Codes of Conduct

Pilot's Code of Conduct

1. Always fly as high as possible consistent with the weather and other factors. This will reduce your projected noise at ground level, and also give you more scope to find a suitable landing site in the event of an emergency.

2. Always avoid populated areas if possible. You owe it to the public to help to preserve the environment. You will also find more landing sites out in the open in the event of an emergency.

3. Never bank sharply if you can avoid it. The sharp deflection from level flight will cause a rise in your aircraft's noise signature.

4. Always get airborne to height as quickly as possible consistent with a safe climb speed. This will reduce your noise footprint and increase your safety.

5. Always land as quickly as possible once you know your landing area is clear. Again this will limit your noise footprint and please both your passengers and air traffic control.

6. Never stray from acknowledged routes or you are sure to be spotted and risk complaint. Short cuts could prove to be an aggravation to you as well as those on the ground.

7. Always warn people of your arrival if possible if you want to be welcomed.

8. Always take time to talk to interested parties about helicopters: the Public's interest in all forms of aviation, especially helicopters, provides a great opportunity to extol the virtues of rotorcraft.

9.  LOWER YOUR CRUISE SPEED BY 5-10 KNOTS OVER NOISE SENSITIVE AREAS.

10. FOLLOW HIGH AMBIENT NOISE ROUTES WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

This Code of Conduct is applicable to all civil pilots, commercial or private, and is aimed at showing an environmentally conscious public that helicopter operators are also aware of the need to preserve the environment from unnecessary noise intrusion.  The whole helicopter industry must demonstrate a responsible and co-operative attitude to this situation, and it can best be done by observing the Code of Conduct at all times, but particularly in congested urban areas.

PILOT'S CREDO

"I will do everything reasonably possible within the parameters of safety, to incorporate noise abatement in the routine operation of my helicopter."

Aerial photography flights and similar work over Congested Areas

In addition to any conditions stipulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, in respect of a permission:

1. Flights should not be made lower than 800ft above ground level, and no closer to any person or structure than 500ft. At 800ft AGL, the maximum duration of the flight should not exceed 5 minutes in any one area.

2. If a minimum height of 1,300ft above ground level can be maintained, the duration may be extended to 15 minutes.

3. Following a flight in a given area, no return may be made to the same area in less than 1 hour.

4. Other areas may be operated, provided the centres of operation are no closer than 4 nautical miles.

5. Operations prior to 0700 hrs and after 1700 hrs are to be avoided.

6. Operators should inform local agencies of their intended operation, e.g. police, local airfield, and if possible local media and residents. Pilots should attempt to minimise any local inconvenience.

7. These restrictions do not apply in three cases:

• Flights in connection with major national sporting events, e.g. cup final, boat race, etc.
• Flights for major productions, provided extensive written warnings and explanations can be circulated in the days preceding the event. Contact telephone numbers should be included.
• Flights made on behalf of a Police Authority.

8. No such flights whatsoever should take place on Christmas Day.

This Code of Conduct was drawn up under the auspices of the BHAB Special Events Working Party. It aims to reduce any possible noise intrusion caused by such flights.

Operating Helicopters in National Parks and National Scenic Areas in Scotland

Helicopter operations in National Parks and places of outstanding beauty often cause annoyance and irritation to those seeking quiet and tranquillity. Pilots should follow these Guidelines:-

1. Before undertaking an operation in a National Park, make a detailed study of the map: note where the key beauty spots are located and the routes leading to them.

2. Plan your operation to ensure that your chosen route avoids sensitive areas, eg beauty spots, built-up areas.

3. Spend as little time in the National Park as possible and always fly as high as possible consistent with safety.

4. Operations prior to 0700 hrs and after 1800 hrs are to be avoided.

5. Seek advice from and inform National Parks office about your intended operation giving as much notice as possible.

6. Avoid crossing National Parks if suitable alternative routes are available. When crossing National Parks always fly as high as possible unless safety requirements, eg weather conditions require lower levels. Follow key line features, eg railway lines, motorways etc.

7. Helicopter training flights should not take place in National Parks.

8. There should be no flights on Christmas Day.

9. These restrictions do not apply in the following circumstances:-

• Helicopter emergency medical evacuation flights
• Helicopters used for rescue purposes and for animal feeding
• Police helicopter operations

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