Services
Mercy Air Life - Landing Zone & Ground Safety
Helicopter Safety Rules
- Allow no one into the area without approval of the helicopter crew. If possible, have law enforcement officers or fire department personnel at the rescue site.
- Rotorwash can produce high wind – protect your eyes.
- Approach the helicopter only after a signal from the crew. Always approach from the front of the helicopter.
- The flight crew will open and close the helicopter doors.
- Hold equipment carried to and from the helicopter horizontally, below the shoulder level.
- Do not approach the helicopter from a slope.
- Do not smoke in the landing area or in the helicopter
Site Preparation
- The landing area should be at least 100 feet in diameter and free of obstructions such as wires, trees and loose debris.
- Please radio the location of high obstructions, such as telephone wires, trees and towers that are within a block of the landing area. State wind direction and identifiable landmarks.
- At night, designate the landing area with emergency vehicle lights or car headlights. Direct the lights on the landing area and into the wind direction to allow the pilot to land into the wind and not to be blinded by headlights.
Would you like a Ground Safety Class and a visit from the
Mercy Air Life – North Iowa helicopter and crew or a free Safety
Information Poster?
Please call Bryan Williams, Chief Flight Nurse,
at 641.422.7901 or e-mail williajb@mercyhealth.com