Hi & I have a tree problem!

[Tinker2]

Hi everyone,

Other than loving anything with an engine, the nearest I get to helicopters as a woodsman is watching Sycamore seeds fall from the sky. I did have a great time in the TA as a Royal Engineer Sapper around helicopters bringing personnel etc. but never got to fly in one.

I have been asked to plant a wood close to a house with a helicopter landing site between the house and the proposed woodland site (all the same property). I could do with knowing how far away the trees have to be to ensure the rotors don't finish up ppruning - sorry couldn't resist that one the trees.

So it is the safe distance from rotor tip to trees I need. Are there CAA regs that cover this?

I've emailed British Helecopter Assoc. but I haven't had a response yet and could do with knowing sooner rather than later

Many thanks
Tinker2

[Savoia]

Tinker welcome to Rotorheads and I hope you soon get to fly in a helicopter.

There are specific requirements governing public use helipads and heliports but, it is a little different for private sites and I am not entirely sure of the applicable legislation. Hopefully PPRuNer JimL will be along and be able offer some clear guidance.

In the meantime if you have a plan of the area (with measurements) and with a sketch of the proposed woods, and if you can post it, you may well receive some comments - especially if there is anything obvious which 'sticks out' .

[Tinker2]

Plan of the area

Hi Savoia,

Thanks for the welcome.

I don't have permission from the client to give details of the site but the landing site is about 20 to 25 metres from the proposed edge of the wood. To preserve hydrology in the wood, the nearest tree line will be scalloped to slow down the wind. I can plan the safe clearance into the scalloping when I know what the safe distance is.

My understanding of private sites is... planning permission isn't required if the landing site is within the curtlege of the property, or if in an adjoining field if the landing site is used no more than 28 days out of a calendar year.

Never in a million years did I ever think that as a woodsman, I would be consulting with pilots about the pros and cons of planting trees!

Thanks again.
Tinker2

[oldpax]

Choppers

some branch of aviation will get to the root of your problem!

[212man]

Never in a million years did I ever think that as a woodsman....

I had to do a double take when I saw that expression.....

[krypton_john]

Every pilot I know considers himself to be a woodsman, but here's a real one that wants to be a pilot!

[Aucky]

It obviously depends on the size and weight of the helicopter too - if you are talking about a small private helicopter (R22, R44 B206) with 2-5 seats then the effects felt at 25M away would likely be infrequently and negligible. If the helicopter is of the heavier variety (A109, AS355, EC155) then it would have a more dramatic effect.

[N707ZS]

Tinker2, I have a friend who does this for a job do you want his contact details he lives near Humberside airport.

[g0lfer]

Tinker2 - it seems to me you should tell your client you need to survey the area properly and that means from the air. That way if he has a Heli he should give you a spin with a few approaches and departures thrown in. Most pilots welcome the chance to take someone up with them. That way you get the ride you always wanted and the client gets the job done. Seemples.

[Tinker2]

CHOPPERS

Hi all, sorry but this is too good an opportunity to miss...

'Some branch of aviation will get to the root of your problem!' forgive me I haven't been air side for long so I am to some degree winging it or as one might say 'flying by the seat of my pants!'

Oldpax, CHOPPERS - I have my own chopper and it is on the large size in fact I would say it is rather a handful, I dare say any of you would be proud to own it, or any of my other fine specimens. Pics to follow if allowed.

Krypton_john, I would love to fly, I have a copy of a WW2 instruction book for the cockpit of a Mozzie. I just dont have the Mozzie or space for one on the drive. Before I fall off my perch I want to break my fastest indicated ground speed of 150mph on my Honda CB1300 and I want to do it in something with wings and not as a passenger.

Aucky, so size does matter! Point taken.

N707ZS, If you mean your friend plants trees for a living around airfields and knows the regs for this situation, then yes please.

g0lfer, Great idea but I just don't have time for playing this side of next June and the trees are going in this winter. Otherwise I would be up there pestering for a go on the controls... if only

Many thanks for all your contributions.

Cheers
Tinker2

[N707ZS]

Tinker2, see if that pm contact can help. Another thought might be once your trees grow might you get curlover from the trees when it is windy, someone else on here might be able to say more about that.

[aegir]

Tinker, if you need to know the area without obstacles needed to land an helicopter, you can read the annex 14 of ICAO: http://www.bazl.admin.ch/dokumentati..._JjKbNoKSn6A--

In any case you can consider 2D (D is the overall dimension of te helicopter that will land there) for the clearance blade tip-trees.
About the problems with the air moved by h/c (that may damage the trees), I can't help you as dipends on h/c weight.

EDIG: gramm. correction

[Geoffersincornwall]

Private Pad

You should take into considerate the preferred landing and take off flight paths when evaluating your proposed pad. Ideally you will have a good clear approach path into the prevailing wind and a corresponding clear take off path that is also into the prevailing wind. The better your planning at this stage the better the risk-management equation becomes.

G.

[Tinker2]

Problem Solved

Many thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond.

The answer is... probably best not published as I would hate to think someone just took the information without having taken professional advice.

You're a great bunch, thanks again.

I've got another question for you... What is the collective noun for you lot? A bunch of woodsmen is a thicket

Tinker2

[John R81]

A "Brag" of helicoper pilots?

I'll get my coat.....

[havick]

What is the collective noun for you lot?

The technical term for three or more pilots is a "whinge of pilots".

[Tinker2]

How about a Whirl? I remember as a kid, helicopters being called whirly birds

[61 Lafite]

What is the collective noun for you lot?

Perhaps we're just a Collective of Helicopter Pilots?

Lafite