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:
There were some comments on important matters that could not be addressed within the scope of this AC development. They include:
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:
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
This advisory circular (AC) will provide guidance and information on physical and operational standards for heliports. Heliports are not regulated, so the intent of this AC is to provide some foundational specifications to help Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) owners and operators design, construct, maintain and operate their facilities in line with international standards and recommended practices.
Draft AC 139.R-01 v1.0 replaces Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAP) 92-2(2) and 92-4(0) with respect to guidance for HLS owners and operators. Guidance to helicopter pilots on operating to and from HLSs has been published in AC 91-29 v1.0 - Guidelines for helicopters - suitable places to take off and land.
In this draft AC, heliport owners and operators are provided with guidance on:
CASA recognises the valuable contribution that community and industry consultation makes to the regulatory development process.
This draft AC represents a significant step towards alignment of Australia’s heliport specifications with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) heliport standards and recommended practices (contained in Annex 14 Volume II).
While Annex 14 alignment was a stated goal of the Part 139 post-implementation review project, consultation on specific provisions is essential to ensuring that this guidance material is adequate, suitable and fit for purpose.
Community and industry members are invited to review the document and consider the impact, positive and negative, on existing and future operations at Australian heliports and HLS, including onshore and offshore facilities. Feedback should be provided through the online survey below.
Note: The MS Word document is not to be used as an emailed submission, unless there are extenuating circumstances, and this form of submission has been agreed to by the consultation project lead.
At the end of the response period for public comment, we will review each comment and submission received. We will make all submissions publicly available on our website, unless you request your submission remain confidential. We will also publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines our plans for the AC.
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