This study of visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums and operational areas for helicopter emergency medical service operators is based on operator responses to a questionnaire. The national average VFR operational weather minimums for all respondents was determined. Also, an estimate of the percentage of time that each respondent can not fly because of ceiling and/or visibility below their VFR operating minimums was determined, as was the average percentage of time all responders can not fly. Analysis of the data indicated that on the average the operators have voluntarily adopted stricter minimums than recommended in the current FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 135-14, 'Emergency Medical Services/Helicopter (EMS/H).' Furthermore, the analysis indicated that on the average the operators have more restrictive daylight minimums than those in the proposed change to AC 135-14 and less restrictive night minimums than those in the proposed change. Some general observations about minimums for operations in mountainous areas are also provided. The coverage areas reported by the operators were plotted on two maps of the United States, one for the local coverage areas and one for the cross country coverage areas. From these maps, the percentage of coverage for the conterminous United States, each FAA region, and each state were determined. The weather data were also averaged over each state and used to determine the percentage of time that coverage is available in areas where EMS/H service is provided. The FAA is in the process of determining if there is an economic justification for the improvement of low altitude communication, navigation, and surveillance services within the National Airspace System (NAS). A recent FAA survey, Rotorcraft Low Altitude CNS Benefit/Cost Analysis (DOT/FAA/DS-89-11, Sept. 1989) found that the helicopter ambulance mission is a source of significant social benefit. The results of the Air Ambulance Helicopter Operational Analysis provides data which will support further analysis of the benefits of air ambulance helicopters in an IFR environment.
Air Ambulance Helicopter Operational Analysis
1991
168 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Aircraft , Aeronautics , Police, Fire, & Emergency Services , Fire Services, Law Enforcement, & Criminal Justice , Ambulances , Helicopters , Low altitude , Visual flight rules , Meteorological parameters , Visibility , Weather , Air navigation , Economics , Emergencies , Medical services , Transponders
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