The International Helicopter Safety Foundation has compiled data from its fifth annual survey of civil helicopter operators located in key regions around the world in order to gain a broader understanding of where crucial safety initiatives are being implemented. IHSF received more than 1,900 responses to the survey from 112 different countries. Participation in the survey increased by 49 percent compared to a year ago.

The IHSF's worldwide regional teams have analysed more than 1,000 helicopter accidents and have concluded that the following eight areas offer the best opportunities to prevent helicopter accidents:

- Structured programmes to fully comply with manufacturers' recommended maintenance practices

- A structured programme for initial and recurrent training

- The implementation of safety management systems (SMS)

- The implementation of manual health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS)

- The installation of wire strike prevention systems

- The implementation of flight data monitoring (FDM) programmes

- The implementation of automated health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS)

- The usage of night vision systems when warranted

The 2019-20 IHSF survey looked at where these best practices were followed within specific segments of the helicopter industry and within regions around the world. Overall use of these eight tools in 2019 was 65 percent. This is an increase from 62 percent in 2018 and 59 percent in 2017.

In addition, the air ambulance, offshore/oil operations and law enforcement helicopter sectors have implemented the key recommended safety practices most comprehensively compared to other industry areas. The lowest implementation occurs in personal/private flying and in the TV/radio news gathering segment of the industry.

Air ambulance was voted the safest medium, while personal/private use came up last.

Within key regions of the world, application of the best safety practices is increasing overall, but usage varies from country to country. The US is using more night vision and wire strike with less HUMS, while the UK is using more structured maintenance and less wire strike and flight data monitoring.