The purpose of this Safety Directive from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to replace and revoke SD-2020/003 and is made in the interests of safety of operations to offshore locations (helidecks) for the reasons set out in Chapters 10 and 14 of CAP 1145 (Safety review of offshore public transport helicopter operations in support of the exploitation of oil and gas).
Additionally, it is made in further response to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) Safety Recommendations:
– 2003-133 and 135 issued following the accident to Eurocopter AS332L Super Puma G-BKZE at the West Navion drillship on 10 November 2001, and
– 2011-053 issued following the accident to Eurocopter EC225 LP Super Puma, G-REDU, when approaching the ETAP Central Production Facility platform on 18 February 2009.
This SD incorporates updated references to CAP 437 (Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas) and minor textual edits together with providing additional clarity on its applicability to UK registered helicopters.
Source: CAA.