Safety Recommendation A-14-102

We note that all the NSP’s NVG-qualified pilots receive annual training and complete annual proficiency flights at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy. This action satisfies Safety Recommendation A-14-102, which is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We are pleased to learn that all SLED pilots receive recurring ground and in-flight NVG training on a 45-day cycle. Because this practice exceeds the intent of Safety Recommendation A-14-102, it is classified CLOSED-- EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

We note that the MSP provides annual ground and flight NVG training to its pilots. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We note that the THP provides annual ground and flight NVG training to its pilots. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

Because the NMSP requires pilots to attend ground and in-flight NVG training annually, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We note that all VSP pilots receive initial NVG training at the Bell factory and annual recurrent training at the VSP Aviation Division headquarters, which satisfies this recommendation. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We note that the MHP has a certified NVG instructor on its staff and plans to add additional instructors in the future, and that MHP pilots have been trained in NVG operational use. Therefore, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED-- ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

-From Commissioner Jeff Long, Commissioner & Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor: The Tennessee Highway Patrol aviation division pilots receive a combination of formal as well as in-house NVG ground and flight training, and maintain currency in recent flight experience. Tennessee Highway Patrol is also currently evaluating the implementation of annual manufacturer NVG refresher training in conjunction with recommendations from A-14-103 (below).

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is currently conducting inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) training in aircrafts under simulated conditions. The implementation of scenario-based simulator training at the manufacturer training facility is also being considered.

-From Colonel Matthew C. Langer, Chief, Minnesota State Patrol: Criteria Met - MSP provides initial ground and flight NVG training for pilots in command of equipped aircraft as well as annual recurrent training with the aircraft manufacturer.

-From Captain Emmanuel T. Gutierrez, New Mexico State Police, Special Operations Bureau: On September 28, 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board issued Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 to the State of New Mexico as a result of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety that impacted terrain while conducting a search and rescue flight.

The following pages outline what New Mexico State Police is doing in response to the issued safety recommendations. Furthermore, attached are specific requested documents.

Please review and inform us if we are addressing these recommendations appropriately.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing back.

A. The NMSP Aircraft Section conducts annual NVG ground training in a fully blacked out capable classroom for hands on and power point presentation. The training is conducted by the unit training officer. Training in the aircraft is conducted annually by the training officer. All training is annotated on the unit training tracker.

From Brian L. Petersen, Sergeant, Special Operations Division/ Aviation, Nebraska State Patrol: This correspondence is written in response to your letter dated September 29th, 2021 to the Honorable Pete Ricketts, Governor, State of Nebraska, with regard to Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through - 106. The writing encompasses formalized training and evaluation for safety of flight conditions germane to Law Enforcement operations and the environment of such operations.

1. In response to a-14-100; the agency references SOP 40-1, 05-03-01, Flight Requirements/Restrictions. The Nebraska State Patrol shall follow Federal Aviation regulations for visibility requirements, flight communications, prefight inspections and logbook requirements. Enumerated under document is VFR Ceiling and Visibility Requirements for flight operations. This document was revised on September of 2010 and again on July 2021, increasing the visibility and ceiling requirements for day and night time operations.

2. A-14-101. Our aviation unit is largely dispatched internally by our agency. Upon the assignment of a flight the Pilot in Command is responsible for flight condition evaluation and assesses those conditions with the assigned second pilot/TFO. Flight in the eastern geographic part of the state is covered by Omaha Approach TRACON facility. Flight in the lesser populated parts of the state are done under flight following where applicable. Flight operations are in contact with dispatchers internal to the agency in all cases.

3. A-14-102. All pilots who are NVG qualified and perform NVG operations maintain flight currency under FAR 61.57, NVG pilot currency requirements as well as conduct a NVG training/proficiency flight at the Bell Helicopter Training academy as part of annual refresher/emergency procedures.

4. A-14-103. All pilots who are rotorcraft pilots receive scenario based simulator training at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy as part of refresher/emergency procedures in the applicable model of helicopter to be operated.

5. A-14-104. The agency has implemented a formal TFO program, 02-04-01, effective March, 2019. Further the program has evolved into specific requirements of TFO selection and training in 2020.

-From Mark A. Keel, Chief, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has a proud history of utilizing a variety of aviation resources dating back to 1953. Currently, the SLED Aviation Unit operates two MD 500E helicopters and one Bell 407 helicopter in providing 24-hour a day aviation assets to all of the law enforcement agencies within the State of South Carolina.

The Aviation Unit has assisted throughout the state in searching for missing persons, conducting fugitive searches, narcotics operations, an array of surveillance missions, personnel and asset transport, tactical operations/SWAT support, natural disaster response, executive protection details, national security operations, and port security operations.

In 2017, the SLED Aviation Unit began to put safety measures and policies in place that mirrored recommendations from the NTSB and Airborne Public Safety Association. Since that time, SLED has implemented a Safety Management System, aircraft tracking procedures, Emergency Response Plan, and regularly scheduled safety stand-down training for all pilots. Pre-Covid, SLED also worked to provide annual training for all public safety aviation units located in South Carolina. SLED has also installed furnished sleeping quarters that are available for pilots to utilize when needed. SLED pilots receive factory training from MD Helicopter and Bell Helicopter.

In addition, SLED utilizes a FAA repair station for all aircraft maintenance and inspections.

The Aviation Unit strives to work towards meeting recommendations from the Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission (APSAC) guidelines. SLED is committed to providing a safety-oriented environment for all pilots and personnel associated with the Aviation Unit to continue to provide professional aviation services to the state of South Carolina.

All SLED pilots have received ground and flight training for NVG operations. At a minimum, all SLED pilots are to complete NVG currency training within a 45 day cycle. SLED also has 4 Certified Flight Instructors that are authorized to perform NVG instruction. A cycle of training curriculum is completed throughout the year to include NVG ground and flight instruction.

Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent, Virginia State Police: The Division utilizes night vision goggles (NVGs) in all 8 helicopters. All Division pilots are sent to the Bell factory NVG School for initial NVG training. After that, all pilots attend Bell recurrent NVG training every year at Aviation Division Headquarters.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. It has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to West Virginia, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the commonwealth of Virginia, and we have not received any information regarding your actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Tennessee, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response. I

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of South Carolina, and we have not received any information regarding your actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Oregon, and we have not received any information regarding Oregon’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

On December 15, 2017, we noted that not all OHP pilots have received NVG training; however, those OHP pilots who conduct nighttime operations are required to use NVGs and have received initial ground and flight training on this equipment. We noted further that the OHP intended to implement annual NVG training once the necessary funding was available. Pending our receipt of information on whether OHP pilots who use NVGs receive annual training, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 remains classified OPEN-- ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of North Dakota, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of New York, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. It has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of New Mexico, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. It has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of New Hampshire, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Nevada, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Missouri, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

-From Captain Jason Seal, Director, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Air Operations: As stated earlier, I recently received my Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement which allows me to train and sign off Pilots in Command for NVG operations. As an NVG Instructor with the United States Army I have access to training material used by the Army (i.e. power point slide presentations etc.). Earlier this year utilizing this material and my expertise through the military we conducted our first NVG PIC certification class. Future plans include adding additional NVG Instructors to the ranks and creating our own stand-alone NVG instructional program.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Mississippi, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

On May 4, 2015, we noted that MSP pilots use NVGs and receive initial training on their use. Although the MSP indicated plans to also provide its pilots with recurrent training on NVGs, we have not received any additional information on the status of this effort. Pending our receipt and review of information regarding the MSP’s progress, Safety Recommendation A 14 102 remains classified OPEN-- ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to Massachusetts, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCETPABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Maine, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

Please update us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov on your progress toward implementing these recommendations, and do not submit both an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Louisiana, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. It has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the commonwealth of Kentucky, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Indiana, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

-From M/Sgt. Damian Zimmerman, Illinois State Police- AirOps: The ISP AOB has developed and implemented a comprehensive safety management system (SMS) for aircraft operations. Our SMS is tailed to the specific missions of the ISP AOB and is based on industry best practices. The ISP AOB SMS is a multi-tiered approach to safety with a focus on preflight activities, a flight risk assessment tool including both static and dynamic factors, a safety board in a common area of the ISP AOB central office, and a safety-related hazard/occurrence reporting procedure.

First, safety of the flight starts with a personal assessment of each pilot. We use the acronym I’M SAFE which includes a personal assessment of the following factors affecting the overall safety of the pilot: I-Illness M-Medication S-Stress A-Attitude F-fatigue E-Emotion Following the personal assessment, a thorough preflight inspection and run-up is conducted before each flight.

Secondly, prior to takeoff, a pilot or crew member will complete a flight risk assessment tool (FRAT) form located on the back of each daily flight log. The FRAT includes static factors (i.e. illness, medication, fatigue, time in type, last flight, IMC, crew time, last maintenance, squawks, weight, and center of gravity) and dynamic factors (i.e. hours on duty, time of day, ceiling, visibility, winds, convective activity in the area, forecast, terrain, fog, icing, mission brief, and external pressure). After the form is completed, a total flight risk is assigned a numerical value. If the value is 0-5, the crew makes the go/no-go decision.

If the value is greater than 5, the flight requires supervisor approval from the ISP AOB Safety Officer, Chief Pilot, or Bureau Chief prior to takeoff. FRAT values can be mitigated by taking additional steps to ensure safety of flight with examples of mitigation listed on the FRAT form.

Thirdly, the safety board displays the safety section of the standard operating procedures, the FRAT tool, safety brochures, safety statistics, ISP AOB Mission statement, Values, Core Competencies, and Vision. The safety board is also where pilots can obtain an aircraft discrepancy log for use in the aircraft, as well as a Hazard/Occurrence report. The Hazard/Occurrence report is an anonymous way for pilots to be able to report any safety hazard or safety related occurrence to the Safety Officer. The Safety Officer can report the Hazard or Occurrence to the Bureau Chief for further review.

If the report involves the Safety Officer, then the report should be sent directly to the Bureau Chief. If the report involves the Bureau Chief, the report can be sent directly to the Chief Pilot and then to the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Captain, if necessary.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the District of Columbia and we have not received any information regarding the district’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of Connecticut and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years; however, it has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued to the state of California, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

On March 30, 2015, we noted that although you did not currently perform NVG operations, you intended to incorporate this technology into your operations in the future. We would like to know the status of these efforts. Pending our receipt and review of this information, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 remains classified OPEN-- ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. It has now been over 6 years since these recommendations were issued, and we have not received any information regarding your state’s actions to implement them. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION/ NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

If you inform us, in a timely manner, of any responsive actions that you have taken or planned to address these recommendations, we may consider changing their classifications. Please e-mail us any relevant updates at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov, and do not send an electronic and a hard copy of the same response.

On March 26, 2018, Major Christopher Grotton, MSP, informed our staff that the MSP operates two fixed wing aircraft, mostly for law enforcement missions. Major Grotton reported that the MSP does not operate any helicopters, but that the Maine Forest Service operates helicopters. On April 5, 2018, Mr. John Crowley, Maine Forest Service, informed our staff that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is the state organization responsible for conducting SAR missions; however, because the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does not operate any helicopters, the Maine Forest Service assists with SAR missions that require the use of helicopters.

Because these recommendations were specifically aimed at public operators who conduct helicopter SAR operations, we believe that the Maine Forest Service is the appropriate state organization to respond to Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, and Mr. Crowley informed us that he is in the process of developing a response. Pending our receipt of this information, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 remain classified OPEN--AWAIT RESPONSE.

On January 16, 2018, Mr. Ron Hauck, Aviation Service, South Dakota Department of Transportation, infomed our staff that the South Dakota Highway Patrol operates fixed wing aircraft for law enforcement missions; however, the state does not operate any helicopters. We believe that all air operations could benefit from the safety improvements specified in these recommendations, and we urge the state of South Dakota to make the recommended safety improvements to its air operations. However, because these recommendations were specifically aimed at public operators who conduct helicopter SAR operations, Safety Recommendations A 14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

-From Major Christopher Grotton, Maine State Police, Support Services Division: This letter is in response to the NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13-21 and A-14-100 through -106 issued to the State of Maine in an August 2017 letter to Governor LePage.

The Maine State Police Air Wing has a small profile within the overall scope of aviation operations conducted within the State of Maine. We have two fixed wing aircraft in our inventory with no rotary wing asset.

Our core mission is primarily traffic related flights which are conducted during the daylight and in VFR conditions only. Any night VFR or day/night IFR flights that are requested would typically be administrative in nature and would be conducted operating under part 91 regulations.

When requested, we assist other aviation assets and agencies within the state under the conditions that the flight can be done within the confines of our Standard Operating Procedures Manual and our General Orders that pertains to the Air Wing.

Any search and rescue mission that we would be involved in would be conducted during daylight VFR only conditions. Our aircraft are equipped with wheels only and are not allowed to perform "off-site" landings.

We are restricted to published airports only. Those flights would also be conducted utilizing part 91 regulations.

I am in hopes that this information provides some context for our air operations and the applicability of the recommendations in your August 2017 letter. Our responses (below) to each of your recommendations are crafted within the context of our mission.

This is not applicable as we do not utilize night vision equipment.

We are pleased that the PSP’s pilots have been using NVGs and receiving initial and annual recurrent ground and flight training on their use since before 2013. Because these practices were in place before this recommendation was issued, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

We are aware that the AZDPS’s pilots, tactical flight officers (TFOs), and medics use NVGs and receive initial and annual recurrent ground and flight training on this technology. Because these practices exceed the intent of this recommendation, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED--EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

We note that the Colorado Army National Guard operates helicopters to conduct SAR missions, and that the Colorado State Police does not operate helicopters. We believe that all air operations could benefit from the safety improvements specified in these recommendations, and we urge the state of Colorado to make the recommended safety improvements to all its air operations. However, because these recommendations were specifically aimed at public operators

who conduct helicopter SAR operations, Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

We are pleased to learn that, since 2009, the Aero Bureau has required initial and recurrent ground and flight training on NVGs, and that this training is specified in its policy and procedures manual. Because these measures were in place before we issued Safety Recommendation A 14 102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

You stated that not all OHP pilots have received NVG training; however, those OHP pilots who conduct nighttime operations are required to use NVGs and have received initial ground and flight training on this equipment. We note that the OHP intends to implement annual training on NVGs once the necessary funding becomes available. We look forward to receiving additional information as you progress toward this goal. Pending our receipt of such information and completion of the recommended actions, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We are pleased to learn that ASP’s pilots, as well as their tactical flight officers (TFOs), use NVGs and receive initial and recurrent ground and flight training on their use. Because these actions exceed the intent of Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED--EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

-From Dennis Daugaard, Governor of South Dakota: As to recommendations A-13-21 and A-14-100 through -106, the South Dakota Highway Patrol has reviewed the recommendations, as well as the NTSB accident report, NTSB/AAR-14/03 PB2014-108877, including the findings, probable cause, and recommendations contained in that report. All flight operations conducted by the state of South Dakota are conducted under FAR Part 91 Rules and all FAR 91 Rules are currently being complied with. South Dakota will continue to conduct all flight operations in accordance with all federal aviation regulations.

-Leslie S. Richards, Secretary Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: PSP helicopters are NVG (Night Vision Goggle) certified. Additionally, we require all our pilots to be NVG certified and maintain NVG proficiency. NVG certification is obtained through factory school or equivalent training. After initial certification, we provide our pilots with recurrent NVG training on an annual basis. Recurrent training is conducted via factory school or equivalent training.

We note that the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) operates two aircraft for law enforcement missions; however, as Mr. John Spencer, MHP, informed our staff on October 4, 2017, SAR operations are not the MHP’s primary mission, but fall under the purview of the county sheriff’s offices. We believe that all air operations could benefit from the safety improvements specified in these recommendations, and we urge the state of Montana to make the recommended safety improvements to all its air operations.

However, because these recommendations were specifically aimed at public operators who conduct helicopter SAR operations, Safety Recommendations A 14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

We note that the state of Iowa does not conduct helicopter SAR operations; however, we believe that all air operations could benefit from the safety improvements specified in these recommendations. Accordingly, we urge the state of Iowa to make the safety improvements discussed in these recommendations to all its air operations. Because these recommendations were specifically aimed at public operators who conduct helicopter SAR operations, though, Safety Recommendations A 14-100 through -106 are classified CLOSED--RECONSIDERED.

-From John W. Hickenlooper, Governor: We have enacted recommendation A-13- 21 through legislation, when we signed House Bill 14-1216 into law in 2014. This bill requires safety markings for certain towers over 50 feet in height that are located in unincorporated areas of the state, and has been incorporated into Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 43-10-117.

Specifically, CRS 43-10- 117 requires: (2) Where the appearance of a tower is not otherwise governed by state or federal law, rule, or regulation, any tower over fifty feet in height that is located outside the boundaries of an incorporated city or town on land that is primarily rural or undeveloped or used for agricultural purposes must be marked and painted or otherwise constructed to be visible in clear air during daylight hours from a distance of not less than two thousand feet.

Towers must also comply with the following additional requirements: (a) A tower must be painted in equal alternating bands of aviation orange and white, beginning with orange at the top of the tower; (b) One marker ball must be attached to the top third of each outside guy wire; and (c) Guy wires must have a seven-foot- long safety sleeve at each anchor point that extends from the anchor point along each guy wire attached to the anchor point. (3) Any tower that was erected prior to August 6, 2014, must be marked as required by the provisions of this section within one year of August 6, 2014.

Any tower that is erected on or after August 6, 2014, must be marked as required by this section at the time it is erected. The Colorado Army National Guard operates helicopters that are used in search and rescue missions, and they report that compliance with all recommendations as outlined in your document of August 3, 2017, as it pertains to the operation of helicopters. Finally, the Colorado State Patrol currently implements recommendation A-14-101, using procedures and avionics that allow for up-to-date weather information and assistance with flight risk assessment decisions.

While they do not operate helicopters in search and rescue missions, they are considering implementing recommendations A-14-100, A-14-105, and A-14-106 following an independent and unrelated safety audit they are conducting. Once completed, we will incorporate regulations that are in compliance with the NTSB recommendation, at a minimum. Again, thank you for your correspondence regarding this issue. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Office should you have any further questions.

Terry S. Miyauchi, Aviation Administrator, Arizona Department of Public Safety: The purpose of this letter is to respond to your safety recommendations letter addressed to Governor Doug Ducey, dated August 3, 2017. In that letter, NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13-21 (meteorological evaluation towers) andA-14-100 through 106 (search-and-rescue flight) were provided to the State of Arizona. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) conducts flights across the entire state of Arizona, to include areas where meteorological towers have been erected. Approximately 25% percent of all flights for AZDPS and the State are in support of search and rescue operations.

We value the goal of aviation safety as the number one priority for all of our aviation activity and your recommendations are well received. We offer the following specific responses to each of your NTSB recommendations:

AZDPS utilizes NVG's on all night flights and all aircraft are currently STC'd for NVG flight. We require initial training, annual refresher training, annual evaluation, and a currency requirement that meets or exceeds FAA Part 135 requirements. Because of this, AZDPS was provided with a "Closed-Exceeds Recommended Action" by the NTSB on May 22, 2014 in regards to the prior NTSB recommendation A-09-100

The above mentioned program is still in effect today. Additionally, the AZDPS is in the process of upgrading current NVG hardware to the latest white phosphorous technology to provide further aviation safety enhancement.

-From Asa Hutchinson, Governor: Arkansas state agencies involved in civilian aviation provide pilots who perform NVG operations with NVG ground and flight training on an annual and recurring basis through the Bell Training Academy in Ft. Worth, Texas.

-From Keith D. Squires, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety: There is a requirement for initial NVG training which includes ground training before flight training. Currency and annual NVG flight evaluation requirements are identified in the manual.

-From Mike Tooley, Director, Montana Department of Transportation: The State of Montana appreciates the leadership your agency has provided to enhance and promote the safety of law enforcement public aircraft operations across the nation. The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) operates a 1971 Bell OH-58A helicopter and a 1978 Cessna 182-RG airplane in its law enforcement mission, with a single officer responsible for all flying duties. Total flight hours are less than 100 hours per year.

The MHP flight department has considered the NTSB Safety Recommendations and has implemented them in the following manner:

Initial night vision goggle (NVG) training for the pilot was obtained in military service. No annual recurrent training is scheduled.

-From Michael C. Thompson, Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety: Recommendation A-14-102 has been partially met. 50% of the agency's trooper pilots (4 of 8) have received formal NVG ground and flight training with a fifth pilot scheduled to receive NVG ground and flight training before the end of 2017. The only pilots permitted to operate during nighttime hours are those pilots who have received the training.

NVG equipment is required for all night missions. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has used NVG equipment since approximately 2010. The program is monitored through regular inspections by the section's commander.

Annual training recommendations have not been met due to budgetary/financial limitations incurred from budget cuts but will be initiated as funding becomes available.

-From Tim McClung, Iowa DOT, Office of Aviation: Thank you for the NTSB’s August 3, 2017 letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds regarding NTSB safety recommendations A-14-100 through -106. The letter indicates the recommendations were issued as a result of the investigation into an accident involving a Eurocopter AS350 B3 owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Iowa does not own or operate helicopters for use in public safety efforts and therefore does not engage in Night Vision Goggle operations, off airport landings, or operations in mountainous areas.

Accordingly, the recommendations would not apply. This communication is intended to provide information needed to close the response status for Iowa on these recommendations. Please let me know if you need additional information.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the commonwealth of Virginia on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the commonwealth of Virginia on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106. We issued these recommendations to the state of Oklahoma on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of “Open—Await Response.”

For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106. We issued these recommendations to the state of North Dakota on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of New Mexico on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of New Mexico on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of New Hampshire on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of New Hampshire on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106. We issued these recommendations to the state of Montana on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue (SAR) flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Missouri on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Missouri on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Mississippi on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Mississippi on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the commonwealth of Massachusetts on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the commonwealth of Massachusetts on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Maine on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Maine on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Louisiana on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Louisiana on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106. We issued these recommendations to the commonwealth of Kentucky on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106. We issued these recommendations to the state of Iowa on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search and rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 2 years ago.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Indiana on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Indiana on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the District of Columbia on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the District of Columbia on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Connecticut on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Connecticut on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Colorado on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Colorado on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of California on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of California on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Arkansas on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Arkansas on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Arizona on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Arizona on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Wisconsin on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Wisconsin on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Tennessee on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Tennessee on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of South Dakota on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of South Dakota on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of “Open—Await Response.”

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of South Carolina on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of South Carolina on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Oregon on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people. We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Oregon on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of “Open—Await Response.” For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of New York on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of New York on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of “Open—Await Response.”

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of Nevada on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of Nevada on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

This letter addresses NTSB Safety Recommendations A-13 21 and A-14-100 through -106. We issued A-13-21 to the state of West Virginia on May 15, 2013, as a result of our investigations of three accidents in which airplanes inadvertently collided with meteorological evaluation towers, fatally injuring four people.

We issued A-14-100 through -106 to the state of West Virginia on November 24, 2014, as a result of our investigation of the March 30, 2013, accident in which a Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter, operated by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, impacted terrain while maneuvering during a search-and-rescue flight near Talkeetna, Alaska.

We are interested in knowing whether and how our recommendations are implemented, both to ensure that the traveling public is provided the highest level of safety and to identify creative solutions that might be shared with others, and we normally expect actions to address our recommendations to be completed within 3 to 5 years. We have yet to hear from you regarding your progress toward addressing these recommendations, which were issued more than 4 and 2 years ago, respectively.

We would appreciate receiving a response within 90 days indicating any actions you have taken or plan to take to implement these recommendations; until then, these recommendations will retain their current classification of OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

For additional background information about Safety Recommendation A-13-21, please refer to our May 15, 2013, recommendation transmittal letter. For additional background information about Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through -106, please refer to pages 54 through 63 of our Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter accident report.

We are pleased to learn that, since 2000, ISP pilots have been receiving annual NVG training. Because this program was in place before we issued Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

-From Greg Abbott, Governor: Thank you for your letter addressed to former Governor Rick Perry regarding NTSB Safety Recommendations A-14-100 through 106. I am sharing your letter with the Texas Department of Transportation's Aviation Division, which will coordinate with my office in discussing the flight safety issues you addressed. Please let me know if I can assist you in the future.

-From Leo P. Schmitz, Director, Illinois State Police: Response: Response: The ISP AOB does not conduct NVG operations using NVGs as a principal means to fly and navigate. The AOB only utilizes NVGs to assist pilots in locating a suitable landing site in the case of an emergency. Each pilot assigned to the AOB conducts an annual night flight check during which they must demonstrate proficiency using the NVGs.

Update: NVG training curriculum was developed and implemented approximately 15 years ago to achieve this task. All ISP pilots will receive ground and flight training on an annual basis during the first quarter night check.

-From Lieutenant D. Jim Nobach: Reference our phone conversation on Monday, July 27, 2015 concerning follow-up information regarding the A-14-100 questions, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Aviation Section does not actively engage in Search and Rescue operations. Therefore, the follow-up information previously requested is no longer required of the WSP. At this time we will consider all A-14-100-106 related requests of WSP satisfied.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Washington State Patrol Aviation Section.

We are pleased to learn that the MSP has replaced all of its AS-365 helicopters with AW 139 helicopters, which are certified to conduct night flight operations with NVGs. We also understand that MSP pilots, co-pilots, flight paramedics, and rescue technicians receive annual recurrent NVG training and that all crew members use NVGs on night flights. Although this recommendation was issued with single-pilot operations in mind, we commend the MSP for including all members of the flight crew in its NVG program. Because these actions exceed the intent of Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

We understand that NJSP pilots use night vision goggles and that they receive initial and recurrent (annual) training on their use. These actions satisfy the intent of this recommendation; however, because they were implemented before we issued Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

We note that PRPD pilots do not use NVGs. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

Although this recommendation was issued with single pilot operations in mind, we are pleased to learn that all SHP flights are conducted with dual pilots (pilot-in-command [PIC] and co pilot) and that both pilots use NVGs and receive initial and annual recurrent training on their use. We commend SHP for including co-pilots in its NVG program. Because these actions exceed the intent of Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

We note that MSP pilots use NVGs and that they receive recurrent training on their use. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

Although we are encouraged to learn that ISP’s pilots are required to demonstrate proficiency using NVGs on an annual basis, we would like to know whether pilots also receive formal ground and flight training on NVGs on an annual basis. Pending our review of this additional information, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We are pleased to learn that not only your pilots but also your flight medics/tactical flight officers (TFO) use NVGs and receive initial and recurrent training on their use. We are pleased that your actions exceed the intent of this recommendation, and may help to ensure a higher level of safety. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—EXCEEDS RECOMMENDED ACTION.

We note that WSP pilots do not use NVGs. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

We note that MSP pilots use NVGs and that they receive initial training on their use. Although the pilots do not currently receive recurrent training on NVGs, we are encouraged to learn that the MSP intends to incorporate this training on an annual basis. Pending our receipt of future updates regarding the MSP’s progress, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We are pleased to learn that your pilots use NVGs and that they receive initial and annual recurrent training on their use. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We are pleased to learn that FWC pilots are required to complete both initial and annual NVG training. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We are pleased to learn that ALEA’s pilots use NVGs and that pilots receive annual training on the use of this technology. We commend the agency for implementing this training before we issued Safety Recommendation A-14-102, which is accordingly classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

We are pleased to learn that your pilots use NVGs and that they receive initial and annual recurrent training on their use. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION.

We note that, although you do not currently perform NVG operations, you intend to incorporate this technology into your operations in the future. We are encouraged to learn that you are in the process of developing a formal NVG training program. Pending future updates regarding your progress in addressing Safety Recommendation A-14-102, it is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

From Michael W. DeRuggiero, Safety Management Officer, Aviation Command, Maryland State Police: MSPAC RESPONSE/ACTION: In an effort to address NTSB recommendationA-09-100, in 2007, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) was tasked by the Maryland Legislators to begin development of a "Request for Proposal" (RFP) to replace the MSPAC's current fleet of AS-3 65 helicopters.

In response to this NTSB recommendation and recommendations A -06-15, A -06- 17, and A-09-99, the MSPAC requested that any helicopter procured by MDOT to replace the MSPAC's current fleet of helicopters be equipped with the following: Autopilot (AP), Flight Director (FD), Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System (HTAWs), Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), Health and Usage Management System (HUMS), Satellite Flight Tracking and cockpit image recorder(s), in both the cockpit and cabin, and be certified to conduct night flight operations with Night Vision Google (NV G).

Additionally, 4 sets of FAA TSO-C164 approved NVG will be delivered with each helicopter.

In August 2014, the MSPAC accepted the lOth AW-139 helicopter from AWPC. Each AW-139 helicopter meets and/or exceeds all NTSB equipment recommendations issued to date for Public Use and Commercial HEMS (Air Ambulance) Operators. All MSPAC pilots and flight paramedics will conduct night time flight operations utilizing NVGs per NTSB recommendation A-09-100. To further address this specific recommendation, as well as NTSB recommendation A-09-97, the procurement of an A W -139 Level 6, Flight Simulator Training Device (FSTD) for the MSPAC has been approved and is currently underway. It is expected that the A W -13 9 Level 6 FSTD will be delivered sometime in Fiscal Year 2017.

Once delivered, the MSP AC will pursue certification of the FSTD by the National Simulator Program Manager (NSPM) and the Level6 FTD will be certified to provide the NVG training and checking required by 14 CFR Parts 61 and 135.

We note that you do not perform NVG operations. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-14-102 is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

We are pleased to learn that, since 2005, your pilots have received formal NVG initial and recurrent training. Because this program was in place before we issued Safety Recommendation A-14-102, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—RECONSIDERED.

-From Joseph R. Fuentes, Colonel, Superintendent: All New Jersey State Police helicopters are equipped with NVG compatible flight decks. As part of our training syllabus, all pilots receive initial NVG ground and flight training through an FAA approved training facility. We also have a cadre of NVG instructors who conduct training on a regular basis to ensure currency. All sites are provided with current and inspected NVGs with additional spares to ensure NVGs are available for use on all night flights. Inspections on the NVGs are outsourced to a private vendor who also provides repairs as needed.

-From Leo P. Schmitz, Director, Illinois State Police: The ISP AOB docs not conduct NVG operations using NVGs as a principle means to fly and navigate. The AOB only utilizes NVGs to assist pilots in locating a suitable landing site in the case of an emergency. Each pilot assigned to the AOB conducts an annual night flight check during which they must demonstrate proficiency using the NVGs.

-From Jose L. Caldero Lopez, P.R.P.D. Superintendent, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: The Puerto Rico Police Department, does not execute any type of mission utilizing Night Vision Goggles, (NVG), as there is no such program implemented.

-From Lieutenant Jim Nobach, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Aviation Chief Pilot: As a fixed wing operator, the WSP currently does not utilize night vision goggles.

-From J. Spencer Collier, Secretary, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: Since 2002, all aviators in ALEA Aviation are trained annually for Night Vision Goggle Operations. This training includes confined area operations, crew resource management, exterior lighting configurations, simulated engine failures, loss of directional control, and full touch-down auto-rotations. In addition, inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) training is conducted at this time with the performance of a surveillance radar approach, performed annually, giving the pilot the ability to safely land the helicopter when visual references to the ground are lost.

The auto-rotations are conducted to improved surfaces with a fire/rescue team on standby at the location of training.

-From William Grey, Colonel, Commanding, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, State Highway Patrol: 1. All pilots complete an initial Part 141 NVG school as part of their Pilot-in-Command qualifications. Thus far, all members have been trained by the Bell Helicopter Training Academy. 2. All pilots who have completed an NVG school are required to complete a 45-day NVG currency. NVG Currency is comprised of completing no less than one hour of flight in an aircrew and individually completing six NVG Operations as described in FAR 61.57(f). 3.

All pilots who have completed an NVG initial school are required to attend an annual NVG/IFR refresher course provided by our aircraft manufacturer’s training academy.

-From Colonel Matthew C. Langer, Chief, Minnesota State Patrol: MSP pilots must attend a formal NVG course prior to acting as pilot in command while wearing NVGs. The MSP will accept the NTSB recommendation and add the requirement of an annual recurrent course to remain in flight status.

-From Mark A. Bruce, Colonel, Superintendent, Kansas Highway Patrol: Recently we received a copy of the NTSB's proposed safety recommendations (attached) from your office. We have reviewed them and assessed the impact to KHP aircraft operations. We anticipate the impact to be similar in nature to other law enforcement aircraft operations within the state of Kansas. Below is our assessment and response to those specific NTSB safety recommendations.

We appreciate the spirit and nature of the recent recommendations (A-14-100 through -106) provided by the NTSB in their letter dated November 24, 2014. We have not taken the recommendations lightly and have reviewed them for their well-intentioned benefits. Part of our review has included the referenced accident involving the Alaska Department of Public Safety Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter in March of 2013.

Keeping the purpose of the recommendations in mind, as well as our already high commitment to safety, we must mention that a considerable obstacle to implementation of several of the proposed measures is cost. Many states and their government agencies have fiscal challenges, and the Kansas Highway Patrol is no exception. While a price cannot be put on a life, we have a responsibility to the public we serve with the very nature of the services we provide, as well as to the employees we request to carry out those services.

In return for our responses, we would very much appreciate reciprocation by being provided the responses of other agencies from other states as well. Their opinions and recommendations could be quite valuable. This would also encourage an open dialogue without unintentionally suppressing potentially innovative methods to pursue best practices in a more cost effective manner.

The Kansas Highway Patrol operates (1) Bell 407 Helicopter under night vision goggle (NVG) operations. All Kansas Highway Patrol Helicopter pilots are commercially rated and have attended the Bell Helicopter Training Academy where they received their FW8S153 Air Agency certification for completing ground and flight training in the FAR 141 Pilot Initial Night Vision Goggle Special Operations Course. This course meets the requirements of 14 CFR Parts 61.31(k) and 61.57(f) (g). Additionally, all KHP helicopter pilots currently complete (NVG) recurrent training at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy. The KHP currently meets this recommendation.

-From Colonel Curtis Brown, Director, Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: All crew members acting as pilot must have successfully completed an initial formal Aviator Night Vision Imaging System training course or a •military or government training course in the use of NVG. All pilots using NVG must hold an instrument rating. Crew members not rated in a given aircraft, acting in the capacity of observer, must also complete training on NVG for that aircraft. Recurring training is provided through an outside vendor. FWC aviation is pursuing NVG certified f1ight instructor (CFI) endorsements for current instructors.

-From Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, Director, Michigan State Police and Kirk T. Steudle, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation: • MSP Aviation Unit members receive bi-annual training and certification in the use of NVG by an approved private vendor in addition to in-service NVG training conducted internally during opposite years. • This is not applicable for MDOT Aero. They do not utilize NVG.

-From Steven C. McCraw, Director, Texas Department of Public Safety: Each of the 70 crew members in AOD are issued a set of night vision goggles. Each pilot receives FAA certified NVG training at the Airbus Pilot Training Facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. All DPS NVG Check Airman have completed the NVG instructor course from Airbus and perform recurrent training annually to each NVG privileged pilot. NVG Goggles per crew member (70): $14,000 Initial NVG Class per pilot: $14,650

-From Cari R. Maines, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Office of the Superintendent: The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Aviation Section was started in 1947 with the approval of Senate Bill 221. The following year we made the purchase of one fixed wing bonanza. The original mission intent was for disaster relief, air searches, transportation, aerial photography, and errands of mercy. We had one aircraft and one pilot.

Today, 67 years later, we have 16 pilots, 1 office assistant, and 16 aircraft. Annually, we log around 7,000 flight hours. Our fleet includes:

• 2 Cessna 172R Skyhawk fixed wing airplanes • 2 Cessna 182S Skylane fixed wing airplanes • 9 Cessna 182T Skylane fixed wing airplanes • 1 Cessna 208B Caravan fixed wing airplane • 2 American Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopters

Our primary mission is aerial traffic enforcement, and it comprises approximately 85% of our flight time. The remaining flight time is spent conducting other missions, including:

• Searches (stranded motorists, downed aircraft, lost children, elderly walkaways, drowning victims, manhunts, etc.) • Surveillance (criminal interdiction, reconnaissance) • Photo flights (crashes, evidentiary, reconnaissance) • Drug interdiction flights including marijuana eradication • Emergency transportation (personnel, blood relays) • Special response team operations • Training

Since our inception, we have suffered three crashes. Two of those were fatal fixed wing crashes (1970 & 1976) and the other was a minor injury helicopter crash in 1993. Since 1976, we have accumulated over 250,000 hours of accident free fixed wing flight.

Our operations are a bit unique compared to most state agencies. We only use personnel assigned to the Aviation Section as part of our flight crew. Every Trooper / Pilot has spent time in the field as a State Trooper. State Troopers applying for a Trooper/Pilot position must possess a Private Pilot’s License (Airplane – Single Engine Land) with an Instrument Rating prior to appointment. After spending some time in the Section, some of our pilots are then trained as Tactical Flight Officers. Our helicopter pilots are also chosen from among the Section’s fixed wing pilots.

We make a concerted effort to make safety our highest priority. We believe that “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable.”

-From Gary Folger, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety: Alaska Department of Public Safety has not reinstituted a night vision goggle program since the 2013 helicopter crash. DPS has identified a need for this program and plans are being made to develop a robust training program with formalized ground and flight training. DPS will not begin this program until we are sure that we can safely and effectively operate our aircraft while utilizing night vision goggles.

-From Colonel Mark McDonough, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety: All pilots have ground and flight training in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations prior to flying with night vision goggles (NVGs). The training is provided by an FAA approved Night Vision Goggle Instructor Pilot. Division procedure requires the pilots to complete a minimum of six NVG Operations every 60 days. This requirement exceeds the requirement set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration.

-From Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr., Superintendent, Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of State Police: Delaware State Police aircrews and helicopters have been equipped for NVG operations since 1999. All pilots receive initial NVG flight training at FAA approved Part 141 training facilities followed by mission training with FAA designated section flight instructors. During annual recurrent training at the Bell Training Academy, pilots receive an NVG proficiency check which includes NVG emergency procedures training and “touch-down” autorotation’s. All pilots maintain currency in accordance with CFR’s for operation and passenger carrying.

Section medics operating as flight crewmembers, wear NVG’s and receive training on their operation, to enhance flight crew safety. Training is conducted with local fire departments to instruct them on assisting with landing zone selection and specific NVG training to avoid hazards to flight crews while operating with NVG’s.