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<p>In 2014 the CAA published a comprehensive strategic safety review of offshore public
transport helicopter operations in support of the exploitation of oil and gas. Following
this review the CAA announced a series of measures to increase the safety of offshore
helicopter flights. These measures included:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Prohibiting helicopter
flights in the most severe sea conditions, so that the chance of a ditched helicopter
capsizing is reduced and a rescue can be safely undertaken.</li><li>Pending further
safety improvements to helicopters, passengers will only be able to fly if they are
seated next to an emergency window exit to make it easier to get out of a helicopter
in an emergency (unless helicopters are fitted with extra flotation devices or passengers
are provided with better emergency breathing systems).</li><li>Requiring all passengers
to have better emergency breathing equipment to increase underwater survival time
unless the helicopter is equipped with side floats.</li></ul><p><em> </em></p><p>Following
the fatal accident of a H225 helicopter in Norway in April 2016, two helicopter types,
popularly known as Super Pumas, were restricted from being used commercially by UK
and Norwegian operators. The restrictions have been lifted after receiving extensive
information from the Norwegian accident investigators and being satisfied with the
subsequent changes introduced by Airbus Helicopters through detailed assessment and
analysis. The CAA would not have made this decision unless they were convinced that
the changes to the helicopters and their maintenance restore the required airworthiness
standards.</p><p> </p><p>The CAA continues to work with the helicopter operators,
the offshore industries, international regulators, unions and pilot representatives
to enhance offshore safety standards still further.</p>
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