Guidance around winter operations specific to helicopters
Operators are required to ensure that their aircraft are safe for the intended flight and that the crew are prepared for conditions that they can reasonably expect to encounter. It is important that operators ensure that all those involved with aircraft operations are kept up to date with information concerning winter operations.
In addition to the obvious need for the crew to be appropriately dressed in order to carry out duties such as the pre-flight inspection, flying in winter conditions can increase the risk of unplanned landings or diversions. Even on a short flight, a forced landing due to adverse weather could put the passengers and crew into uncomfortable conditions very quickly. Consideration should be given to the carriage of such equipment as thermal blankets and high-energy foods.
The following are also considered to be significant issues: