HeliOffshore Releases New Recommended Practice on Flight Operations Observation Programmes
Today HeliOffshore published its new Flight Operations Observation Programme (FOOP) Recommended Practice, which aims to provide practical guidance on the implementation of observation programmes for the offshore industry.
Observation-based safety programmes have been widely used in other aviation sectors to provide insight into how crews manage threats and errors during normal operations, and identify safety risks and opportunities for improvement. However, their application in offshore helicopter operations presents unique challenges, including aircraft size, payload constraints and operational complexity.
The Recommended Practice sets out clear, practical advice to support the implementation of Flight Operations Observation Programmes as a safety tool tailored specifically to offshore helicopter operations. It outlines how operators can use both in-person and camera-based observation methods to capture meaningful safety data and translate this into improvements in procedures, training, and operational performance.
Developed in collaboration with the HeliOffshore FOOP Workgroup, alongside other industry stakeholders and subject matter experts, the Recommended Practice reflects a shared commitment to strengthening safety through better understanding of everyday operations.
The paper sets out:
The role of FOOP as a proactive, data-driven safety initiative based on observing real-world operations.
Guidance on implementing FOOP, with the recommended characteristics and workflow for both LOSA (in-person) programmes and Cockpit Camera Observation methods in offshore environments
Operational considerations, including selecting a FOOP Observer Team, Observer training, and data governance.
Key principles for ensuring effective, non-punitive, and confidential data collection.
Integration with existing safety systems such as SMS and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM).
Implementation challenges and success factors, including management commitment and workforce engagement.
Jim Evans, Operations Director, HeliOffshore, said:
“Strengthening our understanding of how operations are conducted in real-world conditions is key to improving safety. This Recommended Practice will help our members to apply flight observation programmes in a consistent and practical way, ensuring that insights from everyday operations are used to enhance safety and performance across the industry.”
To support implementation, HeliOffshore has developed an Implementation Toolkit, enabling operators to conduct a structured gap analysis between their current procedures and the recommendations outlined in the RP. This will be available to members through the HeliOffshore data site.
The report is available on the HeliOffshore website here.