HAC Oil & Gas IBP - Helicopter Association of Canada

BOPERATIONAL HAZARDS & SUGGESTED CONTROLSOperating envelopeHazard descriptionAll helicopters have limits in terms of:oooorangecapacityliftingaltitudeLifting capacity is function of air density, which in turn isinfluenced by temperature and altitude.Aircraft integrityHazard descriptionMechanical failureForeign Object Damage (FOD)Suggested controlsSuggested controlsDetermine the safe working envelope ofthe helicopter.Deploy within safe operating envelope ofhelicopter.Beware of “improvisation” and unplanned,ill-considered use.Develop Manual of Permitted OperationsDevelop load tables as function oftemperature and altitudeIt is self evident that adequate maintenance and repair areessential. Aircraft maintenance as such etc is a specialistand large subject, not addressed here and normally coveredin aircraft manuals etc.However, the following must be noted as provisions thatmust be considered for land helicopter support operations:HangarStorage of spare parts, some of which may need airconditioningA frame or other lifting deviceRolling jack to move aircraftStock of essential spare parts and supply line of these frommanufacturer.Dirt or loose objects may be sucked into the air inlets of theengines or collide with and damage the rotors or otheraircraft parts. To avoid FOD:oohousekeeping around landing areaspackaging of certain types of cargo (such as cementbags) in sealed plastic bags or containers.Collision with obstacles.o Higher ground or obstacles nearlanding pointo Overhead power lines, antennaso High buildingso Terraino Other aircraftMark high points visibly and/or with stroboscope lightsPosition landing points on flat ground, without high obstaclesnear by, allowing a safe flight path.Provide map of obstacles, such as power lines andantennas, towers etc.Mark power lines with ballsFlight control, notification/coordination with other aircraftoperators (crop spraying, recreational and other smallaircraft, military aircraft and exercises etc.)OGC IBP | Revision Date: Sept 2009 DRAFT66