TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 1 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

I. PURPOSE

This Guide sets forth the provisions of Helicopter lifts at various

facilities, with the specific objective of minimizing the potential for injuries and
fatalities resulting from lift related accidents involving employees and contractors during
construction, and maintenance activities.

II. SCOPE

The provisions of this Guide are applicable to all Majority Interest facilities.
Should local, state, federal or government regulations exceed
the requirements stipulated in this Guide, then those regulations shall apply.
Helicopter lift procedures as set forth by this guide are to be used by all parties involved
in construction, and maintenance at facilities.

III. RESPONSIBILITY

A. Site policies, procedures and practices at all worldwide locations should be in accordance
with the intent of this Guide as well as any applicable local regulations.

B. All Project Managers/Engineers are responsible for

assuring compliance with this Guide on assigned construction and maintenance projects.
Site/Area Engineering personnel and Maintenance Supervisors are responsible for
construction and maintenance work under their control and for providing adequate
Helicopter Lift Safety to those performing such work.

C. Safety and/or Industrial Hygiene Departments will provide technical support to

engineers/supervisors for Helicopter lift operation guides and methods.

D. Engineering personnel in charge of construction and maintenance along with Site

Safety personnel’s participation, shall periodically audit the Helicopter Lift safety methods
employed to assure that the requirements of this Guide are met.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 2 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

IV. POLICY

Helicopter lifts on construction sites and during maintenance procedures are recognized to
require consideration in order to protect against deaths and injuries.

V. Certification-

A. Flight Service Helicopter Lift Providers and flight equipment must have the following FAA
certification-

FAR 133 - Operating and certification rules governing the conduct of rotor craft external-load
operations in the United States by any person.

B. Flight Service Helicopter Lift Providers must have their equipment repaired, certified and
inspected by a fully operational repair center within the United States with FAR 145 certification-

FAR 145- prescribes the requirements for issuing repair station certificates and associated ratings to
facilities for the maintenance and alteration of airframes, power plants, propellers, or appliances, and
prescribes the general operating rules for the holders of those certificates and ratings.

VI. Hazards to Persons and Property-

A. The Lift must be conducted with the safety of people, both those involved in the lift and those
nearby to be of the first concern..

B. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations require helicopter external load operations
"to be conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface.

C. People and vehicles not directly associated the lift operation are not allowed under, nor
within a minimum of 100 feet of the helicopter's flight path (200 foot corridor) when a load is being
carried. If it is necessary to fly over a road, street, or highway, the thoroughfare must be closed to traffic.
If it is found necessary to fly over a building, the building must be vacated.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 3 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

VII. Notification Of Authorities

A. The lift initiator (Contractor, Project Manager or Project Engineer) is required to notify the local
authorities and acquire the necessary permits. This includes obtaining an agreement with the appropriate
political subdivision or security department to exclude unauthorized persons from the operating area. A
copy of each permit obtained must be presented to the Flight Service Helicopter Lift Provider.

VIII. Plot Plan and Area Map

A. The (Contractor, Project Manager or Project Engineer) is required to supply the Flight Service
Helicopter Lift Provider with a detailed plot plan depicting the proposed operation and a map pin-pointing
the location of the job site. The FAA requires a plot plan before granting approval for a helicopter lift
operation.

B. The plot plan may be a drawing or sketch and should include the landing area, the pick-up/staging
area, the set down area, the route of flight, the position and height of obstacles, and all roads and buildings
within a 200-yard radius of the pick-up and set down areas.

C. The Plot plan should not be large size, prints as these are too large for the pilots to use in the cockpit.

IX. FAA Approval

A. The flight service helicopter lift provider is required to obtain approval of the lift operation from
the appropriate FAA district office late receipt of : 1. Notification of authorities,, 2. Plot plan,
3. Maps could cause the job to be delayed.

X. Helicopter Landing Area

A. The landing area for the helicopter should be at least 200 ft. by 200 ft. The area should be clear of
all obstacles, including poles, wires, trees, sheds, cars and be free of all debris, such as loose tar
paper, plywood, sheet metal, polyethylene, and any other objects which can be moved by
wind. Dusty areas should be watered down.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 4 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

XI. Pick up and Set Down Areas

A. The size of these areas will vary according to the nature of the job. it is imperative that the
helicopter crew be informed of all obstacles and hazards, particularly such things as hard-to-see
poles and wires. Like the landing area, these areas should be free of debris and be watered down,
if required . Bundles of roofing material and other large, light-weight objects, should be secured,
weighted down, or removed from the area.
The wind created by a helicopter (called "rotor wash") will not damage a completed roof.
On an unfinished roof , however, the rotor wash could lift up insulation board and tar paper that
has not yet been fastened down.
In order to preclude the possibility of damage to vehicles, machinery, etc., not involved with
the lift operation, the (Contractor, Project Manager or Project Engineer) must insure that all
non-participant vehicles, etc. must be moved a minimum of 100 feet from the landing zone, work
area and flight path.

XII. Rigging

A. Units/equipment should have pick-up points installed prior to the arrival of the helicopter.
Normally the flight service helicopter lift provider supplies all rigging necessary to do the job. If it
is not possible to install lifting lugs on the item subject to the lift, it can usually be hoisted by using
a cable or nylon straps.

XIII. Ground Crews

A. The flight service helicopter lift provider must provide two signal men, one for the pick-up
area and one for the set down area. For safety reasons, the flight service helicopter lift provider
signal men cannot be tasked with rigging or preparing the units for lift. The (Contractor,
Project Manager or Project Engineer) is therefore required to provide ground crewmen at the
pickup site to hook-up the units and other crewmen at the set down area to guide the load into
place and unhook the load. Use the following table to determine the recommended number of crew
for your particular Job.

Weight of the Unit Crewmen

Pick up Set down
under 4,000 lbs. 4 4

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 5 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

4,000 - 6,000 lbs. 4 6

6,006 - 10,000 lbs. 4 8

XIII. Ground Crews (continued)

Note If the job requires erection, or unusually precise placement, additional ground crewmen
may be necessary.
Per OSHA regulations, “complete ear protection, eye protection and hard hats secured by chin
straps" to be worn by personnel working under the helicopter.

XIV. Photographs

A. Although not a necessity, photographs of the following would be very helpful.

A general view of the building and/or job site.
Prominent landmarks near the site (to assist in locating it).
The helicopter landing area showing any obstacles.
The pick-up/staging area, from overhead, if possible.
The set down area preferably showing where the loads should be placed.

XV. Weather

A. Operation is contingent upon the weather. Inclement weather makes it impossible for
the flight service helicopter lift provider to fly. There is normally a layover charge if the crew
is forced to layover because of weather beyond one (1) day per job.

B. Dead air (no wind) produces less lift de-rating the helicopters load lifting capacity.

C. Wind velocities above 40 mph prevent lifts being performed.

D. High air temperatures (above 90 deg F) cause less lift, de-rating the helicopters load lifting
capacity is required at these elevated temperatures.

XVI. Instructions for typical Helicopter Lift Drawing

A. include the following information:

Operational areas;
Please indicate NORTH
Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 6 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

PickuP sites (provide dimensions)

Delivery sites (provide dimensions)
Indicate the streets to be blocked and devoid of People (Provide dimensions)
Location of obstructions in the operating area; Wires, trees, lights, poles, etc.

XVI. Instructions for typical Helicopter Lift Drawing (continued)

Emergency Landing Site between load pick up and set down areas.
Emergency landing site = (any open area near the operational area - Provide dimensions)
Building is to be devoid of people during lift.
Buildings within the operational area that will not be devoid Of people must be indicated
Name all streets and buildings depicted
Show intended flight path
Exact weight of load to be specified on drawing.
XVII. OSHA STANDARDS

1926.551(a)
Helicopter regulations. Helicopter cranes shall be expected to comply with any applicable regulations of
the Federal Aviation Administration.

1926.551(b)
Briefing. Prior to each day's operation a briefing shall be conducted. This briefing shall set forth the plan of
operation for the pilot and ground personnel.

1926.551(c)
Slings and tag lines. Load shall be properly slung. Tag lines shall be of a length that will not permit their
being drawn up into rotors. Pressed sleeve, swedged eyes, or equivalent means shall be used for all freely
suspended loads to prevent hand splices from spinning open or cable clamps from loosening.

1926.551(d)
Cargo hooks. All electrically operated cargo hooks shall have the electrical activating device so designed
and installed as to prevent inadvertent operation. In addition, these cargo hooks shall be equipped with an
emergency mechanical control for releasing the load. The hooks shall be tested prior to each day's
operation to determine that the release functions properly, both electrically and mechanically.
..1926.551(e)
1926.551(e)
Personal protective equipment.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 7 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

1926.551(e)(1)
Personal protective equipment for employees receiving the load shall consist of complete eye protection
and hard hats secured by chinstraps.

XVIII. OSHA STANDARDS (continued)

1926.551(e)(2)
Loose-fitting clothing likely to flap in the downwash, and thus be snagged on hoist line, shall not be worn.

1926.551(f)
Loose gear and objects. Every practical precaution shall be taken to provide for the protection of the
employees from flying objects in the rotor downwash. All loose gear within 100 feet of the place of lifting
the load, depositing the load, and all other areas susceptible to rotor downwash shall be secured or
removed.

1926.551(g)
Housekeeping. Good housekeeping shall be maintained in all helicopter loading and unloading areas.

1926.551(h)
Operator responsibility. The helicopter operator shall be responsible for size, weight, and manner in which
loads are connected to the helicopter. If, for any reason, the helicopter operator believes the lift cannot be
made safely, the lift shall not be made.

1926.551(i)
Hooking and unhooking loads. When employees are required to perform work under hovering craft, a safe
means of access shall be provided for employees to reach the hoist line hook and engage or disengage
cargo slings. Employees shall not perform work under hovering craft except when necessary to hook or
unhook loads.
..1926.551(j)
1926.551(j)
Static charge. Static charge on the suspended load shall be dissipated with a grounding device before
ground personnel touch the suspended load, or protective rubber gloves shall be worn by all ground
personnel touching the suspended load.

1926.551(k)

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 8 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

Weight limitation. The weight of an external load shall not exceed the manufacturer's rating.

XVII. OSHA STANDARDS (continued)

1926.551(l)
Ground lines. Hoist wires or other gear, except for pulling lines or conductors that are allowed to "pay
out" from a container or roll off a reel, shall not be attached to any fixed ground structure, or allowed to
foul on any fixed structure.

1926.551(m)
Visibility. When visibility is reduced by dust or other conditions, ground personnel shall exercise special
caution to keep clear of main and stabilizing rotors. Precautions shall also be taken by the employer to
eliminate as far as practical reduced visibility.

1926.551(n)
Signal systems. Signal systems between aircrew and ground personnel shall be understood and checked in
advance of hoisting the load. This applies to either radio or hand signal systems. Hand signals shall be as
shown in Figure N-1.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 9 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

XVII. OSHA STANDARDS (continued)

1926.551(o)
Approach distance. No unauthorized person shall be allowed to approach within 50 feet of the helicopter
when the rotor blades are turning.
..1926.551(p)

1926.551(p)
Approaching helicopter. Whenever approaching or leaving a helicopter with blades rotating, all employees
shall remain in full view of the pilot and keep in a crouched position. Employees shall avoid the area from
the cockpit or cabin rearward unless authorized by the helicopter operator to work there.

1926.551(q)

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 10 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

Personnel. Sufficient ground personnel shall be provided when required for safe helicopter loading and
unloading operations.

1926.551(r)
Communications. There shall be constant reliable communication between the pilot, and a designated
employee of the ground crew who acts as a signalman during the period of loading and unloading. This
signalman shall be distinctly recognizable from other ground personnel.

1926.551(s)
Fires. Open fires shall not be permitted in an area that could result in such fires being spread by the rotor
downwash.

XIX. Typical Helicopter Lift Capabilities

Bell 214B-1 (Most commonly used lift helicopter)

Maximum gross take off weight 16,000 lbs
Seating 9 passengers + 2 crew
Engine Lycoming T5508D Turbine 2930 H.P.
Fuel Capacity 394 gallons
Normal cruise speed 155 MPH
Max cargo hook 8500 lbs.
Base lifts on this helicopter for design purposes

XIX. Typical Helicopter Lift Capabilities (continued)

Bell UH-1B (super B)

Maximum gross take off weight 8,500 lbs
Seating 1 crew + (4) passengers
Engine Lycoming T53-13BA Turbine 1400 H.P.
Fuel Capacity 168 gallons
Normal cruise speed 110 MPH
Max cargo hook 4500 lbs.

S-64 Skycrane

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 TITLE OWNER: GUIDE NO.

W. Greco
HELICOPTER LIFTS
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
APPROVED BY:
GUIDE PAGE 11 OF 10
DATE 04/21/08

Seating 3 crew
Maximum gross take off weight 42,000 lbs
Engine (2) Pratt & Whitney JFTD12-5A Turbine 4800 H.P.
Max Range = 230 miles (radius)
Max cargo hook = Can lift 20,000 lbs and move this load at 100 mph
Disadvantage= high downwash from blades

Boeing 234 Chinook

Engines (2) Lycoming T55-712 Turbines 3,750 hp
Maximum gross take off weight 50,000 lbs
Highest capacity helicopter commercially available in North America
Max cargo hook 28,000 lbs.
Disadvantage= high downwash from blades

XX. When is a Helicopter Lift Required

The following are some of the major reasons to choose a Helicopter over a Crane:
 Load exceeds crane operating radius from centerline of rotation to load placement point.

Author William Greco Mechanical Engineer scribd TRIDENT3 w2gre@verizon.net

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________