SENSITIVE AREA INFORMATION AND LINKS TO NWR This literature is published by the Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference (HSAC) to provide timely information concerning flight in environmentally sensitive areas to helicopter operators, pilots, and users in the Gulf of Mexico. HSAC has appointed Mr. Rick Oeder as the HSAC Government Liaison Committee Chairman. In this capacity Mr. Oeder will serve as the focal point for HSAC in assisting the resolution of related issues. If you have suggestions or comments concerning this literature or industry related helicopter operational concerns relative to issues involving flight in environmentally sensitive areas, please contact Mr. Oeder at (337) 478-6131or FAX (337) 478-3918. His e-mail address is roeder@eraviation.com |
FLIGHT IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
BACKGROUND
Protection of endangered species and over-flights of these and other environmentally sensitive areas are increasingly of concern in the Gulf of Mexico. Infringements in these areas can be disruptive to wildlife, people using these areas, and could result in fines to those violating these areas. This informational is designed to heighten awareness of these areas by providing a capsulation of published procedures and informational sensitive area maps.
PUBLISHED PROCEDURE
1. Airman's Informational Manual (Paragraph 7-4-6 b.) states: "Pilots are requested to maintain a minimum of 2,000 feet above the surface of the following: National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, Lakeshores, Recreation Areas and Scenic Riverways administered by the National Park Service, National Wildlife Refuges, Big Game Refuges, Game Ranges, and Wildlife Ranges administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wilderness Primitive Areas administered by the U.S. Forest Service."
2. FAA Advisory Circular 91-36C: Encourages pilots making flights near noise sensitive areas to fly at altitudes higher than the minimum permitted by regulation and on flight paths which will reduce noise in such areas.
3. VFR Sectional maps contain extracts of the language noted above and also depict some National Wildlife Refuge Boundaries.
MAPS
A number of maps are published that depict sensitive areas, but none are available that depict all current areas and boundaries that may impact on air operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Included in this literature are web sites and detailed maps that depict the most current information. Pilots are encouraged to review these sites before flight in the vicinity of the sensitive areas to ensure familiarity with these areas. For detailed information on NWR, contact the applicable Refuge Manager list at the appropriate web site.
