Purpose
There are many circumstances in which the need to land a helicopter on the Binghamton University campus might arise. These could be associated with an isolated or large-scale emergency operation or a planned non-emergency event. The following plan will be a non-agency specific, all-hazards approach to landing a helicopter.
Common Abbreviations:
- LZ- Landing Zone
- NYSUP- New York State University Police
- VFD- Vestal Fire Department
- ERT- Emergency Response Team
Possible Agencies (not an inclusive list)
- LifeNet NY (air ambulance)
- New York State Police
- U.S. National Guard
- U.S. military
Landing Zone Considerations
Planned landing
The operating agency should be contacted for desired landing zone requirements/specifications. University personnel will be required to ensure pedestrian safety around landing zone. ERT members may be used to augment NYSUP officers.
Emergency Landing
The Vestal Fire Department may be dispatched to assist in the establishment of a landing zone. The dispatch request should include the specific location and ETA of the aircraft. A minimum of two NYSUP officers should be sent to the landing zone to secure the site until VFD arrives and assumes command of the LZ.
| Potential Landing Zones* | ||
| Area | Coordinates | |
| East Gym field (by Lot E1) | 42掳05'35.75" N | 75掳57'48.43" W |
| East Gym field (behind track) | 42掳05'37.36" N | 75掳57'48.43" W |
| Lot E | 42掳05'30.55" N | 75掳58'00.49" W |
| Lot M4 | 42掳05'18.16 N | 75掳48'31.28" W |
| Lot F3 | 42掳05'32.21" N | 75掳58'22.91" W |
| *A pilot may identify and request a different landing zone than the ones identified above. | ||
General Landing Zone Operations and Safety Precautions
- Determine frequency to be used and perform communication over mobile, not portable, radio
- Radio transmission to responding aircraft should describe type of surface landing on, any hazards or obstructions in the area, how the area is marked and what is the wind direction
- Establish secure LZ area (100' by 100')
- Clear the area (200' by 200') of all non-operational personnel
- Notify your dispatch when aircraft lands and departs
- Mark each corner with high visibility cones (orange is ideal)
- Night Operations: Place hand-light inside cones, minimize bright white "search-type" lights
- Do NOT use "scene tape." It may be sucked up into the rotor blades.
- NEVER approach the aircraft unless directed by the pilot.
