Rotorcraft
DOT IG Investigating 'Doors Off' Helitours
The DOT IG is investigating FAA oversight of the "doors off" helitour industry

The Department of Transportation Inspector General (IG) is auditing FAA oversight of the helitour industry at the request of New York’s two U.S. senators. The request was triggered by the fatal "doors off" Liberty Helicopters air tour crash in March 2018. The IG will investigate if tourists are permitted to fly with the helicopter doors off on commercial flights, how the safety restraint system used during the Liberty Helicopters crash received its original approval from FAA, and how the FAA reviewed, tested, and approved the supplemental restraint system. Additionally, the IG will examine the FAA’s role in ensuring that helicopters in use today meet modern safety standards.