BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 8. The Estonian
Transport Administration has laid its cards on the table regarding
its 2025 focus areas for non-commercial aviation oversight, putting
the spotlight on helicopter operations in bustling urban areas,
parachuting activities, and general aviation at events and smaller
airfields, Trend
reports.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in
incidents involving helicopters operating in residential zones in
ways that have raised safety concerns among both the public and
aviation inspectors. The agency has received multiple complaints
from citizens regarding landings that may not comply with aviation
safety regulations, posing risks to public safety and property. In
response, the Transport Administration will intensify its
monitoring of helicopter operations and is considering updates and
clarifications to existing regulations.

Another key area flagged as a safety concern involves
parachuting-related flight activities. The Administration aims to
map the current situation in Estonia and ensure compliance with
safety standards. According to regulations, commercial parachuting
flights are classified as high-risk special operations requiring
authorization. Currently, no parachuting clubs in Estonia hold such
a permit from the Transport Administration.

This aviation season, general aviation oversight will also
extend to larger public events often attended by aircraft, as well
as smaller airfields across the country. Inspectors will focus on
verifying pilots’ licenses and aircraft documentation, including
airworthiness certificates, insurance policies, and flight manuals.
Special attention will be given to pilots’ pre-flight preparations
and the technical condition of the aircraft.

In 2024, a total of 22 aircraft were inspected under the general
aviation oversight program. Deficiencies were found in 15 cases,
mostly related to outdated or missing pilot and aircraft
documentation, as well as issues with onboard safety equipment. The
majority of safety violations involving private pilots were linked
to unauthorized airspace incursions.

“Prevention, along with regularly refreshing one’s aviation
knowledge and piloting skills, remains the most effective form of
oversight. Together, we can make aviation even safer. We also urge
pilots to avoid unnecessary maneuvers during flight and to remain
mindful of nearby residents by reducing excessive noise, dust, or
disruption to livestock,” said Ivo Tolga, Head of the Airworthiness
Division at the Transport Administration.

The agency underscores to all aviators that optimal operational
efficacy commences with comprehensive pre-flight protocols and
culminates in a meticulous post-flight debrief—an indispensable
component in the iterative enhancement of safety metrics.

Flight commanders are mandated to conduct comprehensive risk
assessments pre-flight and in-flight, employing strategic
interventions to mitigate or attenuate identified hazards. Captains
are additionally incentivized to proactively disclose any pertinent
observations, infractions, or occurrences that could impact the
overarching framework of aviation safety. These documents are
classified and utilized exclusively for the optimization of safety
protocols.

The primary objective of the Estonian Transport Administration is
to guarantee that exclusively certified aviators and airworthy
aerial vehicles navigate the airspace above Estonia.

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