Over
three years ago, a group of helicopter air tour operators came
together with the mission of establishing enhanced operational and
safety standards for the industry. Those standards have been
developed into the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). This
effort involved unprecedented cooperation between competitors,
sharing safety information and developing procedures to assure that
the helicopter flightseeing operations of its members adhere to the
highest standards of safety. Most importantly TOPS, for
the first time ever, is providing travelers interested in enjoying a
helicopter tour a way to insure
they are flying with a company that has the highest
regard for safety.
The founding members used a
variety of resources from the aviation industry to
develop TOPS standards. Under these standards, TOPS operators
undergo a rigorous
initial external safety audit, followed by audits that insure
operators are meeting, and in many areas exceeding, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) safety requirements. In 1996, TOPS certified
the first group of air tour operators that represent the best in the
major helicopter tour markets across the country.
Helicopter flightseeing operators
make up the core membership of TOPS. Associate members include
helicopter manufacturers, insurance companies, suppliers, and safety
consultants, all whom share a common concern for promoting a safe
and professional industry. Membership in this voluntary,
self-regulated group is expected to grow substantially as our goals
and achievements become more well-known. I encourage you to learn
more about TOPS, talk with our members and help spread the word
about our mission. Together, we can provide access to scenery for
enjoyment and education, while in the care of good, safe and
professional helicopter tour operators.
