Helicopter probe

THE UK parliament’s transport select committee is holding a public evidence session in Aberdeen on Monday as part of its investigation into offshore helicopter safety.

Following the fatal Super Puma crash off Shetland in August last year the committee decided to look closely at the sector.

The session at Aberdeen University will be chaired by Louise Ellman MP.

She said: “Helicopter accidents in the offshore sector is a major cause for concern.

“After the events of last summer involving helicopter fatalities off the Shetland Isles, the Committee decided to look closely at what might be done to curb the risks that offshore workers face from helicopter transport.

“We are coming to Aberdeen to hear from workers themselves, oil and gas firms, helicopter manufacturers, operators and pilots.”

Invited to give evidence are:

• Luke Farajallah, Managing Director, Bond Offshore Helicopters
• Duncan Trapp, Vice President, Safety and Quality, CHC Helicopter
• Mike Imlach, Director, Bristow Helicopters
• Steve Todd, National Secretary, RMT
• Captain Colin Milne, Chairman of BALPA’s Helicopter Affairs Committee
• Gilles Bruniaux, Vice President, Fleet Safety, Airbus Helicopters
• Robert Paterson, Health, Safety and Employment Issues Director, Oil & Gas UK.