Touchdown, Whirlybirds

As someone who flies Airplane Single Engine Land, I already know with certainty where I can land. I operate from little red or blue circles found on VFR sectional charts. In an emergency, the world is my runway, hopefully flat and obstacle-free. Unless I’m flying backcountry, that's pretty much the list.

Adding a rotor-wing pilot certificate (or taking up ballooning or paramotoring) opens up a whole new world of possibilities. We know helicopters can land anywhere that has sufficient space for the rotors and reasonably flat and level terrain. That is to say, they are capable of doing such.  

However, the question at hand is whether or not it will result in getting fussed at, either officially (by employees of the government or law enforcement) or unofficially (by irritated locals). 

If you’re getting started on your rotor-wing journey, here are a few things to keep in mind when determining a spot to set down the chopper.

Federal regulations

As always, turn to the FARs for a definitive list of regs and additional information on why they’re in place. Every aircraft subject to FAA regulations must, you know, adhere to FAA regulations. Ok, that’s obvious. 

But when your aircraft is capable of operating from a small off-airport area, closer attention must be paid to regs that fixed-wing pilots often gloss over. Certain areas where helicopters are capable of operating, like densely populated urban areas or protected public spaces like national parks, require prior permission or permits to land. 

In some areas, you likely will not get permission. Environmentally sensitive areas, for instance, typically restrict, if not prohibit, recreational aircraft to avoid hazards and disruptions to ecosystems. These include critical habitat areas, wildfire-prone areas, and others.  

State and local regulations

The same is true at a state and local level: You’ll need special permissions to land in certain areas. Some differ from state to state and city to city, so be aware of the ordinances, zoning laws, and other factors restricting helicopter operations where you fly. 

In regulated areas like cities, helicopters typically can only land at designated airports, heliports, and helipads. Some facilities are not always included in NOTAMs. You should contact the destination facility to verify conditions and receive the latest advisories well before approaching to land.    

If you’re in something else, like a balloon, it’s unlikely that the New York Port Authority had you in mind when defining where helicopters could land. Also, if you could nail a landing on a helipad, I’d be super impressed.

Private property

Here comes that word permission again. Unsurprisingly, to operate on private property, you must have the property owner’s permission. Keep in mind that HOAs are often considered tantamount to landowners, and they are usually quite persnickety.

Even when you have permission to land on or near private property, noise abatement should factor into your planning. General aviation already has its hands full creating and maintaining a positive public image, which is why part of your AOPA and EAA dues go directly toward community outreach to the non-flying community.

When you go to the soccer field near your house and fire up your paramotor, be mindful that not everyone is as enamored with flight as you are, nor as tolerant of recreational aviation. Enjoy the freedom aviation offers, but stay safe and be a good neighbor.

Safe spaces

Regardless of who owns the property, any landing site must be clear of structures and other obstacles like trees and power lines. The ground also must be level and solid enough to support the weight of the aircraft. Occurrences that result in damage or represent an undue safety risk can result in enforcement action.