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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVVMC_Heliport_Exp_Rpt_10-21-2014-reduced size (2)Vail Valley Medical Center ' r! Vail, Colorado Preliminary Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report Date: October 21, 2014 PREPARED BY. +�.� AkLIEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated Aeronautical Consulting Services 28 Baruch Drive, Long Branch, New Jersey 07740 Phone (732) 870 -8883 ■ Fax (732) 870 -8885 Web: www .heliexpertsinternational.com ■ Email: raV(c .heliexp.com I �� E=L-IEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC. Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Topic Page 1 Purpose of Report 2 2 Background 2 3 Heliport Site Selection And Description 2 4 Study Determinations 4 4.A Inventory Of Current Aviation Facilities In The Vicinity 5 4.13 Aeronautical Regulatory Considerations 5 4.13.1 Federal Regulations 5 4.13.2 State Regulations 6 413.3 Local Regulations 6 4.0 Preliminary Site Selection Criteria & Evaluations 6 4.D Safety 7 4.E Community Considerations 8 4.F Current Airspace Utilization & Interface Issues 9 4.G Climatical Considerations 9 4.1-1 Environmental Concerns 9 4.1-1.1 Sounds 9 4.1-1.2 Exhaust Emissions, Dust And Lights 11 4.1 Findings 12 4.J Recommendations 12 5 WMC Heliport Site Selection And Review Process 13 Exhibit A Evaluated site locations 15 Exhibit B Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF) Illustration 16 Exhibit C Lighting Illustrations 17 Exhibit D Windsock Illustration 18 Exhibit E Pilot Briefing Sheet Illustration 19 Exhibit F TLOF, FATO & FATO Safety Area Illustration 20 Exhibit G Extended FATO Illustration 21 Exhibit H National Safety Council Letter of Verification 22 Exhibit I FAA Approach /Departure Airspace Illustration 23 Exhibit J Surrounding Heliport Airspace Illustration 24 Exhibit K Overall Approach /Departure Airspace Illustration 25 Glossary 26 References 29 HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page i WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 I �� E=L-IEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC. Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to provide preliminary information on the feasibility of constructing a heliport on the VVMC campus. This report addresses the need for a heliport at VVMC, site selection and general description of the proposed heliport, safety and community considerations, aeronautical regulatory considerations, and subsequent steps in the review and construction of a heliport. This report is to be used by the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission and the Vail Town Council in the review of VVMC's Master Plan proposal to develop a heliport on the hospital campus. This report concludes at this initial master plan level review, that the proposed heliport location can meet and exceed all current safety guidelines and licensing criteria of the FAA, NFPA and the aviation and air medical industries. Upon approval of the VVMC Master Plan and as a part of the Town's Conditional Use Permit review process additional site specific design and operational information on the heliport will be provided. In addition, the FAA and NFPA will be involved in the review of the helipad prior to its construction. BACKGROUND The integration of a well- designed and properly sited heliport on a hospital's campus has been proven to dramatically and positively impact short and long term patient outcomes as well as overall community safety. By reducing travel distances, lifesaving minutes can be better allocated to the delivery of definitive care rather than patient transport. This minimization of distance also cuts down on ambulance traffic and transfers which in -turn reduces the risk exposure to patients, medical teams and the community. By collocating a heliport directly on the hospital's campus VVMC can eliminate the need for an additional ambulance transfer and decrease the strain placed on limited and valuable local emergency response assets and personnel. HELIPORT SITE SELECTION AND DESCRIPTION Vail Valley Medical Center currently utilizes a ground based heliport located adjacent to the hospital campus to the north of the hospital on the opposite side of South Frontage Road for the transfer of patients from their facility. While this configuration is adequate it is a less than ideal situation in regards to providing optimum rapid transport to time critical patients. In conjunction with potential delays in transport the current operation exposes patients to potential risks during transfers between ambulances and helicopters as well as extremes in local environmental conditions. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 2 VVMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/2112014 WEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC Veteran Owned e& Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated Both on -site and off -site locations were initially considered, but in adhering to the primary objective and criteria, that being to have a better heliport than currently exists (i.e. one on campus), off -site locations were not pursued. In assessing all identified potential onsite heliport locations (See Exhibit A) the onsite hospital heliport location identified was chosen due to its inherent superiority based on the criteria used in the evaluation process. The identified rooftop location provides the overall maximum benefit in the areas of: • Safety • Reduced patient transfer requirements • Reduced patient transport distance and time • Enhanced patient care • FAA and NFPA standards • Aircraft performance • Local EMS and First Responder asset allocation • Limited community impact This conclusion is based on both current as well as previous work conducted by our team members dating back to 1995 to include a site selection feasibility analysis which was performed for VVMC in 2011. Keeping the need for the heliport to have good patient stretcher and gurney access to and from the Emergency Room in mind, the concept for using a rooftop heliport with good vertical access to the hospital is very important. Proper application of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and good design practices however dictate the heliport itself needs to be at an elevation allowing for proper airflow under the heliport itself. The proposed heliport design meets or exceeds all of those exacting criteria. The proposed helicopter Touchdown and Liftoff (TLOF) landing site will be a concrete and steel 60' X 60' heliport (See Exhibit B), elevated approximately 75' above the VVMC parking structure and mounted on extended columns above the medical office building on the main campus. The inclusion of the 75' elevation has been incorporated to maximize aeronautical safety and meet safety criteria, address the effects of contemplated future construction in the vicinity based on current zoning criteria, and enhance overall operational and patient safety. The addition of a gurney ramp from the heliport to the extended elevator shaft will be the main structures located on site. The elevator structure will need to be raised to an elevation that will allow for an appropriate gurney ramp from the heliport to the elevator to meet appropriate life safety and building codes. In addition, the access and equipment needed to meet FAA, NFPA and the Town of Vail codes will be part of the construction. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 3 VVMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/2112014 I d kj @/ EiwEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated The heliport is designed to be a state -of- the -art facility utilizing the latest design criteria and techniques that are fully compliant with all applicable aeronautical and safety regulations. The heliport would safely accommodate the primary air medical helicopters operated by AirLife Denver and Flight For Life Colorado as well as any of the other air medical helicopters in operation within the region. The pad will use the latest technology in LED lighting, specifically designed to meet the safety and lighting needs of the helicopter flight crews (See Exhibit C). The wind direction will be indicated by a lighted windsock that can be seen by the pilots both from the air and the heliport (See Exhibit D). The lights will not illuminate or cast beams to any off campus properties. Helicopter flight operations into and out of the heliport will be in full compliance with all FAA regulations. The heliport design will meet all fire safety and life safety criteria required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations. Industry recognized helicopter safety procedures and best practices will be incorporated to the fullest extent possible. A site specific operations manual will be produced that will cover specific procedures for operations at the heliport. This will include procedures for trained security personnel and hospital staff which will assure the site is properly maintained and the area is clear of all persons during flight operations. The heliport location, design and operations plan has been modeled for making the heliport available at all times for medical emergency transport utilization. This heliport will be identified to the appropriate agencies as well as having comprehensive pilot briefing information provided for their use (See Exhibit E for an example). Such documentation will provide all the information a professional pilot would need to locate and safely operate an air medical helicopter at the proposed facility. STUDY DETERMINATIONS A. Inventory Of Current Aviation Facilities In The Vicinity B. Aeronautical Regulatory Considerations C. Preliminary Site Selection Evaluation D. Safety E. Community Considerations F. Current Airspace Utilization & Interface Issues G. Climatical Considerations H. Environmental Concerns I. Findings J. Recommendation HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 4 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 MEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, L Vef�eran Owned �d ���'E Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated A. INVENTORY OF CURRENT AVIATION FACILITIES IN THE VICINITY The closest public use aviation facilities to the VVMC property are as follows: Name Direction Direct Distance (SM) Driving Distance (SM) Est. Driving Time Round Trip ( @55 mph Avg.) Eagle Co. Regional Airport (KEGE) West 28 35 1.3 hours Lake Co. Airport (KLXV) South 29 40 -46 1.5 - 1.7 hours Mc Elroy Airfield 20V North 28 68 2.5 hours *All distance measurements obtained using Goog /e Earth Pro The current heliport used for the VVMC patient transports is approximately 275' away from the proposed rooftop heliport. With proper coordination and procedures either of the two heliports can easily interface the use of the common airspace. There are no issues of conflict or safety with the airport traffic of any of the above identified facilities given that standard aviation operational procedures and communication are adhered to as is dictated by Federal Aviation Regulations. This is one of the issues the FAA will include in their evaluations, which is required under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 157. B. AERONAUTICAL REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 1) Federal Regulations The Federal Aviation Administration Guidelines, predominately Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5390 -2C, Heliport Design, provides guidance regarding the installation of heliports such as that proposed by the Hospital. The heliport VVMC has considered is not covered directly by the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, which pertain predominantly to those installations designed for public -use, or publicly funded heliports. While those guidelines are not mandated by the FAA for installations other than those established as a public facility or those facilities receiving federal grant monies through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), of which this site will neither be public nor receive any AIP funding, the design of the facilities for the proposed heliport will however be taking the fullest advantage of the latest and most up -to -date safety and efficiency aspects provided for under the current FAA recommendations. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 5 VVMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/2112014 L-IEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, - Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now requires all new heliports to meet the FAA design standards in those jurisdictions that use NFPA standards for their codes. For all new and substantially modified heliports, the FAA guidelines are very detailed regarding the pad area in addition to the clear area which a site must possess to be considered adequate for the operation of a helicopter. Preliminary investigation of the proposed site reveals the proposed heliport location would have the ability to meet these parameters. Prior to any construction of a new heliport, the Vail Valley Medical Center will be required to submit notice of its proposed helipad to the FAA pursuant to Title 14 C.F.R. Part 157. Upon notification by the hospital of their desire to establish a heliport, the FAA will then initiate a study of the airspace in the vicinity of the proposed site. The FAA will ascertain whether the proposed helipad, at the site suggested, would have any detrimental effect upon the safe and efficient use of airspace. 2) State Regulations The State of Colorado does not currently regulate the establishment of a heliport of the type VVMC is now considering but rather relies entirely on the oversight and guidelines established by the FAA. 3) Local Regulations The Town of Vail has local land -use jurisdiction over the application and requires the obtaining of a conditional use permit for the proposed use. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2011 edition of NFPA 418 "Heliport Standards" now requires a heliport to meet all the relevant portions of the FAA Heliport Design Advisory Circular for new and modified heliports. The local Fire Marshall and code officials will use that as their guide on the physical plant and operational issues dealing with any heliport application. C. PRELIMINARY SITE SELECTION CRITERIA & EVALUATIONS Sound aviation criteria as spelled out by the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA heliport advisory circular in conjunction with community compatibility criteria demand inclusion of community -based issues at the very inception of any potential site inventory. By utilizing this as a starting point it allows for the optimization in the areas of safety, patient care, aircraft performance, compatibility, asset longevity, and community integration. Through using the experience of literally decades of helicopter operations and by applying lessons learned a method of integrating HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 6 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 I 9 ESL - (EXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated community- sensitive criteria while interfacing aeronautical requirements with real -life site considerations has emerged. Heliports, unlike airports, need very little ground space. This reduced need for a large area of operation improves safety while at the same time reducing the large "sound footprints" associated with many airports. This then supplements the integration of heliports into urban and suburban settings. The Hospital campus is situated in such a manner that it allows, under normal atmospheric conditions, the helicopters to limit flying over the majority of the Vail residences on the way to or from the heliport. Given the needed helicopter performance, pilots will be requested to follow the roadways and interstates at the maximum practical altitudes to the extent consistent with safety and patient welfare. D. SAFETY The proposed location possesses all of the components which meet or exceed the recognized safety standards of the FAA, as well as the aviation and air medical industries in general. This includes the complete compliance with FAA advisory circular AC 150/5390 -2C and NFPA 418 as well as Federal, state and local building codes and standards. The Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF) will be expanded to meet the current advisory circular criteria for elevated heliports where the Final Approach and Takeoff (FATO) area is non -load- bearing. (See Exhibit F) Based on guidance provided in the FAA advisory circular for site elevations above 1,000 feet MSL, the Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO) length will be increased accordingly. (See Exhibit G) Using NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA real -life historical heliport safety data on over 40 years of records for private use hospital heliports of the type considered here; those facilities have maintained a PERFECT safety record as it relates to physical risk to any members of the general public or anyone in the surrounding community. The National Safety Council, an independent third party safety education and research organization, was used to verify this statistic (See Exhibit H). The fact is that the installation of a hospital use heliport in a community has a documented historically perfect public safety record with respect to injury of any kind to any member of the host community. No other transportation mode can make this admirable claim. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 7 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 1 E :LIE7(PERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC,,eranOwned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated E. COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS A detailed inventory of the surrounding land uses and the overall nature of the Vail Valley area has been compiled by our team members over several site visit spanning a number of years, the first of which being conducted in 1995 with a follow - on inventory in 2011 and again in 2014. This is very important for the proper helicopter access to the proposed heliport. The FAA sets very exacting criteria for heliport approach and departure paths for their issuance of a positive airspace (See Exhibit 1). Besides lateral clear areas which must be kept clear of obstacles, they also define approach angle minimums for safety along with considerations for land uses under the flight paths. The modern helicopters that will be operated at this location have excellent performance capabilities as well as a very high reliability record. These performance capabilities allow for the helicopter to climb and descend in a manner that keeps the distances from other land uses and residential properties at a maximum. Based on data compiled by Vail Valley Medical Center in a five year retrospective review from January, 2009 to December, 2013 regarding patient modes of transport, e.g. ambulance vs. helicopter, the average number of helicopter transports performed in any given year are expected to be approximately 73. This number equates to the hospital conducting approximately one air medical helicopter transport every five days. The Vail Valley Medical Center does not envision this utilization frequency to change significantly. Provided the heliport is constructed at the appropriate height above ground level, in this case approximately 75 feet, the selected site provides an excellent area for the establishment of a properly designed hospital heliport and the subsequent approach /departure paths to include an extended FATO as recommended by the FAA for elevations above 1,000' MSL (See Exhibit J). The designated primary approach and departure paths are to the west and east over the interstate (See Exhibit K). Those paths have been thoroughly vetted by HEI and Cayce Batterson, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and Local air medical helicopter Pilot, and will also be fully reviewed by the FAA. All of the appropriate factors influencing the effects the proposed heliport may have on the surrounding community were carefully considered. The facility's site selection, design, and operational policies will have no measurable adverse impact upon the community at large. The potential effects upon the residential, office, and educational areas in the surrounding location will be minimized by the utilization of the proposed flight track which is designed to overfly commercial property and roadways. In addition, the pilots will use the helicopter manufacturers sound abatement procedures for the minimizing of the helicopter sounds. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 8 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 1 It E :LIEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, YeleranOwned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated F. CURRENT AIRSPACE UTILIZATION & INTERFACE ISSUES The proposed heliport is located well outside of any airport traffic areas of any of the regional airfields currently in operation today. There are no evident issues of conflict or safety with the airport traffic in the vicinity which should also be confirmed by the FAA. Provided the limited difference in distance (approximately 275 feet) between the current site and the newly proposed hospital campus site, there will realistically be no fundamental difference in airspace utilization and considerations. G. CLIMATICAL CONSIDERATIONS Of primary importance in selecting an appropriate site for an aeronautical facility are the prevailing winds, cloud cover and horizontal visibility. The prevailing winds greatly influence the approach and departure routes to and from any facility. The general orientation of the touchdown area is, to some degree, also related to the prevailing wind direction. Cloud cover and visibility can, of course, affect flight operations significantly. The location and design of the heliport takes advantage of these Climatical considerations to the extent possible and no problems are perceived in this area. If weather conditions are such as to pose a safety, performance or comfort issue, flight operations will be suspended until which time conditions have improved to safely conduct operations. H. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 1) Sounds We understand that citizens may be concerned about the level of sound associated with the operation of a private use medical heliport. There are two distinct issues involved, one being the sounds of the aircraft approaching and departing the site and the sounds produced while the aircraft is on the roof at the facility. Heliports generate essentially no noise in and of themselves; therefore the operation of the aircraft is the primary factor. Only when the aircraft is actually operating is there any sound at all. At the proposed facility, this will only occur intermittently at approximately once every 5 days based on the past five years of data, and on those occasions only for a matter of a few minutes. Noise will be experienced as a helicopter approaches the site, lands and shuts down as well as during startup and its subsequent departure. This is quite unlike other transportation modes such as streets, HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 9 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 highways, interstate road systems, commuter and freight railroads and certain major waterways, where the sound production is almost constant. Given the location of the heliport the sound of takeoffs and landings will be briefly blended with that of the surrounding roads. The sound level of the helicopter that would utilize the proposed facility is far below that of many accepted noise producers in our environment. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, tractors, irrigation pumps, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, motor cycles, buses, trucks, cars, all regularly produce noise levels higher than that which the average person would perceive when they hear an air medical helicopter. The relative distance, nature and intensity of the noise generated, height above the ground, type and vintage of the aircraft, sound attenuation factors of the terrain between the source and the receptor are all factors in the way sound is perceived. Older, heavier military helicopters are very different from the modern, light, efficient and much quieter civilian helicopters utilized by the vast majority of air medical helicopter providers of today. The Vail Valley Medical Center Heliport is designed primarily for the AirLife Denver and Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport program aircraft as well as the other air medical helicopters in the region of the same size and class which make up the regions Helicopter EMS transport system. The helicopters using the Vail Valley Medical Center Heliport will also use highly defined routes which are professionally designed to have the helicopter sounds blend into the existing roadway sound environment. It must be kept in mind that the proposed helicopter activity develops an extremely transitory sound during flight. The entire sound event lasts only for approximately 45 -60 seconds either on landing or takeoff. At any one point along the flight route, providing the observer is close enough to hear or notice it, the helicopter will typically only be heard for 20 seconds or less. This compares very favorably with sounds already found in most neighborhood environments. The preliminary flight paths take fullest advantage of the open area over the frontage road and Interstate highway to the north running east and west to minimize the potential effects on any other land uses. All heliport flight paths can voluntarily be restricted to the ones provided when consistent with safety and conditions. There are few active recreational or transportation activities in the modern world that are completely silent. Historically, the vast majority of heliports do not have any detrimental quality of life issues with the neighboring land -uses. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 10 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 ktH ESL - (EXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLQ. Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and n Owned Operated highways, interstate road systems, commuter and freight railroads and certain major waterways, where the sound production is almost constant. Given the location of the heliport the sound of takeoffs and landings will be briefly blended with that of the surrounding roads. The sound level of the helicopter that would utilize the proposed facility is far below that of many accepted noise producers in our environment. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, tractors, irrigation pumps, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, motor cycles, buses, trucks, cars, all regularly produce noise levels higher than that which the average person would perceive when they hear an air medical helicopter. The relative distance, nature and intensity of the noise generated, height above the ground, type and vintage of the aircraft, sound attenuation factors of the terrain between the source and the receptor are all factors in the way sound is perceived. Older, heavier military helicopters are very different from the modern, light, efficient and much quieter civilian helicopters utilized by the vast majority of air medical helicopter providers of today. The Vail Valley Medical Center Heliport is designed primarily for the AirLife Denver and Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport program aircraft as well as the other air medical helicopters in the region of the same size and class which make up the regions Helicopter EMS transport system. The helicopters using the Vail Valley Medical Center Heliport will also use highly defined routes which are professionally designed to have the helicopter sounds blend into the existing roadway sound environment. It must be kept in mind that the proposed helicopter activity develops an extremely transitory sound during flight. The entire sound event lasts only for approximately 45 -60 seconds either on landing or takeoff. At any one point along the flight route, providing the observer is close enough to hear or notice it, the helicopter will typically only be heard for 20 seconds or less. This compares very favorably with sounds already found in most neighborhood environments. The preliminary flight paths take fullest advantage of the open area over the frontage road and Interstate highway to the north running east and west to minimize the potential effects on any other land uses. All heliport flight paths can voluntarily be restricted to the ones provided when consistent with safety and conditions. There are few active recreational or transportation activities in the modern world that are completely silent. Historically, the vast majority of heliports do not have any detrimental quality of life issues with the neighboring land -uses. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 10 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 1 11 E :LIE7(PERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and n Owned z Operated 2) Exhaust Emissions, Dust and Lights Today's modern aircraft, such as the helicopters which would operate at the proposed facility, are powered by engines which produce very few pollutants. Much of this is due to the engine's high combustion temperatures and its ability to burn fuel very efficiently. Due to the low amount of emissions from helicopter turboshaft engines, the most widely used engines are exempt from Engine Emission Certification requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Authorities (ICAO) specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS) and ICAO Annex 16 Volume II. In layman's terms, the exhaust of the helicopter is essentially invisible and due to the temperature difference with the surrounding air it will rise and dissipate very rapidly. Another major factor is the natural dispersal of helicopter exhaust both by the helicopter's relative distance from members of the general public and effect the rotor system has on the exhaust. While there is minimal odor associated with the exhaust, it is detectable only while the helicopter is on the heliport and then only within very few feet of the helicopter. Under all proposed conditions, no member of the surrounding community would be aware of any odors or effects from the exhaust emissions during normal operations of the proposed heliport. The heliport being elevated above the ground is also a major factor for dispersal. The approach /departure paths for the helicopter at an average climb /approach speed of 60 knots (70 mph) has the helicopter spending less than 45 seconds in the climb out or approach phase. An Ambulance would need about two minutes for travel by roads for the same approximate distance providing there are no stops for traffic or traffic signals. The helicopter does not discharge or leak any oil or fuel during the normal course of operation. The likelihood of a fuel spill is very remote. All of the fuel discharges on records of the FAA and NFPA have been associated only with fueling or maintenance operations, which will not occur at this location. There are no lights associated with the heliport that will cast a beam, or light path, off the site in the surrounding neighborhood. The windsock lights, obstruction lights and lights around the heliport are designed to be glare -free and will not produce any "beams" of light for illumination off the heliport. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 11 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 1 Wz E :LIE7(PERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC,,eranOwned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated I. FINDINGS The heliport that the applicant proposes easily meets and exceeds all of the current safety guidelines and licensing criteria of the FAA, NFPA and the aviation and air medical industries. The heliport will be available at all times, both day and night, for critical patient transport needs providing numerous benefits to the Hospital's patients as well as the general community population. The helicopters that are proposed to land at the heliport will not pose any safety hazard to the community. The evidence for this projection is found in over 50 years of heliport operational statistics and perfect safety record as it relates to such hospital heliports and the host community which has been verified by the National Safety Council. Sound levels, due to the heliport design being elevated above the ground, along with operational policies associated with the heliport all comply with all codes and good practice. It should be noted that the air medical helicopters that will use this heliport are quieter than many of the larger military style helicopters that currently fly through the area. J. RECOMMENDATIONS Hospital heliports afford access to helicopter air medical transport systems which positively impact countless lives every year. This has been proven to dramatically impact patient outcomes both in the short term as well as the long term and overall community safety. From a community prospective the actual time a helicopter will be physically approaching or departing the heliport totals only a few minutes per use. If these few minutes of time are reduced further to reflect when the air medical helicopter could be heard or seen at any one point along the route of flight, the time percentage would drop to only 10% to 30% of those few minutes. Historically, air medical heliports make good neighbors and can be of benefit to the surrounding community, especially here where helicopter services could be utilized to fill not only the obvious patient transport needs of air medical helicopters but to also be available for compassionate or emergency use requests by the community. In conclusion, the proposal to allow the applicant to establish this heliport should be favorably considered. There are essentially no negative criteria in any of the HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 12 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 L-IEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC Veteran Owned e& Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated operational or physical aspects of the proposal, and there are clearly a myriad of benefits to the community as a whole. VVMC HELIPORT SITE SELECTION AND REVIEW PROCESS • Define selection criteria and develop short -list of potential heliport locations. • Confirm the structural assumptions and relationship to building utilities; validate airspace clearances and aircraft performance capabilities. • Select preferred heliport location. • Propose heliport location as part of VVMC Master Plan, complete Town review process. Including approach to sound /safety issues and specific design considerations with city officials and adjacent properties. • Produce conceptual design in respect to FAA, NFPA and building codes — Verify all obstacles including future buildings on and off campus. • Informational meeting or Pilot Briefing Package to all users. • Make applications to FAA (FAA application can be made any time after the conceptual design is complete) and to the Town of Vail (Conditional Use Permit application). • Obtain CUP approval from Town (to be conditional on FAA approval) • Obtain building permit approvals from Town of Vail for construction. • Construct heliport • Progress and initial training at 85% completion of construction • Finish heliport, final inspections, FAA and Code signoff's • Commission pad, conduct final training & issue FAA and Pilot Briefing information. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 13 VVMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 Respectfully submitted, Raymond A. Syms Managing Member HeliExperts International LLC Rex J. Alexander Senior Consultant HeliExperts International LLC HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 14 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 Wz 1' E :LIE7(PERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC. , @,anOwned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and Operated Respectfully submitted, Raymond A. Syms Managing Member HeliExperts International LLC Rex J. Alexander Senior Consultant HeliExperts International LLC HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 14 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 O t� ©4 I +III` n a N 4 a6 FN a - b C � a T 0 x € W 7* 0) m IL 0 N r N O N � O O N Q. � m Q ^ Q O Uad J � J Y C O N1 co y C � `L c p Q/\ x V W_ 2 /\ A. 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Veteran Awned Formerly Raymond A. 3ynrs S Associates and Operated EXHIBIT H �'4apL s9� x � ��b N Ley ATTN: Raymond Syms HeliExperts International LLC 28 Baruch Drive Long Branch, NJ 07740 October 20, 2014 Dear Mr. 5yms: The mission of the National Safety Council is to make our world safer by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy. To support this mission, the Library of the National Safety Council gathers, catalogs and disseminates safety statistics, research and other information from a wide range of reputable sources. As you requested, we searched our holdings for documents detailing any injuries of persons from the general public at or in the vicinity of hospital heliports. The search located a number of documents addressing incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities to flight crew members and passengers. However, we found no accounts of hospital heliport - related injuries to members of the general public, whether from direct contact with the helicopter itself or as the result of being distracted by the helicopter while driving. I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if we can be of any further assistance. Aft r W "T� Alaina Kolosh National Safety Council Manager, Library & Information Services 1121 SPRINQ LAKE DRIVE . ITASCA, IL 130143-320T • (6301 265 -1121 P • (630) 285 -1315 F • nec.or$ HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 making our world safer- Page 22 �ro U rs J y J Q d � z Q v � zo = Z� r X In W �4 U N 1 M LO O 0 Q� cp 1Q1 � U- E O 0 LL Q _ •(i 0 �1 V/ m N d 0 N 70 N N O L � U) 0 N� Q LL N� I..L Q Q N d Uod J O to d C iy q..l c 00 W.2- CD Q x U W ,may '•� U N 1 M LO O 0 Q� cp 1Q1 � U- E O 0 LL Q _ •(i 0 �1 V/ m N d 0 N 70 N N O L � U) 0 N� Q LL N� I..L Q Q N d Uod J O to d C iy q..l c 00 W.2- CD Q x U W m N Q m Z Q y 1- s{ Qti Z o pG E W � H a Z m� tl7 x W N N m CL O N N O N � O O �Q Q ^ Q O Uad J � J Y C O N1 co y C � `L C p Q/\ x V W_ 2 /\ yro n H N Z ■ d /D a G G O A Y 6 W J. LO N N m CL r 0 N r N O N � O O N Q. � m Q ^ Q O Uad J � J Y C O N1 co y C � `L c p Q/\ x V W_ 2 /\ 1 It E :LIEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and n Owned z Operated GLOSSARY OF TERMS Approach /Departure The flight track helicopters follow when landing at or departing Path from a heliport. An approach /departure surface is centered on each approach /departure path. The approach /departure path starts at the edge of the FATO and slopes upward at 8:1 (8 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical) for a distance of 4,000 feet (1,219 m) where the width is 500 feet (152 m) at a height of 500 feet (152 m) above the heliport elevation. (D) (Formerly Overall The overall length of the helicopter, which is the dimension Length or "OL ") from the tip of the main or forward rotor to the tip of the tail rotor, fin, or other rear -most point of the helicopter. This value is with the rotors at their maximum extension. See Figure B -1. If only the value of the rotor diameter (RD) is known, estimate the value for D using the relationship D = 1.2 RD (or conversely, RD = 0.83 D). Design Helicopter A single or composite helicopter that reflects the maximum weight, maximum contact load /minimum contact area, overall length (D), rotor diameter (RD), tail rotor arc radius, undercarriage dimensions, and pilot's eye height of all helicopters expected to operate at the heliport. Design Loads Design and construct the TLOF and any load- bearing surfaces to support the loads imposed by the design helicopter and any ground support vehicles and equipment. Dynamic Load For design purposes, assume the dynamic load at 150 percent of the maximum takeoff weight of the design helicopter applied through the main undercarriage on a wheel- equipped helicopter or aft contact areas of skid - equipped helicopter. Elevated Heliport A heliport located on a rooftop or other elevated structure where the TLOF is at least 30 inches (76 cm) above the surrounding surface (a ground level heliport with the TLOF on a mound is not an elevated heliport). Emergency A clear area at ground level or on the roof of a building Helicopter Landing capable of accommodating helicopters engaged in firefighting Facility (EHLF) and /or emergency evacuation operations. An EHLF meets the definition of a heliport in this AC and under Title 14 CFR Part 157. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 26 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 It E :LIEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC, YeleranOwned Formerly Raymond A. Syms & Associates and O,pvated GLOSSARY OF TERMS Final Approach and A defined area over which the pilot completes the final phase Takeoff Area (FATO) of the approach to a hover or a landing and from which the pilot initiates takeoff. The FATO elevation is the lowest elevation of the edge of the TLOF. FATO Safety Area A defined area on a heliport surrounding the FATO intended tc reduce the risk of damage to helicopters accidentally diverging from the FATO. Hazard to Air Any object having a substantial adverse effect upon the safe Navigation and efficient use of the navigable airspace by aircraft, upon the operation of air navigation facilities, or upon existing or planned airport /heliport capacity as determined by the FAA. Heliport The area of land, water, or a structure used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of helicopters, together with appurtenant buildings and facilities. Hospital Heliports A heliport limited to serving helicopters engaged in air ambulance, or other hospital related functions. A designated helicopter landing area located at a hospital or medical facility is a heliport and not a medical emergency site. Medical Emergency An unprepared site at or near the scene of an accident or Site similar medical emergency on which a helicopter may land to pick up a patient in order to provide emergency medical transport. A medical emergency site is not a heliport as defined by the FAA AC. Medical Emergency sites constitute a higher risk exposure than a standard heliport. Prevailing Winds Well- designed approach /departure paths permit pilots to avoid downwind conditions and minimize crosswind operations. Align the preferred flight approach /departure path, to the extent feasible, with the predominant wind direction. Obstructions In determining approach /departure paths, take into account the obstructions in the vicinity of the heliport and, in particular, those likely to be a hazard to air navigation. (RD) Rotor Diameter The length of the main rotor, from tip to tip. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 27 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 I ��� E =L- IEXPERTS IhlT1= R�VATI{�FJAL LLC, � Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated GLOSSARY OF TERMS Static Load For design purposes, the design static load is equal to the helicopter's maximum takeoff weight applied through the total contact area of the wheels or skids. Touchdown and A load- bearing, generally paved area, normally centered in the Liftoff Area (TLOF). FATO, on which the helicopter lands and /or takes off. Transitional Surfaces Transitional Surfaces start from the edges of the FATO parallel to the flight path center line, and from the outer edges of the 8:1 approach /departure surface, and extend outwards at a slope of 2:1 (2 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical) for a distance of 250 feet (76 m) from the centerline. The transitional surface does not apply to the FATO edge opposite the approach /departure surface. HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 28 WMC Heliport Feasibility 8= Design Study Report 10/21/2014 E4L- (EXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC. �`-, Veteran Owned Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated REFERENCES 14 CFR Part 77 Safe, Efficient Use and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace. 14 CFR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules. 14 CFR Part 135 Operating Requirements: Commuter and on demand operations and rules governing persons on board such aircraft. 14 CFR Part 157 Notice of Construction, Alteration, Activation, and Deactivation of Airports. AIM Aeronautical Information Manual FAA AC 70/7460 -1 Obstruction Marking and Lighting FAA AC 150/5220 -16 Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) for Non - Federal A licationS. FAA AC 150/5190 -4 A model Zoning Ordinance to Limit Height of Objects Around Airports FAA AC 150/5390 -2C FAA Advisory Circulars on Heliports Design FAA AC 150/5345 -12 Specifications for Airport and Heliport Beacons FAA AC 150/5345 -27 Specifications for Wind Cone Assemblies FAA AC 150/5345 -39 FAA Specification L -853, Runway and Taxiway Retroreflective Markers. FAA AC 150/5345 -46 FAA Specification for Runway and Taxiway Light Fixtures. FAA RD 90/8 Analysis of Helicopter Mishaps at Heliports, Airports, and Unimproved Sites FAA RD 90/9 Analysis of Helicopter Accident Risk Exposure Near Heliports, Airports and Unim roved Sites FAA RD 91/1 Composite Profiles of Helicopter Mishaps at Heliports and Airports FAA RD 93/17 Safe Heliports Through Design and Planning FAA FSIMS 8900.1 Vol- 8 /Chp -3 /Sec -3 FAA Evaluation and Surveillance of Heliports NFPA 10 Standards for Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 99 Standards for Health Care Facilities NFPA 418 Standards for Heliports ISO 31000:2009 International Organization for Standards Risk Management Principles and Guidelines OSHA 1910 Subpart-N Materials Handling and Storage OSHA 1910.191 Compressed Gasses OSHA 1910 Subpart-Z Toxic and Hazardous Substances OSHA 1910.1030 Blood Borne Pathogens OSHA 1910.23 Guarding floor and wall openings and holes IS -BAO Standards International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations CAMTS Standards 9th Edition Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems NEMSPA Heliport Safety Guide National EMS Pilots Association Air Medical Journal Articles "Delay in ED Arrival Resulting from a Remote Helipad at a Trauma Center " / By; Brooke Lerner, October - December 2000. "Hospital Helipads and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act" / By Steven S Andrews, MD, May -June 2005. "Should Air Medical Patients Be Transferred on Helipad or Trauma Bay?" David Lehrfeld, MD Robert Gemignani, BS, Adam Shiroff, MD, Sarah Kuhlmann, MD, Pamela Ohman - Strickland, PhD,2 and Mark A. Merlin, DO, EMT -P, FACEP3 / July-August 2013 HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 29 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014 1 EL-- IEXPERTS INTERNATIONAL LLC. Veteran O eiat end Formerly Raymond A. Syms S Associates and Operated - Nothing Else Follows - HeliExperts International LLC ©2014 All Rights Reserved Page 30 WMC Heliport Feasibility & Design Study Report 10/21/2014