25 May 2010

Rescue helicopter not allowed to land at hospital

8:32 pm on 25 May 2010

Civil Aviation Authority rules have forced a rescue helicopter in Taranaki to park in a paddock 10 minutes away from its base at the hospital.

CAA rules for helicopters flying in congested areas state that in the event of engine failure, they must be able to land safely or continue flying.

The Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter Trust helicopter does not meet the guidelines because it has only one engine.

Trust chair Mark Masters says the Augusta Westland AW119 Koala has a brilliant safety factor and is safer than many twin-engined helicopters.

Mr Masters says he would like some flexibility from the CAA so the trust can keep using its base while other options are being considered.

The CAA says single-engine helicopters can be flown in built-up areas when they are transporting patients with life-threatening injuries, but the risks are too high for day-to-day operations.