Helicopter Landing Sites

Helicopter Landing Sites: A Vital Resource in Emergencies

In emergency situations, whether it’s a bushfire, flood, or a medical evacuation, helicopters provide one of the quickest and safest means of transport. Helicopters are also invaluable resupplying ground crews, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas. To ensure these lifesaving flights happen smoothly, having established Helicopter Landing Sites (HLS) are a cheap and easy benefit for any community.

By preparing designated, safe landing sites and registering them with emergency services, the entire process becomes more efficient. These sites, when linked to digital GPS addresses, allow helicopters to land safely using instruments, even through smoke, fog, or at night. The implementation of software apps like What3Words, which simplifies location identification, is an example of how technology can make a critical difference. For instance, “quickest.rodent.possible” is far easier to recall and share than a string of GPS coordinates like -32.99619, 151.07875, especially during high-stress situations.

At Upper Yango, we have established three designated HLSs: one at each end of the valley and another in the middle. The local Rural Fire Service (RFS) has also recognized that the middle site can serve as a base camp and resupply station in a fire emergency. After identifying the preferred locations, we reached out to the RFS area headquarters for a site visit, ensuring the spots were approved and added to their register.

Ongoing maintenance is key to keeping these sites operational. The community plays an active role in maintaining the sites, regularly mowing the grass and ensuring that no trees or obstacles have blocked the landing areas.

To further streamline the emergency response, a laminated map with the precise locations, digital addresses, and important contact information has been distributed to every household to keep it near their phones.

These simple, low-cost measures can make all the difference in an emergency. By planning and preparing in advance, communities can enhance their chances of a quick and efficient emergency response, potentially saving lives when it matters most.