"depart on track" for helicopters
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"depart on track" for helicopters
G'day ATC,
Just looking for a little clarification on the allowable maneuvering a helicopter may undertake after they have received the clearance:
"Helicopter ABC; Intersection X and Y; cleared for take-off; depart on track."
Some background info: In particular I am looking for information relevant to operation in Australian Control Zones (aware this may be as per ICAO standards), but interested in all views on this.
Also, as a helicopter, my departure point is pretty much always from a taxiway intersection or HLS, not from the duty runway itself.
To paint an example picture in your head, my helicopter is ready at an intersection just off duty runway 18. The wind is 210/15, and the position I have been given clearance to (by Clearance Delivery) is 010 degrees at 5nm. With that in mind:
First Question(s): Do I take off parallel with the duty runway 18?; or into wind heading 210?
Second Question(s): By what point must I achieve my assigned track?
i.e. after I have taken off, do I turn after climbing to 500'?; or
turn as soon as I have achieved translational flight?; or
turn within a certain distance from the departure intersection?
Are there prescribed limits I must work within or is it a gray area where I am expected to expedite the turn as soon as practicable (when I deem it safe)?
I have tried to find a definition but have been unable to identify a source thus far. I've tried the AIP with no joy, and I'm now thinking that probably only ATC documentation may yield a more definitive answer as to exactly how the phrase is meant to be interpreted when applied to a helicopter.
As I don't have access to those documents I was hoping a Controller would be able to enlighten me.
One interpretation I have received is "become airborne into wind, then begin your turn onto track within 30m of take-off". This came to me third hand though.
Any differences in opinion or suggestions, especially if they are backed up by direct quotes from legislative documents, would be highly appreciated.
Cheers.
Just looking for a little clarification on the allowable maneuvering a helicopter may undertake after they have received the clearance:
"Helicopter ABC; Intersection X and Y; cleared for take-off; depart on track."
Some background info: In particular I am looking for information relevant to operation in Australian Control Zones (aware this may be as per ICAO standards), but interested in all views on this.
Also, as a helicopter, my departure point is pretty much always from a taxiway intersection or HLS, not from the duty runway itself.
To paint an example picture in your head, my helicopter is ready at an intersection just off duty runway 18. The wind is 210/15, and the position I have been given clearance to (by Clearance Delivery) is 010 degrees at 5nm. With that in mind:
First Question(s): Do I take off parallel with the duty runway 18?; or into wind heading 210?
Second Question(s): By what point must I achieve my assigned track?
i.e. after I have taken off, do I turn after climbing to 500'?; or
turn as soon as I have achieved translational flight?; or
turn within a certain distance from the departure intersection?
Are there prescribed limits I must work within or is it a gray area where I am expected to expedite the turn as soon as practicable (when I deem it safe)?
I have tried to find a definition but have been unable to identify a source thus far. I've tried the AIP with no joy, and I'm now thinking that probably only ATC documentation may yield a more definitive answer as to exactly how the phrase is meant to be interpreted when applied to a helicopter.
As I don't have access to those documents I was hoping a Controller would be able to enlighten me.
One interpretation I have received is "become airborne into wind, then begin your turn onto track within 30m of take-off". This came to me third hand though.
Any differences in opinion or suggestions, especially if they are backed up by direct quotes from legislative documents, would be highly appreciated.
Cheers.
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Heli g'day
I believe ATC mean that you depart initially into wind, then turn as required to gain your outbound track. We would expect this to be within 500' of your departure point.
So in your example - point in the direction of the wind, become more(!) airborne and when safe to do so turn onto track. If this is before 500' and you are able to comply with all the bits about flight over buildings/vehicles/people then that is OK too.
If you are in any doubt always ask the ADC when he/she clears you in that manner exactly what they want.
I believe ATC mean that you depart initially into wind, then turn as required to gain your outbound track. We would expect this to be within 500' of your departure point.
So in your example - point in the direction of the wind, become more(!) airborne and when safe to do so turn onto track. If this is before 500' and you are able to comply with all the bits about flight over buildings/vehicles/people then that is OK too.
If you are in any doubt always ask the ADC when he/she clears you in that manner exactly what they want.
