Helicopter guidelines for land seismic & helirig operations - OGP

Helicopter guidelines for land seismic & helirig operations
of the flight manual as a horizontal distance and appropriate to ambient
conditions.) The minimum length required for the specific type of helicopter at
maximum weight for the ambient conditions can be obtained from the aircraft
operator. Whenever two or more helicopter types are operated, the length of the
rejected take-off area should be calculated to accommodate the most restrictive
type. The minimum width of a helicopter rejected take-off area should be 2.5
times the length overall of the largest helicopter with its rotors turning.
3. To cover the case of an engine failure after the critical point mentioned, when
the take-off would be continued on the one remaining engine for a twin engine
helicopter, the take-off flight path must be cleared to a gradient in accordance
with the performance section of the flight manual. Advice may be obtained
from either the aircraft operator or company aviation advisor. A slope of 1:20 for
1200m horizontally may be used but only as a guideline.
6.3.3 Helicopter parking areas and hangarage
1. A designated parking area for each helicopter may be required. The parking
area should be flat, with electrical supply for tools and flood lighting available,
together with easy access to supply of clean, salt free water. Non-slip metalled or
concrete surface maybe an option. Dust control along roads accessing parking
area or beside parking area, may be considered when necessary.
2. Depending on the local climate, remoteness and type of on site maintenance
work anticipated, the construction of a (temporary) hangar should be
considered.
6.3.4 Helipad lighting
1. Adequate lighting should be provided at the helipad and helicopter parking
areas to allow inspection, preparation and loading of the helicopter in the hours
of darkness. Subject to the security risk assessment for the area, peripheral
security lighting should be considered and placed in a way that people
approaching the aircraft will be clearly visible from a distance.
2. The provision of helipad aviation lighting will depend on the decision by
Company’s management on the requirement for a night evacuation capability
from the base camp; normal flying operations will invariably take place only
by day under Visual Flight Rules (DAY/VFR). It is emphasized that a night
capability should never be assumed in the seismic environment.
6.4. Communications and navigation beacons
6.4.1 The minimum requirement is for duplicated equipment to ensure that helicopters,
when airborne, are never out of contact with either the base camp or the local Air
Traffic Control network. In many areas of the world, where such a network is basic, if
it exists at all, the onus will be either of the Parties to provide appropriate coverage.
6.4.2 For logistic and local advisory information VHF (air band) base equipment is
appropriate and, provided the area can be covered by line of sight propagation; the
alternate set may also be VHF. If, however, continuous cover cannot be guaranteed
then a VHF Repeater maybe a viable option, but otherwise long range HF equipment
will need to be provided. Satellite voice communication, if provided by the flight
tracking system can also serve as alternate communication system. “Dial in” systems,
such as mobile telephones, however, are not considered adequate for this purpose.
6.4.3 A designated radio frequency should be assigned to the helicopter and ground crew
for flight operations.
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