With strong support from the Chilean Association of Helicopters (ACHHEL) and experts from across the industry, the Helicopter Safety Team of Chile (HST-Chile) has been formed with a focus to reduce accidents and enhance safety.

The team includes representatives from authorities, civilian and governmental helicopter operators, and commercial and private pilots. HST-Chile's leadership includes Loreto Moraga (ACHHEL) as president, Enrique Helfmann (ACHHEL) as executive secretary and Fernando Perez (Airbus) as coordinator.

The team’s initial effort involves the creation of seven working groups aimed at improving safety in key areas where helicopter accidents occur. The working group topics are: training; HEMS; maintenance; firefighting flight operations; mountain operations; turbulent atmosphere and passenger transportation.

In addition to the working groups, HST-Chile will continue to make use of safety education materials developed by the International Helicopter Safety Foundation and its affiliates in South America, North America and Europe.