The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published an Opinion and Instruction Document concerning HTAWS for Offshore Operations.
The document’s aim is to enhance safety by mandating the use of modified Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems for all specified helicopters operating offshore in the UK.
The document proposes to amend Commission Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 as retained (and amended in UK domestic law) under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012”), Annex V, Sub-Part K, Part SPA.HOFO.160(c) extending the current equipment requirements to all specified offshore helicopters and introducing enhanced technical standards for HTAWS.
The CAA has consulted with affected aircraft and equipment manufacturers and offshore helicopter operators in connection with the new requirement. Based on the responses received, it is considered that upgraded HTAWS could be implemented in the UK offshore helicopter fleet within two years of the issue of the mandate, i.e. by 31 December 2024. Although modifications for upgrading some HTAWS equipment on some helicopter types are already available, there is no guaranteed market to allow the industry to make the investment.
Consequently, the CAA considers that it is necessary to implement the rule change now to create certainty for the affected manufacturers and operators, while allowing a suitable transition period before the requirement takes effect. In the interim period, no specified transitional arrangements are appropriate.
The CAA has set out a number of proposed legislation amendments in this document. While it is anticipated that any amendments ultimately enacted will broadly reflect the CAA’s proposals, all amendments to legislation are subject to an iterative legislation drafting process by Government lawyers.
Source: CAA.