Helicopter IFR Procedures

[mream]

Hi, everyone, I'm new to the helicopter world and am trying to learn a few things. I've read through the forum here about single-engine vs. twin-engine helicopters being IFR capable, and have researched a lot of the recommendations from NTSB and industry organizations regarding improving HEMS safety. There has been a lot about equipment and training, but I only see a few mentions of IFR procedures.

I am wondering about the prevalence of IFR procedure design and usage for helicopter operations, but specifically for HEMS. Are they out there? Is anyone other than Hickok designing them? How much are they used? Do they cover most level 1 trauma centers? Are they something seen as helpful, or pretty far down the list of potential improvements to the HEMS safety record?

Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

[Arcal76]

IFR helicopter procedures.

I can't answer for the US side,but I can tell that here in Canada,we use the same rules and procedures than anybody else.The only change you will have is when a GPS approach is designed for a helipad.We comply with the same rules expect that we have minimum for helicopters for take-off.We get some priority because we are Medevac,but we follow standard IFR procedures.

[Corax]

Very few of the accidents in HEMS have to do with IFR. They mostly result from trying to muck about VFR when they should be IFR.

[hihover]

Corax, I tend to agree with you to an extent, but have to add that in most cases, IFR would only be applicable for the recovery, not for getting to a scene. The problem is the decision to go in the first place, or the decision to push on in poor conditions.

Without wishing to re-open exhausted topics, HEMS IFR capability is a lower priority than sound decision making.

Helicopter IFR capability is a great thing, provided it is practiced and the pilots are well trained and competent, but somebody has to pay for all that, there is no easy fix.

Sorry, got to run.

Tam

[catseye]

EMS helo specific procedures.

this what you were thinking of

http://http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/dap/XGSGN01-127.pdf


http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/...GSGN01-127.pdf



there are a few around and some specific designers available.

cheers


the eye

[rennaps]

A lot of instrument Helicopter Point in Space (PinS) procedures have been done for the Norwegian Air Ambulance. These PinS procedures go to most hospitals. Also an entire IFR route structure is being set up, specifically for helicopters, to link the the arrival procedures at the various hospitals. From what I heard, it has been done by two companies Aurinko and ASAP. In Norway helicopters have great problems with icing so require the lowest minimums possible.

I also heard, that they are designing helicopter IFR arrivals and Standard Instrument Departures in New Zealand