Slide 2 OST 07-1 Use of Headsets JAR-OPS 3 OST WP HSST WP-06/15.3

Slide 3 OST 07-1 Draft NPA Proposal to amend JAR-OPS 3 for the purpose of introducing a new requirement for the use of headsets by flight crew when required to be at their station

Slide 4 OST 07-1 Background A recent review of the requirements for the use of headsets within aeroplanes resulted in a change to JAR-OPS 1 as proposed by NPA-OPS 49 Action OST 05-2/37 tasked HSST to consider similar review for helicopters? Initial view was no as headsets generally worn due to noise and environment Fitment is covered, but wearing is not Sensible to add requirement for clarification and harmonisation

Slide 5 OST 07-1 Harmonisation The proposal will bring JAR-OPS 3 closer to both JAR- OPS 1 and ICAO Annex 6 a the next amendment There are no issues on alignment with FAA Introduces guidance on the use of aviation helmets

Slide 6 OST 07-1 Proposal New paragraph: JAR-OPS Use of Headsets Amend IEM OPS to ACJ OPS Equipment for operations requiring a radio communication and/or radio navigation system Add new text into the ACJ and cross reference to 3.313

Slide 7 OST 07-1 Options Option 1. - Do nothing. To do nothing would allow the present situation of having a requirement within JAR-OPS 3.647/3.685 that a headset is carried but no requirement that it is used. Although this is an unlikely situation, the additional safety benefit of continuous high quality communication could be missed. After amendment to ICAO Annex 6 part III, JAR-OPS 3 would not be in compliance

Slide 8 OST 07-1 Options Option 2. - Adopting the proposed JAR-OPS will : Ensure the quality of communications and therefore improve safety Give a clear directive to the wearing and use of headsets and boom microphones or equivalent. Have no financial impact on operators, as there is already a requirement to carry the headsets and microphones. This is the preferred option

Slide 9 OST 07-1 Impacts There will be no impact on the majority of operators who already voluntarily comply with this requirement. For some operators they may need to introduce amendments to procedures to direct when to use the headsets. There will be no cost to operators as there is no requirement to fit any additional equipment. There are no environmental or social impacts associated with this proposal and the assurance of crew hearing protection will provide a social benefit.

Slide 10 OST 07-1 Consultation The consultation process has been conducted within the Helicopter Sub-Sectorial Team and reflects the consultation already conducted under NPA-OPS 49. The primary consultation prior to the adoption of the JAR will be through the NPA process. (JAR ).

Slide 11 OST 07-1 Amendments JAR-OPS Use of headsets (See ACJ OPS 3.647) 1.Each flight crew member required to be on duty in the cockpit under JAR-OPS 3.310(a) shall wear the headset with boom microphone or equivalent required by JAR- OPS and/or and use it as the primary device for all communications. 2.The term ‘headset’ includes any aviation helmet incorporating headphones and microphone worn by a flight crew member.

Slide 12 OST 07-1 Amendments IEM ACJ OPS Equipment for operations requiring a radio communication and/or radio navigation system See JAR-OPS and A headset, as required by JAR-OPS 3.647, consists of a communication device which includes two earphones to receive and a microphone to transmit audio signals to the helicopter’s communication system. The headset may also be an aviation helmet. To comply with the minimum performance requirements, the earphones and microphone should match with the communication system’s characteristics and the flight deck environment. The headset or helmet should be adequately adjustable to fit the pilot’s head. Headset and boom microphones should be of the noise cancelling type. 2.If it is intended to utilise noise cancelling earphones, then operators should ensure that they do not attenuate any aural warnings or sounds necessary for alerting the flight crew to the safe operation of the helicopter.

Slide 13 OST 07-1 Summary and Final Assessment The proposed new JAR-OPS will introduce a regulation that will help to ensure good communications and therefore enhance safety. The proposal will have no significant cost implications and will harmonise JAR-OPS 3 with ICAO Annex 6 Part III and FAA requirements Note: Para (c) should be (b)