Vanguard HLS
Thread Starter
'just another atco'
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 154
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From: LTC Swanwick
Vanguard HLS
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
Nothing sinister, I am just looking to formalise some ATC procedures for operating to and from the site.
Thanks
Joined: Jul 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL(H)
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 56
From: UK
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
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
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: England
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)).
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)).
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: UK
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.........
Good people at Vanguard. Very friendly and efficient.
That "landing unlicensed in a congested area" thing catches quite a few.........
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
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?
Is it just a money making scheme? Yes, of course it is. Why else would they allow it?
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Oxfordshire
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??????????
Can we set this in stone either way. Any offers??????????
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 7
From: OS SX2063
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: uk
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.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 898
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From: Do I come here often?
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.
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.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Vanguard (London) site question
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.
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.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
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?
....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!
