19 Mar 2012

Apply now for helicopter permits in French waters

By Belinda Liversedge

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In preparation for the summer season SuperyachtNews is urging the industry to think about applying now for helicopter permits in French waters.

Permits take up to three months to process, so it is imperative to think about application now if owners are wanting to use helicopters in French waters in the Med or in the French owned waters of the Caribbean. Failure to present permits can result in arrests by the French Navy.

The application process is simple and can be done independently of helicopter services companies or management companies. Helidecks Training Solutions is one such company that is facilitating the process of independent application through their website which has instructions for application and a template letter. The letter template is in French and will take off the onus of translating or preparing a letter from English or any other language as the name of the yacht and other specific information can be inputted where appropriate.

After submitting the letter, the yacht will have to supply Pilot's license, annual medical in date, papers of the yacht and other documents.


Helicopters need permits in French waters. Failure to present them can result in arrest

The permit lasts for one year and is subject to certain restrictions.

1.  The Helisurface may only be used for occasional flights. Those being private flights, air work or limited public transport in accordance with the limitations issued with the Permit.
2. Occasional use is defined as less than 200 movements per year and less than 20 movements per day.
3. Take off and landing equates to 2 movements.
4. Greater than 20 movements per day may be granted for exceptional and temporary circumstances.
5. Consideration for noise nuisance.
6. Adequate third party insurance.
7. Helicopter transfer points for winch transfer also require a Permit.


Implicit in the permit is that, the owner allows unrestricted ac
8. Implicit in the permit is that, the owner allows unrestricted access by French state representatives responsible for the verification of the requirements of helicopter operations.

Restriction breakdown courtesy of Helidecks Training Solutions


Example of the permit

Related Links
Helidecks Training Solutions Profile | Helidecks Training Solutions Website
Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée Website (for Mediterranean applications)
Bureau Action de l’Etat en mer (for Caribbean applications)

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