Remote Landings

Helicopter Flight Information

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Off-Airport Landings

Emergency vs Precautionary

An emergency landing is one which was forced or required due to a variety of possible conditions, usually mechanical, that prohibit further flight; in this case, flight from the point of landing without assistance from maintenance or other persons is not likely. An emergency landing need only be reported if it occurred due to a required reporting event. If you landed in a busy area, someone else likely reported it for you and if you don't report it, you could get a call from your local FAA inspector. A precautionary landing is one which in the opinion of the pilot was required to verify that conditions are or are not safe for continued flight. It is not necessary to report a precautionary landing however just as with an emergency landing, someone else may do that for you. There are countless conditions which may indicate that a precautionary landing is necessary or may be the wise decision. This could be to wait out a storm, unusual noise, unusual vibration, to verify fuel, etc. If I get questioned about an off-airport landing I made, you can be sure that it was precautionary.

Is it legal?

It probably is as there is no FAR against helicopter landings at off-airport locations. However some municipalities (very few) have ordinances regulating such landings. You must check local laws before landing in questionable locations especially if there are people in the vicinity.

For example Volusia county in Florida requires a permit for repeated landings in any given location. Interestingly enough this does not include a ride-hopping event that might take place for the weekend. On the other hand if you will be landing in the same location for more than an extended weekend you must get the proper permits.

Landings on private property can result in the loss of the aircraft if the property owner wants to be difficult. You must receive permission to land on private property. I have however, landed many times on private property to wait out storms etc., without any problems from the property owners. When I make these types of landings, I look for a remote field where I will not scare livestock or create a public scene (from a legal standpoint, helicopters are considered to be an attractive nuisance).

I have on occasion obtained permission from a particular city to land at random locations within the city by filing insurance and contact information with the local authorities. Even this does not give you any rights of protection however, and good common sense must be exercised.

Pilot liability during off-airport landings

You, the pilot, are completely liable for any damage or injuries caused by your negligence. The aircraft owner and/or operator can also be held liable, even in the event of a precautionary landing.

You must remember that people will come out of the woodwork when a helicopter lands, especially children. They will approach the helicopter even when the rotors are turning, and they will even approach the tail rotor area. If someone gets hurt, you are certainly liable.

Can there be FAA repercussions?

Yes there certainly can, and there often is. There does not have to be an FAR that prevents a certain event for an FAA action to take place (remember that piloting is a privilege, not a right). If someone makes a complaint about your actions as a pilot, you will be contacted by the FAA, and you will have a chance to explain your actions. The event will go on your record even if there is no FAA action, and if you get enough complaints, there will be action by the FAA at some point in time. Will it have been worth losing your certificate over? That is what you must always ask yourself.

Dangers involved

Some of the hazards involve sticky terrain, soft ground, uneven ground, and many types of obstructions as well as obstacles hidden by vegetation. Pilot technique is extremely important during these landings.

Remember your tail rotor. It does not take much to take out a tail rotor therefore landing the helicopter is dangerous when there are obstacles such as tall grass, or brush.

Landings on school property

NEVER land on school property when children are present unless you have written permission to do so. Most schools will not allow it anyway, but in some cases where students may want to see a helicopter for a class project, these events are allowed.

NEVER give a flight demonstration of unique abilities of the helicopter to children (this should be reserved for pilot students only). Only normal flight operations should be demonstrated for children, except at airshows. View this accident, and imagine the impact on children. The demonstration accomplished nothing except to instill fear of aviation in these children.

landing insurance

Off-airport landing insurance is available, and should be purchased if you will be making any such landings.

Livestock injuries are a major consideration, and you could be forced to purchase some expensive animals.

Remember that all a property owner has to do is confiscate your aircraft.

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