Changes in helicopter operation rules in the US and the UK

The US Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) issued on 20 Febr. 2014 a final rule that requires helicopter operators, including operators of air ambulances, to have stricter flight rules and procedures, improved communications, training, and additional on-board safety equipment. Accidentally, on the same day, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced a series of measures to increase the safety of offshore helicopter flights.

FAA enacts regulation to enhance ‘sterile cockpit’ rule

   The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enacted on 12 Febr. 2014 an amendment to 14 CFR Part 121, to comply with Section 307 (§ 44732) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. These provisions prohibit the use of electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, PDAs etc.) on the flight deck for personal purposes of the crew, while the aircraft is operated, i.e. from beginning of taxi (movement of the aircraft under its own power) until the aircraft is parked at the gate at the end of the flight segment (14 CFR 1.1).

Luxembourg Court of Appeals renders judgment on LUXAIR case

   The Court of Appeals of Luxembourg for criminal cases delivered on 21 Jan. 2014 its judgment on the LUXAIR accident case. The judgment concerned also civil claims brought before the criminal court for damages (mainly mental injuries and loss of beloved ones) resulted from the defendants’ criminal behavior (violation of the rules of the air and involuntary manslaughter). The Court awarded damages between 11.500 € and 130.500 € plus interest and judicial expenses.