Helicopter Movements

7110.65 3-11-1 - Helicopter Operations

Helicopters may have three different ways that they can use for taxi. Coordinate with the pilot to determine which method will work best.

• Ground Taxi - For helicopters with wheels, handled the same way as a regular aircraft.

• Hover Taxi - Normally below 20 knots and in ground effect. Phraseology is similar to ground taxi, just specify "hover taxi."

• Air Taxi - Normally below 100 feet AGL and at airspeeds above 20 knots.

Air‐taxi is the preferred method for helicopter movements on airports provided ground operations/conditions permit. Air‐taxi authorizes the pilot to proceed above the surface either via hover‐taxi or flight at speeds more than 20 knots. Since they are travelling at higher speed and altitudes than hover taxi, Ground should coordinate with Local and pass on any restrictions to the pilot.

Phraseology:

AIR‐TAXI:

VIA (direct, as requested, or specified route)

TO (location, heliport, helipad, operating/movement area, active/inactive runway).

AVOID (aircraft/vehicles/personnel).

If required,

REMAIN AT OR BELOW (altitude).

CAUTION (wake turbulence or other reasons above).

LAND AND CONTACT TOWER,

or
HOLD FOR (reason- takeoff clearance, release, landing/taxiing aircraft, etc.).