At Fair Lifts Helicopter Services, our project managers are experts in conducting a helicopter external load lift operation flight plan in congested areas. This article provides an inside look at our meticulous planning process that ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with FAA regulations.
What is a “Congested Area?”
The FAA does not provide a precise definition for a “congested area”. However, it generally refers to any area that is densely populated or substantially used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes. This could include cities, towns, settlements, or any open-air assembly of persons.
The FAA often determines what constitutes a congested area on a case-by-case basis. For example, if there is a group of people on an airport ramp watching airplanes, the FAA may consider that area to be “congested”. In general aviation, this would then trigger the clearance distances of 14 CFR 91.119(b), which states that over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open-air assembly of persons, an aircraft must maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
In order to conduct Part 133 external load operations in a congested area, we submit a “congested area flight plan” which includes details about the intended operation, such as the planned route, altitudes, procedures for minimizing risk to persons and property on the ground, and other relevant details. This plan needs to be approved by the FAA before the operation can be conducted at lower altitudes in the congested area.
It’s important to note that the presence of people is a significant factor in determining whether an area is considered “congested”. Therefore, large, open spaces may not be considered congested if they are not substantially used or populated.
Our Approach to Helicopter External Load Lift Operations
Our project managers understand that helicopter external load lift operations, which involve the transportation of loads connected externally to the helicopter, require careful planning, especially in congested areas. We use these operations in various applications, including construction, rescue missions, and firefighting.
Key Considerations in Our Flight Planning
When our project managers plan a helicopter external load lift operation flight plan in a congested area, they take into account several key factors:
- FAA Regulations: Our project managers are well-versed in FAA regulations. They ensure that every operation we conduct complies with these regulations, covering aspects such as minimum safe altitudes and restrictions on flight over persons or property.
- Weather Conditions: Weather is a significant factor in our flight planning. Our project managers consider factors such as wind speed and direction, visibility, and temperature when planning the operation.
- Load Characteristics: Understanding the weight, size, and shape of the load is crucial as it can affect the helicopter’s performance and handling characteristics. Our project managers take these factors into account when planning the flight.
Our Steps to Create a Helicopter External Load Lift Operation Flight Plan
Here’s how our project managers create a comprehensive flight plan:
- Assess the Operation Area: Our project managers conduct a thorough assessment of the operation area. They identify potential hazards and consider the proximity to populated areas and noise-sensitive zones.
- Review FAA Regulations: Our project managers review and understand the relevant FAA regulations. They ensure that the planned operation complies with these regulations.
- Consider Load Characteristics: They evaluate the characteristics of the load and consider how these characteristics might affect the helicopter’s performance and handling.
- Plan the Flight Path: Based on the assessment of the operation area and load characteristics, our project managers plan the flight path. The path is designed to minimize risks and ensure safety.
- Check Weather Conditions: Our project managers check the forecasted weather conditions for the operation day. They adjust the flight plan as necessary based on the weather.
- Prepare a Contingency Plan: They always have a contingency plan in place. This includes alternate routes and procedures in case of unexpected events or emergencies.
- Conduct a Pre-flight Briefing: Before the operation, our pilot conducts a pre-flight briefing with all involved personnel. They discuss the flight plan, potential hazards, emergency procedures, and other relevant information.
Handle With Care
At Fair Lifts Helicopter Services, creating a helicopter external load lift operation flight plan in congested areas is a task our project managers handle with utmost care and expertise. By following the steps outlined in this article, they ensure a safe and successful operation that complies with FAA regulations.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information and specific guidelines, our project managers refer to the FAA’s advisory circulars and other resources related to helicopter external load lift operations. They always stay updated with the latest regulations and best practices in the industry.