What is an OSC?
It’s been a long but thoroughly interesting meander into the world of the coveted Congested Aera Operating Safety Case (CAOSC, or OSC) for me this past 6 months. It began late last year (on paper, much earlier in my head!)….and we crossed the finish line earlier this month.
3 Volumes and 99 pages later, we have reduced our minimum distances with heavy lift rigs down to 20m on takeoff and 30m in flight within Towns and Cities, or any other congested areas. The CAA Introduced the CAOSC system in an effort to effectively step-up the safety efforts of operators wanting to use +7kg platforms within built up areas – and its no wonder. Towns, Cities, and Industrial areas (to name a few) all present their own unique set of risks that should be addressed properly within a framework that is proven to help reduce the risk posed to the operator, the public and property owners. Our OSC outlines exactly how we approach operations in these types of areas, and furthermore how we mitigate the risks presented.
The 99 pages address each risk and mitigating action, our systems and failsafe procedures, points of failure and preventative measures, our Safety Management System (SMS) and reporting procedures. It’s Thorough.
Why have one?
Standard permissions are so last year.
The OSC gives us greater freedom with our heaviest platforms. It allows us to lift the big boy cameras in cities and town, traditionally where a lot of our drama clients want us to operate. The benefits are incredible. Without an OSC we would have to remain 150m outside of any congested area – simply no good!
We strive to uphold the most safety conscious methodologies in our business. By outlining the procedures necessary to be granted an OSC, we have a stamp of approval from the CAA that our practices are as safe as reasonably practicable, and safe for everybody involved – our clients, our employees, the public, and other air users. Safety is often the main priority for our clients also, so its great to know we can offer peace of mind for our clients when they hire us with our OSC Approval.
Like to chat about or OSC? – Get in touch here, we can walk you through it and discuss your requirements.
