HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponses 111721Questions from Shawna Scott 11/8/21
Responses by SDG Architects 11/17/21
1. Please provide a photometric plan that demonstrates how many footcandles of light would
be at the property lines when helistop and patient tower lights are in use.
Response: At eye level standing on the ground at the property line, there will be zero
footcandles as all light is directed horizontal and upward from the light fixture.
2. What quantity, type, and intensity of lighting is required to be installed on the proposed
helipad?
Response: see attached HE-1 & HE-2 sheets and corresponding Lighting cut sheets.
3. What quantity, type, and intensity of lighting would be required and/or utilized by the
helicopter(s) that would access the site?
Response: Helicopters, as any aircraft flying at night, must have the following lighting:
a. Navigation lights: Red on the left side, green on the right side and white on the tail
b. Anti-collision light: Red/white
c. Landing light: White on front of the aircraft to light the landing area.
a. Please provide any additional information available regarding how much light would be
cast on the ground along the flight path approaching the helistop.
Response: Airbus Helicopters provide information on their helicopter landing and search
lights combined light intensity: 300 kCandela. They calculated that at 200 feet, the lux value
at the ground would be 80 Lux which is similar to an office building hallway illumination. It
would be unusual for the pilot to use both landing and search light during a typical landing.
Pilots may also elect to use night-vision goggles during landings in relatively dark
environments in which case neither landing or search lights would be used. This is a pilot
decision.
4. Please provide a map showing the location of the approved flight paths and the relative
heights at which helicopters would be along the paths.
Response: see attached sheet H-1 Site Layout. The numbers shown along the flightpath (varying
from 470’-300’, height above sea level) are the elevations of the approach surface. I added
notes in red showing approximate height above grade based on the contour lines on the City of
SLO Parcel Viewer map. The helicopter would approach/depart at or above these heights.
a. Is there an alternative protocol(s) for flights during inclement weather (e.g., very strong
winds, rain, etc.)?
Response: The pilot in command of any aircraft is responsible for safety of the flight. If winds, rain,
low clouds, etc. would negatively impact flight safety, the pilot can make a decision to turn down
the flight (deferring to ground transport) or to land at San Luis Obispo Airport. This is strictly a pilot
decision.
5. Would any other FAA lighting be required on proximate landmarks, such as Terrace Hill?
Response: Terrace Hill is well outside of the eastern flightpath alignment and well beyond the
2:1 Transitional Surface boundary. No obstruction light is needed.
6. As a follow-up related to operational assumptions, can your consultant please provide any
background documentation that serves as the source material behind the assumption that the
helipad would serve approximately 3-4 helicopter trips per month, including the assumption of
potential night activity?
Response: refer to attached email from SLO County EMS Director Vince Pierucci for historic
flights to/from Sierra Vista and SLO Airport. Flights from French Hospital via ambulance to SLO
Airport are broken out below the total.
The sum of SVRMC and FHMC flights for 2016 & 2017 is 58 total with an average of 2.4 flights
per month. The most conservative estimate is to assume all SVRMC flights will go to the new
FHMC helistop and to capture additional EMS flights to SLO Airport. When including population
growth, the projected flight frequency could rise to approximately 4.2 flights per month.