However, at our field the choppers have been told they WILL use the
runway for all takeoff and landing movements and then hover taxi to
their hangar - NO direct takeoff from taxiways and ramps, period!
Even the police and ambulance choppers obey the rule...

denny

I happen to think that is a dumb idea - especially the "hover taxi"
part. Helicopters should have separate parking/tiedown areas, and
avoid conflicting with fixed wing traffic. Once I was working on my
plane with the cowling removed when along came some military types in
a chopper - hovering down the taxiway, which was right in front of me.
They sent my cowling tumbling - which I did not appreciate at all.. I
gave 'em an extended one-finger salute.

The airport near my office makes many visiting choppers park on the
grass - and take off and land there directly, using non-conflicting
directions. Those folks based at this airport who have helicopters
with skids are obliged to use trailers for ground movement The
arrangement seems to work well.

David Johnson