Story ID: 
Helicopter Safety Alliance Hosts Safety Standdown
By: Alexa Rexroth
Caption: Pilots, maintainers, and managers discussed currents trends and challenges in helicopter safety.
Word Count: 226
“Safety is not something that you just do once. It’s something you build on. It’s a culture,” said Stan Rose, CEO of the Helicopter Safety Alliance (HSA). He was speaking to attendees at the group's helicopter safety standdown in Portland, Oregon, on Friday. HSA's safety standdown series is intended for helicopter pilots, maintainers, and managers of small operations.

Rose opened the event’s general session with a discussion focused on safety in small helicopter operations. Other topics included an overview of the FAA Wings and AMT programs, FAA compliance philosophy, safety management systems (SMS) for small operations, and the importance of investing in safety programs and establishing a safety culture.

“With SMS and anything we do, including continuing education, we have to be continually involved in the safety side of the work," said Rose. "Putting your money in safety culture is the best investment you can make. You have to hone safety skills every day, not just once a year.”

The program was part of a series of events the HSA holds in conjunction with local FAA Safety Teams. The events are held at no charge to participants and FAA Wings and AMT credits are available to attendees. Upcoming HSA safety standdowns are planned for May 18 (Lafayette, Louisiana); June 15 (Louisville, Kentucky); and July 20 (Kansas City, Missouri).