Helo side step senerio

KB9LEF Junior Member

Ok, here we go:

Class D airspace, VFR weather, One Runway, One parallel taxiway with helo pad. Runway and Taxiway from edge to edge has 1200ft in between.

Helo was cleared for an IFR ILS approach to the runway by TRACON. Had multiple other a/c in bound in which where VFR (jets inbound for overhead, and a C130 and another IFR ILS helo on final (in which was no factor at the time, was following the c130 entering a extended right base at about 6 miles (helo was at 10)

Only option at the time was to have the helo "Side-Step" for the helo pad on the parallel because of the timing of everything else happening. Side step is supposed to be a Instrument approach clearance (by TRACON) if published for the appraoch, so I think first of all it was illegal phraseology.

Could we have even had the helo line up for the parallel while on approach when closer to the airfield so that we could do simultaneous ops on the Runway?

I am thinking yes maybe, as long as we are above circling mins for the runway in use.

What other options where available?

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

It's a little unclear what you're asking, so please bear with the following:

1. It is not "illegal" for a tower (class D or otherwise) to approve the side-step maneuver.

2. Another option is to break the helicopter or the C130 off the approach.

3. If requested by the pilot, I have said "approved as requested, helipad charlie, cleared for the option".

4. Since the C-130 is "practicing", you could send him around or break him off the approach.

5. I doubt the side-step maneuver is published for use on a taxiway.

6. If it's the runway separation you're worried about, I'd get the helo to maintain visual from the C-130 (if it's the helo in trail).

Also, I'm not sure whether you're asking about the helicopter in front or in back, but if it's the one in trail or the one in front of the C130, then the IFR separation (wake turbulence or otherwise) rests with the approach controller, so I'd coordinate to see what's been done regarding the helicopter.

I think that about covers the points I wanted to make. If I think of anything else, I'll edit or repost. Hope this helps.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

just from reading this, sounds like u might've had one. the IFR helo on the ILS is owed wake turbulence separation. doesn't matter if the C130 was IFR or VFR, u can't put a large in front of a small helo like that when he's on an IFR ILS.

i wouldn't make a practice of "side-stepping" an aircraft on an IFR ILS approach. the plates need to say that there is an official side-step maneuver published before u can just assign it. if the helo asks for the side-step to land visually on the taxiway then that's another story.

KB9LEF Junior Member

Yeah i did. So what would have you done in that situation? VFR weather. Flight of F16's came inbound for the overhead infront of the helo, low approach, then depart and re-enter with a VFR C130 behind the Helo, and an IFR Helo behind the C130... Telling the C130 to turn out, and the F16 to maintain VFR outside the delta seems to be excessive in this situation...

Weather = no clouds and unrestricted visibility

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

what's your runway set-up? single runway?

KB9LEF Junior Member

Yes, single runway

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

I say that "YES" you can ask the helocopter if he can side step/circle to the helo pad or the parallel taxiway. The key is pilot concurrence, exchange of traffic (so everyone is on the same page).

I've asked aircraft to circle/side step to the parallel or helicopters to the ramp whenever needed to make everything work smoothly (Note: Air Carriers most likely will refuse). You still have any wake turbelence responsibilities unless the pilots are providing visual or you are providing visual as the tower controller.

There is phraselogy in the .65, but I believe in the helocopters case it would be:

helicopter ID, cleared ILS runway, circle/side step to. If approach had cleared the helicopter for the ILS and you as the tower controller needs the helicopter to side step or circle to the pad, other runway, or taxiway, all you need to do is ask the pilot if he will do it, then clear him to do it.

mad1dizzle Rookie

There is a lot to do with helos in which a few post already mentioned. Something else to remember when the succeeding aircraft is a helicopter, visual separation may be applied in lieu of using distance minima for same rwy sep.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

it's not the runway separation that he's worried about. it's the small behind a large on an IFR ILS approach, wake turb separation.

P_to_the_R Ruler of the Movement Area funkytown

if you are the tower controller then ask the IFR helo to report the helipad in sight...then clear to land on the helipad...last i checked if the helo is the only one IFR then you dont have a problem...your responsible for runway separation