Situations where helicopter marshalling is required

[machineman9]

Bit of an odd question, and it's all UK aerospace rules please.

I work at a hotel where we have a single helicopter landing square, but we have had events in the past where pilots have landed wherever they needed to... Sometimes 20-30 metres from a building.

Are there any rules which govern when a helicopter marshall should be present? I know landing is entirely down to the discretion of the pilot, but I have noticed some health and safety points (open gates where guests could be, chairs, paths, trees, etc) and we have no sort of windsock present.

So I'm kind of wondering what rules there should be, and what I can do about it. Though I've only been on shift for about 4 landings, I have had one where I gritted a bit because I felt that there wasn't enough being done on our side.

Any help would be appreciated,

Cheers.

[C]

I haven't read this, but it might be useful:

CAA Pamphlet - Helicopter Activity and Private Landing Sites

[OVERLORD_CHRIS]

If anything I would think you would be needed as a guide if it is there first time there, or adverse weather. But as far as obstacles, I think it is the responsibility of the receiver to make sure nothing is present, if they are expecting it. 

[machineman9]

Cheers, C. That does have some good info in it, but I think it mostly relates to in-flight activities. It would appear that landing/takeoff is borderline to the info supplied.


Obstacles, such as the trees, are definately in the realm of the pilot, but things like FOD-ish materials (well, the general crap that gets left behind on tables), and ensuring the paths are manned and people aren't getting too close, etc. I think that is the responsibility of the people who own the grounds.

[C]

Obstacles, such as the trees, are definately in the realm of the pilot, but things like FOD-ish materials (well, the general crap that gets left behind on tables), and ensuring the paths are manned and people aren't getting too close, etc. I think that is the responsibility of the people who own the grounds.

It's a very murky area. Effectively it can land wherever the pilot wants to. If anything it's up to them to ensure the owner of the private land is properly aware of what they want and need.

[DaveSims]

While not sure of UK regulations, in the US I don't believe there is a legal requirement for helicopter marshalling, in any situation.  That is left up to the procedures for the operator.  Of course, just because it is legal to land without marshalling, does not mean it is safe and prudent to do so.  Making that decision would be up to the helicopter operator and the property owner.

[expat]

Well I can tell you it is very simple in Germany, you have a flying machine, you land at an airport, end of!

Matt

[machineman9]

After a bit of delving and asking-of-questions, it turns out the secondary, unmarked, heli pad is the old one and the new landing pad (marked) is the one and only landing pad that they should be using.

Quite simply, they couldn't be bothered to update their information