Guidelines for heliports - design and operation - Draft Advisory Circular (AC) 139.R-01 v1.0

This consultation asked industry to provide feedback on the draft advisory circular (AC) on heliport design and operation. The issue of this AC, in concert with AC 91-29, replaces CAAP 92-2(2) and CAAP 92-4(0) and represents a comprehensive adoption of the international standards and recommended practices contained in Annex 14 Volume II. A heliport is a helicopter landing site (HLS) that is designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the specifications outlined in the AC. Heliports are typically dedicated helicopter operating areas supporting air transport operations, medical patient transport and offshore oil and gas operations.

The consultation has now closed, and a summary of the feedback is provided below.

A total of 6 responses were received with 1 each from a heliport owner/operator, a certified aerodrome operator, and a planning authority as well as 3 heliport consultants/designers.

Of the respondents who made written submissions, 1 consented to having them made public and 5 requested their submissions be confidential.

Summary of feedback
In addition to some relatively minor editorial and typographical matters raised, the main actionable subjects that were identified included:

• marking flexibility
• safety device details for elevated heliports and helidecks
• the location of specifications for means of escape
• FATO and TLOF surface slopes
• flight path alignment lighting.

There were some comments on important matters that could not be addressed within the scope of this AC development. They include:

• Rotorwash guidance. The specifications provided in this AC go beyond the requirements in Annex 14 Volume II but further work is required to develop specification similar to Part 139 MOS. This work will be undertaken as part of future revision work.
• Night vision imaging system (NVIS) accommodation. A note on NVIS appears below the heading for section 5.3 but numerous comments asked for more detail and consideration. This is an important issue that requires further analysis and consultation. It will be considered in future standards development.
• Rescue and firefighting (RFF) standards. Numerous comments outlined a need for review of this section to provide more clarity on RFF specifications. This too requires further analysis and will be considered in future standards development.
• Inspections and reporting. Similar to the issues noted above, this topic requires detailed consideration and will be included in the scope of work for future revisions of this AC and any associated standards development.
• Helicopter facilities at certified aerodromes. Any amendment to Part 139 MOS was beyond the scope of this project but future revisions to the MOS may include additions to align with this AC.
• Definitions. The definitions contained in this document need to align with existing definitions in the regulations (such as rotorcraft) while giving effect to the specifications based on Annex 14 Volume II.
• Document structure. The document's structure aligns closely with Annex 14 Volume II as it was considered the most appropriate at this stage of development. Further revisions and development will look to consolidate some specifications as appropriate.

Also, there was a comment regarding need for this document, and another, to address the potential lack of adoption by industry of the specifications. While these comments are noted, it is necessary for CASA to incorporate these specifications within our regulatory suite to give it effect within Australia. As they remain guidance, different sectors and industry bodies that have developed and/or adopted different specification (including more prescriptive models) are able to consider these specifications within their broader environment and with respect to their risk appetite.

All comments were appreciated and, as result of the feedback, the AC is a better document. Each comment was reviewed and, where feasible, incorporated into the AC.

With respect to the 5 areas of comments the following summarises changes with the AC:

• some diagrams were amended to show different options for markings
• references to the relevant sections on safety devices contained in ICAO's Heliport Manual (Doc 9261) were added to the identified specifications
• cross-references to section 6.8 (means of escape) were added to the relevant sections in Chapter 3
• minor amendment to slope clauses sought to address modern construction techniques
• adoption of the wording in the Heliport Manual with respect to the colour of flight part alignment guidance lighting system lights.