Vanguard HLS

[TC_LTN]

Would somebody be kind enough to PM me the details of the owner or operator of the Vanguard Helicopter Landing Site near the Isle of Dogs.

Nothing sinister, I am just looking to formalise some ATC procedures for operating to and from the site.

Thanks

[Bravo73]

TC_LTN,

Contact details are in this thread (towards the bottom):

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=270022


Although you might be a bit late if you believe this thread:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=272747



HTH,

B73

[Nimco82]

Is it legal for a private flight into Vanguard London in a R44. If so what is the costs compared to Battersea. Thanks in advance for any information.

[JimBall]

You will need a CAA Exemption for landing in a congested area.

And your other questions can be answered here (http://www.aya-creative.co.uk/prod/helipad/)

[Nimco82]

Many Thanks

[chopjock]

JimBall
You will need a CAA Exemption for landing in a congested area.
I fail to see why you would need a CAA exemption.:confused:

[JTobias]

From their website


All operators wishing to use the HLS MUST first obtain permission to land from the UK CAA.

This is because landing at the site is:

* In a Congested Area (Rule 5(2)(c) of the Rules of the Air 1996); and
* Against the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying)(Specified Area) Regulations 2005 as it is within the Specified Area; and
* Against the prohibition from landing off the London Heli-lanes at a private site (Rule 5(3)(c)(11)).

[TiPwEiGhT]

I can't either how they can charge £75 for a AS350 and £120 for a AS355. Is there some extra charges they recieve from CAA or is it just a money making scheme?

TiP

[JimBall]

It's called "market forces" - and I'm surprised Vanguard don't charge more when you consider (a) how close to the square mile they are and (b) the prices charged to land in a far-flung corner of London at least 40 mins by cab from the CBD.

Good people at Vanguard. Very friendly and efficient.

That "landing unlicensed in a congested area" thing catches quite a few.........

[chopjock]

I spoke with the CAA this morning, apparently an exemption is NOT required, but a "permission" is. Not sure what the difference is though.

[ShyTorque]

Tip, have you compared those figures with those charged at Battersea? In comparison, well - there is no comparison... :(

Is it just a money making scheme? Yes, of course it is. Why else would they allow it?

[TiPwEiGhT]

Shy,

Yes I am aware of the differences between the two. Was just curious what the reason was for the substantial difference in cost for technically the same aircraft.

Ta,

TiP

[Dragpin]

So half of us think that you need an exemption, CAA has said that you don't but you need permission from Vanguard as you would anywhere else.

Can we set this in stone either way. Any offers??????????

[VeeAny]

Dragpin

The Permission the CAA refer to is in relation to rule 5 2(c), its a permission not an exemption becasue the rule says

(c) The 1,000 feet rule
Except with the written permission of the CAA, an aircraft flying over a congested area
of a city town or settlement shall not fly below a height of 1,000 feet above the highest
fixed obstacle within a horizontal radius of 600 metres of the aircraft.

You don't get an exemption from them, you get a permission from them, its a terminology thing, still amouts to fill in a form pay the money and get a piece of grey paper that says what they expect you do in addition to not endanger anyone while you land there.

If you do apply for one ask for an annual permission, and make it as unrestrictive as you can on yourself, you can get away with not necessarily specifiying registrations and pilots if you speak to them and annotate the form that way.

[dunnarunna]

You are exempt from the 1000ft part of Rule5 when flying along H4. However, even though it is on the river bank, Vanguard is considered off the route hence your landing will be in a congested area. Unless able to 'self-exempt' as an AOC holder, you must gain this 'permission' to land within a congested area from the CAA.

[Earpiece]

I heard that they didn't accept public transport flights because of orders from the Belgrano but that may have changed - does anyone know?

Earpiece

[Sir Niall Dementia]

Earpiece;

I can't find the exact piece of paper right now, but I do remember that the CAA required an ability to hover out of ground effect on one engine and to carry HUMS for CAT flights.

I go there regularly and would say that in certain wind conditions/speeds it is not for the faint hearted. With the wind off the river you can find yourself with a hefty crosswind, and with the wind from the east the wind sheer can be very entertaining.

[windowseatplease]

I am planning to land at the Vanguard site soon, in a single engine. Assuming I get the nod from the CAA...

If the wind is strong from the west...does anyone know if it's ok to overfly the buildings to the east of the site? Or do you have to remain clear of built up areas and accept an out-of-wind approach/departure?

Before I get a torrent of abuse from everyone, yes I have a lot of hours/experience, and yes, I will talk to the site owners about any special approach/departure procedures they have, I just thought someone here could offer any wisdom on operating from this site.

Thanks.

[Dragpin]

If you have lots of experience, why would you want to fly over the buildings to the east in a single engine!!:ugh:

[ShyTorque]

If the wind is strong from the west...does anyone know if it's ok to overfly the buildings to the east of the site? Or do you have to remain clear of built up areas and accept an out-of-wind approach/departure?

The permission I have (for our twin engine, class A performance helicopter) states the following:

....in the event of failure of a power unit the said helicopter could alight without danger to persons or property on the surface at any time.

....any approach and departure path to and from the said site shall be directly from and to the River Thames.

... any landing or takeoff shall not be made closer than 20 metres from any person, vehicle or structure.

............................

If you pick the bones out of that, the answer to your question is probably, and perhaps unsurprisingly, NO - do not overfly the buildings! :)

[jellycopter]

****e

how can you remain 20 meters clear of structures at Vangaurd, that would put you in the river?

JJ

[Francis Frogbound]

Jellycopter;

Maybe thats the way the CAA are finally going to get rid of the place! In an easterly wind the wind shear can be vile and with a westerly wind stopping can be fun:{

Vanguard is really a bit like a lot of the hotels around where some one has painted an H and called it a heli-pad. And can someone tell me which comedian painted 2 aiming points on the place? or do they think they really can get 2 aircraft in there?

SND