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What is the prevalence of helipads and heliport protocols on estates today, and what is best practice when dealing with helicopter traffic in a community-living context?
An expert shares some of the procedures and tips on keeping your neighbours happy.
Aerial extras for estate residents
Statistics on the popularity or demand for helipads at residential estates in South Africa are not readily available, but a facility for helicopters to transport residents is generally regarded a boon if done according to the rules.
Dave Mouton is a retired helicopter pilot and independent aviation consultant. Having worked worldwide, he has 16,000 hours of flying time under his belt. Familiar with the processes of developing aerial access at properties across the continent, his involvement with the development of Entabeni Estate in the Waterberg stands out.
Mouton says it is much easier to go about such projects these days than following the more complicated procedures required prior to 2011 when written approvals by landowners, traffic, and civil aviation departments were required. The year 2011 was a turning point in regulations, so the flying fraternity generally refers to “pre and post-2011”.
‘If you flew outside of town boundaries pre-2011, you needed only the landowner’s approval and could then perch wherever you wanted. Today, commercial operators and pilots must know the landing permissions required for registered helipads and ad hoc landings in estates,’ says Mouton.
The golf-estate example
Areas countrywide fall under municipalities and if an estate did not register a helipad with the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), approval must be obtained prior to any landing. Most golf estates are located within town boundaries; there is a difference between commercial and private flights, but when it’s within town boundaries, since 2011 it’s all subject to the rules pertaining to built-up areas.
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It is now more controlled when landing within city limits, i.e. every time you wanted to land in an estate you had to have permission from SACAA – except where there is a registered heli pad. On the Garden Route, Pezula and Simola Golf Estates in Knysna, and Mossel Bay’s Pinnacle Point are among those boasting such facilities for helicopter traffic. At Mouton’s home base of Fancourt, however, owner Hasso Plattner has vetoed air traffic: no helis here – not even during the President’s Cup!
Mouton explains: ‘People on the ground have to deal with the noise and risk associated with helicopter traffic. It brings joy to a handful of passengers, but for every one person’s pleasure, hundreds may be inconvenienced.’
Who’s flying?
Mouton reminisces about the days when he flew former president FW de Klerk to Lanzerac Estate in Stellenbosch, landing in an adjacent neighborhood.
‘Many protocols had to be observed. The helicopter was unmarked for security reasons and no one knew who my passenger was. When his cavalcade arrived, an older local resident was particularly annoyed. I explained that the operation was authorised, but he became more irate. I could not divulge the name of my passenger.
‘The argument stopped short when a luxury Merc arrived and the gentleman recognised the president. Then it was “Come land whenever you like”,’ chuckles Mouton. Flights must however be planned to ensure safety while considering those on the ground. ‘Don’t sit your bird next to a church during Sunday morning service,’ says Mouton.
Communities dictate
In Mouton’s free-flying days, it was a case of passe-partout: ‘We flew clients from there to Zebula, Serengeti, or Sun City – wherever they wanted to play golf or watch games from the sky. ‘It wasn’t unheard of to land on a driving range or unobstructed areas in the veld, but we ensured these were clear of any human or animal traffic.’ Today there are two options: either an ad hoc approval or heli pad – but a flat cement surface with an H indicating your authorised landing spot is the preferred option for safety and legalities.
‘It has much to do with procured authorisations from councils and SACAA, but as important is the community being served or disturbed. If you were to land at Fancourt against the owner’s instructions, you risk a hefty fine. These systems are in place to ensure that the estate community is not impacted unfairly.’ Different rules apply to different areas depending on city limits and population numbers. Registration of craft and flight approvals will include everything to do with these operations, especially the frequency of flights.
In the Serengeti there would be 30 helicopters circling in quick succession and complainants would claim that the estate was “turning into an airport”. These are not just the gripes of grumpy old men – estate residents have the final say. Mouton says although homeowners at Pezula have permitted a heliport close to the course, some private owners have their own heli pads. ‘Likewise, a friend who lives at Cornwall Hill Estate in Centurion has a heli pad on his property, but uses the utmost discretion, because neighbours are sure to complain about the noise of frequent flights.’
An additional safety feature?
When helicopters fly into and over your property, it deters criminal elements. Mouton says the positive effect has been especially noticeable on residential estates and game farms, where poachers would disappear when monitored from the air.
Some properties may be so secure that residents don’t opt for this added safety feature when compared to hiked noise levels. Any developer or estate management body considering investing in a helicopter facility would thus do well to start research with their homeowners before approaching private operators for this purpose.
