Portland Heliport ATZ

Background and requirements

Portland Heliport (EGDP) is an ex-military aerodrome located on the Isle of Portland in Southern Dorset. Once one of the busiest helicopter stations in the world, the heliport has a long history of facilitating critical military, maritime and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Now operated by Heli Operations Limited, the site predominantly serves as a training facility for Royal Navy and Federal German Navy (FGN) SAR pilots. This multi-national training ensures vital SAR cover can be provided principally over the North and Baltic Seas, and specifically in areas where UK Military aircraft operate.

The unique characteristics of the airspace surrounding Portland Heliport presents significant operational challenges for HeliOperations. The heliport was situated in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace meaning there was no requirement for air traffic control (ATC) services. Aircraft operating in Class G airspace are responsible for their own navigation and collision avoidance. Additionally, two military danger areas are located to the east, south and west of the heliport and a further two prison Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ), Verne and Portland, were situated immediately to the south-east. The nature of SAR operations combined with occasional missions to support UK MOD and Joint Force operations in the Military Danger Area, means that aircraft can be deployed from the Portland Heliport at short notice, during hours of darkness, or in adverse weather conditions. Rotary aircraft (helicopters) also produce significant wake vortex which can be hazardous to other aircraft.

Approach

Identifying the requirement to improve the safety of aircraft during the critical stages of flight, and protect air traffic in the vicinity of the heliport, HeliOperations approached Sagentia Aviation for support.

Sagentia Aviation assisted the organisation with an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and provided project management support. The solution identified was the establishment of a new Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) and FRZ of 2 nautical miles around Portland Aerodrome. Osprey utilised its wealth of technical experience and its excellent working relationship with key individuals in the CAA to ensure issues were quickly resolved and the application and process continued with minimal delay.

Outcome

In accordance with the CAP1616 process, the CAA approved the implementation of this airspace change. The ATZ/FRZ is now in place and provides HeliOperations with a controlled environment within which operations can continue with an enhanced level of safety within the confines of both the aerodrome and the surrounding airspace.