IFR Helicopter OPS

Lets say you have a 9000ft runway and operations are suspended. You restricted the suspended area between the 6000ft and 7000ft of the runway. So, you have 6000ft of usable runway before the suspended area and 2000ft after wards.

Now, an IFR helicopter is requesting a touch and go/low approach/full stop to that runway. My question is can you restrict an IFR helicopter to the first 4000ft of that runway or even first 6000ft.

Still looking for that answer. I say Yes, it’s a helicopter and I would restrict his flight over the suspended area. Others say no, for the simple fact he’s IFR.

I've cleared IFR helicopters to land on taxiways before. Tell them to show you where you can't clear a helicopter...VFR or IFR to land on a portion of the runway. IFR or VFR has nothing to do with it, it's the type of aircraft. IFR or VFR just means what type of separation you are going to provide the aircraft. You can be IFR and conducting a visual approach to the airport.

Again, just tell them to show you in the .65 where you can't do that...they won't be able to....at least I don't think..lol

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Your friendly neighborhood Lawn Gnome

They now and we all agree that IFR/VFR doesn’t matter approaches can be made to that runway…Awesome.
The other argument is the NOTAM states that the runway operations are suspended. And, does not state which part or portion of the runway, therefore the entire length of the runway operation is suspended. In return temporally restricts arrivals and departures.

??? If I restrict a helicopter arrival/departure to a portion not used by the vehicles and vehicles to a portion, away from the area in which the helicopter is landing/taking off. Even if the NOTAM does not specify state the suspended portion but I restrict/separate my helicopters and vehicles away from each other. Can I then land and depart helicopters on a suspended runway?

I appear to be on my own on this one… it’s a helicopter. If I am wrong please help knock some sense into though process.

The best thing to do is clarify with Airfield Ops what the NOTAM says....they are the ones that issued it...also clarify with them what you can do...if they say it is available for the first 4000ft, then use it...tell them specifically that I want to land helicopters on it. If they say you are good...then do it. They are the ones that open/close runways, so if they say you are good...then you are good....

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Your friendly neighborhood Lawn Gnome

Landing I say yes because a helicopter can easily land in the first 4000 feet. Departure might be a little bit squirly because your still pointing the helicopter at the equipment and personnel. If it's a helicopter what's wrong with the taxiway? Is it not feasible to just clear them off the taxiway?

Here's the paragraph and phraseology I would use to land:

3-11-6. HELICOPTER LANDING CLEARANCE

a. Issue landing clearance for helicopters to movement areas other than active runways, or from diverse directions to points on active runways, with additional instructions, as necessary. Whenever possible, issue landing clearance in lieu of extended hover-taxi or air-taxi operations.

PHRASEOLOGY-
MAKE APPROACH STRAIGHT-IN/CIRCLING LEFT/RIGHT TURN TO (location, runway, taxiway, helipad, Maltese cross) ARRIVAL/ARRIVAL ROUTE (number, name, or code).

HOLD SHORT OF (active runway, extended runway centerline, other).

REMAIN (direction/distance; e.g., 700 feet, 1 1/2 miles) FROM (runway, runway centerline, other helicopter/aircraft).

CAUTION (power lines, unlighted obstructions, wake turbulence, etc.).

CLEARED TO LAND.

CONTACT GROUND.

AIR TAXI TO RAMP.

You can always find a way to restrict them. The portion that talks about REMAIN () FROM () would be your best legal bet. I personally would just say something like: Equipment and personnel 6000 feet down the ruwnay, land at the approach end numbers, runway # cleared to land. I would probably refrain from departing a helo right at the people but would feel comfortable departing him the other direction (away from the men and equipment) with no qualms.

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Cool…both of your comments are great. I think it’s the lack of experience I work with to include the boss, who is mostly radar.

totally legal as long as a restriction is given.

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~controller since 99'

Thanks for all the feedback...

It has been clarified with the agency who suspended the operations, and in return we are all are correct.

Thanks again!!!