It is often normal practice on airfields for helicopters to take off and land from parts of the apron area. However, these areas, not being part of the manoeuvring area, are not under the control of ATC and there may be traffic affecting the take-off or landing.
It is essential that controllers know whether they are dealing with helicopters or fixed wing aircraft, to ensure that no confusion can arise.
IFATCA Policy is:The phraseology ‘Cleared for take-off/landing’ is not appropriate for use with helicopters operating directly to or from the apron area, as it is currently defined by ICAO. Alternative phraseology should be developed which reflects the limit of ATC responsibility when dealing with such operations. Helicopter pilots should use the RTF callsign prefix ‘HELICOPTER’ on first contact with an ATSU, except when it is obvious from the callsign that the aircraft is a helicopter. |
| See: WP 29 – Cairo 1981, WP 49 – Split 1983, WP 94 – Kaohsiung 2006, Resolution B50 – WP 63 – Virtual 2022 |
Last Update: August 11, 2022