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AIM

4/20/23

10

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5

Special Operations

(c)

Wind socks or indicator should be clearly visible to provide upward indication for the pilot.

i. Helideck/Heliport Operational Warning(s)/Procedure(s) 

 Closed Helidecks or Heliports

1. Background.

A white “X” marked diagonally from corner to corner across a helideck or heliport

touchdown area is the universally accepted visual indicator that the landing area is closed for safety of other
reasons and that helicopter operations are not permitted. The following practices are recommended.

(a) Permanent Closing.

If a helideck or heliport is to be permanently closed, X diagonals of the same

size and location as indicated above should be used, but the markings should be painted on the landing area.

NOTE

White Decks: If a helideck is painted white, then international orange or yellow markings can be used for the temporary
or permanent diagonals.

(b) Temporary Closing.

A temporary marker can be used for hazards of an interim nature. This marker

could be made from vinyl or other durable material in the shape of a diagonal “X.” The marker should be white
with legs at least 20 feet long and 3 feet in width. This marker is designed to be quickly secured and removed
from the deck using grommets and rope ties. The duration, time, location, and nature of these temporary closings
should be provided to and coordinated with company aviation departments, nearby helicopter bases, and
helicopter operators supporting the area. These markers MUST be removed when the hazard no longer exists.
(See FIG 10

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2.)

FIG 10

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Closed Helideck Marking

j. Offshore (VFR) Operating Altitudes for Helicopters

1. Background.

Mid

air collisions constitute a significant percentage of total fatal offshore helicopter

accidents. A method of reducing this risk is the use of coordinated VFR cruising altitudes. To enhance safety
through standardized vertical separation of helicopters when flying in the offshore environment, it is
recommended that helicopter operators flying in a particular area establish a cooperatively developed Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) for VFR operating altitudes. An example of such an SOP is contained in this
example.

2. Recommended Practice Example

(a) Field Operations.

Without compromising minimum safe operating altitudes, helicopters working

within an offshore field “constituting a cluster” should use altitudes not to exceed 500 feet.

(b) En Route Operations

(1)

Helicopters operating below 750’ AGL should avoid transitioning through offshore fields.

(2)

Helicopters en route to and from offshore locations, below 3,000 feet, weather permitting, should

use en route altitudes as outlined in TBL 10

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1.