MD Helicopters Putting Its Words Into Action

In response to recommendations of the joint industry/government International Helicopter Safety Team, MD Helicopters will include as standard equipment on all its aircraft wire-strike protection systems, cockpit voice and video recorders, health and usage monitoring systems and terrain awareness warning systems starting next year. In addition, the Mesa, Ariz.-based helicopter manufacturer said it will “make available a ’safety kit’ and support to retrofit all existing aircraft.” The International Helicopter Safety Team was formed recently by the FAA, American Helicopter Society and Helicopter Association International to facilitate safety improvements in the rotorcraft industry. It has set a goal of reducing helicopter accidents by 80 percent over the next five years.