US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST)
Monthly Safety Report
July 2026
USHST Vision: A civil registered helicopter community without fatal accidents
US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) Calendar Year Metrics
The USHST’s 5-year goals for 2025-2029 are based on individual, 14 CFR Operating Parts, tracked by the 5-year average fatal accident rates per 100K hours.
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14 CFR Part
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Baseline, CY2018-2022 (per 100K hours)
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Goal, CY2025-2029 (per 100K hours)
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Progress, CY2021-2025 (per 100K hours)
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|
91
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0.81
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0.73 (10% reduction)
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0.47
|
|
133
|
1.73
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1.56 (10% reduction)
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0.78
|
|
135
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0.33
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0.17 (50% reduction)
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0.43
|
|
137
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1.11
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1.00 (10% reduction)
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1.12
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USHST uses the following as conditions for the fatal accidents included in rate calculations: U.S. registered aircraft, operating in the U.S./U.S. territories (includes offshore), not operating as Public Aircraft (public use).
Helicopter - Safety Enhancement (H-SE) Details
H-SE 2023-05, Training on effects of adverse wind situations.
Given that it is not currently possible to provide rotorcraft pilots with an indicator that shows an impending loss of lift, this H-SE seeks to promote effective training solutions for pilot decision-making and more effective risk assessment during operations.
Project:
• Define Adverse Wind situations in terms of the individual operator (include single pilot, and operation specific considerations).
• Promote knowledge base criteria and training strategies for effective risk management and decision making when operating at low airspeeds in vertical flight regimes.
• Improve mentoring by engaging trainers and operators who have operational experience in these areas and are willing to act as champions of best practices. The intent is help the individual or organization being mentored to gain the knowledge and skill to establish effective decision making and safety in their own operations.
Helicopter Safety OUTREACH events:
· Salute to Excellence 2027
· Episode 61: Organizing EMS For Safety and Success (w/ Paul Ward)
· Always Put Your Flightpath First (The Rotorcraft Collective)
· A Pilot's Guide to Weather—FAASTeam Notice
· Fly Safe Campaign: Maintain safe distance from obstacles, stay aware
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Please refer to USHST.org to view this entire safety report and its Calendar Year Metrics.
For any questions regarding the information within this notice please contact Clarke Pleasants, Assistant Professor of Aerospace, MTSU, at 615-898-2054 or email at clarke.pleasants@mtsu.edu
