ENR 3.4  Helicopter routes

1 JOHANNESBURG FIR
1) Operations inside the O R Tambo International Airport - (FAOR) CTR (Not landing at or departing from FAOR)
a) Unless otherwise instructed by FAOR Tower (TWR), all helicopters are to squawk A2600 with altitude encoding prior to entering the FAOR CTR. Individual squawks will be issued on first contact for identification purposes. This squawk must be used whilst operating in the CTR. On exiting the CTR, squawk 2600 should be re-selected.
b) Medical rescue or crime prevention helicopter flights must squawk the transponder code as allocated by FAOR TWR for their special operations.
c) Helicopter routing between Rand Airport (FAGM) and Grand Central Airport (FAGC) are to remain clear of the FAOR CTR at all times.
d) All flights crossing the extended centre-lines of any runways between the FAOR CTR boundary and 4 NM from the runway thresholds, are to operate at 6000 FT ALT or below on the QNH (important - see paragraph (h) below) as broadcasted on the FAOR ATIS (115.2 MHz). All other operations may be conducted at a maximum altitude of 6 500 FT ALT.
e) Approved survey, vehicle hijack response, SAPS/SAAF crime prevention flights (see paragraph (l) below) must conduct their operations not closer than 2 NM West of RWY 03L/21R extended centre lines till they are 4 NM from the respective runway thresholds, unless authorised by ATC.
f) Traffic information will not be provided between helicopters beyond 4 NM from the respective runway thresholds and departing or arriving traffic at FAOR.
g) Helicopters responding to medical emergencies may upon request, be accommodated on direct routings closer or over the FAOR Airport, for which clearances are to be obtained prior to the crossing any of the runways extended centre-lines.
h) All transit flights East-West or West-East through the FAOR CTR must plan to route along either the:-
1) Southern Helicopter Corridor:-
- South of the Primrose hill,
- South of the N17 highway, (pilots are to ensure that they route at least 2NM South of the JN NDB position 261317.40S 0281349.58E)
- and then at least till 1NM south of the Brakpan/Benoni Aerodrome
- This route must be flown at 6000FT or below and -
- outside the Rand ATZ
Note: Pilots are reminded of their obligation in respect of minimum height over built-up areas, and therefore if necessary this may be altered further south to comply with altitude restrictions.
2) Northern Helicopter Corridor: -
- North of Tembisa,
- South of the Olifantsfontein road, and then
- along the railway line towards the Sentre Rand Railway junction until clear of the FAOR CTR.
- This route must be flown at 6000FT or below.
Note: All pilots not familiar with these routings must remain clear of the FAOR CTR.
Traffic information will not be passed between helicopters operating along the Northern/Southern corridors and arriving and departing traffic from FAOR, they will be deemed separated.
i) Helicopter pilots must broadcast on the Benoni Heliport (123.3 MHz) or on the Brakpan-Benoni Airport (FABB) 122.7 MHz frequencies prior to entering their respective circuits. ATC will not remind helicopter pilots to transmit on the respective frequencies for the Benoni/Brakpan Aerodrome and the Benoni Heliport.
j) Helicopters operating West of FAOR are to remain clear of the Modderfontein Prohibited Area (FAP 68) without having to be reminded by ATC to do so.
k) All helicopters are to remain clear of the FAOR CTR until such time that a joining clearance has been obtained from Johannesburg TWR on 118.1 MHz / 118.6 MHz. ( after 2000 at night, frequencies will be combined onto 121,9 MHz and should be used to obtain clearance) This includes helicopters exiting the FAGM ATZ East-bound.
l) Survey-type operations, pipe-line and power-line inspections will only be accommodated with prior notification from the TWR ATC on TEL: (011) 928 6459, during the following periods:
SAT and SUN - before 0700 GMT

Any of the above ad hoc operations required outside of the above times must be arranged through the office of the Manager Air Traffic Services O R Tambo (FAOR) ATCC (TEL: 011- 928 6526/6439 or FAX 011- 395 1045). Operators with ad hoc permission can expect to be accommodated between 1000 and 1100 GMT MON - THU.

m) Helicopter pilots are reminded that a continuous listening watch on the TWR frequency (118.1 MHz / 118.6 MHz. After 2000 at night, frequencies will be combined onto 121,9 MHz and should be used to obtain clearance)is necessary while operating inside the FAOR CTR in order to copy traffic information about other helicopters in their immediate area, or to alter their routes as required by ATC.
3) VFR flights (Helicopters) within the Johannesburg CTR
a) Tower east is responsible for all helicopter traffic in the eastern sector of the CTR as well as landing and departing traffic on RWY 03R/21L and all taxiways East of RWY 03L/21R.
b) Tower west is responsible for all helicopter traffic in the western sector of the CTR as well as landing and departing traffic on RWY 03L/21R and traffic crossing RWY 03L/21R.
c) With Runway 03 in use at O.R.Tambo International Airport. All helicopter traffic have to contact Tower East on 118.6 MHz before entering the Johannesburg CTR from the East between points S260348 E0282246 and S260629 E0281500 and S261313 E0281254 and S261419 E0281041.
d) Note: Tower East Hours of Operation: DLY BTN 0500-1700
e) All Helicopter traffic have to contact Tower West on 118.1 MHz before entering the Johannesburg CTR from the West between points S261419 E0281041 and S261313 E0281254 and S260629 E0281500 and S260348 E0282246.
f) Note: After hours of service, Tower West assumes responsibility for the eastern sector of the CTR as well as RWY 03R/21L. Ground Movement Control assumes responsibility for taxiways East of RWY 03L/21R.
g) With Runway 21 in use at O.R.Tambo International Airport. All helicopter traffic have to contact Tower East on 118.6 MHz before entering the Johannesburg CTR from the East between points S261433 E028 2038 and S260952 E0281409 and S260434 E 0281551 and S26 0241 E0280645
h) Note: Tower East Hours of Operation: DLY BTN 0500-1700
i) All helicopter traffic have to contact Tower West on 118.1 MHz before entering the Johannesburg CTR from the West between points S260241 E0280845 and S260434 E 0281551 and S260952 E0281409 and S261433 E0282038.
j) Helicopter pilots to verify the runway in use at O.R. Tambo International Airport on ATIS 126.2 MHz prior to entering the Johannesburg CTR.
k) Any queries can be directed to Air Traffic Service, O.R. Tambo International Airport. Tel +27 11 928 6526.
l) For further information consult the AD section of the AIP FAOR AD2.16
2 HELICOPTER OPERATIONS AT DRAGON PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT

In order to minimize noise levels the following regulations apply to all flights operating from Dragon Peaks, Champagne Castle Areas and area under the control of the Ezimvelu Kwazulu Natal Wildlife (EKZW). The only exceptions will be commercial operators, South African Air Force and SAPS helicopters on emergency and security flights and helicopters working for the EKZW with special authority to operate in designated areas.

2.1 General
a) Over flying of built-up areas, resorts and houses must be avoided. A minimum height of 2000 applies over regulated areas and must be avoided as far as possible.
b) All flight operations conducted from El Mirador, Champagne Sports resort and Cayley must avoid the built-up area of Cathkin and observe the minimum altitudes stipulated above.
c) The runway direction at Dragon Peaks Park is 06/24. Runway 06 is usually used for take-off and runway 24 approach and landing. The elevation of the runway is 3900 AMSL.
d) The Drakensberg Boys Choir School practice times are from 09H00 to 10H00 on Mondays to Saturdays with public concerts held every Wednesday between 14H00 and 17H00. Pilots must try to avoid operations during these times.
2.2 Military Operations
a) South African Air Force (SAAF) deployments and training camps must not be planned during national school holiday periods or over long weekends. Where possible deployments of different SAAF helicopter Squadrons must be combined in order to minimize the noise levels to certain periods outside of holiday seasons.
b) The EKZW must be notified when SAAF deployments to Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort will be held.
c) Prior permission from the Controlling Authority of the SAAF operations is required before approaching the field.
d) SAAF contact details are: Tel: 036 468 1116
2.3 Take-off

All helicopters must call before lifting. When safe, take-off can commence. Take-off is usually done in a 060deg magnetic direction. After take-off aircraft must turn left 360deg magnetic to "hug" the mountain's side to the left. After crossing the high-tension wires route to the left of the residence on the ridge. Helicopter must fly left of the Drakensberg Sun road that is aligned with the 360deg flight path. Once across the ridge keep left and "hug" the mountain whilst routing for the Little Berg ridge. Helicopters must report crossing the Little Berg ridge.

2.4 Approaches

Standard approaches must be used at Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort at rather low heights to reduce noise levels. All approaches, if possible, should be done on runway 24. Helicopters returning from the Little Berg ridge must fly over the Culfargie area again hugging the ridge on the right. Crossing the ridge towards Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort must be done to avoid the built-up area on the ridge and the Drakensberg Sun. Radio communication is essential to avoid collisions over that area. Helicopters must pass each other right on right so that commanders have each other visible during the crossing. Turning in on final approach must be as close to the ridge as possible avoiding departing traffic and the power lines.

2.5 Routing inbound

All routes inbound to Dragons Peaks Mountain Resort must be planned via Arthur's Seat (S2854 E02926) then to Bellpark Kop (S2856 E02924); this includes routes from the East and South East. The approach route described above (para.3) must then be joined.

2.6 Aviation Safety

Due to the type of operations conducted during South African Air Force deployments at Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort, radio calls and lookout are of the utmost importance.

2.7 Frequencies

During SAAF operations, all pilots should monitor 128.70MHz within 10 nautical miles of Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort.

2.8 Civilian Operations
a) Resident civilian operators must follow similar routes as outlined for the SAAF operations.
b) Runways 24 and 06 are allowed for take-off and landing. Fixed wing aircraft are restricted to landing on runway 24 and take-off on runway 06.
c) The approaches should be planned to be is such a way the circuits are flown to the north of the airfield. (i.e. right hand downwind for runway 24 and left hand downwind for runway 06)
d) Pilots unfamiliar with Dragons Peaks Mountain Resort must join overhead the field at 6000 AMSL. Do a tight turn ending on right hand downwind runway 24. Pilots should remain within one nautical mile of the airfield.
e) All non-resident operators must contact Management of Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort before approaching the field. This regulation also applies to periods of SAAF operations.
f) Dragons Peaks Mountain Resort: Tel: 036 468 1031
2.9 Route Description
a) Out: Hug the high ground on the left hand side of runway 06 and exit at point S290035 E0292627. Turn left and fly left of kink in secondary road; S290003 E0292558. Fly up along the tree line as it goes up a small valley and exit at point S285932 E0292526.
b) In: Enter routing at point S285934 E0292558 and be cautious of wires. Fly left of the kink in the secondary road; S285934 E0292605. Fly a wider routing in than for the routing out and fly for the large solitary tree before turning final approach runway 24; S290019 E0292632.