IFALPA HEL Committee Meeting
IFALPA’s specialist committee addressing global helicopter operational, training and regulatory issues. The recent meeting (Madrid, 1–2 November 2025) marked a return to in person engagement, hosted by SEPLA. The next meeting is scheduled for Montreal, 22–23 September 2026.
HELCOM works closely with ICAO panels (including PTLP and FLTPOPSP) to influence:
- Helicopter FM guidance
- All Weather Operations Manual development
- Technical Crew Member definitions in global regulations
ICAO Projects Underway
PTLP – Pilot Training and Licensing Panel (ICAO) - This ICAO panel is responsible for developing Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and guidance material relating to pilot training, licensing and competency frameworks. Current work includes helicopter specific guidance for:
- CBT (Competency Based Training): Training structured around demonstrated competencies rather than hours based progression.
- EBT (Evidence Based Training): Data driven recurrent training focused on real operational risks and accident trends rather than prescriptive manoeuvre sets.
FLTPOPSP – Flight Operations Panel (ICAO) - This ICAO panel is responsible for operational standards (Annex 6) and associated guidance material for flight operations. Current helicopter related work includes:
- Technical Crew Member - A proposed codified ICAO definition covering non pilot operational crew performing safety critical tasks (e.g., hoist operators, aircrewmen). This work is nearing finalisation at ICAO level.
- All Weather Operations (Helicopter Supplement) - Helicopter specific guidance addressing operations in reduced visibility and instrument conditions, recognising rotary wing capability differences. Terms include:
- PINs – Point in Space (PinS) Approaches: IFR approaches designed for helicopters terminating at a defined point, from which the pilot proceeds visually to landing.
- ARA – Airspace Risk Assessment: Structured assessment of risks associated with specific airspace design or procedures.
- Low Level IFR: Instrument flight conducted at lower altitudes than typical fixed wing en route structures, common in helicopter EMS and offshore operations.
- ENR 0.1: Section of the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) outlining general en route rules and procedures for a State.
- “Proceed Visually” / “Proceed VMC”: Operational instructions allowing transition from instrument guidance to visual reference, subject to visibility and cloud clearance requirements.
- Rotary Specific Risk Assessment Guidance - Guidance tailored to helicopter operational hazards (e.g., wire strike, offshore platforms, confined areas), distinct from fixed wing risk profiles.
- New Job Card – Technology & Equipment Review: An ICAO work item mandating broad evaluation of technological safety enhancements for helicopters, potentially including:
- Mandatory Transponder Class: Standardised transponder performance requirements.
- ADS B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast): Satellite based surveillance technology improving traffic visibility and ATC tracking