History
The British Helicopter Advisory Board (BHAB) was formed in 1969 at the instigation of leading members of the UK helicopter industry who realised that it lacked a single authoritative voice speaking for the whole helicopter industry as was the case in other aviation sectors. At that time helicopter activity in support of off-shore oil exploration and production was expanding rapidly. In November 2008, the name of the BHAB was changed to the British Helicopter Association (BHA).
Mission
The BHA promotes the compliant, safe and considerate use of rotorcraft throughout the UK. Its activities are directed by a Council of Management. The BHA encourages European harmonisation through its membership of the European Helicopter Association. The BHA negotiates with government departments, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), on behalf of the industry.
Achievements
INDUSTRY TEAM WORK BRINGS RESULTS
Working in partnership with industry and trade bodies such as the European Business Aircraft Association, the British Business and General Aviation Association, and the Helicopter Club of Great Britain, the BHA has achieved remarkable results to the benefit of the entire civil rotorcraft sector.
- The total exemption of all helicopters from the government’s plan to extend Air Passenger Duty beyond the airlines to include helicopters
- The exclusion of helicopters from recent government plans to levy fuel duty on the private for pleasure use of Avtur
- The derogation of all helicopters from the new EU regulations for aviation security and the UK implementation of these that would have added substantial cost to the operations of our sector
- The joint development of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (helicopters) that is offered to members at a substantial discount and providing in return a tailored operations environment based upon safety management principles that produce improved safety levels and the potential for reduced audit frequency and insurance costs.
- The joint development of a scalable Emergency Response Procedure programme that provides operators with an assured response capability in the event of an accident. It is available to members at a substantial discount.
- Working in co-operation with the CAA, the Department for Transport, the General Aviation Alliance and industry members, the BHA negotiated a substantial review of the original aviation security restrictions planned for the 2012 Olympic Games. Through a process of measured response and dialogue with the security and regulatory authorities, the rotorcraft sector has been granted unprecedented access to restricted airspace during the period of the games.
Responding to a regulatory demand, the BHA designed and now runs a course for current and potential Flight Operations Post Holders (Chief Pilots). This two day course is run jointly by the CAA and the BHA and is offered to members free of charge. Non-members are welcome to attend but will be required to pay the course fee.
The BHA is a member of the CAA Finance Advisory Committee that monitors the industry scheme of charges in relation to the CAA's regulatory and financial performance. In 2011 the BHA negotiated the expansion of the CAA charging bands for onshore helicopters to permit a greater flexibility in aircraft operating numbers without the penalty of charges relating to a higher band.
The BHA is the voice of the UK civil helicopter industry and it needs the continuing support of the entire rotorcraft community if it is to protect our freedom to operate safely and within the appropriate regulations.
A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATE IS AVAILABLE FOR A ONE YEAR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO NEWLY FORMED OPERATORS.
