Helicopter Operations (HEL)
Representing the helicopter pilot perspective
Helicopter operations span some of the most demanding and varied environments in aviation, from offshore transport to emergency medical services, search and rescue, and aerial work. IFALPA’s work ensures that the unique operational realities of helicopter flying are fully represented in international standards, policy development, and industry decision‑making.
Through active engagement with ICAO panels, cross‑committee collaboration within IFALPA, and close coordination with Member Associations, IFALPA’s helicopter experts bring the professional helicopter pilot perspective to issues of safety, training, operations, and regulation. This work addresses both the shared challenges of the wider aviation system and those that are specific to rotary‑wing operations, helping to ensure that global requirements remain practical, effective, and safety‑focused.
Flight Deck Ergonomics
Role of Professional Helicopter Pilots
Professional helicopter pilots routinely operate in complex, high‑risk environments that demand advanced skills, sound judgement, and a deep understanding of aircraft performance and human limitations. IFALPA’s activities highlight the critical contribution of these pilots to aviation safety by advocating for standards, guidance, and regulations that recognise the breadth of helicopter operations, protect training and competency requirements, and ensure the pilot voice is heard as technology, operational models, and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.
Latest Publications
Wind Turbines
The drive to renewable energy continues to gather pace worldwide. A significant portion of this energy production will come from
Helicopter Emergency Flotation Systems
Emergency Flotation Systems (EFS) are designed to keep the helicopter upright for enough time to allow egress from the helicopter
Helicopter Crash Resistant Fuel Systems
Fuel systems for helicopters that are able to withstand the impact forces of a crash is essential to improving the
Helicopter Flight Deck Ergonomics
Helicopter flight crew fatigue has a number of causal factors which are common to all flight crews, however, the helicopter
Helicopter Flight Deck Ergonomics
This Briefing Leaflet expands on IFALPA Position Paper 18POS01 addressing helicopter flight deck ergonomics. Fatigue and physical discomfort have a
Dropping of explosives from helicopters
As an organization aiming to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide, IFALPA is opposed to the dropping of
Meet the Team
Capt. Matthew Nielsen
VIEW MORE
Capt. Nielsen operates as a Pilot in Charge and Search and Rescue Commander on the AW139, supporting oil and gas operations in Western Australia. He has conducted flight training, utility, marine pilot transfer, offshore support, and SAR operations throughout the ASIA/PAC region.
Capt. David Abad
Capt. Stacey Jackson
VIEW MORE
Captain Jackson flies B737s NG/MAX for WestJet, based in Toronto, Canada. She is an IFALPA-Accredited Accident Investigator, an Accident Investigation course Instructor and a member of the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) for ALPA International. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Accident Investigation and Response Committee for the WestJet ALPA MEC. She is a Subject Matter Expert in Human Factors and is completing a PhD in Aerospace with a focus in emergency egress and cabin safety centered design.