AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites

• ED Decision 2023/007/R found in: Air Operations (965/2012) Part-ARO Part-ORO Part-CAT Part-SPA Part-NCC Part-NCO Part-SPO (Feb 2025)

AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites ED Decision 2023/007/R DEFINING OPERATING SITES — HELICOPTERS When defining operating sites (including infrequent or temporary sites) for the type(s) of helicopter(s) and operation(s) concerned, the operator should take account of the following: (a) An adequate site is a site that the operator considers to be satisfactory, taking account of the applicable performance requirements and site characteristics (guidance on standards and criteria are contained in ICAO Annex 14 Volume 2 and in the ICAO Heliport Manual (Doc 9261-AN/903)). (b) The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of sites by a competent person. Such a procedure should take account of possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed. (c) Sites that are pre-surveyed should be specifically specified in the operations manual. The operations manual should contain diagrams or/and ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of: (1) the overall dimensions of the site; (2) location and height of relevant obstacles to approach and take-off profiles, and in the manoeuvring area; (3) approach and take-off flight paths; (4) surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand); (5) helicopter types authorised with reference to performance requirements; (6) provision of control of third parties on the ground (if applicable); (7) procedure for activating site with land owner or controlling authority; (8) other useful information, for example, appropriate ATS agency and frequency; and (9) lighting (if applicable). (d) For sites that are not pre-surveyed, the operator should have in place a procedure that enables the pilot to make, from the air, a judgment on the suitability of a site. (c)(1) to (c)(6) should be considered. (e) Operations to non-pre-surveyed sites by night (except in accordance with [SPA.HEMS.125(c)(4)](#_DxCrossRefBm927677642)) should not be permitted. AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites ED Decision 2023/007/R DEFINING OPERATING SITES — HELICOPTERS When defining operating sites (including infrequent or temporary sites) for the type(s) of helicopter(s) and operation(s) concerned, the operator should take account of the following: (a) An adequate site is a site that the operator considers to be satisfactory, taking account of the applicable performance requirements and site characteristics (guidance on standards and criteria are contained in ICAO Annex 14 Volume 2 and in the ICAO Heliport Manual (Doc 9261-AN/903)). (b) The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of sites by a competent person. Such a procedure should take account of possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed. (c) Sites that are pre-surveyed should be specifically specified in the operations manual. The operations manual should contain diagrams or/and ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of: (1) the overall dimensions of the site; (2) location and height of relevant obstacles to approach and take-off profiles, and in the manoeuvring area; (3) approach and take-off flight paths; (4) surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand); (5) helicopter types authorised with reference to performance requirements; (6) provision of control of third parties on the ground (if applicable); (7) procedure for activating site with land owner or controlling authority; (8) other useful information, for example, appropriate ATS agency and frequency; and (9) lighting (if applicable). (d) For sites that are not pre-surveyed, the operator should have in place a procedure that enables the pilot to make, from the air, a judgment on the suitability of a site. (c)(1) to (c)(6) should be considered. (e) Operations to non-pre-surveyed sites by night (except in accordance with [SPA.HEMS.125(b)(4)](#_DxCrossRefBm318085278)) should not be permitted. [applicable until 24 May 2024 — ED Decision 2014/015/R] (e) Operations to non-pre-surveyed sites by night (except in accordance with [SPA.HEMS.125(c)(4)](#_DxCrossRefBm318085278)) should not be permitted. *[applicable from 25 May 2024 — ED Decision 2023/007/R]* ##### AMC1 CAT.OP.MPA.105 Use of aerodromes and operating sites *ED Decision 2023/007/R* **DEFINING OPERATING SITES — HELICOPTERS** When defining operating sites (including infrequent or temporary sites) for the type(s) of helicopter(s) and operation(s) concerned, the operator should take account of the following: (a) An adequate site is a site that the operator considers to be satisfactory, taking account of the applicable performance requirements and site characteristics (guidance on standards and criteria are contained in ICAO Annex 14 Volume 2 and in the ICAO *Heliport Manual* (Doc 9261-AN/903)). (b) The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of sites by a competent person. Such a procedure should take account of possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed. (c) Sites that are pre-surveyed should be specifically specified in the operations manual. The operations manual should contain diagrams or/and ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of: (1) the overall dimensions of the site; (2) location and height of relevant obstacles to approach and take-off profiles, and in the manoeuvring area; (3) approach and take-off flight paths; (4) surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand); (5) helicopter types authorised with reference to performance requirements; (6) provision of control of third parties on the ground (if applicable); (7) procedure for activating site with land owner or controlling authority; (8) other useful information, for example, appropriate ATS agency and frequency; and (9) lighting (if applicable). (d) For sites that are not pre-surveyed, the operator should have in place a procedure that enables the pilot to make, from the air, a judgment on the suitability of a site. (c)(1) to (c)(6) should be considered. (e) Operations to non-pre-surveyed sites by night (except in accordance with [SPA.HEMS.125(c)(4)](#_DxCrossRefBm523087151)) should not be permitted.