Helicopter controller skills section

[glennawatson]

We probably should have a helicopter controller skill section just about helicopter phraselogy and control strategies.

[alphadelta332]

What sort of things do you reckon would need to be included, if it were its own page @glennawatson ? Just to give me an idea of how expansive this would be

[glennawatson]

Just an experience I had at ml today on vatsim coming in.

Twr was a bit overwhelmed wasn't sure what general phraseology to use. Eg just some phraseology that's common like clearances to a location on the aerodrome and how what sort of reports would likely be useful. Eg

Cleared to the southern apron. Report established.

I1 was handling center cleared me visual approach via helicopter asking if I needed runway etc. probably be good from a tcu point of view to be able to think about things you could ask. Eg instead of runways helicopters can head to a direct location etc. generally also helicopters often get block altitudes in my experience. Eg not above 1500.

So just more general cases that may differ for controllers of various positions

[mattk04]

We've got a section under Runway Management for issuing takeoff/landing clearances to helicopters (as well as how to handle them outside the maneuvering area). Perhaps this is something which would be more appropriate in the ATC Academy?

[t288matt]

I've been flying helis online regularly in around Sydney for the past few weeks. Some Tower controllers are honest and say "I really don't know much about helis" and we work it through together. Two have just logged off :) Some are really good

But for the controllers that are confident of the phraseology it enhances their challenge and enjoyment around the aerodrome.

I agree with Glenn that some guidance may help. I think a "quick reference guide" format might suit. A simple one pager that someone can swat up on in 60 seconds.

Subheadings might be:

1. differences between helicopters and fixed wing - a sectoin that highlights the differences that are expanded on in the next sections. reiterate that helis aren't any different other than around the aerodrome.

2. landing and takeoff - when to give cleared to land/takeoff vs other clearances

3. departures and arrivals
   3a. progressive arrivals and departures

• eg (departures) "track to and hold over the tower not above 500ft, traffic landing 34L"
• eg (Arrivals) "Track to and hold over the 07 threshold, not above 300ft, traffic landing 16R"

3b. option for IFR helis on instrument approach in IMC to break off for a visual approach to the pad when visual - eg ILS approach to Syd16L transitioning to visual approach to helipad

4a. Sydney heli routes (links to any sydney SOP heli section)
4b, Melbourne heli routes (links to the melbourne sop section on helis)

Each section above should come with any phraseology differences.

I can't comment on were it should reside, ATC academy or elsewhere, but it needs to be easy to find when a heli pops up