Part 4: Helicopter-Specific Radiotelephony

Always announce that you're a helicopter when you first call. Don't assume ATC knows. Say: "Vienna Tower, OE-ABC, helicopter, position 10 miles east."

Be specific about your location. "Inbound to the rooftop helipad on the city hospital" is far clearer than "inbound to the hospital." ATC (and other pilots) need to know exactly where you're headed.

Report non-standard operations explicitly. If you're going to land at a field that isn't the main runway, say so early: "request landing at the field northeast of the aerodrome" (if authorized).

Use "air taxi" for hovering movement. Don't try to use standard taxi phraseology for a helicopter that's hovering. Air taxi is the correct term.

Expect to be asked for your estimated time of arrival (ETA) at a rooftop or off-aerodrome helipad. ATC might say: "What is your ETA at the downtown helipad?" Answer: "ETA the downtown helipad 15 minutes."

Comply with noise abatement procedures. Helicopters are loud. Many aerodromes have preferred departure routes for helicopters to minimize noise over populated areas. Check the AIP before you fly.