HeliOffshore Launches Version 4 of its Flight Path Management Recommended Practices
HeliOffshore, the global offshore helicopter safety association, has today released Version 4 of its Flight Path Management (FPM) Recommended Practices.
Developed in consultation with the FPM Working Group and HeliOffshore’s worldwide membership, this latest edition reinforces the association’s commitment to collaboration and advancing safety best practices.
What’s New in Version 4?
The new edition builds on earlier versions with enhanced guidance in key areas:
Expanded recommendations for offshore stabilised approaches
Updated automation guidance
New recommendations for conducting Offshore Standard Approach Procedures (OSAPs) and operating to moving helidecks
Refined layout to improve ease of use
Threat and Error Management (TEM) and Surprise and Startle briefing sheets
This guidance aligns operational practices with HeliOffshore’s accident prevention goals, as defined in the HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model (SPM), and outlines seven key elements essential to safe offshore flight operations:
Monitoring procedures
Briefings
Energy state management
Use of automation
Departure procedures
Stabilised approaches
Go-around management
The updated recommendations target critical risks identified in HeliOffshore’s global safety performance data. The HeliOffshore Safety Performance Report highlighted Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) events as two of the three most common causes of fatal offshore helicopter accidents over the last 11 years.
Mismanagement of approach paths remains a significant factor in these incidents. Stabilised approach principles, proven effective in preventing offshore approach accidents, form the foundation of this updated guidance.
Tim Rolfe, Chief Executive Officer, HeliOffshore, said, “The latest edition of our FPM Recommended Practice is a powerful example of what we achieve through global collaboration. By listening to feedback from our members and building on lessons learned, this update reflects the best technical expertise in our industry. Thank you to all who contributed.”
Jim Evans, Operations Director of HeliOffshore, said, “Version 4 ensures our recommended practices address the realities of offshore operations. The refined guidance on stabilised approaches, automation, and operational challenges – such as operating to moving helidecks – provides practical solutions to enhance safety in the most demanding environments.”
Version 4 of the Flight Path Management Recommended Practice is now available to download here. HeliOffshore will also release an updated Flight Path Management Implementation Toolkit to help members align their operations with the new recommendations. Members will be updated once the toolkit becomes available.