In recent years, there has been an increase in incidents of helicopters landing and flying in densely populated residential areas in a manner that causes concern for both residents and safety inspectors. The Transport Administration has received several complaints from citizens indicating that landings may not comply with current safety requirements, thereby endangering the life, health, and property of third parties. Therefore, the Transport Administration will increase the supervision of helicopter operations and considers it necessary to potentially supplement and clarify the regulation.
The Transport Administration has assessed aviation related to skydiving to be a safety risk and has set the objective of mapping the situation in Estonia and contributing to aviation safety compliance. According to the regulation, commercial skydiving aviation falls under the category of high-risk special flights, which requires a permit from the Transport Administration. No aviation club currently holds the permit of the Transport Administration.
As part of the general surveillance activities of this aviation season, inspectors will focus on major events, which are often attended by aircraft. In addition, attention will be paid to aviation activity at smaller aerodromes.
Inspectors will check the licence of the pilot and the aircraft documents from the valid airworthiness certificate and insurance policy to the flight manual that must be on board during the flight. Special attention is paid to pre-flight training of pilots and to checking the technical condition of the aircraft.
During the 2024 aviation season, a total of 22 different aircraft were inspected as part of general aviation surveillance. A total of 15 deficiencies were identified, most of which related to the carrying or validity of both pilot and aircraft documents, as well as deficiencies in safety equipment. Most incidents with private pilots affecting air safety were related to airspace infringements.
‘Prevention, as well as regular refresher courses of knowledge and pilot skills remain the best form of supervision, and with our joint efforts, we can make aviation even safer. The Transport Administration also reminds pilots to avoid unnecessary manoeuvres when flying to arrive safely at their destination and be considerate of their fellow citizens, so as not to unnecessarily disturb them with their actions, be it by making excessive noise, stirring up dust, or scattering livestock,’ said Ivo Tolga, Head of the Airworthiness Department at the Transport Administration.
The Transport Administration offers a reminder that a safe flight starts with thorough preparation and ends with a follow-up analysis, the results of which will be helpful on future flights.
The pilot-in-command must weigh every risk and take measures to mitigate or reduce their impact.
The pilot-in-command is also obliged to report observations, irregularities, or other circumstances that may contribute to the safety of operations and improve air operations. These voluntary reports are confidential and used only to ensure flight safety.
The Transport Administration aims to ensure that competent pilots and airworthy aircraft fly in Estonian skies.
