TOPS aiming for stronger safety culture across air tour sector

Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is changing its membership program to include a much broader segment of operators than just its traditional part 135 rotorcraft base, in an effort to raise the level of safety among air tour operators. The expansion of the program has been coined the “Rising Tide Program” as a reflection of its inclusive nature. “The …

TOPS announces Rising Tide Program. Verticalmag.com

The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) announces a new membership structure that includes all types of air tour operators. Although the TOPS’ standard of safety will be maintained, TOPS membership is available to Part 135 operators who are able to demonstrate an equivalent level of safety in areas where they do not meet the full standard. TOPS is also …

TOPS Membership Spotlight – Coastal Helicopters. A Legacy of Safety.

Coastal Helicopters started in 1988 as a utility and industrial support operation but has expanded operations significantly over the years. Today they conduct air tours to some of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring landscapes this planet has to offer with signature tours into the Juneau ice fields and a dog-sled experience on the Herbert Glacier. The tour operation consists of …

Introducing Stan Rose, Executive Director of TOPS

With over four decades in the helicopter industry and clocking in around 14,000 flying hours, whilst holding positions as a Pilot, Chief Pilot, Founder, Manager, Business Developer to Director, it’s fair to say that Stan Rose, Executive Director of TOPS, has a fair amount of experience under his belt. Let’s not forget to mention his volunteering experience and board positions, …

TOPS at HeliExpo 2019 Atlanta, GA

Check out our newsletter for all the information about the TOPS meetings on March 4, 2019 at Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia! See you there! https://mailchi.mp/topssafety.org/tops-meeting-news-heliexpo-2019-atlanta-ga Monday March 4, 2019 Room B313: 8:00 – 9:30am TOPS Board of Directors Meeting 9:30am – 12:00pm TOPS General Membership meeting. 1:00-3:00pm HTOC meeting 3:00 – 4:00pm  TOPS membership training presented by Eric Hamp.  Eric …

TOPS Fall Meeting Set for October 2018

The TOPS Fall meeting is set to take place at the end of October in Long Beach, California, with member Island Express as our local member host.  The meeting will once again be held in conjunction with the HTOC meetings.  The current plan is as follows: Wednesday 10/24: TOPS Board of Directors retreat; Thursday 10/25: HTOC will have their meeting …

TOPS Shares Safety Program on Hawaii News

On Feb. 19, 2016, TOPS Executive Director Jen Boyer gave an interview to Hawaii News Now in Honolulu regarding the work TOPS does to go above and beyond current FAA Part 135 regulations (certificated helicopter operators). Among TOPS requirements, operators in our program must have floats on the skids of the aircraft for any flights operated beyond glide distance to the shore, …

TOPS Will be at Heli-Expo 2016

Learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety and the benefits of membership, celebrate our 20th anniversary, and network with other tour operators at our Heli-Expo 2016 booth in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ll be at booth #10631. To see a map of the show floor and find any exhibitor, you can visit HAI’s interactive floorpan. Big thanks to HAI for their …