Orientation in Zermatt

The FOCA required the implementation of a briefing for the Zermatt heliport after it was increasingly observed that conventional approach procedures used by pilots unfamiliar with the area had led to dangerous situations due to steep approaches within the vortex zone.

This briefing is mandatory
The briefing consists of a theoretical portion and a practical portion at the dual controls. With this presentation, we would like to draw your attention, among other things, to the specific conditions at this heliport. This documentation is only a recommendation and is not binding. The final decision is always up to the pilot!

ICAO Designator LSEZ
Elevation 5,315 ft / 1,620 m
Airport Operator Air Zermatt AG
PPR Tel. +41 27 570 70 00
Briefing required PPR Online Form
Operating Hours 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. LT
Fuel JET A-1
Customs NIL
AFIS Heli 1 159.675 / VHF 130.005

 

Approach in a northerly wind

  • Approximately 90% of approaches are made with a tailwind.
  • Approach speed: 55 kt at the Schützenhaus.
  • Approach altitude: same as the Schützenhaus.
  • Approach as flat as possible within the updraft zone.
  • If the approach is too steep, there is a risk of vortex.
  • Upon reaching the edge of the platform, the updraft dissipates and the helicopter enters the wake vortices.
  • The stronger the north wind, the greater the power reserve should be to compensate for the helicopter’s tendency to sag.
  • When the helicopter hovers over the “H” and begins to land, the tail rotor and the stabilizing surfaces are within the updraft zone.
  • Depending on the helicopter type, this adverse effect can require full control deflections to stop the forward speed.
  • During this unfavorable phase, do not try to keep the helicopter hovering for too long; instead, land immediately.

Start with a north wind

Option 1
In light northerly winds or when flying high-performance helicopters, it is recommended to take off in reverse first until the helicopter is in the updraft, and then rotate around the vertical axis into the wind.

Start with a north wind

Start with a northerly wind - front

Takeoff in a northerly wind - Exterior view









 

Start with a north wind

Option 2
In the event of moderate to strong north winds or when using low-powered helicopters, the helicopter should be turned into the wind using “ground wheels.” If no wheels are available, the helicopter can be turned into the wind while hovering, where passengers can then board.

Approach with a southerly wind

Start with a southerly wind

A power reserve of 10% is recommended to ensure you can safely climb over the noise barrier and then pick up speed.

Start with a southerly wind

Go with the flow and don't get cocky (losing speed means danger).

General Information

  • A valid Swiss MOU license is required for training.
  • No PPR permission is required for helicopter types in the performance class such as the EC20 or similar. Exception: MOU training.
  • For CAT flights outside Performance Class 1, a CAT.POL.H.305 authorization is required for the helicopter being used.
  • The first radio contact must take place near St. Niklaus or 5 to 10 minutes before landing, on Heli 1 or VHF 130.005 MHz. Without landing clearance from the Zermatt operations control center, enter a hold over the golf course (6,500 ft) between Randa and Täsch.
  • The flight altitude over Täsch should not be less than 6,500 ft.
  • Between Täsch and Zermatt, you may then descend to approximately 5,500 ft so that you are not higher than the Schützenhaus during the final approach.
  • Experience has shown that a speed of approximately 55 kt at the Schützenhaus can be considered ideal.
  • If a helicopter is already rotating on the platform, contact must first be made with it before continuing the approach.
  • Due to the turbulence at the landing site, small helicopters in particular must have a sufficiently large power reserve.
  • For takeoffs with a strong tailwind (north wind), it is advantageous to use the “ground wheels” to turn the helicopter into the wind.
  • For takeoffs with a southerly wind, there must be a sufficiently large power reserve to climb to the height of the noise barrier without difficulty.
  • During sightseeing flights around the Matterhorn or when landing at the mountain landing sites around Zermatt, under no circumstances may the village of Zermatt or the surrounding hamlets be flown over.
  • At the construction yard north of the heliport, there is a yellow crane that nearly reaches the height of the heliport and whose boom has grown longer over time. This crane is constantly in motion! Consequently, it is very possible that the boom will be positioned across the approach axis—a position that is unfavorable for us!
  • Also located north of the heliport is the gallery. The gallery serves as a transfer point for materials flown by Air-Zermatt to the various construction sites.
  • If there is a helicopter taking off or landing near the gallery—whether on the ground or in the air—contact must first be made with that helicopter before continuing the approach.

Caution: Crane!

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