SPA.VEMS.100 Emergency medical service operations with manned VTOL-capable aircraft (VEMS)

PUBLIC INTEREST SITE (PIS) The VEMS operator should include in its operations manual a diagram or annotated photograph of each PIS used that shows its main aspects, dimensions, main hazards and the contingency plan in case of an incident. The VEMS operator should keep this information up to date.

PRE-SURVEYED VEMS OPERATING SITES

(a)The operator should have in place a procedure for the survey of VEMS operating sites by a competent person. Alternatively, the operator may use reliable survey information provided by site owners.

(b)The operator should address the following when using adequate pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites for VEMS missions or VEMS training, in a particular region of operation:

(1)at strategic planning level:

(i)the location of adequate pre-surveyed operating sites taking into account the CMP following a CFP;

(ii)the adequacy of pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites which should be regularly assessed, at least on an annual basis, using publicly available information or by conducting on-site surveys;

(iii)possible changes to the site characteristics which may have taken place since last surveyed;

(iv)information on the operating region’s prevailing weather conditions, available from local or other sources; this includes:

(A)local observations;

(B)regional weather information (e.g. significant weather charts); and

(C)METAR/TAF of the nearest aerodromes (vertiports);

(2)in the pre-flight planning phase:

(i)the expected weather conditions along the route and at the VEMS operating site should not affect the capability of the VCA to reach a VEMS operating site under CMP following a CFP;

(ii)aerodromes (vertiports) or locations suitable for diversion should be programmed into the navigation system, if such system is available on board, so that track and distance to such aerodromes (vertiports) or diversion locations are continuously available and immediately displayed when required.

(c)The operator should specify in the operations manual the VEMS operating sites that are pre-surveyed. The operations manual should contain diagrams and/or ground and aerial photographs, and depiction (pictorial) and description of:

(1)the overall dimensions of the operating site;

(2)the location and height of relevant obstacles in the approach and take-off flight paths and in the manoeuvring area;

(3)the approach and take-off flight paths;

(4)the surface condition (blowing dust/snow/sand);

(5)how third parties ensure control at the site, if applicable;

(6)lighting, if applicable;

(7)site adequacy with reference to aircraft performance;

(8)procedure for activating the operating site in accordance with national regulations, if applicable; and

(9)other useful information; for example, details of the appropriate ATS agency and frequency.

NON-PRE-SURVEYED VEMS OPERATING SITES

(a)For the use of non-pre-surveyed VEMS operating sites, the operator should have in place a procedure that enables the PIC to make a judgement on the suitability of a site for a safe landing and take-off with a reasonable expectation of no injuries to persons in the VCA and to persons on the ground.

(b)All information that is reasonably practicable to acquire should be used by the operator to allow the PIC to establish the suitability of a non-pre-surveyed VEMS operating site considering the items of point AMC2 SPA.VEMS.100(c) as applicable.

(c)When intending to use a non-pre-surveyed and unfamiliar site, the PIC should gather as much information as possible about the area allowing the best estimate of obstacles, area slope and terrain to reduce the risk to a level as low as reasonably practicable.

NON-PRE-SURVEYED VEMS OPERATING SITES — PROCEDURE

(a)Even after all reasonably practicable precautions have been taken, a residual risk remains at VEMS operating sites, which is acceptable.

(b)A reconnaissance turn may be flown prior to landing at a non-pre-surveyed and unfamiliar site, at a sufficient altitude from the air, to enable the PIC to determine:

(1)the direction and speed of the wind;

(2)the touchdown point;

(3)suitable approach and departure paths; and

(4)the obstacles in the approach and departure paths.

(c)Whenever necessary, additional reconnaissance turns may be flown until the PIC is satisfied that a safe landing can be conducted. Decision to land or go around should be made before or at the LDP.

(d)A ground reconnaissance prior to take-off may be performed to determine the best take-off path, considering the load, height of obstacles, shape of the area, direction of the wind and surface conditions (dust, sand, snow, mud, rocks). The PIC should consider positioning the VCA at the most downwind position of the site to be able to take off into the wind.