OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
San Andreas Aviation Administration
Date: April 26, 2025
Subject: Special Emergency Service Operations
Initiated By: OCG-100
1. Purpose
This Advisory Circular (AC) establishes the regulatory framework for the operation of emergency service aircraft in controlled airspace within the State of San Andreas. It introduces the concept of "altitude priority" to ensure efficient air traffic management during critical incidents while maintaining safety and operational integrity. It also introduces clear air ambulance procedures to outline the importance and priority of the flight safety.
2. Background
The SAAA recognizes the importance of standardized flight training to ensure safety and competency among new pilots. Flight schools serve a critical role in training aspiring aviators and must adhere to regulations that maintain high standards of instruction and aircraft safety. This AC defines the eligibility requirements, certification process, operational expectations, and enforcement measures for flight schools operating within San Andreas.
3. Guidelines
3.01 Requesting Altitude Priority
Emergency Services Pilots engaged in special operations (pursuits, surveillance, firefighting, air ambulance, special transport or other critical activities) may request altitude priority clearance through the Air Traffic Control Center frequency.
The request format should include the following information:
➤ Callsign
➤ Nature of operation
➤ Requested altitude block (e.g., 500-800 feet)
Example transmission: "CALLSIGN, entering pursuit operations, requesting priority flight at 500-800 feet."
3.02 ATC Clearance and Airspace Coordination
Upon receiving a request, ATC may issue clearance for the requested altitude block.
Other aircraft operating within that altitude must adjust as follows:
➤ Move to the vacated block previously occupied by the requesting aircraft.
➤ Alternatively, increase altitude by at least 200 feet above the priority block.
3.03 Ending Altitude Priority
Once the critical situation concludes, emergency service pilots must notify ATC and vacate the priority corridor. All affected aircraft will be advised to resume their original flight levels.
Example transmission: "CALLSIGN, pursuit operations ended, resuming normal operations at 900-1200 feet."
3.04 Restrictions and Compliance
➤ Altitude priority is granted exclusively for emegency service operations requiring immediate operational flexibility.
➤ Other aircraft must comply with ATC instructions regarding altitude adjustments.
➤ Unauthorized or prolonged use of the altitude priority system without justification may result in enforcement actions, use of the priority must be done in good faith, for a reasonable amount of time.
3.05 Air Ambulance Operations
Even though a critical life and death medical emergency may exist, air ambulance flights are not operated as an emergency. Pilots and operator personnel should not make flight decisions based on the condition of the patient, but rather upon the safety of the flight. Operators should not jeopardize the safety of the flight, through violating safety standards based on the patient condition.
3.06 Off Airport Takeoff and Landing Operations
Emergency Service Personnel are authorized to conduct off-airport landings during their special operations, provided the site to be used is adequate for the proposed operation. The operator will consider the size, type of surface, surrounding obstructions, and, if applicable, lighting. During night operations, lighting sources must provide adequate illumination of the takeoff/landing area and any obstructions that may create potential hazards during approach, hovering, taxiing, and departure operations (such as, but not limited to, traffic on roadways, pathways, and sidewalks, wildlife or inadequate surface).
The general safety of the flight crew and the aircraft must always take precedence over the mission objectives. If an area is deemed unsuitable for landing, the operation must be adjusted or relocated to a safer environment. Pilots are expected to exercise sound judgment in selecting and executing off-airport operations, ensuring minimal risk to personnel, equipment, bystanders and the general public.
NOTE: “Adequate” lighting allows a helicopter pilot to conduct a safe approach and landing during conditions of darkness while avoiding terrain and obstacles. The source of this lighting may be on the helicopter or on the surface and includes the possibility of vehicle-mounted lights being used to illuminate a landing site. Pyrotechnic road hazard flares are not recommended for illumination or marking a landing site.
NOTE2: It is advised that pilots avoid dusty or sandy surfaces to land, given the risk of self-induced whiteout/brownout. This effect typically occurs when a helicopter takes off or lands on a dusty or snow-covered area. The rotor downwash picks up particles and re-circulates them through the rotor system. The effect can vary in intensity depending upon the amount of light on the surface. This phenomenon can happen on the sunniest, brightest day with good contrast everywhere. However, when it happens, there can be a complete loss of visual clues. If the pilot has not prepared for this immediate loss of visibility, the results can be catastrophic.
4. Enforcement
The SAAA reserves the right to modify or revoke altitude priority clearances if they are deemed excessive, unsafe, or in violation of established air traffic regulations. Non-compliance with altitude priority procedures may result in administrative penalties or suspension of operational privileges.
5. Disclaimer
This AC provides guidance on the implementation of altitude priority for emergency service aircraft as well as guidelines for air ambulance flights and does not supersede standard ATC procedures unless explicitly authorized by ATC.
Effective Date and Prior Termination This circular, and each of its separate provisions, is effective immediately. Any previously issued flight school certifications that do not comply with these regulations are hereby permanently revoked.
