Helicopter Lifting Authorization: Procedures for Aerial Work Flights

Helicopter lifting falls under aerial work. It requires an operator holding a specialized operating certificate, authorization for the landing site and flight path, and notification of local residents when the area warrants it. In urban areas, conditions are more stringent. The client does not produce any of these documents.

In practical terms, the question on construction sites is not “do we have the right?” but “how long does it take to obtain it?” It is this timeline, not the authorization itself, that determines the schedule.

What Distinguishes Aerial Work from Ordinary Flight

Aerial work refers to flights whose purpose is the activity itself: load lifting, inspection, dropping, aerial photography. It is subject to specific rules, distinct from those for passenger transport, and notably authorizes lower flight altitudes than those normally applicable.

This authorization is not granted on a case-by-case basis to a pilot: it is based on the operator’s approval. Our flights are operated under specialized operating certificate FR.DEC.0204, which covers aerial work and helicopter lifting in urban areas.

Authorizations According to Operation Location

In Rural or Mountain Areas

The file covers the landing site and flight path. It is prepared with civil aviation services and includes land agreements: owner of the loading site, facility manager, and where applicable pastoral group or forestry operator concerned by the overflown area.

In Urban Areas

This is the most regulated case. The file extends to the municipality, ground safety perimeter, often temporary road closure, and selection of a time slot outside peak traffic hours. The flight path is designed so that no load flies over third parties.

In Protected Sites or Natural Protected Areas

Protection perimeters regulate the operation and overflight: flight path, altitude, time of year. In natural areas, wildlife sensitivity periods may close certain time slots. These constraints are added to the standard file and are verified during reconnaissance, before any planning.

Who Prepares the File, and Within What Timelines

The file is prepared by the operator. The client provides the site description and access; they do not produce any regulatory documents.

Regarding timelines, the field rule is simple: authorization is not obtained the day before. Depending on the area, period, and nature of the site, allow several weeks between reconnaissance and flight. Files for urban areas and protected sites take longest, because they involve multiple authorities.

• On-site reconnaissance and flight scenario definition
• File preparation: landing site, flight path, safety perimeter
• Submission to relevant authorities and land agreements
• Notification of local residents when the overflight area warrants it
• Weather window confirmation the day before the operation

Local Resident Notification and Local Coordination

Whenever a flight path passes over dwellings or a frequented area, local residents are notified in advance. Coordination with the municipality covers the perimeter, traffic, and selected time slot.

This work is not an administrative formality. It ensures that the aircraft arrives at a prepared site, with a secured perimeter and a team that knows where to land.

Prepare Your File

Helicat Pyrénées handles the operation from start to finish: reconnaissance, authorization file, coordination with the manager or municipality, ground crew for slinging, weather window scheduling. See also our pages helicopter lifting, aerial surveillance and LiDAR survey.

Describe your project to us in a few words: the load, location, and desired timeline. You will receive our response within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions