HomeMy WebLinkAboutHelicopter Noise AbatementTown of East Hampton Airport
P.O. Box 836
East Hampton, NY 11937
631.537.1130
May 10, 2018
Helicopter
Noise Abatement
The following Helicopter Noise Abatement Procedures have been developed in collaboration with the East
Hampton Control Tower, the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), and East Hampton Airport
Operations. These routes are strongly recommended in order to mitigate the noise associated with
helicopter operations at HTO.
This plan has been selected to best relieve communities surrounding East Hampton Airport from the noise
produced from Arriving and Departing helicopter traffic. While noise mitigation is extremely important,
these procedures should in no way supersede the safe operation of aircraft. These procedures will be
monitored for compliance at all checkpoints for accuracy of the route and recommended altitudes. The
ERHC will receive weekly compliance reports.
November Arrival: (figure 2)
Arrivals from the west proceed to “November 1” (N40*57.37 W072*27.16) at or above 3500 feet,
continue to “November 2” (N40*58.41 W072*20.43) at or above 3000 feet, to “November 3” (N40*58.14
W072*17.60) at or above 2500 feet, then to the airfield.
Sierra Route Arrivals and Departures for RWY 28 (figure 2)
Arrivals from the southwest fly along the south shore approximately half a mile offshore, via S2
(N40*52.30 W072*19.91) at 2,000 ft which is a point of converging traffic departing East Hampton
Airport (HTO) on the Sierra Route.
Proceed past the mouth Georgica Pond to S3 (N40*55.32 W072*12.33) which is a flyover fix and enter a
left base for Runway 28 or the parallel taxiway depending on the traffic at the airport and the direction of
the air traffic controller.
Please hold your altitude as high as possible. Please look for fixed wing traffic in the traffic pattern or on
approach to the airport. Overhead Georgica arrivals with spiraling descents on the north side of the airport
are no longer expected and impede the safe flow of traffic on the north side of the airport.
Depart the airport via runway heading until passing 1,500 feet in the vicinity of S1 (N40.56.94
W072.19.64) then turn left to S2 (N40*52.30 W072*19.91) climbing to 3,000 feet BROC. After reaching
S2, proceed westbound approximately a half mile off shore.
Sierra Route Arrivals and Departures for RWY 10 (figure 3)
When the winds are out of the East and the airport is utilizing RWY 10, the Sierra Route will be reversed.
Inbound aircraft will fly to S2 (40*52.30 W072*19.91) at 2,000ft then enter a right base for Runway 10.
Remaining South of RWY 10 aiming for the approach of RWY 4 and listen for specific ATC instructions
before crossing the runway to the north side of the runway.
Out bound traffic will depart into the wind to the East BROC to 1,500ft and when cleared by the tower,
turn a right crosswind towards S3 (40*55.32 W072*12.33). After proceed west bound climbing to 3,000ft
looking for inbound traffic to S2.
Echo Departure: (figure 4)
Depart heading northwest over the power lines to “Echo 1” (N40*58.03 W072*16.28). Turn right,
remaining well east of Town Line Road and proceed to the East side of Barcelona Neck “Echo 2”
(N41*00.76 W072*15.29). “Echo 2” is a mandatory flyover point. Please keep your tracks away from the
village of Sag Harbor. Use max performance climb so as to cross Barcelona Neck at or above 3000 ft.
MSL. Proceed then to “Echo 3” (N41*02.63 W072*18.31) and then to “Echo 4” (N41*01.26
W072*22.58). Please avoid any over flight of Shelter Island and North Haven.
PLEASE NOTE:
The success of noise abatement depends on the requested routes and altitudes being observed with
precision to the greatest extent possible.
Pathways depicted on the map are for illustration only and may not conform precisely to
coordinates.
The Control Tower will advise pilots of traffic conflicts on each of the voluntary helicopter routes
and will retain the option of issuing arrival and departure instructions as traffic permits.
East Hampton Airport Curfews (Emergency Ops Exempt):
Please adhere to the voluntary curfew: 2300 – 0700
Ramp Operations
All arrivals and departures to HTO should be to and from active runways or parallel taxiways so as not to
interfere with fixed wing traffic. Approaches and departures directly to and from the Terminal Ramp
area are prohibited.
No part of a helicopter, including rotor tips, is to come closer than 100 feet to the Terminal building.
Parking spot 1 in front of the Terminal Building is reserved for fixed wing aircraft only.
Boarding and deplaning a helicopter with the rotors turning should be avoided. Use of a rotor brake, if
installed is encouraged. All passengers boarding or deplaning shall have an escort to and from the
terminal or designated marshalling area.
Operating rotors for an extended period of time on the ramp is discouraged. More than ten (10) minutes
is considered excessive. Your cooperation with this limit is for noise and environmental considerations.
Passengers who demand rotors turning when they arrive should be informed of this limit. If it is necessary
to operate engines and/or rotors for extended periods of time, please move to one of the transient helicopter
pads or as far from the Terminal Building as possible.
Other Considerations
Helicopter operations are the most serious environmental challenges we have at HTO. Anything you can
do to mitigate the environmental impact of your operations will be greatly appreciated by this office and
the surrounding communities.
Non -Towered Operations: The area surrounding HTO has substantial air traffic during the summer
months, some of which may have neither a radio nor transponder. Adherence to the suggested routes
reduces the potential for conflicts but does not eliminate it. Frequent announcements of position, altitude
and intended route are strongly encouraged. See and Avoid is paramount, all available aircraft lights should
be illuminated day or night. Coordination with or monitoring of New York approach frequency is
recommended to help avoid IFR traffic that may otherwise appear suddenly from IMC conditions.
Sincerely,