Risk Management Magazine

Unmanned aircraft systems have many built-in procedural safety checks similar to manned aviation, such as system limitations, environmental factors and airspace deconfliction methods. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of the aircraft and aircrew operating in the same area of operations.

It was a fairly straight-forward, routine mission. Weather for the time of flight was forecast as visual flight rules with the possibility of light snow showers en route. Everything indicated it was a good day to fly.

Crew coordination is essential to preserving lives and resources. During an overwater hoist rescue, our standardized methods of verbal and non-verbal communication eliminated confusion and reduced delays in getting survivors to safety.