Vertical and Vertical Valour magazine, the global magazines for the Helicopter community, have named CHC Ireland as an inaugural Blades of Valour recipient.
These awards highlight acts of Valour and every day excellence spanning law enforcement, air medical, firefighting and search and rescue missions around the world. Organisations from as far away as Brazil, Spain and the USA were amongst the inaugural recipients of this Award.
Rob Tatten (Director of Operations and Accountable Manager Ireland), Robbie Adams (Operations Manager and Nominated Person for Ground Operations), Captain Aaron Hyland (Nominated Person for Flight Operations), and Trisha Whyte (Manager, Safety and Compliance) – were recognised for their leadership in securing regulatory approval for Ireland’s first Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) in both rotary-wing and fixed-wing operations. Throughout the process, they collaborated closely with the Irish Aviation Authority and Sarah Booth from Baines Simmons in pursuit of their FRMS goal.
This FRMS has now been implemented across CHC’s Search and Rescue (SAR) and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. As the first operator in Ireland, and among only a handful in Europe, to receive this approval, CHC has set a new national benchmark for fatigue risk management in emergency response missions.
Rob Tatten said “ we are extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of CHC Ireland and all our flight crew who participated in the FRMS research. What is very gratifying is the fact that we were nominated for this award by our peers from all parts of the World “
Rob Tatten added “CHC Ireland has proudly served the Irish Coast Guard for over two decades, delivering critical 24/7 SAR and HEMS missions to communities across the country. Even as we prepare to exit the Irish market in 2026, this team continues to pursue excellence in safety and care for both our people and the communities we serve. The implementation of the FRMS is a powerful example of that commitment”
FRMS is a data-driven means of continuously monitoring and managing fatigue-related safety risks. Since 2019, CHC has gathered data through surveys, workshops, and scientific-grade watches of crews to assess the impact of fatigue on safe operations to help create an FRMS. Now fully approved by the Irish Aviation Authority, the FRMS has been integrated into CHC’s Safety Management System and will remain in place through the end of the contract.
This achievement reflects not only Rob, Robbie, Aaron, and Trisha’s integrity and leadership, but also their contribution to advancing public safety aviation standards in Ireland. It is a lasting legacy – one that prioritises crew wellbeing, enhances operational resilience, and ultimately supports better outcomes for the people we serve.
CHC Ireland previously operated helicopter search and rescue services from Shannon Airport. The company still provides a service from Sligo and Waterford while the delayed transfer of operations to the new contractor, Bristow Ireland Limited, continues.
