The FAA is updating its inspector guidance to lay the groundwork for new training requirements for helicopter air ambulance pilots and other personnel. The draft guidance, open for comment through January 7, follows the Feb. 20, 2014 release of a sweeping new rule designed to improve the safety of helicopter operations involved emergency medical services.  While focused on EMS, that rule also included provisions extending to other Part 135 helicopter operations.

The draft guidance addresses three main aspects of the February 20 rule, including specialized training for the EMS helicopter pilots. Along with the EMS training provision, the guidance covers testing provisions for all Part 135 helicopter pilots for competency when encountering flat-light, whiteout and brownout conditions.

A third area of the new guidance covers the requirement for helicopter air ambulances to establish operational control centers for operations with 10 or more helicopters beginning April 22, 2016. Under the new requirements, operational control specialists must undergo an FAA-approved initial training program and pass a knowledge and practical test. The guidance covers the evaluation of the training, checking and records to ensure compliance with the new requirements.