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AIM 

3/21/24 

operations from movement areas and nonmovement areas within the airport boundary. In order for ATC to 

properly apply these procedures, it is essential that pilots familiarize themselves with the local operations and 

make it known to controllers when additional instructions are necessary. 

2. 

Insofar as possible, helicopter operations will be instructed to avoid the flow of fixed

wing aircraft to 

minimize overall delays; however, there will be many situations where faster/larger helicopters may be 

integrated with fixed

wing aircraft for the benefit of all concerned. Examples would include IFR flights, 

avoidance of noise sensitive areas, or use of runways/taxiways to minimize the hazardous effects of rotor 

downwash in congested areas. 

3. 

Because helicopter pilots are intimately familiar with the effects of rotor downwash, they are best 

qualified to determine if a given operation can be conducted safely. Accordingly, the pilot has the final authority 

with respect to the specific airspeed/altitude combinations. ATC clearances are in no way intended to place the 

helicopter in a hazardous position. It is expected that pilots will advise ATC if a specific clearance will cause 

undue hazards to persons or property. 

b. 

Controllers normally limit ATC ground service and instruction to 

movement

 areas; therefore, operations 

from 

nonmovement

 areas are conducted at pilot discretion and should be based on local policies, procedures, or 

letters of agreement. In order to maximize the flexibility of helicopter operations, it is necessary to rely heavily 

on sound pilot judgment. For example, hazards such as debris, obstructions, vehicles, or personnel must be 

recognized by the pilot, and action should be taken as necessary to avoid such hazards. Taxi, hover taxi, and air 

taxi operations are considered to be ground movements. Helicopters conducting such operations are expected 

to adhere to the same conditions, requirements, and practices as apply to other ground taxiing and ATC 

procedures in the AIM. 

1. 

The phraseology 

taxi

 is used when it is intended or expected that the helicopter will taxi on the airport 

surface, either via taxiways or other prescribed routes. 

Taxi

 is used primarily for helicopters equipped with 

wheels or in response to a pilot request. Preference should be given to this procedure whenever it is necessary 

to minimize effects of rotor downwash. 

2. 

Pilots may request a 

hover taxi

 when slow forward movement is desired or when it may be appropriate 

to move very short distances. Pilots should avoid this procedure if rotor downwash is likely to cause damage to 

parked aircraft or if blowing dust/snow could obscure visibility. If it is necessary to operate above 25 feet AGL 

when hover taxiing, the pilot should initiate a request to ATC. 

3. 

Air taxi

 is the preferred method for helicopter ground movements on airports provided ground operations 

and conditions permit. Unless otherwise requested or instructed, pilots are expected to remain below 100 feet 

AGL. However, if a higher than normal airspeed or altitude is desired, the request should be made prior to lift

off. 

The pilot is solely responsible for selecting a safe airspeed for the altitude/operation being conducted. Use of 

air 

taxi

 enables the pilot to proceed at an optimum airspeed/altitude, minimize downwash effect, conserve fuel, and 

expedite movement from one point to another. Helicopters should avoid overflight of other aircraft, vehicles, and 

personnel during air

taxi operations. Caution must be exercised concerning active runways and pilots must be 

certain that air taxi instructions are understood. Special precautions may be necessary at unfamiliar airports or 

airports with multiple/intersecting active runways. The taxi procedures given in paragraph 4

3

18, Taxiing, 

paragraph 4

3

19, Taxi During Low Visibility, and paragraph 4

3

21, Exiting the Runway After Landing, also 

apply. 

REFERENCE

 

Pilot/Controller Glossary Term

 Taxi. 

Pilot/Controller Glossary Term

 Hover Taxi. 

Pilot/Controller Glossary Term

 Air Taxi. 

c.  Takeoff and Landing Procedures. 

1. 

Helicopter operations may be conducted from a runway, taxiway, portion of a landing strip, or any clear 

area which could be used as a landing site such as the scene of an accident, a construction site, or the roof of a 

building. The terms used to describe designated areas from which helicopters operate are: movement area, 

landing/takeoff area, apron/ramp, heliport and helipad (See Pilot/Controller Glossary). These areas may be 

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3

22 

Airport Operations