Attention to pilots operating along the south side of Mount Rainier National Park, specifically those flying low along the Nisqually River between Ashford and Longmire.
Kautz Creek Helibase (7WA7) supports National Park Service aviation operations for Mount Rainier National Park. The site is routinely used for search and rescue missions, short-haul operations, external load, and emergency response activities. The site is in frequent use throughout the year and is critical to aviation operations in the park.
Park personnel have observed multiple recurring low level overflights by aircraft transiting the area, including several incidents in which low level aircraft have passed through or in dangerously close proximity to active helicopter operations, creating potential hazards and suspended operations.
While the park has continues to implement several mitigation measures, this notice hopes to bring attention to the possible hazard in this area.
Kautz Creek Helibase is not visually charted on the sectional chart, and may not show on apps like ForeFlight without manually searching (identifier 7AW7). The pad is located along the high north bank of the Nisqually River, between Ashford (7 NM W) and Longmire (2 NM NE), at an altitude of 2312 MSL.
Please use caution when operating in this area, watch for helicopter operations, and be sure to maintain your minimum safe altitudes. If you're operating in this area, find the heliport on your planning software by searching for 7AW7 or Kautz Creek Helibase.
For any questions or comments, contact:
Kris Slater, FAA Safety Team Program Manager, Seattle FSDO
kris.slater@faa.gov or 206-231-3803
