Helicopter Landing and Safety Considerations

• Minimum 60 x 60 feet square landing area (Optimum is 80 x 80)
• Area should be reasonable level with a slope not greater than 10 degrees.
• Area should be free of loose debris, litter or other objects
• Order of preference of landing sites: Concrete, grass, asphalt, gravel, slick rock, snow, and dirt.
• Provide wind speed and direction
  • Use banner tape on a pole or held overhead to indicate wind direction.
• Be prepared to provide our radio frequency to the helicopter crew; when you make contact with the crew advise them of any potential dangers.
• Once the helicopter lands, do not approach it while the blades are turning unless the pilot acknowledges your presence and signals that you may approach.
• Neverapproach from the tail; approach from the front or side but only with permission of the pilot.
• Approach and leave the helicopter in full view.
• On sloping terrain, approach/depart helicopter in area of greatest clearance under the rotors.
• Keep well clear of landing area when helicopter is landing or taking off.
• Do not raise arms above head when approaching/departing helicopter with the blades turning.
• Corners of the Landing Zone will be marked with LZ lights or traffic cones in daylight, hazards will be marked hand lights.

AUG 2004