§ 8.19. Helicopter External-Load Operations; Notice Requirement.

(a)

"Helicopter external-load operation" is defined as any operation or activity performed by a helicopter where an object is carried or extends outside the fuselage of the helicopter for the purpose or with the intent that such object shall be deposited or placed on or in a building, structure, or other property, within or over the City or outside the City on or over property subject to control by the City or the Aviation Authority.

(b)

Any person, other than the operator of a rescue helicopter engaged in any aeronautical activity permitted by this Chapter, and other than the operator of a governmental helicopter engaged in any aeronautical activity permitted by this Chapter, who desires to cause any helicopter to conduct an external-load operation shall, not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date such external-load operation is proposed to be conducted, file with the Chief of Police of the City of Orlando or his designee four (4) copies of a notice of intent to conduct such operation. Such notice shall contain the following information:

(1)

The name, address and telephone number of the person proposing to conduct such operation.

(2)

A description, including type, make, model, dimensions and landing weight of the helicopter.

(3)

A description of the object to be carried, including dimensions and weight thereof.

(4)

A description of the external-load operation proposed to be conducted, including the altitude and route to be followed by the helicopter.

(5)

A description of the building, other man-made structure, or other property in or on which the external load will be placed or deposited.

(6)

The date and time or times at which such operation is proposed to be conducted.

(c)

Upon receipt of the notice described in subsection (b) above, the Chief of Police or his designee shall deliver one copy thereof to the Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and one copy thereof to the Fire Chief.

(d)

The Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority or his representative shall review the notice, inspect the area in which the external-load operation is proposed, and advise the Chief of Police of:

(1)

Any aeronautical matter he deems material to the conduct of the proposed external-load operation; and

(2)

Any aviation procedure which should be instituted in connection therewith for reasons of air safety.

(e)

The Fire Chief or his representative shall review the notice, inspect the area in which the external-load operation is proposed, and advise the Chief of Police of:

(1)

Any fire protection matter he deems material; and

(2)

Any fire protection procedure he deems should be instituted in connection with the proposed external-load operation.

(f)

The Chief of Police or his representative shall review the notice, inspect the area in which the external-load operation is proposed for:

(1)

Any pertinent enforcement, traffic control or ground safety problem which may be created by the conduct of the proposed operation; and

(2)

Any police procedure, including, but not limited to, the erection of barricades, redirecting of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the providing of ambulances, which he deems should be instituted in connection with the conduct of such operation.

(g)

Upon receipt by the Chief of Police of the foregoing advice he shall consider the notice and shall, in writing, either concur or nonconcur with the proposed external-load operation. The Chief of Police shall so inform the person proposing to conduct such operation and shall also forward to the appropriate district office of the Federal Aviation Administration, having jurisdiction over the area in which the operation is to be conducted, a copy of the concurrence or nonconcurrence.

(h)

If approval of the proposed external-load operation is obtained from the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration district office, having jurisdiction over the area in which the operation is to be conducted, the person proposing to conduct such operation shall inform the Chief of Police thereof a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of commencement of such operation.

(i)

Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to authorize any helicopter to conduct any aeronautical activity on a building, or other man-made structure, or on other property not a heliport or to authorize any helicopter to conduct any aeronautical activity on a heliport which is not designed to be safely used by such helicopter.

(Ord. of 8-26-1974, § 1; Ord. of 9-28-1981, § 1)