Air Ambulance Helicopter Operational Analysis

Abstract

This study of visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums and operational areas for helicopter emergency medical service operators is based on operator responses to a questionnaire. The national average VFR operational weather minimums for all respondents was determined. Also, an estimate of the percentage of time that each respondent can not fly because of ceiling and/or visibility below their VFR operating minimums was determined, as was the average percentage of time all responders can not fly. Analysis of the data indicated that on the average the operators have voluntarily adopted stricter minimums than recommended in the current FAA Advisory Circular, 'Emergency Medical Services/Helicopter (EMS/H).' Furthermore, the analysis indicated that on the average the operators have more restrictive daylight minimums than those in the proposed change. Some general observations about minimums for operations in mountainous areas are also provided.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA237666

Entities

People

  • Robert Newman

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Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Area Coverage
  • California
  • Computer Programs
  • Data Analysis
  • Databases
  • Frequency
  • Geographic Regions
  • Health Services
  • Loran
  • Low Altitude
  • Navigation
  • New England
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Rhode Island
  • United States

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Trauma or Military Medicine