Subject: Helicopters and Towplanes
From: (Burt Compton)
Date: 9/8/2003 7:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Message-id:

Need assistance in finding a FAA or other reference to "best practices" for
helicopter autorotation practice at active airports.

Recently a helicopter practicing an emergency practice autorotation descent
over the middle of an airport in Florida had a mid-air collision with a
towplane during aerotow takeoff at 100' agl. Towpilot seriously injured but
will recover. Helicopter instructor and student walked away. Both aircraft
totalled. Glider pilot released and landed safely.

Seeking guidelines from the helicopter community that may prevent this from
occurring again.


burt I am a glider gider (well I have not flown gliders much in the last few
years but I do have about 800 hours) and a helicopter pilot, very active.
Autorotation practice at the airport should be like any other landing operation
other than the helicopter is decending at up to 2,500 fpm. Make the calls in
the pattern and watch for traffic.

Craig