Helicopters are extremely versatile, with a small footprint and agility that gives the ability to operate from smaller, remote locations such as Helicopter Landing Sites and Ship or Superyacht flight decks, where a fixed-wing aircraft cannot. However, they have their own risks and support requirements that must be understood to operate safely.
Helicopters are extremely versatile, with a small footprint and agility that gives the ability to operate from smaller, remote locations such as Helicopter Landing Sites and Ship or Superyacht flight decks, where a fixed-wing aircraft cannot. However, they have their own risks and support requirements that must be understood to operate safely.
Our team of ex-military engineers, aircrew and operators have great experience operating both Military and Civilian Helicopters from airfields, deployed bases and Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. The team includes Chartered Engineers with Continuing and Type Airworthiness experience, aircrew (pilots, observers and mission system operators) and airfield/flight deck operations professionals.
Collectively, our team brings hands-on experience in supporting military helicopters throughout their lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal.
One of our key strengths is the integration of helicopters into military shipping and commercial helidecks, ensuring safe and efficient operations across diverse environments.
The helicopter must have a robust Air System Safety Case underpinned by Type Airworthiness evidence that it meets the appropriate certification requirement for its intended use. This case must also address the Continuing Airworthiness needs for maintenance, repair and upgrade to ensure it remains safe in service, as well as appropriate training and operating procedures to operate it safely.
The facilities provided at the operating location must also be carefully assessed so that they match the helicopter’s size and usage. We understand and can assess or apply the civil and military regulations for airfields and landing sites, including the unique requirements for operating helicopters at sea.
Certification and Airworthiness
Air System Safety Cases
Air Safety Management Systems
Ship Air Integration
Aircraft, including helicopters, must demonstrate they have met appropriate airworthiness standards for certification by the Military Airworthiness Authority. Military Standards are defined in Def Stan 00-970, but increasingly use is made of recognised commercial standards from the CAA, EASA or FAA, such as CS-27 or CS-29 for small and large rotorcraft, respectively, with the Defence Standard only needed for military differences.
Safeguard Engineering can help equipment suppliers understand MoD requirements and assist suppliers and Type Airworthiness Authorities with the presentation of appropriate evidence, such as Type Airworthiness Safety Assessment (TASA), to meet certification requirements during acquisition. Our team have experience working in the Defence Equipment and Support Helicopters Operating Centre as Equipment and Systems Authorities authorised with Letters of Airworthiness Authority.
Duty Holders need to demonstrate through Air System Safety Cases that they have considered all Defence Lines of Development to support the safe operation of their aircraft. In addition to airworthiness, they need to demonstrate that the helicopters will be maintained to the same standard in service and that maintenance teams and aircrew are suitably trained, and that there are safe operating processes and policies. The operating locations and facilities, such as landing aids and air traffic management are also important elements of this assessment.
We have experience of drafting and updating Duty Holder Air System Safety Cases to reflect the Continuing Airworthiness and Operating arrangements that are in place and presenting appropriate Safety Claims, Arguments and Evidence.
Safe operating arrangements are underpinned by Safety Management Systems (following MAA guidance in the Manual of Air Safety) that provide assurance of the arrangements and ensure lessons are learned from incidents, accidents or near misses.
Safeguard Engineering can audit, assess and update Air Safety Management Systems against MAA requirements to ensure continued compliance with MAA Regulatory Article RA1200 Air Safety Management Systems.
Operating helicopters from ships is a uniquely challenging activity, whether in the military or civilian domain. Each domain has its own set of regulations, policies and standards specified by either the Military or Civilian Aviation Authorities or recognised flag states.
Safeguard Engineering specialise in military Ship Air Integration and commercial helideck certification. We have advised the MoD and commercial dockyards on the design of aviation arrangements, facilities and equipment for ships and superyachts. We have experience in inspecting these arrangements and producing safety reports and documentation to support certification. Safeguard Helidecks is an Approved Inspection Body for the issue of Helicopter Landing Area Certificates.
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