RACQ CQ RESCUE Helicopter Service

Safety Procedures

Emergency Landing Area Requirements

• Landing area must not be less than a 50 metre diameter circle
• Without any over head obstructions at all, no power lines nor any other overhead wires
  • no trees
  • no towers
  • no livestock which could run under the helicopter.

Secure a clear approach path (on beaches, water's edge to form one side of landing area). Deploy responsible people to keep landing area clear until rotor has stopped. Where available, use radio or mobile phones to warn pilot of obstaclesm power lines, etc. on flight approaches.

Approaching a helicopter

If you must approach the helicopter while it is running:

• Approach within the crewman's field of vision (from either the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position). Wait well clear of rotor arcs before proceeding further.
• Indicate your intentions by giving a 'thumbs up' signal to the pilot or crewman. Wait for the crewman to come and escort you to the helicopter.
• On sloping ground, approach from the downhill side.
• Do not wear hats - carry loose items securely (blankets etc).
• Long objects should be carried either between two people or at arm's length at a point of balance (IV Poles).
• Do not enter under rotor arcs with such items in a vertical attitude.
• If you are blinded by dust, etc., created by the rotor downwash, stop and sit on the ground until you are clear or assistance arrives.

Night landing using vehicle headlights

• Emergency lights should be on to help locate the site.
• Two vehicles should be stationed at the corners to make an "x" with their low beam lights.
• Any obstructions should be illuminated if possible.

Information to be passed to crew prior to landing:

• Exact location of landing site (ie. Latitude and longitude co-ordinates).
• Description of landing area such as:
  • Surface
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Terrain
  • Slope
  • Wind direction
  • Obstacles - powerlines, poles, buildings antennas, towers and trees
• Vehicle parked at a 45 degree angle. Lights on high-beam.
• Vehicles use flashing beacons or hazard lights when the aircraft is in the vicinity.