What should an operator do to ensure VEMS operating sites are surveyed before use?

The operator should have a procedure for the survey of VEMS operating sites by a competent person, or may use reliable survey information provided by site owners.

What weather information should be considered at strategic planning level for VEMS operations?

Information on the operating region's prevailing weather conditions from local or other sources, including local observations, regional weather information (e.g., significant weather charts), and METAR/TAF of the nearest aerodromes (vertiports).

What should be programmed into the navigation system if available on board during pre-flight planning?

Aerodromes (vertiports) or locations suitable for diversion should be programmed into the navigation system, so that track and distance to such aerodromes (vertiports) or diversion locations are continuously available and immediately displayed when required.

What information must be included in the operations manual for pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites?

The operations manual should contain diagrams and/or ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of: overall dimensions, location and height of relevant obstacles, approach and take-off flight paths, surface condition, third-party control, lighting, site adequacy with reference to aircraft performance, procedure for activating the site, and other useful information such as ATS agency and frequency.

What should be considered regarding changes to site characteristics for pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites?

Possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed should be considered at strategic planning level.

What should be considered at strategic planning level regarding the location of pre-surveyed operating sites?

The location of adequate pre-surveyed operating sites should be considered, taking into account the CMP following a CFP.

AMC2 SPA.VEMS.100 Emergency medical service operations with manned VTOL-capable aircraft (VEMS)

Q: How often should the adequacy of pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites be assessed?

The adequacy of pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites should be regularly assessed, at least on an annual basis, using publicly available information or by conducting on-site surveys.

Q: During pre-flight planning, what must be ensured regarding weather and the capability of the VCA?

The expected weather conditions along the route and at the VEMS operating site should not affect the capability of the VCA to reach a VEMS operating site under CMP following a CFP.

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AMC2 SPA.VEMS.100 Emergency medical service operations with manned VTOL-capable aircraft (VEMS)

ED Decision 2025/010/R

PRE-SURVEYED VEMS OPERATING SITES

(a) The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of VEMS operating sites by a competent person. Alternatively, the operator may use reliable survey information provided by site owners.

(b) The operator should address the following when using adequate pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites for VEMS missions or VEMS training, in a particular region of operation:

(1) at strategic planning level:

(i) the location of adequate pre-surveyed operating sites taking into account the CMP following a CFP;

(ii) the adequacy of pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites which should be regularly assessed, at least on an annual basis, using publicly available information or by conducting on-site surveys;

(iii) possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed;

(iv) information on the operating region’s prevailing weather conditions, available from local or other sources; this includes:

(A) local observations;

(B) regional weather information (e.g. significant weather charts); and

(2) in the pre-flight planning phase:

(i) the expected weather conditions along the route and at the VEMS operating site should not affect the capability of the VCA to reach a VEMS operating site under CMP following a CFP;

(ii) aerodromes (vertiports) or locations suitable for diversion should be programmed into the navigation system, if such system is available on board, so that track and distance to such aerodromes (vertiports) or diversion locations are continuously available and immediately displayed when required.

(c) The operator should specify in the operations manual the VEMS operating sites that are pre-surveyed. The operations manual should contain diagrams and/or ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of:

(1) the overall dimensions of the operating site;

(2) the location and height of relevant obstacles in the approach and take-off flight paths and in the manoeuvring area;

(3) the approach and take-off flight paths;

(4) the surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand);

(5) how third parties ensure control at the site, if applicable;

(6) lighting, if applicable;

(7) site adequacy with reference to aircraft performance;

(8) procedure for activating the operating site in accordance with national regulations, if applicable; and

(9) other useful information; for example, details of the appropriate ATS agency and frequency.

Details

Source-Title: AMC2 SPA.VEMS.100 Emergency medical service operations with manned VTOL-capable aircraft (VEMS) View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-23783 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Amendedby: Issue 1, Amendment 16

Applicabilitydate: 9 July, 2025

Entryintoforcedate: 9 July, 2025

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2025/010/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-SPA

Typeofcontent: AMC to IR (Acceptable means of compliance to implementing rule)

Parentir: SPA.VEMS.100 Emergency medical service operations with manned VTOL-capable aircraft (VEMS)

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR