Question About Using the Rutgers Chopper For Recruiting

[RutgersRaRa]

Does the pilot have to file a flight plan, as is customary with fixed-wing aircraft? Also, when landing in a field (such as school's field), do prior permissions need to be obtained? If so, how far in advance?

Just curious about how spontaneous a coach can be about visiting a recruit by using the helicopter.

 

[PSU_Nut]

Flight plans are not required based if flying by visual flight rules. IE if the weather is good. The only permission needed is from owner of the land. Also some places have local ordinances against it.

 

[RU4Real]

Flight plans are not required based if flying by visual flight rules. IE if the weather is good. The only permission needed is from owner of the land. Also some places have local ordinances against it.

The "no flight plan" rule for VFR operations may well not apply, here. The helicopter does not belong to RU, it belongs to a tour company. RU gets to use the helicopter as a benefit of a sponsorship agreement with the carrier. However, since they ARE a commercial carrier, they have to operate under IFR at all times, ergo flight plans are required.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

The "no flight plan" rule for VFR operations may well not apply, here. The helicopter does not belong to RU, it belongs to a tour company. RU gets to use the helicopter as a benefit of a sponsorship agreement with the carrier. However, since they ARE a commercial carrier, they have to operate under IFR at all times, ergo flight plans are required.

Do we even have this deal anymore?

 

[RU4Real]

Do we even have this deal anymore?

I have no idea.

I checked the FARs real quick, it would seem that they would operate under Part 135, which governs operations for non-scheduled and on-demand commercial operations. They ARE allowed to operate VFR, but are also required to file flight plans for passenger operations.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

I have no idea.

I checked the FARs real quick, it would seem that they would operate under Part 135, which governs operations for non-scheduled and on-demand commercial operations. They ARE allowed to operate VFR, but are also required to file flight plans for passenger operations.

Are they allowed to change plans mid-flight for anything other than an emergency or weather?

 

[mikemarc1]

Do we even have this deal anymore?

We had it the day Flood was fired.

Unless it only ran through 2015, I'd assume we still do. We've had it since Schiano.

 

[RU4Real]

Are they allowed to change plans mid-flight for anything other than an emergency or weather?

Absolutely. Flight plans can be amended (or canceled, even) in-flight.

 

[PSU_Nut]

The "no flight plan" rule for VFR operations may well not apply, here. The helicopter does not belong to RU, it belongs to a tour company. RU gets to use the helicopter as a benefit of a sponsorship agreement with the carrier. However, since they ARE a commercial carrier, they have to operate under IFR at all times, ergo flight plans are required.

I forgot that this would technically be a charter so different rules apply.

 

[mikemarc1]

 

[RU4Real]

We should really be using American helicopters.

 

[mwcllc]

I hope these guys are great pilots.