The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod has not only increased safety in New England as the service’s only aviation unit based in the region but has had “far-reaching effects” throughout the USCG, according to Helicopter Association International (HAI).
In recognition of these efforts, HAI is honoring the Air Station Cape Cod with the 2022 Salute to Excellence in Safety Award.
HAI credited the service with fostering a strong reporting culture through its in-depth analysis following mishaps. In the past fiscal year alone, the unit tapped into the expertise of its safety department on 70 occasions and the results have led to recommendations for both unit and fleetwide changes.
In one past effort, the safety department discovered electromagnetic interference (EMI) after crews had encountered erroneous radar altimeter readings of 70 to 100 feet above true altitude while practicing instrument approaches to water at night.
While engineering solutions were implemented, the safety department also highlighted procedural safeguards for crews in the MH-60 aircraft flight manual and led an effort to increase awareness across USCG helicopter operations.
“This invaluable exchange of information following a near-catastrophic mishap is one of many examples in which sharing lessons learned and potential equipment vulnerabilities has sparked training and safety-related discussions within Coast Guard units across the country,” HAI said.
The Air Station also has implemented a tiered approach to training that spans the classroom, mishap exercises, and full-scale drills.
In addition, the safety department has partnered with Cape Cod Gateway Airport on a triennial mass-casualty incident drill that brought together aviation stakeholders and first responders to enhance readiness for a potential major mishap.