substantial changes will bring the M/E (H) rating more into line with the M/E (A) class rating. CASA has advised that there will be a further extension to the existing COVID extensions for Flight Examiner renewals. The FE renewal will be simplified with the flight test likely to replaced by a desktop test/audit. More to follow as the details emerge. In October, the AHIA will publish its first e-news. There will be a regular column from the President and the CEO. In addition, it is likely that the ATSB, CASA, Avalon and QBE will contribute articles to the first edition. It would be highly relevant and interesting to have articles from members. Please send them in to me. In addition, John Armstrong Sr from the Northern Territory will be the subject of a special article in the next edition of the Aviation Trader. Work is again underway in preparation for Rotortech next June and RotorTalk next November. 2021 is shaping up to be a very busy year for your Association. This year’s AHIA AGM in November is likely to be held by videoconference due to Covid restrictions. The Board is discussing the details and members will be advised as soon as practicable. We need new members to make your Association stronger. Thank you to those members who have already taken the time to introduce the AHIA to other companies and individuals across our industry. The helicopter industry provides many essential services to Australian communities and their respective economies. This message needs to be constantly explained and reinforced. It is one of the central roles of the AHIA to ensure that this message is understood by all levels of government. Regards Paul Paul Tyrrell CEO AHIA

12.01.2022 DURABILITY ISSUES LYCOMING 0-320, 0-360 AND 0-540 ENGINES FITTED TO ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R22 AND R44 MODELS Dear Industry Member, In mid-2018 several members raised significant concerns with the AHIA board about the high failure rate of cylinders and valves in Robinson R22’s and Raven 1’s in the Northern regions of Australia.... At the time CASA had convened a group called the Northern fuel stake holders group to discuss the issues raised by industry, the AHIA CEO attended the last of the groups meetings and reported to the board that the outcomes were non effective and the issues were serious and had the potential for affecting the ongoing safe operations of the piston engine fleet in Northern Australia. At the time the AHIA board agreed that the issue should be elevated to a very high priority of the associations tasks and formulated an independent panel of experts to investigate the cause of the engine durability issues. The scope for the expert panel was to investigate every aspect and component of the engines operation including the environmental aspects and all consumables use in the engines operation. The voluntary work carried out by the panel has provided excellent findings and recommendations for the major stake holders in the operation and supply chain associated with these engine types. The research has also highlighted the detailed operational data for operators of these aircraft to see how these engines perform internally in various ambient conditions and with variations to oil and fuel grades. I would like to congratulate the panel for their excellent work and tenacity and determination to find the root cause of the excessive failure rates of the engine cylinders. The report will provide solid evidence for owners and operators to make changes to their practises where possible to ensure their operations remain safe and viable. Thank you for your continued support of the association, it allows us to carry out this important work to ensure a safe and healthy industry. Ray Cronin President AHIA READ THE FULL REPORT HERE: http://austhia.com/news/

10.01.2022 Welcome members and supporters of the helicopter industry in Australia. It is with great pleasure that the AHIA is able to bring you this first edition of the newsletter. It is our intention to produce this quarterly and ensure its content is relevant and to communicate some of the good work that is being carried out by your Association.

08.01.2022 Dear Member I suspect many of you have had little or no break over the past few weeks Again, the AHIA acknowledges with pride the ongoing outstanding work by all involved in the efforts to bring the fires under control and in supporting the many devastated communities.... I have noticed an increasing respect for the helicopter industry. Even in Canberra, government aviation entities are being more helpful. It is likely that this change in behaviour has been ordered from the top. It would be a very good thing for our industry if this small step forward could be made permanent. Next week I will attend Heli-Expo in LA. The primary task is to encourage as many companies and individuals as possible to attend Rotortech 2020 in June this year. The AHIA wants members and participants to have access to the highest quality speakers and exhibitors. With 1500 to 2000 attendees likely to come to Rotortech2020 it is sure to be a great convention, even historic in terms of the Australian helicopter industry. My trip is being made possible through the generosity of our partners at Avalon. They are thanked sincerely. We are updating the AHIA website and you will notice some changes in the coming weeks. With the help of the Avalon Comms team we hope to finally be able to produce a quarterly members e-newsletter. The more informal CEO monthly updates will continue. Our current IT system is being updated over the next month which should mean faster and more detailed information sharing with members and the wider aviation industry. I want to thank the members and potential members who contact me personally. Your ideas and feedback are essential to the ongoing growth and strengthening of the AHIA. Finally, if you know of any company or individual who would benefit from AHIA membership refer them to me, or to our website. Your association has access to the most senior people in government and industry. Let’s make use of it The time has never been more favourable. Regards Paul Tyrrell CEO AHIA 0438 114 372

03.01.2022 The AHIA recognises with pride the ongoing outstanding efforts of helicopter crews, engineers and operational teams during this highly challenging bush fire season. It is once again obvious to the wider Australian community how essential helicopters are in assisting ground based crews fire crews and providing direct support to towns and properties under threat. THe AHIA is the industry's main conduit to government at all levels, as well as liaising with other aviation industr...y sectors. if you wish to know more about the work of the AHIA, please see our website or call me directly. If you are not a member yet, your involvement would further strengthen our voice to government. In short, the helicopter industry needs you now, more than ever. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at Rotortech 2020, Brisbane, 16-18 June. -- Paul Tyrrell CEO Australian Helicopter Industry Association Mobile: 0438 114 372 [email protected]""