iPads, GPS, and their smart phone cousins have become a familiar part of our daily lives including airplane and helicopter cockpits. Much can be said for the advantages that these devices can bring to our operations. Technically, they can replace our paper charts, display weather, file flight plans, and provide real time GPS data and more. Unfortunately, the addition of these new devices can present a steep learning curve and should be approached carefully in order to prevent it from becoming a fatal distraction rather than an asset.

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Flightglobal - Australia's safety watchdog has warned that Robinson R44 helicopters that do not receive a fuel tank upgrade will be grounded from 30 April.

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The European helicopter Safety Team published on March 22nd their latest Safety Leaflet "HE5 - Risk Management in Training for Helicopter Pilots and Instructors."

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The Greater Washington Business Aviation Association is pleased to announce that its 7th annual safety standdown will be held on Thursday, May 16, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia.

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pressassociation.com - Air accident investigators have urged helicopter manufacturers to amend flight manuals to include details of features that could hamper any crash locator system. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) made the recommendation following an inquiry into two helicopter ditchings in the North Sea less than six months apart.

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 news.stv.tv - A North Sea helicopter was shutdown on a Shell oil platform after an alarm in the cockpit was activated.

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As a continued emphasis on rotorcraft and icing conditions, the FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerting owners and operators of turboshaft-powered rotorcraft of the possibility of inflight engine loss of power due to the ingestion of ice and/or snow.

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The FAA has issued a change in rating for repair stations that maintain night vision goggles. This notice explains to airworthiness aviation safety inspectors a different rating.

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A recent analysis of flight operations data identified an increase in manual handling errors. The Federal Aviation Administration believes maintaining and improving the knowledge and skills for manual flight operations is necessary for safe flight operations.

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ATC is sharing a Briefing Sheet, normally issued only to airline pilots, to General Aviation pilots as well. ATC wishes that pilots are aware of the problems caused by not reading back their call sign.

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