Helicopter VMC & ALT A/D's
Someone once said; "Make a decision based upon justifying it in a court of law", that said the real crux of your question then becomes the difference between what people really do every day compared to what the legistlation advising you how to do it.
Q1. How would you determine if a destination (even a HLS) requires an alternate?
A1. You require a TAF or at a minimum an area forecast.
So even operating with 50nm of your departure point, you still have to assess all information pertaining to the flight, including wind gusts, fog, viz etc you may operate with the thought you can return to your point of departure.
If you are operating outside the 50nm from your dep point, then you have to comply with any alternate requirements due to weather or nav aids etc.
VMC by day; Did you forget this one?
Typically for a helicopter (below 3000ft AMSL or 1000ft AGL, which ever is the higher, 5000m viz and clear of cloud.
Helicopter VMC by day; Within 700ft AGL >>>> 800m viz & clear of cloud. THIS ONE DOES NOT INCLUDE OVER WATER @ BELOW 700FT AMSL
Helicopter VMC by day OVER WATER(ENR 77.9);Within 700ft AMSL >>>> 5000m Viz & 600m horiz & 500ft vertical from cloud.
Helicopters are required to provide for a suitable alternate areodrome when either of the following is forecast at the destination; Viz less than 3000m & cloud greater than sct BELOW A CEILING OF 1000ft.
Always have a backup plan; can I return, where can I go, what about the passengers, what about the mossies if I overnight.
Have fun & keep the ground below you.
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