Landing zone prepared
Apr 17, 2005 22: 12 EST
At the start of the 2004 spring climbing season, we needed a landing zone before we'd had the time to prepare one. In 2005, we all remembered this detail and Lakpa got to work right away recruiting folks to help select the best spot and to leveling and preparing the safest possible landing zone. Within 24 hours, he had it done through the cooperative efforts of Sherpa from several climbing camps - clearing large rocks, leveling surfaces, enlarging a "pad."
Airspace at 17,600ft is dangerous enough, by virtue of the fact that the air is thin and difficult to navigate. Add in snow, loose rock and debris, no or sparse radio comms with the pilot, and dodgey winds. Well, enough said: we take heli evacs very seriously. Our policy at the EBC clinic is to recommend evacuation by foot to the safest possible landing zone. Sometimes, however, a critical patient situation prevails and we're forced to request an EBC landing.
Although EBC terrain and local logistics make typical landing preps impractical, we try our best to make things safe. The following are widely accepted recommendations for ground crews setting up LZs:
Landing Zone Preparation. The following criteria are generally considered “ideal”:
-- Size - The preferred minimal size of a landing zone is 60ft x 60ft (day) and 100 ft x 100 ft (night).
-- Slope – The slope of the ground should be no more than 5 degrees (gentle slope).
-- Surface – The ground should be a firm surface, preferably, with no loose dirt or snow. If necessary, and available, consider wetting down dirt surfaces. Loose
snow can be compacted by foot or vehicle if available.
-- Hazards/Obstructions:
i. Hazardous Materials – The presence of hazardous materials should be relayed prior to their approach to the scene.
ii. Clear Area - Area should be as clear as possible of loose debris, large rocks, posts, stumps, vehicles, people, animals, and other hazards.
iii. Overhead - Free of overhead obstructions (wires, antennas, poles)
-- Marking/Lighting
i. The four corners of the landing zone should be (optimally) marked. At night, (no EBC landings are possible at night) flashlights, “LZ lights” or low-beam headlights can be used. Flares, if used at all, must be used with extreme caution as they present a fire hazard and should be secured to the ground.
ii. Identified hazards should be illuminated if possible.
iii. NEVER direct any lights up at the aircraft or use high-beam headlights.
-- The pilot always has the final say with regards to landing zones. He/she may request an alternate site be chosen.
-- Landing Zone Communications. The landing zone officer is responsible for radio communications with the responding air ambulance. Responsibilities include:
a. Assisting the pilot in locating the LZ with simple directions and easily identifiable landmarks. Avoid using directions such as right and left unless the aircraft is
directly in sight.
b. Advising the pilot of LZ conditions, wind speed and direction and hazards.
c. Hand signals and gestures are discouraged.
-- Landing Zone safety
a. Approaching the aircraft
i. Ensure no one approaches the aircraft until specifically directed by the pilot or crew.
ii. Always approach from the front half of the aircraft (9 o’clock to 3 o’clock), in view of the pilot and while maintaining eye contact.
iii. Approach from the downhill side if landed on a slope.
The tail rotor is an especially dangerous area because, due to its speed, the blades may be nearly impossible to see. NEVER go near the tail of the aircraft while it is running.
Rotor wash is the air forced down by the main blades. Creating “winds” near 100 MPH, all loose objects such as hats, sheets, blankets, etc. must be secured.
Consider dirt and small rocks as potentially becoming airborne hazards and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. If you drop something, do not chase it!
|
|
Feature Stories |
|
Latest News |
more news |
|
|
|
|
|
