Heli flying at night
Recently I read a thread about night flying with helicopters. It seemed that in general it’s not a good idea.
I would like some opinions about the following scenario:
A commercial heli company would like to pick up and transport passengers (performers for some kind of event) from a village without a heliport, let alone one with proper lighting. The 2 take-offs and landings take place shortly after sunset. The relatively large courtyard of a local fire department has been chosen as a landing site. The fire department plans to lighten the area with their spot lights. A twin-engine heli will be used; the company is a commercial operation under JAR-OPS.
So, my question: under these circumstances, is such a flight possible? My problem with it, among other things, is that any obstacles in the area, like trees or such, are not lighted, the pilot could get blinded by the spot lights, it is not a “legal” heliport”, etc. I don’t honestly see the sense in the flight (except a desperate need for income) since at this time of year the weather plays a big factor and according to JAR-OPS a minimum visibility of 5 km is required for night flying, so in the end those pax will be calling a taxi anyway.
Opinions from you all would be greatly appreciated. I'm no heli pilot, just a darn fixed wing one.
Westy