Super Puma

(a) The joint working group of the European Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”), the Federal Aviation Administration, the rotocraft industry and the Technical Oversight Group for Ageing Aircraft has considered a proposal by EASA to introduce improvements in the ability to avoid catastrophic failures of primary structures, including rotor transmission components, of helicopters. EASA intends to incorporate this amendment into its certification standard 29.517. It should do so as soon as possible.

(b) Eurocopter, the Civil Aviation Authority and EASA have not together considered methods of oil analysis of Super Puma helicopters, other than by means of a spectrographic oil analysis programme. They should do so.

(c) The traditional means by which helicopter safety is ensured is by way of rigorous maintenance procedures. Helicopter manufacturers should consider whether future research and development should focus upon whether alternative metals or other materials can be developed to reduce, or eliminate, the risk of spalling in helicopter gearboxes and thereby lessen the dependence upon maintenance procedures as the primary method of ensuring safety.