Helicopter Taxiing Operations :

a) When necessary for a wheeled helicopter or vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft to taxi on the surface, the existing provisions (for fixed wing aircraft) are applicable.

                 

Note.— Ground taxiing uses less fuel than air-taxiing and minimizes air turbulence. However, under certain conditions, such as rough, soft or uneven terrain, it may become necessary to air- taxi for safety considerations. Helicopters with articulating rotors (usually designs with three or more main rotor blades) are subject to “ground resonance” and may, on rare occasions, suddenly lift off the ground to avoid severe damage or destruction.

b) When it is requested or necessary for a helicopter to proceed at a slow speed above the surface, normally below 37 km/h (20 kt) and in ground effect, air-taxiing may be authorized.

Note.— Air-taxiing consumes fuel at a high burn rate, and helicopter downwash turbulence (produced in ground effect) increases significantly with larger and heavier helicopters.

c) Instructions which require small aircraft or helicopters to taxi in close proximity to taxiing helicopters should be avoided and consideration should be given to the effect of turbulence from taxiing helicopters on arriving and departing light aircraft.

d) A frequency change should not be issued to single-pilot helicopters hovering or air-taxiing. Whenever possible, control instructions from SEAHORSE APPROACH CONTROL OFFICE should be relayed as necessary until the pilot is able to change frequency.