Quick overview
Key figures for helicopter operation (detailed explanation can be found below):
- CAE-BS/STASS briefing mandatory for all passengers (an instruction can be given by the pilots on board for persons that are occasionally flying, but this is not the same as a training ashore and the operator assumes no liability for this on board training)
- HUET training strongly recommended for all frequent flyers
- 5 passengers maximum plus pilot
- helmet and immersion suit mandatory
- survival bags to be taken on every flight
- only 1 group out by helicopter in a distance 3-80nm (second helicopter allowed in a distance up to 3nm from Polarstern)
- shuttling teams (bringing one team out and taking another one in with one flight) is not allowed
- if only one helicopter is available due to technical reasons, the maximum allowed distance is 10nm from Polarstern
- the standby time on ground/ice without engines running has to be limited according to the outside local conditions
- operation below -30°C air temperature is limited, below -45°C prohibited
Helicopters:
Type | 2 x BK117 - C1 |
Manufacturer | Bölkow Kawasaki |
Engines | 2 x Arriel 1E2 engines, 700PS each |
Maximum take-off weight | 3350 kg |
Number of passengers | max. 5 |
Speed | 125 nm/h (225km/h) |
Range | 240nm (430km) ; 278 l/h fuel consumption |
Operating range around the ship | max. 80nm (= abt.17h rescuetime by Polarstern in icecovered waters) |
Staff | 2 pilots; 2 technicians |
Tasks | emergency, ice reconnaissance, scientific services, transport |
Helicopter BK117 - Polarstern
(Photo Northern Helicopter)
Helicopters are provided by the shipping company F. Laeisz and operated by Northern Helicopter in Emden, Germany.
The German aviation law for offshore flying is applied.
Supervisory authority is the Federal Aviation Office (LBA-Luftfahrtbundesamt) which implements the EU law of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Size of Cargo Compartment BK117 (Northern Helicopter)
Check list CA-EBS Training (Windguard)
Helmet (Pict.:M.Hirsekorn)