NTSB at Odds with FAA over New Helo Rule

It took the FAA more than three years to finalize rules affecting the commercial air-tour industry but only 14 days after their publication for the NTSB to issue a recommendation asking the agency to change the rules and require floats on all helicopters used in commercial air-tour operations over water, “regardless of the amount of time over water.” The final rule, published on February 13, states that helicopters need not be equipped with floats if that portion over water “is during takeoff or landing only.” Floats are not required if each occupant is wearing a life preserver while the helicopter is within power-off gliding distance of the shoreline.