GUIDELINES REGARDING THE USE OF HELICOPTERS IN
FILM AND/OR TELIVISION PRODUCTIONS
Helicopter flying accuracy may be adversely affected by changing natural conditions such as wind, air density, humidity, and time of day. Manmade conditions such as weight, weight distribution, centre of gravity and/or the discharge of pyrotechnics in close proximity distributing airflow around the tail rotor, can also affect the ability of the helicopter to fly.
1. The PILOT IN COMMAND shall be at all times the final authority over his/her helicopter and should be in command of his/her flight operations and/or related activities.
The PILOT IN COMMAND and/or AERIAL COORDINATOR shall have the authority to abort any flying operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals shall be specified ahead of time.
2. Communications: The AERIAL COORDINATOR and/or PILOT IN COMMAND will coordinate with the designated production representative and implement a plan for communications between the participants in the air and on the ground.
The plan will incorporate the following:
- Designated ground contact personnel;
- Air to ground radios – Frequency 123.00
- Visual signals shall be used to halt filming in the event of lost communications or inability to utilize radios;
- Abort signals, audible and visual to halt filming in the event of unforeseen circumstances or safety hazards.
3. At the start of each day’s filming the AERIAL COORDINATOR and/or PILOT IN COMMAND and the designated production representative shall conduct a :
BRIEFING/SAFETY MEETING for the production staff and those persons necessary for filming, including emergency, safety and security personnel.
BRIEFINGS/SAFETY shall include the following:
- Pertinent items and special provisions of the Aerial coordinator and/or Pilot in command
- Possible risk personnel who are involved
- Safeguards to personnel and equipment
- Communications
- Emergency procedures
- Location of boundaries
- Local governmental limitations or restrictions, if any
4. A preplanned stunt and/or special effect sequence will not be changed in any way without the authorization of the AERIAL COORDINATOR and/or PILOT IN COMMAND. No changes should be made once the helicopter(s) is/are airborne.
5. The AERIAL COORDINATOR and/or PILOT IN COMMAND shall designate ONE person as ground safety contact with no other responsibilities. The helicopter support vehicle operator may be designated as ground safety contact around the helicopter if qualified.
6. No smoking within 20meters of the helicopter.
7. Remain at least 50 feet away from the helicopter unless directed by the AERIAL COORDINATOR and/or PILOT IN COMMAND or GROUND SAFETY contact. Under no circumstances should you approach the helicopter without permission from the ground safety person or pilot in command.
8. ALWAYS approach and leave the helicopter from the front, rotors turning or not. Prior to your approach of the helicopter you shall:
-make acknowledged eye contact with the pilot
-proceed to the helicopter only after the pilot has acknowledged your presence and waves you forward
-never run
-walk, looking forward at all times
-never walk downhill towards a helicopter
-never walk uphill away from a helicopter
9. Never walk near or around the rear and tail sections of the helicopter, whether it is running or not.
10. Never walk under the tail section of the helicopter, whether it is turning or not.
11. Carry all equipment parallel to the ground when within 50 feet of a helicopter. Do not vertically extend any equipment, into blades, whether it is turning or not.
12. Personal protective equipment should be utilized as required.
13. Never under any circumstance throw anything such as grip tape, clothing, paper, etc. around the helicopter, whether it is turning or not.
14. The landing area shall be cleared of debris and, where necessary, wet down. Ensure all equipment is tied down or stored away from the area.
15. Do not wear loose clothing that may blow off, such as hats, when operating near a running helicopter. Protect your eyes, as well as your equipment, when helicopter is landing or taking off.
16. Rotor blades and fuselage can be easily damaged while on the ground. Never push, handle, sit on or in, or lay any objects of any kind on an aircraft without pilot’s permission.
17. If a foreign object falls into or against an aircraft, report it immediately to the pilot or aerial coordinator.
18. The production company must notify all cast and crew members and the front of the studio call sheet should contain a statement to the effect that:
“An aircraft is being used and will be flown in close proximity to the crew and equipment. Anyone objecting will notify the production manager or 1st AD prior to any filming”.
19. A Flight Safety Officer shall be on site in case of stunts or hazardous locations are used.
20. PILOT IN COMMAND shall have all authority to not take off when he/she feels unsafe.