OFFICE OF
G.
AGFC
TLn'
I'II~ECTon O~
A"I~'I'I
,of Gujara\
.ingar Old Air!'
t
AHMEDABAD-38000..>
HELICOPTER
I!---
GUIDE
.......
OFFICE OF ~Hr
GOV1,
.R
O~ AVIATIO~
0. •..•jarat
AGFC Hangar Old Airport
AH M ED A BAD- 380003
Helicopter User's Guide
Foreword
Helicopters being highly versatile, it is called
upon to operate from remote locations under
extreme conditions.
been placed
Emphasis has therefore
in the Hand Book on safety
awareness.
Aviation in general and rotary wing aviation in
particular is highly regulated. In the interest of
operational efficiency and safety, compliance to
the'Rules
and regulations
is therefore
an
imperative in the use of helicopters. This book is
meant to help the users to understand some
basic facts about helicopters and thereby help
the operators to comply with the norms. It also
contains
some
infrastructural
basic
information
on
requirements for safe operation
of helicopters.
We do hope that the book will be useful to
helicopter users.
Air Vice Marshal K.SRIDHARANVM (G) Retd.
Printed at
apr brothers, 71, mallan ponnappan street, chennai 600 005
Helicopter User's Guide
2
President,The Rotary Wing Society of India
Helicopter User's Guide
Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge with gratitude the
help provided by Wg Cdr Sanjay Mittal YSM, VM
(Retd.) and Vinod Sadanandan in bringing out this
publication.
This publication has been imbibed from
Helicopter Association International,USA of which
RWSI is an affiliate member. It has been published
with due permission from HAl and members of
RWSI offer their gratitude to HAl for this gesture.
Helicopter
User's Guide
4
Helicopter
User's Guide
Table of Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Are Helicopters
3.
What kind of Fuel Do Helicopter use?
4.
What are the effects of Altitude and Temperature?
Expensive?
5.' What are Weight and Balance Limitations?
6:
What other Limitations
Does the Helicopter Have?
7.
What is the Responsibility
8.
What Safety Responsibilities
9.
Can Helicopters Fly in Bad Weather?
and Authority of the pilot?
Do I Have as a User or Passenger?
10. Do Helicopters Need a Lot of Maintenance?
11. How Affordable are Helicopters?
12. What about Helicopter Noise?
13. Which Helicopter should you choose?
Helicopter
User's Guide
6
14. Infrastructure
at Heliports
15. Infrastructure
at Temporary
7
Helipads
Helicopter
User's Guide
INTRODUCTION
This
booklet
provides
an introduction
to
helicopters by answering those questions most
commonly asked by persons unfamiliar with these
fascinating
aircraft.
Some of the information
contained here will help users of helicopter services
to understand factors that may affect helicopter
operations
and performance.
Through
awareness
of the helicopter's
greater
capabilities
and
limitations, the helicopter user and the operator or
pilot will be able to better communicate
accomplish
the pre-flight
planning
and to
which
is
essential to safe, efficient and successful flight
operations.
The professional
helicopter operators in your
area would welcome a chance to "show and tell"
more about the helicopters.which they fly to serve
public and business transportation
needs. For
information on the Member Operator nearest you,
call RWSl's headquarters
at 0120-2536730
or
0120-4352040.
Helicopter User's Guide
8
9
Helicopter User's Guide
RWSI Regular Members and Associate Members
who wish to advertise in this publication and to
promote its availability to the Public, to those who
use or work with helicopters, and to participants at
RWSI Safety Seminars are encouraged to contact
RWSI, Attn: Secy Gen 0120-4352040.
Helicopters have the ability to land safely in very
small areas, even in an emergency or if the engine
fails. The ability to "auto rotate", combined with
regular emergency training for pilots and improved
crashworthiness, account for its remarkable safety
record.
But Some Helicopters Look So Fragile!
To keep the helicopter light and achieve the
maximum useful load, components not important
to flight safety are made as light as possible. Doors
and windows, for example, are built of light material
and should be treated gently. On the other hand,
rotor blades, transmissions and other components
whose functions are essential to safe flight are
designed to be stronger than necessary by a wide
margin.
Helicopter User's Guide
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11
Helicopter User's Guide
Are Helicopters
Expensive?
The small
piston
engine
helicopters
used
commercially sell for under $100,000, or about 30
- 50% more than the cost of an similar size airplane.
Turbine powered helicopters
range from about
$300,000 for a four passenger model to several
million for the medium twin-engine
Any new aircraft,
extensive
Regulator's
including
engineering,
certification
helicopters.
helicopters,
have
development,
and
costs which must be
absorbed through the sales price of the relatively
small number of helicopters sold.
The additional moving parts, close tolerances,
perfect rotor blade balance, and the need for
absolute
reliability
make
helicopters
more
expensive than airplanes of equal size. In recent
years, new technology
helicopter
design,
has greatly
adding
simplified
to reliability
and
maintenance-free operation.
Helicopter
User's Guide
12
13
Helicopter
User's Guide
fails, but it is capable of descending safely in a
What Kinds of Fuel Do Helicopters Use?
Many modern helicopters are turbine powered.
condition
of flight
known
as "autorotation."
Helicopter
rotor systems are designed so that
All turbine helicopters burn a kerosene-type fuel
normal rotor RPM is maintained during a power-
such as Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
off descent, which is achieved at a higher than
The old and new helicopters,
powered
by
reciprocating (piston) engines, use 100 octane (a
grade of aviation gasoline) refined especially for
aircraft engines.
engines
advantage
generally
require
less
of developing
much
more
horsepower per pound of engine weight. Turbine
engines have made the modern, high performance
helicopter possible. The turbine and the newer
reciprocating
to maintain full control of the helicopter.
Temperature?
maintenance than piston engines, and they have
the
the rotor system sustains RPM, allowing the pilot
What are the Effects of Altitude and
Are Turbine Engines Reliable?
Turbine
normal descent rate. The flow of air upward through
engines both are achieving
new
The performance
dense air, which occurs at sea level with cool
temperatures
temperature
and low humidity.
As altitude,
or humidity increase, the air gets
thinner and engine limitations
are more easily
reached.
When the air is thin, the engine runs hotter. At
higher altitudes,
What Happens if the Engine Fails?
many turbine engines cannot
operate at their rated power because they would
A single engine helicopter must land if the engine
User's Guide
is affected
enormously by air density. Best lift is achieved in
levels of reliability and durability.
Helicopter
of a helicopter
14
be restricted by engine temperature limitations.
15
Helicopter
User's Guide
"Density Altitude" is a value calculated by the
pilot to indicate the performance he can expect from
the aircraft and engine, based on the temperature
and the actual altitude. Density Altitude could be
much higher than the actual altitude. For example,
a helicopter operated at 7,000 feet above sea level
on an unusually hot, humid day may perform as
though it were at 10,000 feet.
Higher elevations anchor density altitude may
greqtly affect lifting/hovering ability, and may limit
engine power and top speed of most helicopters.
A placard on the instrument panel of such aircraft
may show airspeed restrictions at various altitudes.
What are Weight and Balance Limitations?
Before a new aircraft
production
design is placed into
and made available
to the public,
certain limits regarding the loading of passengers
and cargo are established by the manufacturer and
the Regulator.
These
limits
determine
the
maximum gross weight of the aircraft and require
that passengers and cargo be equally distributed
Helicopter
User's Guide
16
17
Helicopter
User's Guide
throughout the aircraft. Some definitions which may
help you understand the terms relating to those
limits are as follows:
Empty Weight - The weight of the aircraft with
no fuel, oil, cargo, or passengers on board.
Gross Weight - The actual weight of the aircraft
as it is loaded at any given time.
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight - This is the
maximum weight at which the aircraft can be flown
as determined
by the manufacturer
and the
Regulator. This weight may have been established
for structural, aerodynamic or control reasons, but
in any case it is the heaviest weight at which the
pilot is allowed to fly the aircraft.
Gross Weight
(External
Load) - Some
helicopters have a greater Maximum Allowable
Gross Weight if the excess amount is carried on
the cargo hook and could be jettisoned if necessary.
Passengers cannot be carried in the aircraft when
a load is carried on the cargo hook.
Helicopter
user's
Guide
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19
Helicopter
User's Guide
Useful Load- This is the most misinterpreted
and misunderstood performance value in aviation.
It is the difference
maximum
gross
between empty weight and
weight.
It is not payload.
Remember that useful load includes the pilot and
fuel.
Payload
- The actual
combined
weight
of
passengers and cargo which can be carried on the
. aircraft. The weight of the fuel, crew, and any onboard equipment
must be subtracted
from the
useful load to determine available payload.
Center of Gravity (CG) - The manufacturer and
the Regulator have determined the allowable limits
for the CG which is critical to safety of every aircraft.
The pilot must determine proper loading and weight
of cargo must be known. Improper loading can
cause
loss of control
or less than
optimal
maneuverability of the aircraft.
What Other Limitations
Does the Helicopter
Have?
In addition to airframe limitation on the way a
Helicopter
User's Guide
20
21
Helicopter
User's Guide
helicopter can be loaded, engine manufacturers
(Cylinder
Head
have established limits on engine performance to
helicopters
guard against premature failure.
transmission oil temperatures.
may
Temperature),
also
include
and
some
engine
and
Torque - This is the measure of the power
In each case, it is an indication of the heat being
developed by the engine which is required to turn
developed inside the engine. Too much heat will
the rotors. A limit has been placed on the maximum
cause the metals inside the engine to warp, crack
amount of torque which can be used so as not to
or melt. Damage done by exceeding temperature
exceed the design limits of the various
parts
limitations doesn't always show up immediately. It
between the engine and the rotors. Depending on
can- show up many hours later, a factor which
the manufacturer,
torque gauges may indicate
makes it-especially important that any inadvertent
pounds per square inch (PSI), percent, or the angle
over temp be reported by the pilot to maintenance
of pitch in the main rotor blades. In piston engine
so that required inspections can be made to check
helicopters, manifold pressure anchor engine RPM
for damage before a failure occurs.
are usually used to indicate the power developed
Note: Engine/Rotor Systems Cycles - Engine,
by the engine. In any case, exceeding the limit
increases
wear and may decrease
the life of
transmission,
and rotor systems
experience
increased internal stress. with repeated starts and
various components.
stops, and for this reason, reliability may be greatly
Engine Temperature
- Some of the ways in
enhanced,
especially for turbine engines or in
which engine temperature is indicated are: TOT
remote areas or on emergency operations where
(Turbine Outlet Temperature), EGT (Exhaust Gas
cool-down
Temperature), ITT (Internal Turbine Temperature)
completion or human life. When refueling, or during
or T4. Piston engine helicopters
passenger loading/unloading
Helicopter User's Guide
display CHT
22
23
periods
would
endanger
mission
with rotors turning,
Helicopter User's Guide
it is important
that established
procedures
Para 2.5.6 The pilot-in-command
be
responsible for maintenance of flight discipline.
followed and assistance provided to passengers
where possible.
Aircraft
should
never be left
unattended during these operations.
What is the Responsibility and Authority of the
shall be
Para 2.5.7 The pilot-in-command shall have the
.r
final authority as to the disposition of the helicopter
1,
while in command.
Pilot?
Aircraft
Rules 1937 has clearly
consumption
It is important to understand the extent to which
of intoxicating
prohibited
and psychoactive
the pilot is legally responsible for safety. He is a
substances and carriage of persons suffering from
licensed
mental disorders
professional,
and as such is given
or epilepsy
in aircraft in the
following ways:
COMMAND of the aircraft. The DGCA's CAR make
this clear in the following ways:
Rule
24.
Prohibition
on consumption
of
intoxicating and psychoactive substances - (1) No
CAR See 2 Series '0' Part IV
person acting as, or carried in aircraft for the
Para 2.5.1 The pilot-in-command
shall be
purpose of acting as pilot, commander, navigator,
responsible for the operation and safety of the
engineer, cabin crew or other operating member
helicopter and for the safety of all crew members,
of the crew thereof, shall have taken or used any
passengers and cargo on board, from the moment
alcoholic drink, sedative, narcotic or stimulant drug
the engine(s) are started until the helicopter finally
comes to rest at the end of the flight, with the
engine(s) shut down and the rotor blades stopped.
,
J
or preparation
within
twelve
hours
of the
commencement of the flight or take or use any such
preparation in the course of the flight, and no such
person shall, while so acting or carried, be in a state
Helicopter
user's Guide
24
25
Helicopter
User's Guide
of intoxication or have detectable blood alcohol
Rule 24A. Carriage of persons suffering from
whatsoever in his breath, urine or blood alcohol
mental disorders or epilepsy in aircraft- No person
analysis or in a state in which by reason of his
shall knowingly carry or permit to be carried, or
having taken any alcoholic, sedative, narcotic or
connive at the carriage of, a person suffering from
stimulant drug or preparation, his capacity so to act
any mental disorder or epilepsy in any aircraft:
is impaired, and no other person while in a state of
intoxication shall enter or be in aircraft.
Provided that this prohibition shall not apply if
the person to be carried is certified by a registered
(2) No operator operating a domestic air transport
medical practitioner to be fit to travel by air without
service in India shall serve any alcoholic drink on
qeing a risk to other passengers or to the aircraft,
board such an air transport
and in addition :-
passenger
traveling
service
and no
on such a service
shall
consume any alcoholic drink while on board.
(a) has not taken or used any alcoholic drink or
preparation
(3) The holders of licences shall not exercise the
which' might render them unable to safely and
problematic use of substances.
User's Guide
of
the
excitement, during the flight and stops en route; and
(c) is accompanied by an attendant, provided that
in case he has been in a state of excitement
(4) The holders of licences shall not engage in
Helicopter
hou rs
(b) is kept under proper sedative, if in a state of
properly exercise the privileges of the licences and
ratings.
twelve
commencement of the flight;
privileges of their licences and related ratings while
under the influence of any psychoactive substance
withi n
requiring sedation within the two weeks preceding
the date of commencement of the flight, he shall
be accompanied
26
27
by a registered
medical
Helicopter
User's Guide
practitioner
and adequate
individually
and collectively
escort
who shall
be responsible
for
ensuring that no alcoholic drink or preparation is
taken by the person in their charge and that such
person is kept suitably sedated during the flight and
.'
stops en route.
Since the pilot is charged with the safety of his
passengers and crew, it is important that he be
given full attention during briefings and be notified
of any special requests or conditions.
Executives and managers are encouraged to
establish programs to educate those employees
who use or work near helicopters
. I
on proper
procedures for passengers and ground personnel.
Note:
Special
attention
must be given
to
I
hazardous materials and compliance with DGCA
or other regulations or statutes.
Helicopter
User's Guide
28
29
Helicopter
User's Guide
What Safety Responsibilities
Do I Have as a User
approach the rear of the helicopter unassisted. Tail
rotors are dangerous and difficult to see.
or Passenger?
Do not hesitate to ask questions! Careful pre-
Never touch the controls of the helicopter or
flight planning with the Operator and Pilot are
hurriedly get into the helicopter - especially the front
essential
seats.
to a safe flight.
If you have special
Minor
control
movements
could
be
requests, be sure the Pilot knows so that proper
disastrous. Use entry steps with caution to avoid
fuel can be added or removed. Insist on thorough
slipping or wait for assistance.
passenger briefings.
Never insist that the pilot hover "out of ground
BE ALERT! Do not approach the helicopter until
effect" (OGE) when it is unnecessary between 50
instructed; and then, only from the front and in view
feet and 300 to 500 feet above the ground. Forward
of the pilot. Never drive under the rotor blades- they
airspeed above 20 knots provides the pilot an
are closer to the ground than you might think. Use
adequate engine power reserve if needed, and also
extreme caution and lower your head under the
enhances the pilot's ability to complete a safe
main rotors.
autorotation in an emergency.
Never lift your arms or carry long objects which
Whenever there is any doubt about the lifting
might be hit by rotor blades. Approach from the
capability or the helicopter, users should off-load
downhill side- never uphill because rotors may be
passengers or cargo, and make more trips. An extra
only a few feet above the surface, and they may
trip is less costly than an incident. If it won't hover
flex downward especially during shut down. Refer
with a power reserve, it may not clear barriers in
to the Illustration at the end of in this booklet for
confined areas!
danger areas. Stay away from tail rotors and never
Helicopter
User's Guide
30
31
Helicopter
User's Guide
not maintained. The minimum weather conditions
Certain types of hazardous cargo require special
and it may not be possible to fly
for takeoff and landing of IFR flights will vary with
passengers on board. Aeronautical authorities and
the location, equipment and facilities available. No
the lATA Dangerous
helicopter may fly into thunderstorms
precautions,
Goods Regulations
lists
icing conditions,
should be consulted along with the operator.
certificated.
Encourage passengers to wear durable clothing
or known
unless properly equipped and
Also, high winds, gusty winds, or
turbulence may limit helicopter operations.
with adequate cold weather protection or other
Instruct
Minimum cloud height (ceiling) and visibility
them to think first, move cautiously, be alert and
requirements are established by FAA Regulations.
above all - Be SAFE!
In addition, the helicopter operator may have more
appropriate
attire
to enhance safety.
conservative rules with which the pilot must comply.
Never pressure the pilot for "Go" when he says
it should be a "No-Go" decision. Winds, weather,
Such rules provide safety for the passengers and
crew.
and hazardous operating conditions or locations
Safe operators
must be respected, as should the pilot's judgement.
maintain
high standards.
Managers or passengers should never pressure
Can Helicopters Fly In Bad Weather?
Helicopters
flown under VFR (Visual
the pilot to attempt flight in marginal weather
Flight
Rules) are required to keep the ground in sight at
all times.
Helicopters
operated
under
conditions, nor is it wise to "shop" for a pilot who
accepts unnecessary risks.
IFR
(Instrument Flight Rules) may fly into clouds or other
conditions where visual contact with the surface is
32
Helicopter
User's Guide
33
Helicopter
User's Guide
programme. Components found to be worn beyond
Do Helicopters
Need a Lot of Maintenance?
established
limitations, or not airworthy for any
reason, are replaced
Although a few parts of the helicopter may be
by a Regulator
certified
maintenance technician.
approved to be used forever ("unlimited life") or until
worn beyond acceptable limits ("on-condition"), the
How Affordable are Helicopters?
majority must be changed when a time limit is
reached.
For example,
In many instances, helicopters can provide the
a part may require
inspection each 300 flight hours, overhaul at 2400
most cost effective
hours and retirement at 4800 hours. A part which
transportation problems. When speed over short
has reached the mandatory retirement time must
to moderate 'distances is a priority, or transportation
be discarded even though it may appear to be in
requirements
cannot
- and viable - solution
to
waste time in highway
gridlocks, the helicopter becomes invaluable. In fact
perfect condition.
many companies
are replacing jet aircraft with
As in all aircraft, the pilot is required to do a "pre-
helicopters to beat the air traffic delays and airport
flight" inspection to insure that the helicopter is
congestion problems. The new Tiltrotor aircraft will
ready for flight. A "daily" inspection, usually done
be even more efficient in solving short and long-
by an Regulator certified Technician, may also be
haul commuter and corporate aircraft needs of the
required.
future.
In addition, the Regulator may require additional
Many operations,
such as the transport
of
inspections such as an Annual Inspections, a 100
passengers and cargo over water or into areas not
hour
accessible to conventional transportation, cannot
inspection,
or "continuing"
(periodic)
inspections according to an approved Regulator's
Helicopter
User's Guide
34
be performed as effectively by any other means. In
35
Helicopter
User's Guide
some situations,
e.g., transporting
critically
ill
Which
Helicopter
should
with
choose?
the
DGCA
patients, searching for missing persons in rough
Helicopters
terrain, or rescuing accident victims from remote
'Passenger category' should only be used for your
areas, the helicopter
own safety. 'Private category'
is not only an affordable
registered
you
in
aircraft are not
permitted to be used for carriage of fare paying
solution, it's the only answer.
passengers because they are not required to be
What About Helicopter Noise?
maintained
Exterior noise, which affects communities, is a
and operated to the higher Safety
Standards of Passenger aircraft for commercial
continuing concern. The noise from motorcycles,
use. These aircraft are meant to be used by owner
trucks, buses trash pick-ups, hair dryers and lawn
of the aircraft.
mowers far exceed the noise levels of modern of
necessary
civil helicopters.
maximum' 'Seating Capacity' of the helicopter as
People quickly
perceive
the
Check on the minimum
to operate
the helicopter
crew
and the
presence of a helicopter's distinctive sound and
specified
relate it to airport jet noise, even though the noise
Carrying
footprints of jet aircraft cover many miles, rather
Capacity' of the helicopter reduces the helicopter
than the hundreds of feet or fractions of a mile
performance
covered by small helicopters.
occupies a crew seat it is necessary for the operator
in the 'Certificate
passengers
of Registration'.
more than the 'Seating
and is not safe. If a passenger
Modern civil helicopters are much quieter than
to remove the flight controls of the seat. Trends in
the larger military helicopters which were designed
engine shutdown rates have shown that turbine
in the 1950's. For example, hush kits and other
Engines (commonly known as Jet engines) are
noise reduction techniques are included in modern
more reliable than Piston Engines; multi engine
executive helicopters which also reduce interior
aircraft (having two or more engines) are more
noise
reliable/
to a level
approaching
that of many
safer
than
single
engine
aircraft.
automobiles.
HAlir..nntAr
User's Guicle
36
37
Helicopter User's Guide
Therefore, Multi Engine Turbine Aircraft are safer
operations. It should be borne in mind that DGCA
than Single Engine Piston aircraft. The year of
rules do not permit flight over congested areas of
manufacture of the helicopter should be checked
cities, towns, and settlements etc at a height less
from the 'Certificate of Registration'. Like any other
than 1000 ft above the highest obstacle within a
machine
radius of 2000 feet from the helicopter.
the extent of the maintenance
of a
helicopter depends on its age. More the age more
Operation
is the maintenance required by a helicopter to keep
responsibility of the operator. It is important to
it in an airworthy condition.
understand that the pilot is in command for the
also expensive
Aged helicopter are
to operate and maintain since
spares for such helicopter
may not be easily
of helicopter
Safe
is primarily
the
safe conduct of your flight. As a passenger
respect his operational
decisions.
You may
available due to the model becoming obsolete/no
inspect the 'Certificate of Airworthiness' (C of
longer being manufactured by the manufacturer.
A) which is required to be carried on board the
The required information can be accessed from
helicopter to know whether it is valid on the date
of flight.
DGCA web site dgca.nic.in. Area of Operation of
the Helicopter.Single
engine aeroplanes
and
helicopters should be operated on a route where it
is possible to land safely in case of engine failure.
These helicopters should not be operated in hilly
terrains, forests and remote areas. Special skills
are required by Pilots to operate in areas such as
flying in hilly terrain. The pilots should be trained
for flying in hilly terrain. Strict adherence to the
regulations
Helicopter
User's Guide
is required
for conduct
of such
38
Infrastructure at Heliports
The Convention
on International
Civil Aviation
requires each contracting State to provide airports
and other navigation
accordance
facilities
and services
with the standards
in
and practice
recommended or established from time to time.
Civil Aviation Requirements Section 4 Series 'B'
Part III published
39
by the DGCA
lays down
Helicopler
User's Guide
requirements for heliports covering all aspects of
Surface level heliport. A heliport located on the
heliport planning, infrastructure including taxiways,
ground or on the water.
aprons,
markings,
emergency
services,
aeronautical
lightings,
maintenance
standards,
physical characteristics
Helicopter Stand. An aircraft stand which provides
for parking a helicopter
and obstacle limitation
surfaces to be provided for a heliport in India. These
operations
requirements also apply to areas for the exclusive
touchdown and lift-off.
and, where air taxiing
are contemplated,
the helicopter
use of helicopters at an aerodrome primarily meant
Helicopter ground taxiway. A ground taxiway for
for the use of aeroplanes.
use by helicopters only.
Explanation of some terms commonly used in this
Air taxiway.
context is given below:
A defined
path on the surface
established for the air taxiing of helicopters.
Heliport. An aerodrome or a defined area on a
structure intended to be used wholly or in part for
Final approach and take-off area (FATO). A
the arrival, departure and surface movement of
defined area over which the final phase of the
helicopters.
approach
manoeuvre
to 'hover or landing
is
completed and from which the take-off manoeuvre
Helideck. A heliport located on a floating or fixed
is commenced.
off-shore structure.
Touchdown and lift-off area (TLOF). A load
Elevated heliport. A heliport located on a raised
bearing area on which a helicopter may
structure on land.
touchdown or lift off.
Helicopter User's Guide
40
41
Helicopter User's Guide
Obstacle.
All fixed
(whether
temporary
established
or
Approach
Lighting
System
and
beacons.
permanent) and mobile objects, or parts thereof,
that are located on an area intended for the surface
movement of aircraft or that extend above a defined
Infrastructure at Temporary Helipads
surface intended to protect aircraft in flight.
The
DGCA approved
Heliports
Aircraft
aerodromes
provide mandatory
Rules
requires
licensing
of
that are used as regular place of
Heliport Services. These include Rescue and Fire
landing and departure by a scheduled air transport
Fighting the principal objective of which is to save
service and no person shall operate any flight from
lives following a helicopter accident or incident
a temporary aerodrome or an aerodrome which has
occurring
not been licensed or approved unless it meets the
at or in the immediate
vicinity
of a
heliport. Heliports are thus equipped with rescue
minimum safety requirements
and fire fighting requirements found in the ICAO
DGCA. However, helicopters are by design, able
Heliport Manual.
The level of protection to be
to use non-conventional operating sites. They offer
provided for rescue and fire fighting shall be based
significant advantage over the use of aeroplanes
on the over-all length of the longest helicopter
for passenger transport by being able to operate
normally using the heliport.
away from conventional aerodromes into and from
ad hoc sites or specially
laid down by the
designed
heliports.
Such heliports have clearly identified and marked
Heliport or helicopter sites are thus not required to
Final approach and take-off area, Touchdown
be licensed
and lift-off area, Helicopter ground taxiways and
schedule
Air taxiways, Helicopter stands and Aprons for
transportation
utilization by helicopters. The heliports have an
hire and reward.
42
Helicopter User's Guide
43
unless they are to be used by a
transport
service
and/or
for public
involving series of landing and/or
Helicopter User's Guide
Before undertaking any such flight, the helicopter
quickly in case of fire. A first aid box shall be placed
operator and/ or his pilot must satisfy himself by
within easy reach and clearly marked. The box
his physical inspection on ground/air and/or obtain
shall be maintained in accordance with the
required information from District authorities that
instructions and its contents shall be supplemented
whenever used.
surroundings are free from obstacles and the site
suitable for operations of type of helicopter being
operated and there is sufficient open space to force
land, if necessary.
Before an area is used as take-off and landing
area, operator shall take necessary measures to
protect the site by cordoning, fencing with fragile
At such temporary helipads helicopter operator
material,
through
persons" vehicles or stray animals enter into the
their Accountable
Manager
shall be
etc. to ensure that no unauthorised
responsible for the safety of helicopter operations,
perimeter of the safety area. When sightseeing
passengers and people on ground. Permission of
flights are carried out as part of a joint public event,
owner of the site shall be obtained, before it is used
e.g. a sporting event, a town festival, or the like,
for helicopter operation and the district authorities
the event organizer is responsible to ensure that
notified in advance. It is the responsibility of the
adequate
owner or the person having control of such place
should address the aspect of crowd control, security
to ensure that the land is used as per the applicable
and separation of crowd from flying operations.
safety measures are in place which
local regulations.
Detailed
information
on
minimum
safety
At least one 12 kg powder (DCP) fire extinguisher
requirement considered necessary for helicopter
shall be available at the landing/ take-off area,
landing areas located outside an aerodrome , for
temporary
use by helicopters
engaged on
clearly marked and situated so that it can be used
Helicopter
User's Guide
44
45
Helicopter
User's Guide
chartered/ private flight operation is given in Civil
Aviation Requirements Section 4 Series '8' Part II
published by the DGCA.
Sketch
of landing/take
SKETCH OF LANDINGI TAKE-OFF AREA REQUIRED
...............,--------------,.
off area required
for
I~
.
I SXA
temporary helicopters and dimensions of some
Indian registered helicopters is placed below for
I.SXA
quick reference:
1'--->
Approach I
~
Sector
I....---.!'-f-----
y.
__
Helicopter
User's Guide
46
47
he1ret is more
.
}-a'-4
A
.~
J
------1
be taken as '8' fonhe purpose of ilOF dimension.
Helicopter
User's Guide
OFFice OF THr:
Go',
"II,. ••••• ••!'
f1F
AVIATION
.rat
....o Airport
~HM EDAtsAD-380003
AGFC h.
DIMENSIONS OF SOME COMMON INDIAN
REGISTERED HELICOPTERS
Type
AS 355
Bell 206 B3
BeU206L3&L4
Bell 212
BELL 230
HELICOPTER
Bell 407
Bell 412 EP
BELL 430
BELL 47
CHEETAH SA3i5
ALLOUETTEIIf
SA316B
DAUPIN p,s 365N3
EC135 Ti
ECUREUIL AS350
EUROCOP1ER EC
130
SIKORSKY S76C
DHRUV
DHRUV
Over all
Length 'A' Height
Type
Under carriage IB'
Length Width
1m)
1m}
(m)
1m)
12.99
11.91
12.95
17.47
15.30
3.15
3.16
3.13
3.84
3.65
skid
skid
skid
skid
Wheel! skid
2.91
2.52
3.01
3.68
3.71
2.10
2.07
2.34
2.68
2.37
12.74
17.37
15.30
13.41
12.94
10.'17
3.32
4.57
4.02
3.04
3.35
2.96
3.01
skid
skid
2.40
Wheel! skid 3.81
3.01
Skid
skid
3.29
~eeI
3.50
2.28
2.53
2.53
2.28
2.37
2.59
13.73
12.19
12.93
12.64
4.06
3.50
3.34
'3.60
Wheel
skid
skid
skid
3.64
3.2
1.43
3.2
1.89
2.01
2.28
2.40
16
4.41
Wheel
5
2.44
4.19
4.08
Wheel
Skid
4.33
4.20
2.80
2.60
15.89
15.89
OFFICE OF THE DIReCTOR OF AVIATION
.
Helicopter
User's Guide
Govt. of Gujarat
AGFC Hangar Old Airport"
AHMEDA8AD-380003