Helicopter flights at a country show
 

I have searched, looked round the web and left a message with the CAA about this. But maybe someone here can help me.

I have been asked if I can do some helicopter flights at my local young farmers show.
I have a CPL (H) and I would be flying a Bell 206.

I've never done anything like this before, are there requirements about space, briefing customers, extra insurance, NoTams etc.

There will be a lot of people about and animals, is it left up to me to decide how to run it and the best landing sites etc, or are there rules.

As it's for charity am expected to give it all for free of can I claim any running costs back.

Peter

There are lots of rules and requirements.

Have a look at CAP768 -
Chap.21, Annex 1 – Site Surveying
Chap.21, Annex 2 – Pleasure Flying
Chap.21, Annex 3 – RFFS at Temporary Landing Sites

(available to download from caa publications website)

PM me if you like.

Simple answer is don't. Rules and regs many and what about an AOC.
You can't just pitch up at a show and start giving rides to people even if you are doing it at no charge!
Jarvy.

This has to be a wind up?? where did you do your CPL? :eek:

MK10

I imagine whereever you get the 206 from they or someone close by should have an AOC which is what you will need and they also know all the rules to go with it. Then maybe they can give you the job of flying the young farmers. You could do a deal with the AOC holder whereby they check you out on the 206 which includes a line check and they get some business. I hope all this makes sense.

I did a charity flight last year. Suggest you have a look at AIC 25/2007 (White 136) which covers what you need to do. Lots of hoops to jump through and while the CAA appeared to be quite helpful when I first called them to discuss it, it became more tortuous as the process went on, with the final approval containing so many caveats and restrictions that it really wasn't a particularly worthwhile outing. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you'd like any further info.

P.P, It's very noble that you are aiming to do this for charity. However, these type of operations now need so much approval that I doubt there will be a penny of profit for the charity after deducting the operating, safety and setup costs.

Now if the plan is really about getting yourself a few free flying hours, you might just achieve that, but god knows the pain is going to be high!

Pilot Pete,

I think you may be misleading those who have posted so far. Will anyone pay for this flying? That is will the passengers pay for their flights or anyone else pay you or the person who owns the helicopter to fly these people (either in money or another way? If so, then the flying you propose is public transport and you cannot do it other then under the auspices of an AOC.

The other things that is surprising us all is that you say you have a CPL(H) but you don't know about the normal UK rules for fare-paying passengers, or indeed lots of other things. Is yours a UK/JAA licence?

If the flying is being done without anyone paying for it, then it could be what the CAA call a charity flight. Special rules apply to them and the relevant AIC has already been quoted.

Pilot.Pete is the same person who posted on the 'Spare Seats' thread asking for a fixed wing pilot to take him up to show him some fixed wing flying, and to 'show him a good time'.

I (quite kindly, I think) offered to take him for a flight from a local airfield just a few miles from him. Being both ATPL(A) and CPL(H), I felt that I would be in a good position to 'show him the differences' between rotary and fixed wing.

He then started asking me about the costs of flying fixed wing, and when I told him, he said that he couldn't fly with me as I'd let my instructor rating lapse, and therefore he wouldn't be able to log the time! Quite a step from 'please could someone take me up for a flight', to 'I wouldn't waste my money flying with you if I can't log the time'! I have to say, it seemed rather ungrateful. When looking for a first step 'in the industry', it is somewhat unwise to alienate anybody who could potentially be a useful contact.

As for believing that holding a CPL with no relevant experience entitles you to rock up and tout for trial flights at a fete, whether for charity or not - just what exactly were you taught on your CPL course??!!