Switzerland Limits Platforms Use

The Swiss civil aviation authority (OFAC) has restricted the use of mobile landing platforms for helicopters with skids. From now on, only operators and pilots with “sufficient guarantees” will be allowed to use such ground equipment. Pilots must be experienced and properly trained. Meanwhile, platforms must be “technically suited.” In June, a Heliswiss-operated Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil was landing on such a platform when the platform started to move, resulting in an accident. The pilot was unharmed. OFAC said the helicopter “slipped” on the platform. (Video at www.liveleak.com/view?i=2b5_1214007620)