‘56 Seconds to Live’ wins AIN 2021 Top Flight Award

The award highlights a collaborative effort between the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST), Helicopter Association International (HAI) and the Vertical Aviation Safety Team (VAST). The companion course is a follow-up to the ‘56 Seconds to Live’ safety video, and focuses on unintended flight into instrument meteorological conditions (UIMC). The one-hour scenario-based training teaches pilots to recognize situations that can lead to UIMC, and stop a flight before an accident occurs via sound aeronautical decision-making.

“This award shines a light on all of the work accomplished by our safety professionals who volunteer their time to make the helicopter industry safer,” said Nick Mayhew, Industry Co-Chair for the USHST. “But our work isn’t completed yet. The next phase of the ‘56 Seconds to Live’ effort will be available at the 2022 Heli-Expo in Dallas.”

Eliminating UIMC hazards

At the USHST booth at Heli-Expo, helicopter pilots will be able to experience a UIMC scenario in simulators that include virtual reality head-mounted displays provided by Precision Flight Controls, VRgineers, and Ryan Aerospace.

“UIMC is a killer in our industry,” added Mayhew. “We want to eliminate this unacceptable hazard by highlighting the benefits of synthetic scenario-based training such as this.”

Interested pilots can access the program through the USHST’s training course introduction page. Pilots also can access the course through the HAI Online Academy.