In a recent online poll, the National Business Aviation Association identified employee participation as “the single largest challenge to implementing an effective SMS.”
Convergent Performance, a veteran-owned small business headquartered in Colorado Springs, has developed a one-of-a-kind solution to this challenge designed to fully engage and integrate all personnel into the safety management process.
The program, called SMS Lift, is a turnkey “boxed seminar” that can be facilitated internally by safety or training personnel. This grass roots approach guides and encourages all employees to discover their roles and responsibilities within the SMS while evaluating and discussing real scenarios in a group setting. Using videos, case studies, and self-generated materials, employees are taught three levels - or “spheres” of safety influence, and how to move critical information “into the open” using their existing SMS protocols. The end result is a more informed and engaged workforce, with a clear understanding that no matter what position they hold, they are important to the long term safety of their organization and colleagues.
While some blame a lack of resources, management commitment, or complacency for the lack of employee participation in SMS to date, Convergent CEO and author Tony Kern sees it differently. “The lack of employee engagement in SMS is less a matter of leadership or apathy than it is one of understanding and respect. Put simply, many employees who don't have 'safety' in their job titles have not been shown how their actions impact the whole, or appreciated for the roles they play in the safety equation. It's time to change that. Around the globe, companies have put significant resources into creating their SMS programs, and they are only one step away from getting the traction to realize the return on their investment.”
SMS Lift energizes managers, pilots, maintainers, schedulers, dispatchers, and administrative personnel to reevaluate their critical role in the safety equation, restoring personal responsibility at the center of an existing SMS with an “all eyes” approach to integrated and comprehensive safety. Few argue the benefits of a properly implemented SMS. But even the best designed programs can end up as just a pretty binder on the shelf without employee engagement.
Convergent Customer Care Manager Kacy Speiker-Vorce states that the SMS Lift program will be available in June, but is taking preorders now at a deep introductory discount. Visit the SMS Lift webpage at www.convergentperformance.com.
Scissor Deck Helicopter Maintenance Platforms allow for work on dollies for operators with tight budgets. Adjustable outrigger legs and removable tube leg pads easily modify the Scissor Deck base.
Scissor Decks include the benefits of a deck side or end mount type 1 extension ladder. Product features include multi height adjustability, choice of open side or 4 way closing handrail systems with plenty of options to choose from including wheel choices, deck support stantions and deck padding.
The Scissor Deck industrial maintenance platform design, with US patent pending, has been developed from over 10 years of integrating customer suggestions. Scissor Deck helicopter maintenance platforms are an expanding product line having been launched in the summer of 2011 to the US and Canada. Scissor Decks are connectible spring assisted manual lift platforms, which may be joined together lineally and on 90 degree angles for continuous platforms with 500 lb capacity and safe work zone access up to 7' 5” deck height. Three models with deck lengths of 4', 5' and 6', widths of 20”to 40” allow operators plenty of room to perform maintenance functions.
Additional information on Scissor Decks may be viewed online at Scissordeck.com.
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. has selected CHC Helicopter, a leading offshore helicopter services provider, for a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to support Shell's deep-water exploration activities off the coast of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The agreement, which comes with five, one-year options, will dedicate two Eurocopter Super Puma L2 aircraft to helicopter transportation services and emergency medical evacuation capabilities in support of Shell's Noble Globetrotter II Deepwater drillship's multi-country operations. Delivery of those services begins from July 2013.
CHC has provided services in 19 different African countries for a diverse mix of customers, including oil and gas operators and the United Nations. The company operates both AgustaWestland 139 and Sikorsky 76 aircraft for ongoing rig support across multiple drilling programs.
Chris Krajewski, CHC's regional director for Africa and Euro-Asia, said his company has unmatched knowledge and operational experience in supporting such complex multi-country projects.
“We support customers in challenging oil-and-gas territories around the world, including in recent projects for EHL, Petrobras and British Gas throughout East and West Africa,”said Krajewski. “This contract reflects CHC's ability and our commitment to customers, as we help them safely go further and do more in Africa and around the world.”
He said that CHC has particular expertise in understanding and working within different national flight requirements, as well as quickly and efficiently starting up operations in support of new contracts.
DART Aerospace announces that the Rear Locker Extender that increases the baggage compartment capacity by 17” is now EASA approved for Eurocopter AS355E/F/F1/F2/N/NP aircraft.
Learn more at www.dartaerospace.com/rear-locker-extender-6699
DART Aerospace announces that the Full Emergency Litter Kit is now ANAC approved for AS350/355 aircraft.
DART's emergency litter kit transforms any AS350/355 aircraft for emergency evacuation in less than five minutes and 4 easy steps. This kit can easily be stored in the cargo compartment so it doesn't interfere with normal operations.
Lear more at www.dartaerospace.com/full-emergency-litter-kit
Vector Aerospace has announced the grand opening of its new hangar and office complex, which adds 45,000 square feet to its existing Helicopter Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Andalusia, Ala.
This expansion provides Vector with over 90,000 square feet of operations and support area and will allow Vector to service more than 20 aircraft concurrently.
The additional space will enable Vector to implement a number of Lean Manufacturing processes, which will further reduce aircraft Turn Around Time (TAT). The increased capacity and streamlined processes will also result in additional aircraft completions per year.
Vector will increase its workforce from 140 to 170 employees this year and continue to increase its direct employees to meet customers' requirements, both military and commercial, in the coming years.
Great Slave Helicopters (GSH) has taken delivery of a BK117 from the Eurocopter Canada Service Center after customization. The BK117 was originally purchased in Germany, with Eurocopter Canada performing various modifications to customize the aircraft.
Great Slave Helicopters' BK117 complements their existing fleet of 24 Eurocopter aircraft. Their extensive Eurocopter fleet consists of the following aircraft: 1 EC130 B4, 4 AS350 BA's, 13 AS350 B2's and 6 AS350 B3's.
“We are confident that the BK117 will provide GSH with the high performance twin engine aircraft that our clients have been asking for,” said Jeff Denomme, president of Great Slave Helicopters. “With the continued growth of our business we can rely on Eurocopter's track record of supplying quality products and services.”
The BK117 will join Great Slave's vast fleet of aircraft in supporting a variety of missions including mining exploration, passenger transportation, oil and gas exploration, IFR and VFR flight operations, wildlife survey and ecological tourism, aerial geophysics and environmental impact surveys, aerial construction and precision external load applications, utility construction and maintenance, and emergency response, air ambulance and remote medevac emergency response.
“Great Slave Helicopters' BK117 retrofit by our Service Center sends a positive message for Eurocopter Canada's service record,” said Guy Joannes, president and CEO, ECL. “This particular aircraft has endured the test of time and will continue to support a range of missions for operators across Canada for years to come.”
The BK117 family of twin'engine aircraft has a global reputation for being both reliable and extremely versatile. Over 300 BK117 are still flying in the world, perfectly suited for the most demanding multi-purpose mission requirements, the BK117 has seen more than 440 deliveries worldwide and has accumulated more than 2.7 million flight hours by 125 operators.
One of the custom modifications completed for Great Slave Helicopters'BK117 was to remove the EMS interior and convert it into a passenger transport cabin. This will allow Great Slave to perform various missions with more interior cabin space while still permitting the interior to be reinstalled for EMS missions when required.
Eurocopter Canada's Service Center capabilities include customizations, retrofits, avionics repairs, complete system upgrades, pilot static system certification, transponder integration/correlation checks, modifications, optional equipment installations for the EC120, EC130 and AS350 as well as, the ability to perform inspections for the AS350, AS355, EC120, EC135, BO105 and BK117. ECL offers a range of industry leading inspection, repair and overhaul capabilities for the full range of Eurocopter helicopters, with guaranteed turn-around times and cost efficiency.
Ornge, Ontario's provider of air ambulance and related services, announced that two surplus AW139 helicopters have been sold. The selling price was $20 million USD for two aircraft, or $10 million per helicopter.
“With the sale of these helicopters, Ornge has taken another important step in addressing legacy issues inherited from previous leadership,” said Dr. Andrew McCallum, president and CEO of Ornge. “Our objective has been to recoup as much of the original investment as possible. With this sale, we will no longer incur ongoing storage, maintenance and depreciation costs. We are confident that this is a deal which makes sense and minimizes impact on the taxpayer.”
Ornge has completed the sale of both aircraft and transferred title to Wilmington Trust of Delaware. The proceeds will be used to pay down Ornge debt.
In 2008, the previous management at Ornge purchased 10 AW139 helicopters, and later exercised an option in the contract to purchase two additional helicopters at a price of approximately $11 million USD per aircraft. Ornge has been actively seeking a buyer for the two aircraft since new leadership was established in January 2012.
Ornge has made a number of improvements over the past year, including the appointment of McCallum as the new president and CEO, and aviation executive Rob Giguere as chief operating officer. Ornge has also improved the patient relations process, hired a patient advocate, and introduced new conflict of interest and whistleblower policies.
Richmond-based Helijet International continues to firmly develop its presence in the Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii region of British Columbia's North Coast.
Helijet announced it has secured four-year air service agreements with two significant BC sport fishing lodges located in the Whale Channel and Caamano Sound regions of the Central Coast of British Columbia.
Together, the service contracts are valued at over $3.5 million. Helijet will provide summer-season service to these resort locations utilizing two twin-engine Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, which will be operated and maintained by a Helijet team based at Shearwater, adjacent to the Bella Bella Airport.
The 13-passenger helicopters will fly guests and supplies to and from these remote lodge locations, which are situated along some of most beautiful and rugged wilderness regions of BC's west coast. The S-76 helicopters will also be available for general charter to other clients at times when they're not committed to serve Helijet's lodge clients.
Helijet president and CEO Danny Sitnam says, “The opportunity to present our team's service delivery and safety standards to our recently partnered clients, demonstrates Helijet's ongoing ability to provide the safest and most efficient air transport solutions in one of Canada's most scenic and rugged environments, all the while supporting the sport fishing industry.”
Helijet has become a leading air service provider on BC's north coast, now providing a significant fleet of single and twin engine helicopters for a total of 14 world renowned sport fishing and ecotourism lodge resorts operating in the Haida Gwaii islands and north-central Coast of BC.
Helijet International is a Canadian-owned company, North America's largest scheduled helicopter service carrying over two million passengers in the past 25 years. In addition to its scheduled and charter services, Helijet is a major service provider of dedicated medically equipped helicopters for the Province of British Columbia and serves numerous private medical assist service clients.
Ledcor Air Limited has received regulatory approvals to acquire the operations, business and assets of Trinity Helicopters Ltd. as a going concern. Moving forward, the operation will do business as Summit Helicopters. Regulatory approvals are also in place for a full merger of Arctic Sunwest Charters and Summit Air Charters, which will operate as one business under the new brand Summit Air.
Summit Air and Summit Helicopters are launching new websites, www.summitair.net and www.summithelicopters.ca, which will be followed by a full suite of rebranded aircraft, hangars and other branded materials. Summit Air and Summit Helicopters will continue to be based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
“We can now offer vertical lift capabilities and fixed wing operations, providing passenger and cargo services that will be unique in the North,” said Paul McElligott, President, Ledcor Air Limited. “Customers will now have access to one of the most diverse fleets of aircraft, with exemplary safety standards and reliable quality service.”
Ledcor Air Limited, a member of the Ledcor Group of Companies, concluded a definitive agreement to purchase the operations of Trinity Helicopters, subject to regulatory approval, in January 2013 and Arctic Sunwest Charters in August 2012. Summit Air has been operating out of Yellowknife for over twenty years and was purchased by Ledcor in 2009.
Summit Helicopters and Summit Air are pleased to announce the following Yellowknife-based Executive appointments:
- Myles Cane, Vice President Operations , Summit Air
- Thom Pilgrim, Vice President Operations, Summit Helicopters
Executives supporting both entities include:
- Rob Carroll, Vice President, Business Development
- Jay Dilley, Vice President, Business Services
A finance executive, yet to be appointed, will also support both entities.
Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. has chosen its fourth Eurocopter AStar aircraft, an AS350 B3e, to support a variety of utility and transport missions throughout Alberta and British Columbia, including long-lining, sling operations, fire suppression, heli-torch operations, air ambulance services, seismic operations, mining exploration, and heli-skiing - as well as private and corporate charter services.
“The AS350 B3e's incredible adaptability and reputation in the Canadian utility market made it the clear choice when selecting an aircraft”, said Kim Hyllestad, president, Hy-Ridge Helicopters Ltd. “We require the most powerful and technologically advanced aircraft available to grow our business and satisfy our customers' needs.”
Guy Joannes, president & CEO, Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL), said: “Hy-Ridge Helicopters' acquisition of the AS350 B3e is an excellent fit for the company as this reliable and increasingly popular aircraft is known best for its combination of performance and flexibility. The AS350 B3e will certainly support Hy-Ridge Helicopters' in their current endeavors and for years to come.”
Hy-Ridge Helicopters' has selected numerous Eurocopter Canada optional equipment for the new AS350 B3e, including the 7 Place Interior. This consists of a composite-structure 2 Place Forward Passenger Seat on the right-hand side of the cockpit, as well as the Left-hand Pilot Installation and Battery Relocation. The 7 Place Interior increases passenger capacity, visibility of load during cargo sling operations and improved cabin space.
Additional Eurocopter Canada options for the AS350 B3e include; High-Visibility Doors and Skylight Windows to increase visibility for pilot and passengers, Squirrel Cheeks to increase the cargo load capacity by 70 percent and Longline Release, Settling Protectors and Litter Kit for utility mission support. Other optional equipment installed on the aircraft include; Cargo Swing with Fuel Drain Guard as well as, Dual Hydraulics and Customized Com-Nav Avionics Package.
The AS350 B3e is powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine including a new generation dual digital engine control system (FADEC), backed up with one independent control system for automatic start-up sequences and care-free engine handling. This modern engine has an increased reliability and decreased maintenance costs and is fitted with an Engine Data Recorder.
The AS350 B3e offers a new elegant cabin, increasing passenger comfort. Thanks to its versatile flat floored cabin, the AS350 B3e can be quickly and easily reconfigured for all types of missions, from utility and heavy load transportation to medical evacuation, SAR, law enforcement and passenger transportation.
