Client

Helicopters Otago

Location: Taieri Airfield, Mosgiel

Summary: The directors of Helicopters Otago contacted me over 5 years ago for expert advice relating to ISO 9001 and AS/NZS 4801 system requirements. The business need was to improve the understanding and system integration when complying with the specific requirements set out in these standards and the need for integration to the NZ 8156 Air Ambulance standard as well as Aircare and CAA regulatory requirements.

Company Profile:

Helicopters Otago Limited has been operating in the Otago and Southland areas of New Zealand since 1990. Graeme and Rosslyn Gale are the proud owners and directors of the company. Some 20 years’ experience has afforded Helicopters Otago a depth of knowledge and commitment, dedicated to supplying their clients a focused professional business. The operation has grown significantly since starting with the hire of one helicopter to now owning and operating one of the largest commercial helicopter operations within New Zealand.

The Company has been successfully operating the Air Ambulance and Rescue Helicopter service for the lower South Island since 1998. They are proud to provide this service for the communities and people of Otago and Southland.

Why Helicopters Otago Engaged With Think What If:
To meet compliance requirements for the aviation sector and demonstrate continual improvement in risk management to the end users of the services, Helicopters Otago needed a systems and compliance expert.

Solution

I have worked with Helicopters Otago for over 4 years, initially providing support to the Directors, Chief Pilot, Quality Assurance Manager and Health and Staff Advisor to meet the requirements of the ISO and AS/NZS standards.

Our Key Initiatives and Outcomes:
In recent years, my work for Helicopters Otago has demonstrated ongoing continual improvement which has resulted in multiple ISO revalidation, surveillance and CAA audits that have flowed to secure compliments and zero non-conformances. Key initiatives have included:

• Alignment of the CAA system requirements to the quality, health and safety standards to produce a compliant Exposition and quality manual.
• Adoption of risk based thinking across the management team, workforce and other agencies.
• Establishing and implementing processes that are easy to use, practical, and meet the multiple regulatory requirements of the various stakeholders of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust, CAA, St John Ambulance, DHBs, the Police, ACC and other agencies.
• Implementing monitoring regimes that show proactive system and process management through audits and planned reviews. 
• Knowledge growth and personal development of the directors and workers to understand their obligations and duties under the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act and changes or new ISO standards namely ISO 9001:2015, AS/NZS 4801, NZ 8156 and the ISO DIS 45001.
• Encouraging the directors to gain a broader understanding of their due diligence and PCBU obligations.
• The adoption of new technology to facilitate operational improvements and provide greater visibility of risk assessments at multiple sites across the South Island.
• Establishing reporting that facilitates relevant, easy and real time monitoring of governance risk and compliance.