Landing a helicopter

suddenImpact · #1 Jul 10, 2008, 08:47 AM

Just curious...I'm sitting at work, and I hear a helicopter...its getting louder and louder, so finally I get up and go look. Apparently the building next to ours just sold and the new owner decided to fly in....and land in the parking lot. None of us really care...was actually interesting to watch

But I'm curious if this is actually legal or not. I live in Grand Rapids Michigan, so if anyone knows the laws here, I'd appreciate it

Thanks!

tickle · Jul 10, 2008, 02:15 PM

He would have had to get clearance to do that before landing. So who knows, maybe he did and maybe he didnt. I always thought they would have to land on a helipad no matter how far they had to drive after. I guess he wanted to do it commando style.

Scleros · Jul 10, 2008, 02:22 PM

It depends on local zoning regulations for aircraft operations and property owner's permission. FAA form 7480-1 also lists specific requirements for when additional red tape is necessary due to frequency of operations. Aircraft with issues typically are exceptions to any usual regulations.

It's kinda like parking your car. You can pretty much park anywhere unless someone or something says you can't or there is a safety concern.

tickle · Jul 10, 2008, 02:34 PM

scleros, I guess you might say a parking lot would be a safety concern. We have only one helipad in our town and thats at the hospital, and even they need clearance.

Scleros · Jul 10, 2008, 03:16 PM

Alrighty, I looked up the Grand Rapids ordinances concerning helicopters. They prohibit operation in the Central Business District (CBD), Traditional Neighborhood City Center (TN-CC), and Traditional Neighborhood Transitional City Center (TN-TCC) zones during the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and for operations exceeding specified noise levels and durations. See Title 9, Chapter 151, Article 5, Sec. 9.63 and Title 5, Chapter 61, Article 9, Sec 5.9.12 at Grand Rapids Municipal Code. If unclear, contact the City of Grand Rapids or your lawyer...

suddenImpact · Jul 11, 2008, 06:56 AM

lol, thanks guys. We heard it start up to leave yesterday afternoon, and I think everyone from every surrounding company quick ran outside to watch (we're easily entertained). Then when leaving, the guy almost hit a tree!

I wonder what its like to never be stuck in traffic again lol



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