Guidelines for heliports - design and operation - Draft Advisory Circular 139.R-01 v3.0

Overview

We would like your feedback on amendments to our guidance for the design and operation of heliports in advisory circular (AC) 139.R-01.

The amendments to AC 139.R-01 include:

• a new ‘General’ subsection (5.2.1) in section 5.2 – Markings and markers
• a new subsection (5.2.18) for obstacle markings
• updates to Chapter 6 to incorporate feedback from industry experts, inclusive of heliport operators and designers, on heliport emergency response
• more information about the systems and equipment necessary to provide an immediate response in the case of an accident
• a new Appendix C for Rescue and firefighting equipment and services risk assessment considerations
• minor edits consequential to the amendments above.

The update to Chapter 6 is intended to provide greater clarity:

• for determining the heliport operator’s intended emergency response and associated facilities in the event of abnormal helicopter operations
• on the difference between emergency response facilities provided at the heliport needed to ensure the survivability of persons after a helicopter crash or any other incident that may result in a fire at the heliport
• on systems needed to achieve the heliport operator’s emergency response objectives onsite, versus an offsite emergency response.

This AC applies to:

• persons involved in the design, construction, and operation of heliports
• proponents of heliports
• helicopter owners/operators
• planning authorities
• aerodrome operators
• CASA personnel.

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