We are pleased to inform you that EUROCAE WG-110 “Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS)” has been created.
WG-110 will develop MOPS for Class A Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS), analogous to fixed wing TSO-C151 Class A TAWS, in support of offshore helicopter operations. The justification for the tasking includes:
• Class A HTAWS is mandated for new aircraft first registered after 31 December 2018 under Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1199 of 22 July 2016 (SPA.HOFO.160(c)). This mandate may be extended to additional aircraft by EASA Rulemaking Task RMT.0708. The MOPS are required to form the basis of a technical standard to support the air operating rule mandate.
• It has been demonstrated that Class A HTAWS (provided with the “Classic Modes” defined in UK CAA CAP 1519) can provide a significant (four major accidents in UK operations alone could have been avoided) and very cost-effective (of the order of $20k per aircraft) improvement in the safety of offshore helicopter operations, and would address a number of UK AAIB Safety Recommendations. The MOPS will promote and facilitate the introduction of appropriate HTAWS. The focus of the WG will be on offshore helicopter operations.