Safety Management Through Flight Data Monitoring

Tuesday, March 5 | | 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N253
Safety Management Track

Members of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team and Global HFDM Community will provide a brief introduction to the concept of flight data monitoring (FDM), as well as the history of its use. More importantly, the presenters will reveal why FDM is an essential part of a safety management system (SMS) and how it can positively impact the safety culture of an organization.

Learning Objectives/Benefits

The participant should walk away with a basic understanding of the principles of FDM, its “interaction” with a proactive SMS program, benefits of an effective FDM program, and ideas and resources for implementation.

Instructors

Stuart Lau is an aviation safety consultant based in Louisville, KY. His primary focus is centered on the development and implementation of safety programs such as flight operational quality assurance. His professional aviation career spans more than 25 years, and his vision is to bring data analysis to the next level to enhance flight safety by supporting flight operations, training, and maintenance programs. Currently, Lau is a core member of the IHST. He has contributed to the development of the IHST’s HFDM Toolkit, made several industry presentations on helicopter FDM programs, and specializes in implementing integrated SMS/FDM programs with smaller operators.

Paul Spring is the founder and president of Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc., based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Phoenix operates a fleet of Eurocopter singles and light twins in the charter sector, serving a wide variety of customers from film to fire fighting. Phoenix also supports the local emergency services providing health emergency medical services, search and rescue, and policing flights for the vast region of NE Alberta. Phoenix has been using HFDM since 2008 to ensure safety, quality, and accountability for its passengers and shareholders. As a pilot, aviation medical examiner, and business owner, Spring will share examples how HFDM has saved him money and elevated his company to the same level as large international operators.