Organizing a helicopter landing requires precision and preparation. Whether you are an individual or a business, several key guidelines must be followed to ensure a safe operation. Here are some essential recommendations for preparing a landing site that meets pilot requirements.
Marc-Antoine Bolduc, a helicopter pilot at Airmedic for the past three years, answers common questions and outlines the precautions to take. These measures help ensure a safe landing and minimize risks related to dust, flying debris, or specific environmental conditions. This way, you can provide pilots with a landing site that is compliant, stable, and secure.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact our pilots for personalized advice.
100-by-100-foot zone: a necessity
First, allow for a space of at least 100 by 100 feet. For this reason, all obstacles such as trees, poles, or permanent structures must be removed. This clearance ensures a smooth landing and a safe takeoff.
A flat, solid surface
Choose firm, level ground. Soft or marshy areas, such as a muddy field, can compromise the aircraft’s stability. A parking lot or a surface with compacted gravel is highly recommended.
Dust control
If the landing site is dusty, water the area before the helicopter arrives. This measure helps reduce the formation of a dust cloud that could impair the pilot’s visibility and damage the helicopter’s rotors. It is especially useful for parking lots or non-paved areas.
A clear buffer zone
Around the landing area, clear a buffer zone of 200 by 200 feet. Remove anything that could be lifted by the rotor wash, such as tarps, plywood, buckets, or containers. These objects can pose a danger not only to the helicopter but also to nearby people and vehicles. This is why securing the immediate environment is essential.
Waterfront sites: caution required
If there is a body of water nearby, remove all boats, pontoons, pedal boats, and other watercraft from the area before landing. The rotor wash could move these objects or detach parts from them, creating a risk for the helicopter.
Remove vehicles
If the landing takes place in a parking lot, move any vehicles located nearby. This ensures that nothing will obstruct the helicopter’s movement and that the vehicles will not be damaged.
On forest roads: block the way
If the landing is to take place on a forest road, it is essential to block access during the landing and takeoff phases to prevent any accidents. No vehicles should be moving in the area during these critical moments.
Night landing: light management
For a night landing, it is recommended to mark the landing site for the pilots using lights, such as flashlights. However, it is crucial not to point the light source directly at the helicopter. Once you see the aircraft approaching, turn off the lights to avoid blinding the pilot.
Marking the site: a visible “H”
To clearly mark the landing area, you can draw a large “H” using fluorescent orange paint. This helps the pilot easily identify the touchdown point. Avoid using ribbons or other materials that could be blown away and cause incidents.
Winter sites: prepare the snow
In winter, if the landing site is covered with snow, it is recommended to pack it down using snowmobiles to create a stable surface. This step is essential to provide better grip for the helicopter during landing.
It is essential to prepare the site as soon as possible after your enrollment, rather than waiting for a mission to begin. This ensures that everything is ready in case of an intervention, avoiding any last-minute surprises. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry!
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