The HeliOffshore safety association has appointed Jim Evans as operations director. He will be responsible for directing operational workstream activities targeting the key safety priorities outlined in HeliOffshore's Safety Performance Model, as well as devising and delivering actions to support improvements in frontline safety performance.

Evans has over 5,000 hours of flight time from his 20 year career as a rotary pilot. He served as a pilot for the British Army Air Corps from 2003 to 2008 and then spent eight years as a pilot in the offshore aviation industry. Jim held the role of offshore helicopter captain at Bristow Group before joining Babcock International as a pilot and flight safety officer, where he was responsible for flight safety at one of the operator's southern North Sea bases.

Most recently, he has held the positions of helicopter captain and operations officer for a range of VVIP helicopter services, including four years as a pilot for The Queen's Helicopter Flight.

Chief executive Tim Rolfe says: “We're thrilled Jim has joined the HeliOffshore team. Within our constantly evolving sector, our mission remains to provide evidence-based direction for safety leaders as we preserve and improve the safety performance of offshore helicopter and UAV operations. Jim's extensive aviation experience and operational expertise from a broad range of roles, with a strong focus on flight safety, will be a huge asset as we continue our work to reduce safety risks in offshore aviation.”

Evans adds: “Safety has always underpinned my experience in aviation. I'm eager to put my first-hand offshore experience to effective use in delivering HeliOffshore's mission. I'm particularly looking forward to engaging with stakeholders across the industry to further encourage the sharing of best practice and continue our journey of continuous development in driving excellence in safety.”