AIM
4/3/14
10−2−6
Special Operations
NOTE
−
It is recommended that communications be established a
minimum of 10 minutes prior to planned arrival time. This
practice may be a requirement of some offshore
owner/operators.
NOTE
−
−2−1d for Tanker Operations.
2. Private use Heliport. Offshore heliports are privately
owned/operated facilities and their use is limited to
persons having prior authorization to utilize the facility.
l. Two (2) Helicopter Operations on Offshore
Helidecks
1. Background.
Standardized procedures can
enhance the safety of operating a second helicopter
on an offshore helideck, enabling pilots to
determine/maintain minimum operational parame-
ters. Orientation of the parked helicopter on the
helideck, wind and other factors may prohibit
multi−helicopter operations. More conservative
Rotor Diameter (RD) clearances may be required
under differing condition, i.e., temperature, wet deck,
wind (velocity/direction/gusts), obstacles, approach/
departure angles, etc. Operations are at the pilot’s
discretion.
2. Recommended Practice.
Helideck size,
structural weight capability, and type of main rotor on
the parked and operating helicopter will aid in
determining accessibility by a second helicopter.
Pilots should determine that multi−helicopter deck
operations are permitted by the helideck owner/
operator.
3. Recommended Criteria
(a) Minimum one
−third rotor diameter
clearance (
1
/
3
RD).
The landing helicopter main-
tains a minimum
1
/
3
RD clearance between the tips of
its turning rotor and the closest part of a parked and
secured helicopter (rotors stopped and tied down).
(b) Three foot parking distance from deck
edge (3’).
Helicopters operating on an offshore
helideck land or park the helicopter with a skid/wheel
assembly no closer than 3 feet from helideck edge.
(c) Tiedowns.
Main rotors on all helicopters
that are shut down be properly secured (tied down) to
prevent the rotor blades from turning.
(d)
Medium (transport) and larger helicopters
should not land on any offshore helideck where a light
helicopter is parked unless the light helicopter is
property secured to the helideck and has main rotor
tied down.
(e)
Helideck owners/operators should ensure
that the helideck has a serviceable anti−skid surface.
4. Weight and limitations markings on
helideck.
The helideck weight limitations should be
displayed by markings visible to the pilot (see State
of Louisiana “Offshore Heliport Design Guide” and
FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5390−2A, Heliport
Design Guide).
NOTE
−
Some offshore helideck owners/operators have restrictions
on the number of helicopters allowed on a helideck. When
helideck size permits, multiple (more than two) helicopter
operations are permitted by some operators.
m. Helicopter Rapid Refueling Procedures
(HRR)
1. Background.
Helicopter Rapid Refueling
(HRR), engine(s)/rotors operating, can be conducted
safely when utilizing trained personnel and observing
safe practices. This recommended practice provides
minimum guidance for HRR as outlined in National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and industry
practices. For detailed guidance, please refer to
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Docu-
ment 407, “Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing,”
1990 edition, including 1993 HRR Amendment.
NOTE
−
Certain operators prohibit HRR, or “hot refueling,” or
may have specific procedures for certain aircraft or
refueling locations. See the General Operations Manual
and/or Operations Specifications to determine the
applicable procedures or limitations.
2. Recommended Practices
(a)
Only turbine−engine helicopters fueled
with JET A or JET A−1 with fueling ports located
below any engine exhausts may be fueled while an
onboard engine(s) is (are) operating.
(b)
Helicopter fueling while an onboard
engine(s) is (are) operating should only be conducted
under the following conditions:
(1)
A properly certificated and current pilot
is at the controls and a trained refueler attending the
fuel nozzle during the entire fuel servicing process.
The pilot monitors the fuel quantity and signals the
refueler when quantity is reached.