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 NHC 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 Heliservice)
Helicopters are provided and operated by Northern Helicopters in Emden.
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).