ESPN-R Hoist PCDS Guide V1.0

Credit: Alexander Weissenboek, Airbus Helicopters, Julien Eymard, Leonardo Helicopters and the ESPN-R Hoist Operations Safety Promotion Task Force. 

Introduction to ESPN-R

The European Safety Promotion Network – Rotorcraft (ESPN-R) is a collaboration between EASA, National Authorities, and the Rotorcraft Community, which works together to provide non-binding best practice information to support safe operations.

Hoist Operations

Helicopter Hoist Operations are considered as a full crew mission concept where responsibilities and leadership change within the crew throughout the completion of the mission.

The Guide (Download at the bottom of the page)

This document — which is focused on the Helicopter Hoist Operation Personal Carrying Device System (PCDS), addresses composition of the equipment, usage, combination and potential incompatibilities. It provides an overview of experience best practices and requirements for PCDS usage in helicopter hoist operations and helps clarifying certification aspects. 

The guide does not contradict the EASA Air Ops Regulation (EU) 965/2012, AMC´s or EU regulations. It is a recommended guideline, not adding requirements, but rather helping the operators to comply with existing European regulations. The guide is not legally binding; it was developed by a group of experienced hoist operators, equipment manufacturers, regulators and other subject-matter experts, and therefore it should be regarded as best practice.

This work is a key deliverable of EPAS Safety Promotion Task (SPT).0099 covering 'Helicopter Hoist Safety Promotion'. This ESPN-R Hoist PCDS Guide is the third guide delivered by the ESPN-R Hoist Safety Promotion Working Group, following the issuance of the ESPN-R Hoist Operator Training Guide in 2021 and of the ESPN-R Helicopter Hoist Pilot Training Guide in 2024.

The document presents suitable combinations of PCDS for different kinds of operations, for the safety of persons on board and of hoisted persons. 

The guide specifically addresses Personnel Carrying Device System (PCDS) and their mutual interaction.

PCDS used for hoist operations are covered, whether they are under SPA.HHO or SPO.SPEC.HEC. Human external cargo operations with the cargo sling are not considered in this document.

Topics Covered in the Guide

The guide is split into various sections and looks at both on-shore and off-shore situations. It covers the following: 

• Introduction
• Abbreviations
• Intention / Scope of the document
• Background and references
• Definitions and PCDS categories
• Hoist operations with PCDS and associated equipment
• Training
• Maintaining and management of the PCDS for continued usage
• Required functions for PCDS equipment and PCDS systems
• Annex A: Specific PCDS Part (bes practice samples)
• Annex B: Template form for PCDS equipement item characteristics and function recording
• Annex C: Compatibility of further PPE
• Annex D: Relevant extracts of Regulations (April 2024)
• ESPN-R Hoist Safety Promotion working group